There's just something so sweet about a sleeping child. I love sitting down next to our babes as they drift off, eyes growing increasingly droopy...closing...closing...closed. And just as in life, they each fall asleep so differently. Keira is ever peaceful. From birth, she's adored her zzzzz's, and I enjoy watching her snuggle in with her cherished "pb" (pink blanket), pop her thumb in her mouth, and go to her zen place, a destination of peaceful repose. Ellie is chatty, her mouth moving even in whispers, until I look over at her and suddenly realize she's stopped talking. Bryce, of course, is Mr. Restless, rubbing his face in his lovie, suck-suck-sucking fiercely on his binkie, and turning and tossing until he abruptly and swiftly passes out.

And so every night, every naptime, every drowsy moment, reminds me that I need to soak in these truly precious moments and savor my sweethearts - as endearing awake as they are asleep.

Wow, August is already here! It's crazy to think about, especially given that Keira will start kindergarten at the end of this month. We're sending her to a bilingual Chinese immersion program, which means that 80% of her day will be taught in Mandarin and only 20% will be in English. Needless to say, I'm a little stressed about the whole thing. Not only is my baby starting school (will there be bullies?! will she be scared without me?! will she hate learning?!?!), but she probably won't understand a word of what anyone is saying to her, at least at the beginning.

Fortunately, Keira will not be alone. Her other self - her beloved cousin Claire - will be going along with her, ready to brave the adventures of a new school and new language together.

In fact, I would say in some ways, the two are almost closer than sisters. Like twins of the same age, they share stories and secrets, giggles and tears, and lots and lots of love. When I see them together, I feel incredibly lucky that we have family - not just immediate, but extended - all around us.
More than anything else, it gives me faith that whatever Keira might encounter in the years ahead, she will never be alone.