We discovered shortly after Carters birth that he would need a little extra time in the hospital for observation and would not be getting to come home the same time as Mom and Dad. In lieu of this discouraging news, Whitney and Brannon were still looking forward to seeing their sweet girl after a long three days away. When they walked through the door, I honestly expected a tearful reunion. Alas, Mya Kate sprang to action by first waving and grinning, crawling over to Whitney and Brannon, and syking them out by crawling away! Moms quick reflexes came into play, scooping the giddy toddler before she could flee, and the happy three paraded in each others presence once again.

In April, a very pregnant Whitney (expected to deliver in June) reached out to me looking for someone to come spend a few days with her first born while she and her husband, Brannon, welcomed their second babe to the world. May came and a decision to induct early was made! I arrived the night they left for the hospital as induction was set for early the next morning. With bags packed and the second carseat installed, I watched the set of parents put their baby girl to bed one last time as a family of three. The moment of "good-bye" and "goodnight" was so tender; they had never spent a night away from Mya in her 13 months of life. The love I felt in that room engulfed me entirely.