It feels like just yesterday we welcomed her into the world – our little bundle of joy. I remember it all so vividly: Jia-Wei and I timing my contractions, waiting as long as we could before heading to the birthing center, only to find out I was just 4 cm dilated – though things escalated quickly. The pressure of her tiny head pressing against my pelvis, the struggle to hold her in until my doctor arrived, the deep breaths that carried me through each contraction as I tuned out the world and listened to my body. And then, that final push! The moment I heard Ili’s first cries and held her close for the very first time. I can’t believe it’s already been a whole year!

We celebrated her birthday at home with my in-laws, enjoying a cozy meal of home-cooked food. The highlight? Iliana’s very first cake – a vegan Belgian chocolate cake! We went vegan because she’s allergic to cow’s milk and eggs and has some food sensitivities. I was a little nervous about letting her try it, but thankfully she had no reaction. A sweet and safe first birthday treat!