Dear Kyeler

Dear Kyeler,

Today, you turn two. I remember so clearly the day I met you in the NICU. You were just seven days old. I saw you fighting for breath, your eyes still fused together, in a corner isolette all by yourself. And I loved you.

Every day in that hospital, we grew closer and closer. I learned that you had an easygoing side and also a fiery one. I learned that you loved nothing more than to be snuggled up against me or your dad, something that is still true of you today. I learned that you have a resiliency that is both beautiful and rare.

When we brought you home with us, I learned that you loved music, being outside, and going on walks in the Ergo carrier. As you grew older I learned that you loved avocado, books, and sleeping on top of us instead of in your crib.

These days you love bath time, kicking the soccer ball, PB&J sandwiches, dancing to any music that happens to be playing, giving your brother hugs and kisses, Llama Llama books, being pulled around on the “magic carpet,” and waving ecstatically to anyone and everyone we meet.

You are friendly, hilarious, inquisitive, and full of excitement for life. You get into the funniest situations but they never seem to faze you. In fact, as I was typing this, I looked down to see you sitting underneath my desk eating a scoop of Vick’s VapoRub out of the jar. I started freaking out but you just smiled up at me and said, “Mmmm!”

I’m so grateful to have a lifetime of learning more about you, Kyeler. Even though you did not come from my physical body, you are and always will be a part of me. Today, and every day after this one, I love you.

Love,
Mom