It was three months later, and Jack was getting ready for work while Rose was making breakfast. "Rose, can you help me with this?" He came downstairs all dressed but with his tie undone.

Rose giggled. "Of course," she said, and tied it for him. "Can you stay for breakfast this morning?"

Jack sighed. "I'm afraid not. We're getting a shipment of new artwork today and I have to oversee it."

"Okay," Rose said, slightly disappointed. "I guess I'll see you after work."

"Yes you will, I promise. I love you. Bye sweetheart," he said, and gave Rose a kiss. He walked over to Josie and gave her a kiss. "Bye!"

"Bye," said Josie.

Jack and Rose froze and looked at each other. "Did she just say her first word?" Jack asked.

"Yes, she did," said Rose. She picked up Josie. "Did you just say your first word?" Rose asked. No answer. Rose tried again. She tried something else. "Bye!" she said to Josie.

Josie giggled and said "bye".

Jack walked over and held them both. "Hi," he said.

Josie repeated after him. "Hi," she said.

Jack smiled. "Rose, our daughter's talking now."

Rose laughed and kissed Josie's forehead. "Yes she is." Jack sat down at the dining room table. "Jack, what are you doing? You have to go to work!"

"Rose, our daughter said her first words today. I'm staying home with my family." He smiled and gave his wife a kiss.

"Thank you," said Rose. "I love having you home with us." Rose slid Josie into the high chair and took out the baby food.

Josie was busy eating banana while Jack was looking at her. Josie and Jack were making intense eye contact with each other. "Josie, can you say 'mama'?" he asked.

Josie shook her head. "No," she said.

Jack laughed. "Well, that's another word, even if it isn't what I asked for."

Rose smiled. "I suppose so," she said. "Josie, can you say 'dada'?"

Josie smiled. "Yes," she said.

Rose laughed. "That's another one. But apparently she just doesn't want to say our names."

The rest of the day, Jack, Rose, and Josie hung out in the house. Josie practiced her walking on Jack and Rose's bed, while Rose held her up. She was getting pretty close to walking, much to Jack and Rose's surprise. Finally, they just sat on the couch.

"Josie and I have a little game we like to play sometimes. Want me to show you?" Rose asked.

Jack chucked. "Of course."

Rose picked Josie up. "Should we show Daddy our game?" Josie laughed and said no. "Well, we're going to show him anyway."

Rose picked Josie up and held her close to her chest. "Ready? 1, 2, 3, whoosh!" And Rose dipped Josie down and she laughed that adorable little laugh that made both Jack and Rose fall in love with her all over again.

•••

It was a few days later. Jack and Rose were in bed, about to fall asleep. It had been a wonderful day with Jack and Josie. They were about to go to sleep when Josie started to cry. "Time to get up again," Rose sighed.

"Wait," said Jack, stopping her. "Do you hear that?"

Both Jack and Rose had stopped to listen to Josie crying. Yes, she was crying, but she was also calling out for them. "Mama, Dada?" She was calling.

"She's saying our names now, Jack," said Rose.

Rose left and picked Josie up. She brought her back to their bedroom. "Do you want to stay here with Mommy and Daddy tonight?" Rose asked.

Josie smiled. "Yes," she said.

Rose took Josie and put her into the spot between herself and Jack.

Rose looked at Josie and asked, "do you know who I am?" to which Josie answered, "Mama." Rose smiled, a little tear trickling down her cheek. "That's right. I'm your mama."

Rose put her arms around Josie and slowly fell asleep. She felt something that she never thought she would: unconditional love and happiness.