Kaitlyn Emma Reszel - also known as Katie, Munchy, or Baby Goo, was born March 11th, 2004 @ 8:20 pm in Ft. McMurray. Kaitlyn just couldn't wait to join us, so she decided to come 3 weeks early. And that was just the first indication of her personality.

From the moment she arrived, she was excited to be here. She was full of energy, and shone oh-so-bright. After a 3 week head start, she continued to surpass all expectations. She was way off the growth charts - growing into a perfect little snuggable baby girl. Gramma Reszel knew how snuggly she could be, because she slept in Gramma's bed, when she was at the farm.

Mom was determined that Kaitlyn's first word was going to be "dad" - she got as far as "mmba" - almost. :) Long before it was expected, Katie was smaking her lips when mom and dad were eating. Kaitlyn was a very healthy girl. From her chubby little potatoe feet and her round chubby legs, to her bright pink cheeks. She had the biggest cheeks, and everyone was quick to point out that that was her dad's feature. Those bright blue eyes were sharp, she could spot her Tiger toy on her car seat from a mile away. Grampa George loved her blue marble eyes, so big and round, full of curiosity and wonder for everything around her. We adored her, but she too was adoring. She adored sights and sounds, and explored things by putting them in her mouth... especially her feet. Oh those toes were so good, and so cute, because mom liked to paint them - Revlon Red!

Mom said Kaitlyn was the perfect baby, the way every mother would like it to be. She rarely cried. Her giggles were contagious. If you'd jump around in circles, she'd giggle so hard, a giggle as intense as a cry. It was so hilarious - just ask Gramma Linda.

Katie was so alert, soaking up every little detail, every once of love and attention poured on her. She happily rewarded the attention with those smiles and giggles for us. Katie was one you just didn't want to let go of, you couldn't get enough. Jason often told Kaitlyn, " I'm going to quit my job so I can look at you all day."

Annette, who knew Kaitlyn well, said "she's gonna be a rock star one day." It must have been the hair. Her hair started out pretty crazy, it was uncontrollable, kinda like her dad's used to be. But then Robyn contained it with a tony hair on top her head.

She loved her bath, even at 2 months, she was splashing away. It must have been all those times mom and dad put water in her face on purpose, making her eyes flutter.

After waiting for so long for her, 25 years, the 9 months, the 29 hours, she finally arrived that Thursday night. The first hour of her life was spent with her dad, while mom rested. He made sure she was all OK, and he watched her sleep. As he held her for the first time, he said to her: "Hi Kaitlyn, I'm your dad. And I'll always be your dad. I know I just met you, but I love you already. And I'll love you forever."

That joy and peace that you both felt when you brought her home is as great as the joy and peace that she feels now, now that she's home-home. Just remember that. She would want us to remember too, that God doesn't make mistakes. The trinity of Robyn, Jason, and Kaitlyn was in the Plan. For those 6 months, she fulfilled her destiny. And even though the plan seems not to make sense, the reason for her visit will become clearer and clearer everyday. Robyn and Jason, feel what it feels like, to know that she picked you. She chose to give her time to you - and it's all worth it.

And in those times, when you think you can't hold on, remember that she is holding you now. That space that she made in your heart, was to give you more capacity to give and receive love. Remember the way she gave and received love - no limits. Let her be your model. Live it up, like she did. Giggle uncontrollably, jump as high as you can, give the wettest, most slobbery kisses to those you love.

And when it's time to rest, enjoy your last bath and your last bottle, and call for those you need beside you, and rest peacefully, knowing the plan is perfect.

In her dad's words, Kaitlyn, I know we just met you, but we loved you, and we'll love you forever. And I'm sure you know Kaitlyn, your mom and dad, they'll love you forever, they'll like you for always, as long as they're living, their baby you'll be.

May His peace come to us as we think of you there. Your chubby little fingers clenched tight in His palm. His Son softly singing to keep you calm.

And so we lift you up to God, the way Grampa John did, that sunny April morning, offering you back to God, in thanks, the way he did with his daughters.