Dear Kaya,
I’m a whole month late on writing you this letter, mostly because there is so much to say, and it’s so hard to sum up all of you into just a few paragraphs.
You are a little girl with a giant personality. In public and around people you don’t know very well, you’re quiet and shy, but with friends and family, your energy can fill up a room! You’re crazy and hilarious, sweet and gentle. You, my first baby, have a special way of making my heart so full it’s about to burst. The love I felt for you from the very beginning continues to renew itself day after day.
You are a comedian, always making jokes and waiting for us to burst into laughter. You love to make Kaelyn giggle like crazy, whether you’re tickling her or saying some funny phrase.
You love to have your picture taken, and sometimes even ask me to take one (if I don’t already have my camera out)! You love to take pictures and videos of us, too, and will usually try to get us to look at the camera by saying “Look! Olaf!”, as if he’s standing behind you. I love your imagination. You also love to pretend to cook, talk on the phone (usually to Uncle Jeff), and soothe your “crying” baby doll or Kitty.
Speaking of Kitty, he’s still always wherever you are. You carry him under your arm, just like you have ever since you could walk. He’s real to you and is your very best friend. I love watching you care so deeply for something. You’re so nurturing, gentle, and loving both to Kitty and your real baby sister. It doesn’t matter how many times I wash him; he still seems to have a brownish tinge to him, although once upon a time he was a fluffy orange. He’s worn out from the adventures you have together each day (I think sometimes, as your mom, I could say the same!).
I hope I always remember that feeling I get when you run over to me and hug my legs in between your trips down the slide, or when you come out to give me one more kiss and cuddle before you go to sleep at night (even if it is just your way of stalling bedtime). You are a daddy’s girl through and through, but you show me a tenderness that I hope will always be there.
Out of all the nicknames you have, you decided that you like to be called “Peeky”. We used to call you Baby Bird, then Birdy… and when we’d play peekaboo, we’d say “peekabird!” instead. Peekabird was shortened to Peeky, and I thought it was hilarious when you started referring to yourself that way. You know your real name is Kaya, but you prefer to use your nickname for sure.
You love animals and being outside. Even when we’re indoors, you load your baby and Kitty up in your shopping cart and pretend that you’re taking them for a walk.
I never want to forget the way your hair curls and glows a deep golden hue in the sun, or your big smile and gorgeous hazel eyes. You are so beautiful, inside and out.
I love you, Peeky. You are the light of my world.
Love, Mommy