The day after you were born, I laid on my side facing you, your tiny body nestled against mine. You nursed so easily. I was euphoric. I had waited so long for you to join me. You were only a day old and I already loved you so much. You were beautiful. Tiny and beautiful. The nurses said you were the most alert newborn they had ever seen. My heart swelled with pride. I loved you so.

The night before, you had slept in a tiny bed next to mine. It was raised up high so I could see you. I was amazed. I couldn’t believe you belonged to me…that they were going to let me to take you home. You were precious in every way.

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On your bed hung a paper sign that said, “No Hats, Please.” It made me chuckle…that “No Hats, Please” was your first declaration to the world. The sign was there as the blisters on your head needed fresh air to heal. It had been a difficult delivery but you emerged triumphant at last…bruised and bloody…and absolutely perfect in every way.

One of my favorite pictures was taken not long after you were born. In it, you seemed to be smiling and sticking out your tongue as if to say, “Ha! I did it! I can do anything!”

You tell me now in your three-year old voice that you think it is I that can do anything. Well, you should know I think you can, too…and I’ve thought so from the very start.