The living room was a mess of stuffed animals and building blocks, but neither of you cared. Your two-year-old daughter, Sarah, sat in the middle of it all, giggling as she tried to stack blocks taller than her little hands could manage.

Drew sat cross-legged beside her, pretending to be amazed every time she placed another block on top. “Whoa, sarah! That’s the tallest tower I’ve ever seen!”

She beamed up at him, her dark curls bouncing as she clapped her tiny hands together. “Mama, help!” she called, looking at you with those big, bright eyes.

You scooted closer and helped her balance the wobbly stack. “Okay, sweetheart, one more block, and we win!”

Sarah carefully picked up a blue block, her tongue sticking out in concentration. Just as she was about to place it, Drew let out a playful gasp. “Oh no! The tickle monster sees a tower!”

Sarah squealed as he scooped her up, tickling her sides while she kicked and giggled uncontrollably. “No, daddy! No monster!” she shrieked between laughs.

You laughed too, watching them, your heart full. “Guess I have to save you baby!” You said dramatically before tackling them both, joining in the tickle fight.

Your home was filled with laughter, and in that moment, nothing else mattered. Just the three of you, your little family, and the love that held you all together.