Dear Lily: You have a fever.

As I type this (on my phone), you're sound asleep on my shoulder. It's reminding me of those long days and nights when you were a newborn, those hours you spent snuggled on my chest, breathing deeply. Now, though, you take up more than my whole torso, even with your legs tucked up under your tummy, and my hand and wrist are numb from  holding your weight. You woke once, hearing a neighbor's dog bark, but your daddy rushed to the window to close it so you could settle back to sleep right away.

From where I sit in the glider, I can feel Rosie's tail draped across my feet; she's sleeping on the footstool, near enough to keep an eye on you. Your daddy has set up mission control on your nursery floor, the very one we chose a year ago now. With pillows piled beneath his chest, he's propped up watching QuickDraw, but he's quick to check in if you stir or whimper. I'm fairly certain Ozzy and Guillie are close by, too, likely just out of sight on the other side of Daddy or watching from the hallway.

We are all here, my sweet, because you don't feel good. Because each member of this family wants to take away your aches and sniffles. I've rubbed a cool washcloth over your warm torso, just as my own daddy used to; your daddy has sung to you just as both our mommies used to. We are, ironically, so grateful your first major fever came on a Saturday so that neither of us faces the distress of watching you in pain alone.

So, yes, we have missed a party with friends today. And we will change tomorrow's plans as needed. And we are prepared to sit up all night, rocking you gently, soothing you softly, taking your mind off your discomfort in any way we're able. Because it's our privilege to care for you, our sweet daughter. Because we want you to know--always--you will never be alone. Because--in light of recent devastating news stories of a much loved missing daughter--we treasure the moments we spend, overheated and pinned to a glider, loving you.

Sleep tight, my sweet. We'll be right here when you awake.

With all the love our healing hearts can hold,

Your mommy and daddy