Woman discovers 3 uncanny links with her 12-month-old foster baby before adopting her
The three coincidences only hardened Kayla's resolve. The love was already blooming between her and her daughter Paisleigh.
Some relationships are meant to be. When Kayla Summers first welcomed 12-month-old Paisleigh into her home, it was love at first sight. She wasn’t sure how, but she knew she wanted to be her mother. It wasn’t until she noticed three beautiful coincidences that she became firm in her decision. Beyond ethnicity and societal rules, she stood before the judge and legally became Paisleigh’s mom on September 30. For Paisleigh, her home is not just a foster home but a forever home, according to a November 4, 2026, broadcast by TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle (@jennaandfriends). The video has gotten 319,000 views in 24 hours.
Love at first sight
Summers first met Paisleigh in 2024. She was in her late twenties and was fostering, watching kids in loving, caring families waiting for reunification. “It really inspired me,” Summers described. After a rigmarole of processes, she was approved for fostering. Soon, she received a call from the placement agency, which told her they were placing a 12-month-old daughter in her home. “Baby, I am Mama Kay. I will be taking care of you,” Summers told little Paisleigh, picking her up in her arms. Instantly, she felt her mothering instincts kick in, and an immense sense of responsibility spurred inside her.
Destined to be together
Summer was just supposed to be Paisleigh’s foster mother, but as time went by, she realized that the little girl wouldn’t be returning to her biological family. For a while, she wrestled with the thought. She couldn’t be possessive. Being a single adoptive mother was never her plan, but when she got the news that adoption might be possible for her, she was more than delighted. Plus, there were three coincidences that made her feel that Paisleigh was destined to be her daughter.
Paisleigh shared Summers’ mom's birthday and her hometown, Florida. Additionally, she, her mom, and Paisleigh shared the same middle name, Renee. Plus, both Summers and Paisleigh had Cinderella as their favorite princess. She finally took the call. On September 30, she was standing before the judge, acquiring the legal rights to become Paisleigh’s mom. “She will always have someone that will love her endlessly, and she will always be loved,” affirmed Summers.
A rewarding experience
On the show, when hosts Jenna and Sheinelle asked about her experience, Summers said being a mom has “changed and transformed” her life for the better. “It has come with its challenges, naturally, but honestly, it has been so rewarding,” Summers explained. Talking about social media, she said she never expected her post to blow up this way. “I am so happy everyone got to see the love that we share,” she said. The hosts then informed her that Hilton Hotels heard their story and is now sponsoring the mom-daughter duo on a three-night vacation to the Hilton Sandestin Beach, Golf Resort, and Spa in Miramar Beach, Florida.
Fortunate coincidences
According to the US Department of Education, approximately 400,000 children and youth in the US are in foster care. In 2024 specifically, less than half (45%) of the foster care children reunified with their families, per the National Council for Adoption. Nearly 27% of the children were adopted, and 11% were placed with guardians. While Paisleigh is a lucky one, over 70,000 children and teens are still waiting for a permanent, loving, nurturing family to accept them.
Perfect definition of a parent
Viewers flooded the comments box with heart emojis and were touched by the pouring love between Summers and her daughter. Many called her a parenting inspiration. @evasaunders756 commented, “What a lovely lady—that baby has never known anything but security and love. A real testament to a great momma.” @textickulartrauma8287 said, “I was a CPS worker/investigator/family worker for 25 years. This woman and foster parents like her are absolute angels. This family is absolutely the sort that reminds me of the good in the world when most of your day was dealing with the petty bad.”
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