The Little Mama

I found out I was having 2 boys and a girl when I was 16 weeks pregnant. It was the gender mix I imagined since discovering we were expecting triplets. Based on my experience with other little girls in my life, I had assumed K would be somewhat of a "little mama." Lately, my suspicions and expectations have been confirmed in the most precious ways. She fetches diapers, shoes, backpacks and the like. She loves to "check on the boys" and report to me how/what they are doing when they are playing in another room. Occasionally, she even pretends she is their Mommy and will report, "Mama, my boyeez are not doin' what I say!"

R is excruciatingly specific about the way he likes things done---including by WHOM certain tasks should be performed. There are certain things only Daddy can do and others that only Mommy can do. One of the things that falls into the latter category is the task of tucking him in and saying prayers. Yesterday, he decided he wanted K to take over his bedtime routine. She climbed in his bed and helped him get his pillows, loveys and blankets situated "just so." Then the following conversation occurred:
K: Now it's time fo' yo' pwayers.
R: OK
K: Pick some-tin', R
R: Baseballs and da pool.
K: And swingsets?
R: Yeah.
K: And dees twains? (pointing to his pillowcase)
R: Yeah.
K: And monkeys and flamingos!!!! (giggling with delight)

The whole scene was so precious. I could barely contain my heart. Until tonight, when they topped it.

We stayed at the pool until almost 7, then had to get home for dinner (which I had not yet planned or prepared). By the time dinner was over it much later than usual (almost 8), so I sent the children straight upstairs when they were excused from the table. They were a few paces in front of me, so I had not been able to turn on the light in the stairs. R hesitated as he reached the stairwell and looked up into the darkness. Then he turned to K and said, "It is dark and berry spooky. I am scay-ered. Will you hold my hand and go wiff me?" Without missing a beat, she put her hand in his and said, "Sure!" Then they bounded up the stairs together.

And it is as it should be...

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)