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He changes her diaper, gives her a bath and prepares a warm bottle of formula, often taking over much of her evening care.
Watching them dote on each other, their 44-year-old mother, Van Anh, smiles warmly: "When they are out together, people often mistake them for father and daughter because they look so much alike."
Anh and her 50-year-old husband Duc Thanh live with their family in Xuan Dinh Ward, northern Hanoi. Before their daughter was born, they already had three sons, born in 2003, 2007 and 2016.
In mid-2025, just as the family was preparing to formally meet Duy’s girlfriend’s parents to discuss the couple’s wedding, Anh learned she was pregnant.
The news stunned everyone. Her youngest son, then nine, misunderstood the positive pregnancy test and ran through the house shouting that his mother had Covid.
The unexpected pregnancy also forced Duy and his girlfriend to postpone their wedding until after Anh had given birth and recovered. The final months of her pregnancy coincided with Lunar New Year.
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| Duy and his girlfriend care for his newborn baby sister. Photo courtesy of the family |
When Duy asked his parents to make the traditional visit to his fiancee’s family, Anh felt uncomfortable appearing with a heavily pregnant belly and decided not to go. Duy instead visited the family by himself and explained that his mother was close to giving birth.
Rather than being upset, the bride’s parents laughed and congratulated the family, saying another child would bring greater happiness and good fortune.
Anh later called her future in-laws and promised that the two families would meet properly once she had completed her postpartum recovery.
In April, baby Minh Anh, affectionately nicknamed "Little Treasure," was born. Because Thanh’s side of the family had seen only sons and grandsons for generations, the baby girl was especially celebrated.
Her paternal grandfather had long promised a generous gift if Anh ever gave birth to a daughter. When the baby came home, he kept his word by giving the family VND100 million (US$4,000).
The pregnancy and delivery, however, were physically difficult for Anh. Giving birth for the fourth time at 44, she developed dengue fever and complications linked to uterine fibroids, requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment.
While she recovered, her three sons took over much of the household work and newborn care. Duy cooked, prepared formula and rocked the baby to sleep. His middle brother cleaned the house, while the youngest helped set the table at mealtimes.
On weekends, Duy’s girlfriend and his brother’s girlfriend also came over to help with laundry and babysitting. The baby’s arrival changed Duy’s dating routine as well. Instead of spending evenings outside, he and his fiancee increasingly stayed home to care for his little sister.
Although he was saving for his wedding, Duy also began using part of his salary to buy diapers, formula and tiny dresses. At dinner, he often held the baby on his lap while eating. The arrangement also allowed his future wife to grow closer to the family before officially joining the household.
The atmosphere at home has changed dramatically since the baby arrived. A house once filled mostly with the practical belongings of a father and three sons is now dotted with pink clothes, ribbons and baby accessories.
After dinner, family members no longer retreat immediately to their own rooms. Instead, they often gather in the parents’ bedroom to play with the baby. The grandparents, who live nearby, also spend much of the day helping care for her.
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| Khanh Duy and his fiancee take his infant sister out for a stroll in late August 2026. Photo courtesy of the family |
While Anh prefers gentle cuddling, the men in the family entertain the baby more energetically, performing improvised stick dances and juggling soccer balls to make her laugh.
In late September, for Thanh’s 50th birthday, Anh dressed their daughter in a pink dress and placed her in his arms.
The baby’s arrival, so close to her father’s milestone birthday, became a celebration for the whole family.
For Duy, the past six months have also been unexpected preparation for married life and fatherhood. "Having cared for my sister since the day she was born, I won't feel out of my depth when I get married and become a father myself," he says.
Although his parents have already bought a separate house for the newlyweds, Duy and his fiancee now plan to continue living with the extended family after their wedding, drawn by the warmth and energy the baby has brought into the home.
Van Anh's family celebrates the arrival of their first baby girl. Video courtesy of the family
