Familiar characters are Janet's.

"Can you believe Olive isn't a baby-baby anymore?" Steph asked me. "The doctor said she should be able to recognize - and look for - all the key players in her life."

Our daughter's arms and legs started waving simultaneously as I approached the couch.

"I didn't need her doctor to confirm that," I said, feeling two sets of eyes track my movements.

I picked Olivia up and felt a similar sense of peace as I get when Stephanie settles herself in my arms every night. Steph stood and kissed Olive before pressing her mouth too briefly to mine.

She took a step back and studied us. "You combined with your evil shower gel seems to make her happy, too."

I could feel the tips of ten bare toes digging into me as Olivia used my abs for toeholds to propel her small body upwards so she could press her face into my skin. She had a diaper change ten minutes ago, and was smiling happily at her mother as they played with some toys in the living room, so I had to assume me holding her close is what she wants now.