Karl came with Sheri for Thanksgiving. We stayed up late, talking like before, but when we finally separated to go to sleep, Sheri and Karl slept in Ember's room.

When they returned for Christmas, we opened Ember's presents and showed them to her - but the 9-month-old was more infatuated with the ribbons than she was with the gifts.

Karl got down on one knee and handed a small wrapped box to Sheri. She gasped and ripped it open. It was a gorgeous ring. I held Ember as Maggie and Sheri hugged. My older daughter came over to show me the ring and I kissed her cheek and told her...