The two big kids came along to cheer on their little brothers at the baseball game this morning, then we had plans to go to a nearby park and meet some friends after the game. We ended up staying for three hours! Seven boys total played, ran, explored and climbed to their hearts’ content.

Anyway, No. 2 ran into a friend from school at the ballpark whose little sister was on the opposing team (the K-1 teams are co-ed). They climbed the small hill behind the bleachers to watch the game, and I overheard the following conversation between them while one of the boys was up to bat:

Friend: “So, is he really your brother or your cousin?”

No. 2: “Both.”

Friend: “How is that even possible?”

No. 2: “Well, they used to be just my cousins, but then their dad died. Now, my mom takes care of them, so they’re my brothers now.”

Friend: “Oh, ok.”

The way he explained it so matter-of-factly touched my heart. Two years ago, I wondered if this crazy life of mine would ever seem normal again. Today, we took a big step in that direction.