We loved the name Kaya.  We wanted a somewhat unique name.  When we were thinking of names, Kellie said, "Kaya" and I think we both fell in love with this name immediately.

Supposedly, Kaya is a Native American (Hopi Indian) name meaning elder little sister.  I am not sure if this is accurate or not, I have read conflicting articles on this.

In Buddhism, the Trikaya doctrine says that a Buddha has three kayas or bodies: the nirmanakaya or created body which manifests in time and space; the sambhogakaya or body of mutual enjoyment which is an archetypal manifestation; and the Dharmakaya or reality body which embodies the very principle of enlightenment and knows no limits or boundaries.

We also love the Bob Marley song, Kaya- which speaks of enlightenment.  Kaya represents enlightenment in many of the Rastafari doctrines.  This concept most likely taken from the Buddhists.  The messages expounded by the Rastafari promote love and respect for all living things and emphasize the paramount importance of human dignity and self-respect.  Above all else, they speak of freedom from spiritual, psychological, as well as physical slavery and oppression.

  Why Rain?

It rained almost every week that Kellie was pregnant.  Sometimes 6 or 7 days a week.  Our lakes were flooded and closed most of the summer.  The weather was more tropical than what we had ever experienced in Texas.  It was during a thunderstorm that Kellie first felt Kaya kick.

Kaya was born on a beautiful sunny day.  It was still sunny and beautiful when we left the hospital and returned home.  When we got home and settled in, Kaya was in her bassinet by the bedroom windows- the sun shining on her face.   I looked out the window and it was pouring down rain, but we couldn't see a cloud in the sky!