Hurray! My angel is a year old today.

Last night, my sleep was limited. It's amusing how I find myself unusually excited about someone else's birthday. While a year may appear ordinary, it encapsulates 365 days filled with care, nurture, protection, love, and support.

I can still vividly remember the fear I had of undergoing another test at the onset of the pregnancy symptom because I had just recently lost one. As the symptoms persisted, my husband, concerned, took me to the hospital. The initial tests suggested malaria, a common diagnosis in Nigeria. However, during my admission, among the battery of tests conducted, the pregnancy test turned out positive.

It wasn't a surprise; rather, it was a truth I struggled to embrace. For me, avoiding confirmation seemed preferable to facing it. The anxiety initiated a continuous journey to the laboratory for scans, driven by the need to ensure her well-being and prevent any potential loss. The numerous scans conducted throughout the pregnancy felt like a quest deserving of a Guinness World Record.

The morning sickness hit hard, creating turmoil as my stomach rejected everything. Even my favorite foods became unbearable, and the odors were overwhelming. I developed aversions to my cherished cream, soap, and the mere sight of meat. Surprisingly, only fish seemed appealing, but what ensued was unexpected: relentless vomiting until my 18th week of pregnancy.

And then the transformation began, rendering my clothes ill-fitting and my skin undergoing a noticeable change in color. My nose seemed to expand disproportionately. Sleep became a challenge, and the overwhelming wish was to rid my body of the foreign presence, aspiring to regain my former self.

On February 21, 2023, the anticipation came to an end. With the early morning sun casting its glow on the city, the cry of a baby echoed, and she was a girl—exactly what my heart had yearned for. We named her Zanita, signifying God's precious and loving gift to us. Her grandfather bestowed upon her the name Ewomaoghene, meaning God's goodness. Without a doubt, she embodied God's goodness in human form.

The sleepless nights and hectic days marked the beginning, but amidst it all, I fell gravely ill. Over the course of two months, I found myself in a constant loop of hospital visits, multiple admissions, and treatments for various ailments, with no noticeable improvement. The specter of death casts a shadow, rendering me in a state of fragility.

Sleep eluded me, and weakness consumed me. The simple act of sitting up to breastfeed my baby became a struggle. Concerned, my parents wondered what could be wrong as I lost interest in everything, even caring for my newborn. Unfairly, I blamed her for my ordeal. Fortunately, my mother stepped in, shouldering the responsibilities of caring for my baby while fervently praying for my recovery. It was only later that I was diagnosed with postpartum depression.

Despite receiving treatment and counseling, a complete recovery eluded me, with recurrent admissions due to stubbornly high blood pressure. However, as I reflect on the journey shared with my daughter and the bond forged in the face of adversity, I am profoundly grateful for God's enduring faithfulness that has seen us through these challenging times.

Zanita, a beautiful gift, has truly filled our home with joy. Her infectious smile, bubbly nature, and love for play make her a delightful companion and a comforting presence. It's astonishing that she's already one year old, and I eagerly anticipate many more beautiful years of shared experiences with her.

On this remarkable day, my love, I wish you the very best that life has to offer. Though I may lack silver and gold, with God by my side, I pledge to be the best mom on earth. I'll strive to make you proud to have me as your mother. You are my source of pride and forever the reason for my smile. My love for you exceeds words, and on your special day, I simply want to say a very happy birthday to you, my darling.

My precious daughter, as you turn one today, i pray that lines will fall in great places for you. You shall be a blessing to us and your generation. Your name shall be echoed at the farthest part of the world. You shall stand and not tumble. When there is a casting down, for you it shall be a lifting up. May your days be long and filled with God's grace and wisdom.

We went for a photoshoot and surprisingly she was very cooperative. I was awed when I saw the pictures. My WhatsApp status is filled with them. What do you think about the pictures? I also made a little video detailing the journey so far. It's been simply awe-amazing.