"I think I remember Guppy talking about that," he says, glancing to Alex. "He sure seems to be doing great now, though--lots of energy, pretty independent, at least he seems that way to me."

He helps himself to a bite of the ice cream, but from the bowl, not Ev's chin.

"Ev isn't really, not yet. He may be sorta independent from me and Coreen, sometimes, but that's only when he's got his squirrels around. A baby with minions. He has them bring him snacks, since he can't get around much yet himself."