Klose=Nær

You woke up in pain tonight, and for once, I was able to comfort you while Mommy kept sleeping. She has been the hero since May 5, doing all of the hardest work; the midnight to dawn shifts, night after night, while I have either slept apart from you or just rolled over.

But our ten-minute embrace tonight was a moment I'll never forget; one of the most special times we've had. You held me completely, with all your little body - in a way you couldn't just weeks ago because you've grown so - and for the first time you let me hold you back just as tightly, cradling you in the crook between my chin and shoulder, singing your Sunshine song to you like we did when you were in the womb, breathing calmly for you to hear and feel, pressing my cheek and lips to your forehead, praying silently with all my being that you are taken care of, that I may care for you and do right by you for as long as I am privileged to do so.

"You'll always know, dear, how much we love you."

Asante Mungu kwa Tukyele Wetu