At least once a week, I drive Sir Charles and his best friend to baseball. Of course, the van is full with the rest of the crew as well. Best friend gets the privilege of sitting next to Sweet Em. He is one of two children and his younger sister is only a year younger.

The kids all vie for best friend’s attention, constantly calling his name and telling him something fascinating. But what has been so neat to watch, heartwarming really, is best friend’s reactions to Sweet Em. Now, I am not implying that the rest of us are jaded, but we are around Sweet Em every day. Best friend though, rarely gets the time to sit and look at her and marvel over her. And marvel he does. Last week it was her new Robeez, he just couldn’t get over how cute they were. He put his baseball cap on her head and was thrilled when she kept it on. Today, as she was babbling very seriously to him, the word "Mommy" came out plain as day. Oh, you would have thought it was the most incredible thing he has ever heard! "Mommy, did she say Mommy?! That is so cute! Wow, she’s talking!" and on and on he went.

The rest of the gang assured him that this was really no big deal, but he wasn’t persuaded. It made me pause. It is a big deal. Even if she is the 7th toddler to say Mommy. Even if it is the only word she can really say. Even if I have heard it a million times out of different mouths over the last sixteen years. It is a big deal. It is a precious moment. It is a sound I want etched on my heart to never forget.

And I never want to forget to marvel at each word, each accomplishment, each giggle and smile. Thank you best friend. We are so glad you reminded us!