Two years ago, on Thanksgiving Day, my life changed forever. My husband Rocky and I boarded a plane from the other side of the country to bring home our newborn, Chayton. It was an unforgettable moment, holding this tiny miracle – born through embryo donation and surrogacy – in my arms.
I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for finally having my own little “turkey” after losing my fertility nearly two decades ago to cervical cancer.
Now, with Thanksgiving around the corner, I want to share the incredible blessing Chayton has been in our lives and ask you to help other cervical cancer survivors find their pathways to parenthood.
Seeing the world through his eyes
Today, November 21, is Chayton’s second birthday. This afternoon, he celebrated with his daycare buddies. Soon, I’ll honor a promise to my sister, Lildra, before her passing in March by celebrating Chayton’s birthday with our family in South Carolina.
Chayton is a bundle of energy, curiosity, and pure joy. That’s something people always say – children are pure joy – and I feel that now more than ever. There is no better feeling than when Chayton taps on my leg and says, “Mama.”
At his daycare, they encourage learning through sensory experiences and have these sensory bins for the kids to use. For Chayton, the entire world is his sensory bin! He wants to touch, taste, see, and hear everything. Watching him explore life with unfiltered wonder has given me a fresh perspective on the world.
The gift of travel
I am so grateful to be able to share the gift of travel with him. He has already been to Switzerland (twice!), Belgium, Paris, the Caribbean, Scotland, and too many places in the U.S. to count.
Chayton is thriving in general, but he especially thrives in these experiences, feeling the music of street performers, exploring cobblestone streets, and appreciating new cultures. Whether it’s splashing in the water at a Puerto Rican beach or toddling around ancient Swiss villages, he approaches every moment with the same joyful determination. It’s one of the things I am most proud of as his mom – that this kid loves life and loves people.
He also loves food! And I don’t mean typical toddler foods. We’re talking octopus, duck pâté – you name it, he enjoys it. He doesn’t like cucumbers, kiwis, or my grilled asparagus yet, but there’s still time for that!
His smile magnet
Chayton brings light to everyone he meets. His smile has a magnetic quality – it’s impossible not to feel happiness radiating from him. He already has a quirky sense of humor and a stubborn streak. I can’t help but laugh sometimes at his serious, furrowed brow, wondering what thoughts are bubbling behind those expressive eyes.
Rocky loves music and so does Chayton. Certain songs make him sway and twirl with a joy that’s contagious. Seeing him respond to rhythms and melodies – from Scottish bagpipes to classical, rap, and everything in between – is a beautiful reminder of the universal language of music.
Honoring the Cervivor Baby legacy
I can’t help but reflect today on how far we’ve come. The little boy who once flew home as a tiny Thanksgiving blessing has grown into a fearless, loving toddler.
This year, in celebration of Chayton’s second birthday, I invite you to support other “Cervivor babies” by donating $2 to the Virginia “Ginny” Marable Cervivor Baby Gift Fund or by purchasing a commemorative “Cervivor Auntie Squad” T-shirt. These shirts honor the incredible women – both family and friends – who support little ones born to cervical cancer survivors. Every donation and T-shirt purchase helps make parenthood possible for survivors, no matter how unconventional the journey.
Chayton is my sunshine – my S-O-N-shine – and every moment with him is a gift. My parenting rule of thumb remains simple: Is he happy, healthy, and alive? The answer is a resounding “yes.” I can’t wait for many more adventures together and many more moments of pure joy. (If you’d like to keep up with Chayton’s adventures during year two, follow @CervivorBaby on Instagram.)
During this season of gratitude, please join me in celebrating the healing power of love, family, and resilience – one little turkey at a time.
Happy 2nd birthday, Chayton! I love you so very much.
xo,