Dwyane Wade & Gabrielle Union’s Daughter Kaavia Graduates Kindergarten
Kaavia Wade is marking a major milestone.
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union shared the exciting news that their 6-year-old daughter has graduated from kindergarten.
“From brave beginnings to big milestones, Kaav, you’ve learned, grown, and blazed your way through kindergarten,” Gabrielle—who tied the knot with the Miami Heat star in 2014—captioned a joint Instagram post June 14, alongside photos of their little girl sporting a blue cap and gown. “Next up: 1st grade—and a whole new world of discoveries!”
“The journey is just beginning,” she continued, “and we’re seated right beside for the ride.”
For her part, Gabrielle—who is also stepmom to Dwyane’s kids Zaire, 23, Zaya, 18, and Xavier, 11, in addition to his nephew Dahveon, 21—has recently reflected on her decision to welcome Kaavia via surrogate back in 2018.
“Every single person’s surrogacy journey is different,” the Bring It On actress told Marie Claire last month. “It's like any time there's any kind of variance in the experience, it's, ‘See, I told you. You shouldn't explore this option to expand your family.’ But for me, it felt like failure. My body failed. It just felt like such a f--king public humiliation.”
“Surrogacy felt like a cuckold,” she continued. “Watching somebody do something I can't do. To be there for somebody else succeeding where I failed—it is a mind f--k for people who have had my journey and who feel similarly.”
And while Gabrielle has confidently blocked out the criticism she’s faced for having a surrogate, she still has a difficult time accepting her decision.
“I’ll never have peace with it, ever,” she admitted. “And that's not a ‘What-anybody-has-to-say’ thing. That's just—my yearning has never dissipated. I was so ready for my surprise, but all the prayers that didn't get answered in the way that I thought made me more conscientious that my child is here.”
But even while grappling with her own inner thoughts, the 52-year-old continues to give those who supported her during that period their flowers—including her caregiver.
“I'm very grateful to our gestational caregiver,” she noted. “It’s just one of those things where it’s such a personal journey that I may never know full peace with the coulda, woulda, shouldas.”
Ahead of Kaavia’s journey into first grade, keep reading to see some of her cutest moments.
Queen Latifah gave Kaavia some one-on-one pool lessons.
The father-daughter duo have a little fun during their photoshoot for Kaavia James Union-Wade x Janie and Jack's collaboration.
Gabriel Union presents her daughter with a special gift ahead of the late rapper's 50th birthday.
"Sunday Sweetness. For the most part. #ShadyBaby @dwyanewade," read a video post shared on the child's Instagram page on June 6, 2021.
"1st day of soccer practice and I CANNOT take it!!!" Gabrielle Union wrote on Instagram about her daughter in May 2021. "She didn't wanna put on her cleats but I'm hopeful that will change when she sees her friends. Trust and believe there will be updates."
"Best Mother's Day yet," Gabrielle Union wrote on Instagram in May 2021. "Somehow my relaxing bubble bath party for 1 got crashed by Baby Shark (aka @kaaviajames #ShadyBaby)."
The tot joins mom Gabrielle Union and brother Zaire Wade at her dad's NBA jersey retirement ceremony in Miami in February 2020.
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade appear with their daughter at a New York& Company store in Burbank, Calif. in May 2019. The actress launched a branded collection.
The child joins parents Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union, brothers Zaire Wade and Xavier Wade, sister Zaya Wade and cousin Dahveon Morris after dad's final career home game in Miami in April 2019.
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade appear with their daughter at the 2019 Kids' Choice Sports Awards.
"Soooo that's a "no" from us, dawg," her parents caption her hilarious Instagram.
Gabrielle has a fan in her baby daughter, who is clearly glowing with delight.
Sugar, spice and everything nice is the recipe for creating Kaavia the baby unicorn.
Judging by her look, Kaavia doesn't seem to be a fan of dips in the pool.
Kaavia has clearly mastered the "shady" glance, hence her nickname "Shady Baby."
The little one is totally "unbothered" while perched atop her throne in the Union-Wade household.
Kaavia gives the camera a rare smile while in the arms of her papa.
In the words of the baby, through her parents, who double as translators: "I live for a stunt as you can see."
"Unbothered. Well one of us," Gabrielle jokes of her selfie.
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