Ripplinger: brothers

Here are some happy big sisters (for Sierra, it's the first time)! Kaitlyn is always quite the little mother, and she loves holding babies for long periods of time. Raquel wants to, but tires more easily and also has to compete with K! Sierra points, says "baby!", and tries to touch Tyler's eyes.

Raquel has such a tender soul -- here, while holding Tyler, she spontaneously burst into tears. We couldn't imagine what was wrong with her, so we asked. She answered between sobs, "the baby's crying!" We explained that this is just how babies tell us what they need, that it doesn't mean they are in trouble or pain, and she nodded, and her sobbing slowed.

Kaitlyn is content to hold the baby for 10-20 minutes at a time (maybe more). It's one of the few activities that gets her to sit still.

I've always loved baby hand pictures, especially comparing them with adult hands. The delicacy and intricacy is a marvel and a miracle (which emphasizes the miracle of life itself)!