Morning, Ida.

Morning, Maureen.

How is the mother-to-be?

She'd be better if the Father-who-was was better at being the Father-who-is. I sometimes think I'd have been better off pairing with a decoy.

I'm sure Drake will make a marvelous Dad when the family arrives.

Not him. Duck by name and duck by nature - ducking out of his responsibilities.

How much longer do you have to go?

Well, by my reckoning they should be out by now. I went to all of my pre-natal hatching classes, run by that self-satisfied Stork, and she said about half a month, but two weeks is up.

Oh well, the best things come to those who wait.

I don't know. Why do we put ourselves through it? Every Spring it's exactly the same.

But just think of the rewards - all those lovely little ducklings.

All those beaks to feed.

Waking you up at all hours.

Getting into deep water.

Attracting unwanted admirers...

(In hushed tones.)
...like the Cat. Why do we put ourselves through it?