This is Kailey. She is my niece. She turned thirteen today. Isn’t she a doll?

When she was born, I was a junior in college. My sister did not want to leave her with just anybody so I moved home. I went to class on Tuesdays and Thursdays and kept her on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Did I mention I was taking 18 hours? Or that I was 20? I’m not sure who cried more on our first day alone together. It was an interesting year. She helped me study. I taught her to dance. We watched A LOT of MTV. I hope I didn’t scar her.

She taught me a lot that year. Like that kids are a ton of work. But also that they are precious and melt your heart. She was the cutest, sweetest baby. She loved me but I loved her more. Her first word was Wowie. She gave me a nickname. We were tight like that. Still are.

My kids love her. She is one in a million. So sweet and super smart. I went to Paris when she was very small and she was upset she didn’t get to go. I promised I would take her when she turned 18. It seemed such a long time away. I sort of thought she would forget. She hasn’t. I’d better start saving my Skymiles.

Happy birthday, Kailey. Thank you for being who you are. I am so proud of you!