On Tuesdays, I get to babysit Nora. At first, I bristled at being asked. I felt equal parts overwhelmed to be responsible for an infant and worried I’d do something wrong. And I sensed how much Orla worried about me being alone with her baby. Now, I cherish these days. Nora is nearly two and able to actually do things.

After my time with Arlan, I decided Nora should also have some of those bigger Lego bricks and spent nearly an hour with her on the floor, just marveling ...