Baby E inherited his sister’s first snow boots. They are pink. And he inherited her snow suit, with its pale blue butterflies along the cuffs. He inherited his brother’s old winter coat. Those are the casualties of being the youngest of three children. He doesn’t mind, though, and neither do we.

We went to the pet store this evening to get cat litter. Baby E wandered from the fish to the turtles and birds, and then over to the cats, babbling about and to each new creature he discovered. The kids squealed as a cat played with them from behind the glass, their belly laughs echoing through the store. It was such a simple outing, but one filled with moments of wonder for them.