January 6

As Isaac was heading to bed tonight, Abby called out good night, Isaac! I love you!. I was taken aback by the outward expression of affection for her younger bro; I mean, she says "I love you" to me and Adam all the time, but she's not generally quite as open with the Little Boys. The gesture wasn't lost on Isaac: he turned on his heel and gave her a big hug.

I don't know if it was a sudden fit of maturity or if she simply said aloud what she usually keeps to herself, but those words were sweet ones to this mom's ear. Harmony under my roof is a beautiful thing.