I’m doing dishes.  This evening has been a whopper thanks to the screaching demanding baby, and Nic and I are feeling drained.  Will comes in and stands up on tiptoes to whisper in my ear “Mom—can I tell you a secret?”

“Yes” I say, bending down to him. 

“I” he whispers, stabbing me in my eye.  “Love” he says, pointing to his chest.  “YOU!” he says, jumping forward to squeeze me. 

“Oh thank you, Willie.” I say.  “I really needed that.”

“We BOTH needed that,” he says over his shoulder as he skips out of the kitchen.