We have a one-year-old!! I feel like I blinked, and then Zaylee entered the "1" status. She turned one on Friday, but we celebrated yesterday (30th) with families and friends. It was even more special (to me) because my parents and WH (my brother) were finally able to be part of it; it was their very first time physically being here for their grandchild's birthday. My mother-in-law was able to watch some virtually as well.
For Zaylee's birthday theme, we wanted to honor the Chinese tradition of red and gold for good health and prosperity. On her birth date, we celebrated with a more Korean style - she wore the same hanbok that Zoe wore around her 1st birthday - it is my goal eventually to get some photos of her in hanbok and cheongsam like we did with Zoe. Needless to say, she was not bothered by hanbok at all - nothing stopped her from pulling out all the shoes in the mudroom. She also discovered that she can draw things on the wall, so the life of a one-year-old is starting great.
Party details
Her red velvet cake and cupcakes were, once again, made by Andrea from Sugar and Spice. She has been my go-to baker ever since we moved to Arlington in 2021. Food was half catered and homemade - my mom made bulgogi and japchae (and both were a big hit), and the rest was catered from Sunny Thai. The flowers are from Costco, but I made the arrangements.
We did Doljabi, a fun Korean tradition at a baby's one-year birthday, where the baby picks an item as a fun fortune-predicting activity - Zaylee picked a reflex/percussion hammer and hard drive, which we conveniently assessed as AI medicine or biomedical engineer...can you guess who hand-picked all these items?? (hint: her daddy).
We were hoping for her to do a cake smash, but she continued the Beh girls' tradition of barely touching or very cautiously touching/licking the frosting. Nevertheless, once she got the taste of the cake, boy was she mesmerized by that taste of sugar.
I can't help but look back on her 100th-day celebration and just notice how much she has grown. In a true second-child syndrome, Zaylee wants to do everything that Zoe does and she picks on new skills much earlier and faster. And of course, I am so immensely proud of Zoe for trying to be the best big sister and just unconditionally loving her younger sister. Watching them bond has truly been the best gift I got as a mom.
Currently, she is a champion eater and has transitioned to full cow milk (bye-bye, formula!), still loves sleep, obsessed with anything she can climb (stairs, stepstools), walks effortlessly when someone holds her hands, waves hi at people, dances to music, smiles all the time, wants to pet Stark (pomeranian) and adores eveyrthing her sister does. She is our quiet explorer - never makes a big sound when she is determined to be somehwhere or do something. "Where is Zaylee?" has become one of frequent phrases in our house.
I am going to miss baby Zaylee stage so, so much. This first year with her was magical, and I can't wait to see how she continues to grow. But again, I know I am going to miss this pre-toddler/baby stage immensely. Is it because I have learned the second time around just how precious and fleeting this time is? I dont' know, but I spend tonight with a taste of bittersweetness.
We love you, ZayZay. Happy, happy birthday, our sweet baby.
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