Usually when I do “Love Thursday,” I try to pick photos of our girls in Haiti. However, my computer has crashed and I am using my husband’s computer. I am therefore limited to using whatever photos he has on his computer.

This photo is of my daughter, Claire (born in the U.S.) and my son, Ezra (born in Ethiopia). They are both three years old. Claire is older than Ezra by two months. We adopted Claire at birth and Ezra when he was seven months old (Claire was 9 months old when Ezra came home). When they were younger, people always asked us if they were twins. We don’t hear that as much anymore. Having the two of them has been just like having twins. In the beginning it was so difficult. They both needed me at the same times. I always felt torn. For a very long time, Claire wanted nothing to do with Ezra. She was extremely jealous if I did anything with or for him. It made for some trying times.

We have come a long way.

They can still get into a tussle faster than you can say “Holy Moly!” but they have also become good friends. They copy each other all of the time. They love to chase each other around the house and hide behind the big armchair in our family room. Claire calls Ezra, “Ezzie,” and Ezra calls Claire, “Clairee.” They cover themselves with markers together, squeeze toothpaste all over the bathroom sink together, rub Vaseline on their changing table together, and torment the cats together. They also share their food, “read” to each other, get each other’s special blankies, and comfort one another when hurt. I love the sound of their co-mingled laughter. I know it usually means trouble, but it warms my heart and puts a smile on my face.

Tonight Ezra had buckled himself into his chair. I was making lemon cupcakes, and Claire was helping. Ezra wanted to lick the bowl, but was trapped in his chair. I was unable to unbuckle him right then, and before I knew it, Claire was standing next to his chair with a ladle full of lemon cake batter; pouring it into Ezra’s mouth! Now, that’s what love is all about!