As usual, what an insightful post, Kristin. It really is about more than just making sure they're clothed and fed, isn't it? I really do look forward to the day where I have that sort of emotional communication with my child. Right now, it's still a lot of guessing. I wonder, do you think it would be different with a houseful of boys?  Not that boys are not emotional, not by any stretch of the imagination, but their emotional energy can be different. 

And you know, it's a good thing - the physical taking care-of aspects of parenting waning while the emotional shepherding waxes. This is one of those posts that I know I will think of when I am at that future point!