Your first summer on Earth was the hottest ever on record. I was admitted to the hospital during a cold, early spring, and by the time you were released from the NICU on Easter Monday, it felt like summer already. I had visions of spending full days outdoors, encouraging a love of nature from the very beginning, but it was impossible to spend time outdoors after 9:00 a.m. without both of us overheating.
We didn’t get the usual, cooling monsoon showers either, so the nights were unusually warm, too. When you do go outside now, you look up in wonder at the leaves and the clouds and the birds, giggling with delight. It’s all so novel to you.
I was worried about bringing a child into the world right now, given our rapidly changing climate, but I am betting on the future. Humans are innovative and you, my baby, you are my greatest source of hope.
Althea Atherton
Albuquerque, New Mexico