Ode to Kiki

I know I haven't been posting lately. Work has been complete insanity (in a good way of course) and there are a couple outside-of-work projects which I have been passionately slaving away on as well.

However, today I will take some time out to say a few words.

Oh Kiki. So many memories. So many fights. So much laughter. You and Kitty holding hands as you played soccer as toddlers. Kitty punching you in the nose to show you that the baby of the family could be tough too. Dressing up in clothespins and using the things that held the clothes lines together as ties. Your irrational fear of cows (definitely not good for a little farm girl)! Jump rope with Andrew in the middle. Sneaking out your window in the summer, laying on the grass and chatting about anything and everything. "Lea, are you awake? I wanna talk about boys!" Late night walks down back country roads. Coffee dates. One Tree Hill marathons. Building forts at the barn. Going to the bar to celebrate your belated 19th birthday and getting you water -- you needed it. Being so far away now and being closer than ever before.

You are the older baby sister. I've always felt the need to protect you and worry about you, and yet, you're all grown up. You are beautiful and smarter than you'll ever give yourself credit for. You have a good heart. Don't forget who you are and where you come from.

I will always love you, my little dark-haired baby. Je t'aime.

Happy birthday Kiki.