Entry 1:
Today I got to meet Curt. Well, his name wasn't always Curt, but I figured it was a suitable name considering what his personality will be like when he's older what with the speaking rudely and what not. He was quite hard to find in the dark corner of his cage, but when he did emerge, he was the cutest thing. It almost looked as if he was wearing a little mask with the coloring on his face and his long body looked like it could easily fit through tunnels in the ground. He was quite curious about me, almost as curious as I was about him, and he was bold enough to come and see what I was up to while I was tidying up. He has a good appetite, I noticed. What surprised me, though, was that he didn't say much. Maybe they're like babies in that way. Like, they need to work up to saying phrases. That's something I'm going to investigate further as we get to know each other.

First Meeting

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Entry 2:
Curt is bigger now, his body taking up more room inside his living space. He seems to be getting used to me, too. He's not as shy as he was during our first encounter and he came to me straight away, as if he recognized my voice. It could also be that he associates me with food, which I guess isn't a bad thing. Oh! He's pretty good at remembering fingers aren't food, too. I consider that a big accomplishment.

He's got this great appetite, which I think is a good thing. I mean, I know you have to be concerned when creatures aren't eating and I don't think I'll have to worry about that with him. I'm still feeding him small amounts at a time because I don't want him to get sick, you know? Cleaning up jarvey vomit does not sound appealing to me. I think I'll slowly increase just how much he gets and make sure to consult my text book so I know I'm on the right track.

One other thing I noticed was that Curt was babbling! I couldn't understand ALL of it, but I'm pretty sure he said the word "wimp" and also the word "ugly." I know he couldn't have been talking about ME, but I do wonder who he WAS talking about. Also, where is he learning these phrases from? I'm going to investigate, I am.

Growing Boy

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Entry 3:
It's clear to see that Curt's need for stimulation and activity is growing. He's always excited when I turn up now and he is always wanting to play. I think curious creatures need new outlets to learn and grown, and especially ones who are intelligent. His speech is much clearer now, too. I make an effort to talk lots to him, even if his replies are rude and off putting. I was hoping he'd maybe pick up some kind words from me, but I haven't seen any evidence of that thus far.

I've noticed that the bigger Curt gets, the clumsier his movements are. It's like he wants to go so fast, and he's so excited, that he doesn't know how to handle his big body. It's really kind of cute and it gives me a good laugh whenever he trips himself up. He doesn't seem to mind, though.

I've decided to do a food test to see which of the meats Curt likes best. I think he's eager to participate in my little experiment because it means eating and a love of food is something we have in common. I'm enjoying my time with him.

A friendship is born

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Entry 4
Curt likes moles best. They're gross looking and all, but I guess I need to be respectful of his choices and I'm glad to know what might make him happiest as far as food choices go. He's still eating lots and he's bigger still, which makes me happy. I feel like it means he's getting everything he needs nutrient-wise. I also feel like that means he's going to need more exercise. Luckily the little obstacle course I made him seemed to be a hit. I think it provides just the right mix of challenge and activity for him, although I am thinking I should make it bigger and more difficult. I'm also wondering about socializing him because I don't ever want him to be lonely. I can't imagine a life without friends.

He's warm, Curt is. Not like fever warm, but the nice kind. I notice that when he's seeking affection and I guess I didn't think much of it until now. It's the reason he probably prefers the dark, cool places to hide. It must be.

His words are clearer and come out in full sentences now. No trouble understanding him, that's for sure. I still wonder if that's a good thing or not, but what can you do? He's just being his true, authentic self. I guess I can't fault him for that.

Brainy boy

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Entry 5
The moment you realize your baby isn't such a baby anymore is pretty weird. I was just looking at Curt, noting his size, when I realized her wasn't going to get any bigger than he was in that moment. It made me realize just how much time I'd spent with him this term, and how far he'd come. It was cool. It was also a little sad, I mean, that time had gone by so quickly. I wish I'd taken pictures of him during that first meeting, but maybe I can capture the memory in a sketch just as well. Maybe.

Curt is so smart, Professor. I timed him during a few passes through the obstacle course I set up and it took him no time at all to find the quickest path to his food at the other end. I wish I could figure things out that quickly. I think he really enjoys being challenged. The reward at the end sure doesn't hurt, either.

Baths aren't Curt's favorite thing. He seemed sort of uneasy about the whole getting wet thing, but I realized the key to washing him is to make it quick so he doesn't get too cold. I also made sure not to submerge him in water. I just used a wash cloth and he smelled pretty clean after, so I think that works just as well. He was so cute and sleepy after we were done, I bet he gets the best rest he's had in a while.

It's been really fun watching him learn and grow...although I still kind of wish he said nicer things. I'm trying to accept the whole rude aspect of his character, I am.

No longer a baby

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