I have been very fortunate to have a great deal of help and encouragement while at our new duty station. We moved back to my husband’s home, giving our beloved babies the opportunity to spend time with nana and papa. Nana and Papa are popular in our household, and the children constantly show a great deal of joy when they see them. To be completely honest, I have a great deal of joy when I see them. It’s a great deal of relief to have another set of hands with our sweet girl. I also get to observe how a seasoned mom, with more patience than I have in my whole body in her pinkie, works with my strong headed little love. For me, I take this time to follow the leader. I listen to the words, intent, connotation, and effort behind the interactions between Nana and our toddler. Each experience shows patience, firm (yet kind), and provides opportunities for her to choose consequences for herself. Our daughter gets options and feels like she has some control, and Nana guides her to the right path. Watching how my mother in love (mother in law is not a suitable phrase for how wonderful she has been to me and treated me like her own) work with our little one gives me hope that I can do the same. I can work with our baby with the same love and patience that she exudes when working with not only her grandchildren but also helping her children as well. I am able to see an example of God’s love and grace from mom to her family, and that gives me hope that one day I can follow her lead and, ultimately, God’s lead to be the best mother I can be. For now, like our daughter follows my lead, I will follow mom’s.