“Well, just look at you,” Gloriana said, checking to see if Sally needed a fresh diaper. She did. Gloriana went to work, talking and smiling as Sally reached for her. “You are such a pretty baby.”

And she really was. Her golden blond hair and chubby cheeks were just part of her charm. Her big blue eyes had the longest lashes, and her nose was a little button.

“Just wait until you can move about on your own. What fun we’ll have then.”

Gloriana finished with the diaper and lifted Sally. “When you’re walking and running and climbing, I’ll probably wish you were back to the sitting and scooting stage, but honestly I find myself eager for your first steps.” She kissed the baby’s cheek. “Oh, my darling girl, how I love you.”

“They want me to mark all of the nouns,” JT said from the doorway. “Where’s Luke?”

“I don’t know.” Gloriana turned with the baby in her arms. “Maybe Sally can help. Sally, what are nouns?” She looked at the baby, who began to babble. Gloriana laughed. “Sally says they are people, places, or things.”

JT came to see her. “She’s gotten so much bigger. When is she going to really talk?”

“Oh, probably not for a long time. Babies just like to make their own words for a while.”

“Do you think other babies know what they’re saying?” JT ran his finger along Sally’s cheek. She reached for him and drew his finger toward her mouth.

“Oh, no you don’t,” Gloriana said, pulling JT’s finger away. “You’ll have a bottle in a moment.” She looked at JT’s forlorn expression. “Why don’t you wait on the homework? I’m sure Luke just had extra work to oversee.”

A knock sounded on the door, and Gloriana smiled. “See there? I’ll bet that’s him. Why don’t you go see?”

JT scurried off, and Gloriana followed with Sally on her hip. She reached the kitchen just as JT was explaining to Luke all his frustrations and reminding him to take off his shoes.

“I’m sure we can figure it out together, so don’t fret,” Luke replied. He glanced past JT to where Gloriana stood with Sally. His expression changed to one of adoration. “There are my two beautiful girls.”

Gloriana smiled. “I was just about to get her bottle ready. She had a nice long nap and now, with her dry diaper, I believe she is more than ready to visit and play.”

“But Luke is going to help me with nouns,” JT protested. “He can’t play with the baby and help me at the same time.”

“No, he’s quite right. Why don’t I wash up and go help JT? You can feed Sally, and then I’ll entertain her while you finish up with supper.” He glanced around. “Is something different? It seems, I don’t know, brighter or something.”

“Gloriana’s been spring cleaning today,” JT informed him. “It always smells extra good when she does that.”