Yesterday was a significant day as we celebrated my son's first birthday. We gathered in the nursery and I brought along 12 photos, including the last ultrasound and the last photo before he turned one. As we looked through the pictures, I couldn't help but become overwhelmed with emotions. It was a mix of happiness and pride to see him growing into an active, healthy, and joyful little boy. However, the past year hasn't been easy for us as parents. We faced challenges such as my son's critical weight, my struggles with breastfeeding and lack of sleep, his reflux, and the distance from our families as first-time parents. Despite all this, I decided to be thankful on my own birthday for everyone who supported me and my son during those difficult moments.

One person I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude to was my son's pediatrician. She has been an exceptional doctor, being there for us day and night, answering all my questions and concerns, and calming my fears. I found out that she had recently given birth herself, so I decided to give her a mandala book as a stress relief gift for mothers. I believe that when a baby is born, all the attention tends to go to them, while mothers often need support the most. When she received my message and gift, she responded with tears. She was going through a similar experience with her own son. It was unexpected to receive such a heartfelt reply from a doctor known for her expertise and support to all mothers. She mentioned that my worries and struggles suddenly made sense to her, and she acknowledged me as a strong mother. I felt honored by her words, and this experience has become my ultimate example of how women can empower and support each other.