Penelope Michelle Kuhlemeier was born on October 31, 2021 to Mya Holland and Vern Kuhlemeier, III in Orlando, Florida. She quickly became our little "Pumpkin" as well as garnering several other nicknames: Miss P, Sweet Pea, Nell, Nellie, Nell Bell, Peanut and Love Bug. She quickly stole the hearts of all who met her. When she started smiling very early on, she smiled with her whole face and wrinkled her tiny little nose. Her sweet smile was like no other; it lit up the entire room. Her big, beautiful eyes just sparkled.

Penelope loved animals and would point to the birds in the sky. She especially loved her pupper Charlotte and would giggle when Char got in her face for kisses. Her kitties, Whit and Iverson, with whom she'd laugh at and point to as they jumped all over the cupboards and furniture. She loved giving those three kisses more than she did Mom and Dad.

No one could make her laugh like her Daddy. When he came home from work, as soon as she heard the door open, she knew he was coming to get her, and she would start giggling in anticipation. She thought he was the most hilarious thing on Earth. He recently taught her how funny it was to stick out her tongue and see herself when the camera came out.

Penelope was a snuggly babe and would lay her head on your shoulder for a hug. She loved being picked up (unless she was too busy or feeling mischievous, which was more often than not.) She loved standing and climbing on everything. She would stack things to get as high as possible and was a little reckless. She had a favorite corner in her play area where she would hide and when you'd call her name, she'd pop her little head out and grin endlessly.

Penelope learned to feed herself early on and shared her family's love of food. There weren't many things she didn't enjoy eating. Once she passed the one-year milestone and was introduced to cheese, she couldn't get enough of it. We called her our little cheesehead. She was hooked. She spent a countless amount of time playing with her kitchen set, stirring her pretend food and feeding it to herself. She also loved to knock on the door and say "helwo."

Penelope was definitely a water baby. Playing in the bathtub, and swimming at Grandma Sue's house were some of her favorite things to do. Penelope also loved spending time at her "Memaws" house where she was introduced to Coco Melon. They had fun singing, dancing, and shaking their booties to "Baby Shark". Penelope was completely enamored with her cousin and best friend, Boston. They had a special bond and love for each other and were supposed to grow up together. Another lovable cousin was Anante, who made numerous trips to Florida to spend time with her. Penelope and Mom recently traveled to Illinois to meet her newest baby cousin, Violette whom she kissed and hugged and was so happy to meet. Who knew it would be the only time they would be together?

We knew even before Penelope was born that she had a special heart, and that someday she'd need some intervention to try to fix her heart defects. On January 11, 2023, Penelope had open-heart surgery. This quickly became the scariest day of our lives. When her cardiac team began the surgery, her heart stopped beating but was quickly revived. After a second surgery and over 12 hours of waiting, we were told she was still very critical, but the repair the surgeon did, at the time was successful. We had several touch and go moments along the way, but after almost three weeks in the hospital, we were able to bring our little Heart Warrior home. Once home, after many medical appointments, therapies, and determined hard work, our brave little girl flourished and recovered remarkably. She was so happy to be home, and quickly went back to her spunky, sweet, sassy self. To have her make such an incredible recovery and then to have her taken from us three months later is incomprehensible; we'll just never understand. We are so grateful for the almost 18 months this beautiful baby blessed our lives with. Penelope touched so, so many lives with her beautiful little spirit. She will forever be our perfect, perfect Angel.

Penelope is survived by her Mom and Dad of Mascotte, FL; her Baby Sister who's due to arrive in May; her grandparents: Sue Kuhlemeier, Micki and Bill Becker, Randy Holland and partner Leslie; her great-grandparents: Geno and Marj Wilkens, Sharon Kuhlemeier, Ken and Karen Holland, Robert and Eleanor Becker and Linda Sweet; her aunts and uncles: Ryan and Rakasha Kuhlemeier, Amy and Vaughn Piske, Jaimee Edler, Adrienne Edler and partner Dre Tensley, Shawn and Mindy Becker, Stuart and Paige Becker; her cousins: Boston, Liam, Anante, Violette, Jackson, Elaina, Karson, Kash, Karolena along with numerous great aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was predeceased by her Papa, "Big Vern" Vernon Kuhlemeier Jr, who passed a month before she was born and whom we are certain is being lovingly cared for by. It brings us comfort knowing she is in his arms and on his lap; her great grandparents: Vern Kuhlemeier Sr, Marie Johnson, Warren and Marlene Frey, and great uncles Mark Frey and Jamie Holland.

Services will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Cremation Choices, 921 S. US Highway 27, Minneola, FL. A Memorial Fund in her honor has been established. Please send condolences to The Kuhlemeier Family c/o Cremation Choices.