Our friends just had a baby early this week, and we went down to see them last night. Bubba and their son are six months apart and best buddies, in their own words. The new baby has a beautiful head of silky, soft black hair, and she is so tiny. I knew her mom was breastfeeding her, but when she was done and mama pulled away the blanket, I swear I thought she was a porcelain doll. Handsome immediately got a huge smile on his face, which is an accomplishment of the highest order, since he usually does not smile or grin without physical comedy eliciting it. I wondered how he would be with me holding the baby, since he is a MOMMA'S BOY. The smile only got bigger. He tried about 15,701 positions to get snuggles from me and the baby at the same time. He was very gentle with her, and was watching my reaction to see if he was being gentle enough with his touches that barely grazed her soft skin. I was so proud of my little man. He was a perfect gentleman with his new girlfriend.

A little later, Bubba and Bubba (as her boyfriend is known at his house as well, completely unplanned by all of us) serenaded the baby while she was in her bassinet, with their own version of "Rock-a-Bye-Baby." I stood, enthralled, wishing I had a video camera attached to my corneas. Handsome stood by the end, the kids stood on either side of the bassinet and rocked it gently, and they sang together what words they knew and made up the rest. I was so proud of all four kids, for preserving innocence and sweetness, for the glimpse into their generosity with each other, for showing us that even though they sometimes pee on the seat and eat a bug, they just do those things to make the other moments stand out in sharp relief for all eternity. And sometimes for extra protein.