I didn’t celebrate in a restaurant or make an announcement online.

I picked the children up from school, drove to our favorite park, and bought three small cups of ice cream.

Brielle asked whether anything important had happened.

I told her that some adult paperwork was finished and that our everyday plans were not changing.

Her relief was immediate.

Parker wanted to know whether he could have sprinkles.

We had built a rhythm.

The children spent scheduled time with Grant, who gradually became more reliable about pickups and school communication.