A little over four months ago, I watched a brand new person, fill their brand new lungs, on their brand new birthday. It was May 21^st, my goddaughter’s birthday.  She was born an impeccable package of ten fingers, ten toes and the most adorable head of dark curls. My heart swelled and stretched and filled my chest. Before the day was done, I cried at least four tablespoons of perfectly joyful tears.

That experience changed the way I look at strangers. I remember flying back to New York just hours after she entered the world. I looked around the airport and instead of seeing weary travelers, I saw babies. Everyone, at one time, was small and marvelous. Everyone had tiny, dimpled hands. Everyone  smelled sweet and new.

I have seen and done some incredible things.  I floated along the waterways of Venice. I’ve snaked through canyons and scaled peaks. I have seen a bear in the wild. Twice. But watching Kavitha be born trumps them all.

It’s high time I introduce you to my goddaughter. Knowing her and watching her grow is a gift.

To Kavi’s amazing parents…

Thank you for being you.

Thank you for making her.

Thank you for picking me.

xoxo

Heather