9 years ago, one of the best girls on the planet was born. Cece entered the world and from her first breath she began overcoming obstacles. This girl was a fighter. I remember the skin to skin I got to do with her in the hospital, when I tucked her inside my hoodie to keep her warm and growing. I remember her lying under the bilirubin bulbs to combat her jaundice. I remember syringe-feeding her every three hours night and day to keep her nourished. I remember her inquisitive eyes as she looked around, and then into mine as I would feed her.

Later on, I remember her funny quirks… like rolling her eyes to the side as if she was trying to look behind her without moving her head. I remember her belts of laughter as I’d slowly announce my coming from another room.

Later on, I remember the way she had a knack for anything musical. Whether it be matching my pitch with her voice, or finding the exact notes on a piano the first try. I remember making a water piano (I don’t know if that’s what they’re actually called), and her figuring out immediately how to play nursery rhymes with it. I remember her singing harmonies to anything I would sing, and playing harmonies with herself on the piano.

And now, after 9 years, I want to remember her joy. Her laughter is infectious and she radiates positivity. She is kind to her sisters (this part, admittedly, took awhile to develop), and has grown so much when it comes to showing affection. There is truly nobody like Cece in this world. She is, in fact, one of a kind. And she’s mine.

Happy birthday, Cece!