(Strip Number 1473, Original Publication Date, 30 June 1989)
Panel 1: As she looks at John interacting with the kids, Carrie sighs and thought-bubbles sentimental bullshit about it doesn't matter how old John gets, he's still her baby. This broadly hints as to why Elly struggled so much: not only does the woman take over her house, she delays the inevitable and necessary process of weaning John away from Mommy.
Panel 2: She continues to look on.
Panel 3: Having arrived on scene, Elly asks Carrie what she's doing.
Panel 4: She explains that she's watching her baby play with his babies. This becomes sadly ironic because Marian can never make that claim about her baby.
Summary: This is not just a sop to mothers who want to freeze time in place because they don't want time and mortality to take their BABIES!!!! away from them. It's also a reminder as to why John is that repulsive clown we call a Momma's boy...he has a mother who doesn't see the problem that presents to his wife and children.