Five Months of Anika, The One With the 5 Stars

This month’s celebration came with a serious sugar twist. It wasn't for Anika, of course. We all got a little too excited. We arranged 5 Star chocolates into the shape of a number five.

Lovely planned it all. She knew exactly what she wanted. From the color of the bedsheet to the outfit, to the placement of each chocolate. What surprised me most was her restraint. She didn’t touch (or let me touch) a single one of those bars until the photos were done. That takes real discipline. I can’t say the same for myself after the shoot ended.

Anika wore a soft off-white romper with a golden belt. The outfit made her look like a little queen. She just happened to be chilling next to a pile of chocolate. She gave that side glance to the camera, almost like she knew she was being watched. This girl is already camera aware, and I have no idea who she gets that from.

At five months, she has turned into this curious little explorer. She rolls over smoothly. She stares at faces with full attention. Sometimes, she gives us fake cries just to see if we react. She knows what she wants. And if she doesn’t get it, well, we hear about it.

This photo looks like a simple setup. When you really see it, it tells you a lot about the love that went into making it. No props, no filters, no big show. Just effort, attention, and a whole lot of heart from her mom.

These monthly shoots are not about being perfect. They are just a way to pause, click, and store the feeling of “this was Anika at five months.” It matters. Because soon, these moments will become memories. And I don’t want them to fade into one blurry childhood.

One day she will ask us why we went with 5 Star chocolates instead of something prettier. I’ll tell her the truth. It was fun, it was easy, and it was us. That’s all that mattered.

Let’s see what six months brings. Whatever it is, we’re ready. And so is she.