Anika’s First Birthday Celebration

Anika turned one today, and the whole house felt brighter than usual. We had planned a small celebration, but the balloons, lights, and colors made it look much bigger. The backdrop had her name glowing in warm light, and the big number one stood right beside her. She walked into the room, looked at everything, and smiled like she already knew the day was for her.

Her pink birthday dress made her look even smaller and sweeter. She kept laughing while looking up at the lights, as if they were doing some secret magic trick just for her. I stood there watching her enjoy the colors, and for a moment, everything else faded. One full year. It still feels unreal.

We clicked a lot of photos. Some with just the three of us, some with friends, and some with all the kids who ran around the house like they owned the place. Anika looked a little confused when everyone gathered for the cake, but she stayed calm in Lovely’s arms. The cake looked nice, full of colors and small "Cocomelon" design that kids love.

Seeing our friends around her felt good. Everyone had their own small moment with her, either a smile, a touch on her cheek, or just a small comment about how fast she had grown. And it is true. This one year went fast. Too fast. From her tiny newborn days to her first steps, everything passed in a way that feels impossible to catch unless you pause.

Today was not about a big celebration. It was about seeing her happy, seeing Lovely smile, and feeling grateful that we made it through this year with so many small memories. The photos show balloons and lights, but for me, the best part was her laughter. The way she looked up, opened her mouth wide, and laughed without any reason. That is the moment I want to remember.

Her first birthday felt soft, colorful, and full of small emotions that stayed even after the guests left. A simple day, but a big milestone for all three of us.