Tonight, while a commercial came on for the news, it showed a newborn baby that was born under two pounds. The lead in was how it is a miracle that he (the baby) is alive and [meet] the doctor that has given them hope.

I nonchalantly stated, "That is how big Kayli was. That is what she looked like." I really didn't think much of it (my mourning period tends to be in January nowadays) - it was just matter-of-fact.

Jacob stopped what he was doing and looked at me and said, "Are you OK, Mom?"

What a kind and considerate son I have been blessed with.

I think that my sweet babies are growing up! Honestly, I think that it was a thoughtful thing to say. It tells me that he cared more about my feelings than whatever else was going on.

Gabrielle came over and gave me a hug and said, "I am sorry, Mom. You can have me for a daughter." (Jacob then chuckled and said, "She already has you for a daughter!") Gabs is glad that she is able to fill that role of daughter (but she has told me on more than one occassion that she wishes she had a sister). I am glad that she is my daughter and I can 'have' her as such.

If there is only one thing that I hope for, for my children in this life, it is that they grow up to be empathatic adults. To know that I have taught my children to show love, kindness, sympathy, and empathy for another human being really is the greatest gift I could give them.

It doesn't matter what kind of "job" they end up with, but it is the way they treat others. Emotional intelligence really far outweighs just plain old intelligence. It is not what you know, but how you treat people.