CHAPTER FORTY - The New Normal

As summer turned to fall, Ella and Lucas found themselves constantly amazed by Sophia's growth and development. Each new milestone was celebrated with enthusiasm, no matter how small. One evening, they were sitting on the living room floor, Sophia between them on her play mat. Lucas was holding a toy just out of her reach, encouraging her to move towards it. "Come on, Soph," he coaxed. "You can do it. Just a little further." Ella watched, her breath held in anticipation. Sophia had been close to crawling for days now, and they both sensed she was on the verge of a breakthrough. Suddenly, Sophia pushed herself up on her hands and knees. With a look of determination that was pure Lucas, she moved one hand forward, then a knee. "Oh my god," Ella whispered. "Lucas, she's doing it!" They watched in awe as Sophia slowly but surely crawled towards the toy, her face lighting up with triumph as she reached it. Lucas scooped her up, spinning her around. "You did it, princess! You crawled!