Keeta is 1 Year Old Now

One rainy season, one winter, and one summer have passed since my beautiful daughter came into our lives, filling the word “family” with even more meaning. Before she was born, I used to think that having a child would be exhausting, that it would bring challenges, require doing this and that, and involve endless responsibilities. But after having her, I immediately realized how much more happiness she brought, how much more motivation I had in everything I did. Life has improved in so many ways.

The Day I Found Out

Let’s go back to June of last year—the day I found out we were expecting. I was overwhelmed with excitement, feeling like I couldn’t wait to meet her, to hold her, to play with her. When my partner sent me the picture of the positive pregnancy test, I was so moved that I almost cried. The joy was indescribable.

Eager to Know the Gender

As soon as we found out we were expecting, everyone naturally wanted to know the baby’s gender, including myself, my partner, and those around us. My partner took great care of herself throughout the pregnancy, doing everything she could for the little one growing inside her. Every time we went for an ultrasound, we were filled with anticipation—would it be a girl or a boy?

Every time people asked us about the baby’s gender, we had no answer because even the doctor couldn’t tell yet. It seemed like our little one wanted to keep us guessing until the moment of birth.

She’s Here! February 12, 2015

The moment I heard her first cry from the delivery room was magical. I immediately knew that from that moment on, my life had changed—I had someone else to inspire me to keep moving forward. When the nurse brought her out of the delivery room and said, “Congratulations, you have a baby girl,” I nearly cried again when I saw her face for the first time.

Naming Our Daughter

Of course, when you have a child, you need to give them a name. I had prepared many names in advance because I didn’t know if it would be a boy or a girl. Each name I chose had a special meaning that I felt would suit our child. Once I knew we had a daughter, the name I liked the most and felt was perfect for her was “Keetabuhrong.”

• Keeta = Song
• Buhrong = Peacock

The name comes from the idea that when a peacock calls for its mate, its voice is melodic, and its beauty when spreading its feathers is unparalleled. So, Keetabuhrong symbolizes beauty and grace, just like the peacock’s song and display.

Life Changed When She Arrived

After our daughter was born, our lives changed completely. I live in Chiang Mai due to various responsibilities, and every time I have to be away from her, I miss her terribly. And when she visits Chiang Mai and then leaves, it’s hard to cope with the sadness of parting.

Now, I understand what it feels like to miss your child.

I’m happy every time she’s by my side, every time I see this little life, my own flesh and blood, growing each day. Whether she’s laughing or crying, I find joy in every moment. As she grows, I eagerly watch her milestones—rolling over, crawling, standing, walking, running.

Family Becomes Complete with Her

Many people believe that a “family” is complete once a couple gets married and lives together. That’s true, but it’s not the whole story. I used to think that way too, but when she came into our lives, I realized that she was the missing piece that made our family truly complete.

We both now have a bond that ties us together. Everything we do, every thought we have, centers around our daughter. Whenever I feel discouraged or exhausted, she is the first person who comes to mind. I constantly remind myself that everything I do isn’t just for me, but for her and our family.

Sometimes, I might not do things as well as I’d like, and I know that some things take time to adjust, but I never stop thinking about our family, about her. I worry about whether she will have everything she needs, whether she will face difficulties as she grows, whether she will be happy. I promise to do everything I can to ensure her happiness.

One Year Later

It’s been a year since she came into our lives, making our family complete. I might not be the best father I could be, but I have to admit that her mother is incredibly strong, doing everything for our daughter and our family to ensure she is comfortable, doesn’t cry, and grows up in the best way possible.

Every milestone she reaches is astonishing—when she first rolled over, we were overjoyed; when she started crawling, walking, and talking, we celebrated every achievement. Sometimes, I was so happy that I had to hide my tears because the emotions were overwhelming and hard to put into words.

My life has changed entirely since she was born. I’ve given up on many things, reduced my involvement in others, and now I only know that I need to stay strong as she grows up so that I can be there to take care of her, watch her grow, and see her succeed in life. I have to be there for that day.

Thank you, my little one, for filling so many gaps in my life, for changing me, and for helping me understand what’s important, what to give up, what to reduce, and what to increase. The past year might not have been perfect, but I will continue to do everything I can to make things better—for our family, for you, and for the future ahead. “I’m so glad to have you in my life.”