For my Water Child. . .

I've always seen you as my miracle baby. I really did think that I wasn't going to have any more children, that it was not in my path and then a miracle and you were on your way. Then of course there was the miracle of your birth, born into all kinds of problems. It was dangerous for you, for me, I was warned I might not make it, you might not make it, we both might not make it. I remember the prayers that went up that night to God. Wanting to see you, to have you healthy, wanting another miracle that we would both make it. Then your birth, the miracle in itself. My clearest memory that morning was that you were not quite born yet and yet you turned your head to the sound of my voice. Barely a second after you entered this world you already knew who I was and my heart melted. When they told me that you weren't breathing right and whisked you away I don't think my heart beat again for hours. All the congratulations of my Mom and Dad, the doctors, Susie, none of it mattered because you weren't near me. Your Dad was with you at the NICU and I was with my Dad in my room and he asked if I was ok, that I didn't look happy. I explained that I wasn't happy and couldn't be happy until you were beside me. That my heart couldn't rest till I knew my baby was ok. So we prayed. . . and another miracle. Within two hours you were by my side. Cleared of the NICU. They said you were the fastest graduate they had ever had. Susie told me of how you were stunning the doctors and nurses because you kept trying to lift your head up and roll over, and they had never seen a baby that strong. I had always known you were strong, when you kicked the force of it could double me over. Then you were in my arms, where you slept for the next two weeks. You were always a Momma's girl. You always wanted me no matter what, and after having a daughter that was so fiercely independent, it felt nice to be needed and craved. What has blessed me in having you as my second child, is your empathy, your ability to care and love others so deeply. I love the way you care for Travis every day, and you are so patient with him, even though he isn't your responsibility. It has translated into jobs for you as others see your patience, and commitment. I love the way you think through things so deeply. I love how you want to tell me everything about your day and your life, and I love the way you want my advice and input into your life. I am blessed that you are my daughter, that you have a heart for others, that you love cuddles, that you are always thinking. I am blessed because you are my water child, full of depth, emotion and heart.