How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I say—like I'm talking to myself—"No doubt in my mind that I'm keeping her." (3.34)
When Bobby's friends ask if he's going to keep Feather, Bobby doesn't even think it's an option. He's already made the choice, despite the responsibility fatherhood entails.
Quote #2
If she hollers, she is mine.
If she needs to be changed, she is always mine.
In the dictionary next to "sitter," there is not a picture of Grandma.
It's time to grow up.
Too late, you're out of time. Be a grown-up. (5.3)
Oh, Mary—we kind of love you for making these rules for Bobby. Especially the last two. That's just the straight truth. Bobby has no practice time; he's in the game from the first second, and there are no substitutes.
Quote #3
She was still asleep as I crawled across the floor to her crib. Breathing that baby breath. Dreaming with baby eyes closed and sweet. And if she was older, just a little bit older, trusting that I'd be here for her. (7.11)
Once, Bobby leaves to go play hoops without Feather—he just forgets that he has more than himself to think of. Thank goodness he remembers just in time and comes back. That's the thing about babies that Bobby's realizing: They take all the innocence for themselves and give all the responsibilities to their caregivers.