Dear Frances Avery,

Baby, it's really true when they told me to spend as much time as I can with you, because time flies really fast.  I can still remember the day my doctor said you needed to come out earlier than expected, because Mommy lost all her water and that you may not be breathing anymore if you'd stay a few more hours longer inside me.  And now, you are 4!

It's been 4 years since I fought the anaesthesia to make sure you were ok.  It's been 4 years since I received the greatest gift I've ever had in my life, YOU.

Happy Birthday my little princess!

One day, when you're older, I will remind you that your 4th birthday party was actually a surprise!  Your Mita called me on a Wednesday afternoon (your birthday was a Friday) asking if we had any plans.  We were supposed to have a sinigang and crabsticks party at home like you wanted, but lo and behold, Mita had already reserved for a McDonalds party for you! Mommy only had 2 days to invite all our family and friends and we are very lucky to have the sweetest people in our life because almost all of them showed up despite the short notice.

I want you to take a look at these photos and remember how many people loves you.  No matter how hard the challenges are that you go through while growing up, always remember that you have a family that loves you and will always be with you every step of the way.

Stay as sweet and as intelligent as you are. Mommy loves you with all her life, always remember that.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Avery,

It's been awhile since I had the time to write to you.  It's probably because we've been spending more time together and you've progressed a lot.  AND also, work has not been smooth sailing the past few weeks.  I'm really sorry.


I remember writing to you so we can track your speech progress and other new things you learned to do, but it's been months since you stopped your OT classes.  You've started going to playschool too!


It's still a struggle to wake you up in the morning, but you are enjoying school so much! You are not like the other kids who starts to throw tantrums at the school door because they don't want parents leaving them.  You, you push me away and say "Bye!" the minute your teachers says "Goodmorning, Avery!" And as soon as I pick you up from school, you always, ALWAYS tell me that you had so much or too much fun!

That's what I've always wanted for you and will always want for you anak, to be happy.  To be happy in everything that you do and to be happy with all the people in your life.


I may not be able to provide you with a conventional family, but do know that Mommy will always work her hardest to make you happy. Remember that. 

One day (and hoping that is in the really really distant future) you will find out how hard it is to be happy or even maintain a decent smile on your face.  I want you to go back to this.  Go back to the simplest things that make you happy.

When life gives you a hard time and it seems like it's going nowhere ---- Stop, breathe and remember that I love you. And as I always say, Laban lang!

I love you, my princess.

~

And just like that. It ended. And this song pretty much sums up everything else. 

Congratulations!

Hi Baby,

I miss you. I really do. I know we haven't been together much lately because Mommy is super busy with work, but I'd like you to know that I miss you every minute of everyday!  I only get to be with you less than half a day for the past week and just 3 days the week before.

I'm just happy that I still see that wide fang face smile every time you see me.  In a few years time, you'll probably feel bad that I don't spend as much time with you, but let me reassure you that when that time comes, Mommy will make sure that she has much time with you than work.  It's just that right now, Mommy needs to do a little more work and hustling so that we're ready when it's school time and when you grow up.  Mommy needs to do a little more work so she can provide you with the best things she can. Remember that all that time I don't spend with you, I do it for you.

You've been doing good with therapy too! Your teacher says you talk to him now.  Words aren't that clear but you try to talk to him more and even attempt to tell stories.  You've improved A LOT in the past 5 months and it's actually Mommy who needs to do a little bit of homework.  Your teacher thinks that I may not be consistent with our daily routine and that's all my fault.  I promise I'll do better, OK?

Mommy's still at work now, but just finishing up a few things. I cannot wait to see you when I get home! I love you, Avery! <

Dear Frances Avery,

It's been 3 months since we started with your Occupational Therapy sessions.  Your teacher says that you've been improving and that you've been following instructions well during your sessions.  Though, your teacher noticed that you get a little impatient with some activities and gets distracted easily.  Wonder who you got that from? Hmmm.

You haven't spoken to your teacher yet, just always showing gestures and pointing.  However, I did tell your teacher that you're actually very noisy at home.  Sometimes with clear words like "dede" "Tiyo D" "Nanan" "Mama" "Coco" "Ouch", most times just mumbling gibberish and shouting.  He says that's a good thing. So, we will continue whatever it is that we're doing at home, okay? More bedtime stories and more singing!

It's also been 3 months since we moved out.  We stayed at your Mamita's place for almost 2 months and now we're just settling in at the new house with your Tiyo D, Nanan and Tito Kekel.  You wake up at 7 to 8 AM in the morning everyday, you give me a kiss and go straight to your Nanan's Room.

Out of all the kids that live in our place, you are most often than not, the noisiest.  You shout at the top of your lungs when you play with Sari and you always try to get Punky's attention.

We also got your damaged front teeth pulled out and had flouride varnish! You were so brave at the dentist, my darling princess.  The dental aide at the clinic said that a 6-year-old cried more than you did!  Well, you did always have a high pain tolerance, which always scares me because when you cry of pain, I know that it's actually VERY painful.