Dearest Jiya Bajaj,

I remember the day your mama and papa shared the news with us that you’d be coming into this world. Your mama announced it as she was taking a picture of the family. Instead of saying, “Smile!,” she said, “We’re having a baby!”

In that very moment, I forgot about everything else. We all ran toward your mama, shrieking and squealing, squeezing her so tightly with tears in our eyes. (Ask your mama to show you the video she captured. It’s quite entertaining).

And now, here you are, 5 days old and it still feels so surreal.

As your Bua, I feel as though I should offer you some of my wisdom.

1) Your Veer Bhaiya loves you. The most. He always wants to hold you, touch you, love you. He has been so excited for your arrival and I know he is going to be your protector for life. Love him back with every piece of you.

2) You lucked out. You got two of the greatest parents I know. They will be silly and play with you. They’ll sing songs and dance and do crafts with you. And they’ll snuggle you and cuddle you and love you – no matter what. Love them and thank them. Some kids aren’t as fortunate to have parents like yours.

3) Your family likes to take a lot of pictures. A LOT of pictures. So just brace yourself for the next 25 years of your life. Or, you know, until technology advancements lead to selfie sticks attached to our bodies and nobody needs to take pictures anymore.

4) We’ve got a big family. Sometimes they can be overly involved in all the decisions and all the things. Don’t get mad. Just step back from it all. And remind yourself how lucky you are to have people who love you that much.

We are so lucky to have you in our lives.

Today, I am thankful for you.

Let the spoiling begin.

Love,
Divya Bua