The morning sun poured into the house, bouncing off colorful streamers and balloons that Lily and Ethan had carefully hung the night before. The living room was transformed into a cheerful festival of pinks, yellows, and blues, each decoration celebrating the tiny life that had changed theirs so profoundly in just twelve months.
Emma, now an energetic and curious twelve-month-old, sat in her high chair with a small party hat perched askew on her head. Her dark eyes were wide with excitement as she batted at balloons, squealing at every pop of laughter from the gathered friends and family.
“Happy birthday, princess!” Lily whispered, brushing a strand of hair from Emma’s face. Her chest ached with love and nostalgia. One year. Twelve months. Every sleepless night, every milestone, every te
