Neo is TWO

Dear Anak,

It was the feast day of St. Joseph in 2007 when we learned that you are coming to be a part of us. At first I thought something was wrong because a lot of blood gushed out from me. I, together with Pap went to the doctor for check-up. It was a happy surprise to us when the doctora confirmed that I am pregnant! The ultrasound revealed that there were two of you inside me! But Papa Jesus opted for your sister to stay with Him and be your guardian angel instead.

I was instructed by the doctor to have a two week bed rest because she ruled me out with threatened abortion, meaning I am in a complicated condition. I was hospitalized for 3 days and the two weeks extended to a total of two months. The days of bed rest was filled with thoughts of having you soon and how we will spend our lives as a family. I read for you, I talked to you and we listened to classical music. More importantly, I drank milk for you! Hahhaha! I was finally given clearance to go back to work and the rest of the following months went out smoothly. Carrying you in my tummy was a fulfilling experience for me and Pap. Your father took good care of us bringing me to office every morning and fetching me at night. His foot rubs for me eased out the pressure of your weight as you grew heavier and heavier every day. Giving a name for you wasn’t a hard task either. Your Pap was consistent with naming you "Michael" because he said that many Michaels are great (Jordan (sports), Jackson (music), Schumacher (racing), etc). I followed your second name from your lolo and you are finally named MICHAEL SIMEON.

Your Pap would always pester me and my tummy asking to you to “get out”. As the days of my term came near, he would always ask, “Is it time?" “Is he coming out?” whenever I call for him. Your birth date came in November 08, a Thursday, two years ago today. I haven't filed my maternity leave yet so I was in my office when my water bag broke at around 3:00 PM that day. I immediately called my doctor to ask for instructions. I called for your Pap next and he came rushing, parking our car in the Tektite driveway and announced to the security guards that his wife on the 31st floor is about to give birth. He barged in our office with a wheel chair! I was carted out on wheelchairs and was feeling funny because I wasn’t actually feeling anything strange yet. Per my doctor’s instruction, I can still go home and take a quick bath, which I did. I remember, when we were on our way to Medical City, Pap and I we were laughing and happy. I cannot recall that I was nervous or afraid. We were excited because we are going to see you soon.

I was admitted inside the maternity room and your Pap stayed with me for a while. I was subjected to an emergency C-section because you already pooh-pooed in my belly. Yes, I experienced the pain of labour. After a while, I was prepared for the delivery room. I was awake the whole time they were cutting me and after only a few minutes, I heard you cry. When they laid you beside me, all I can remember saying to myself was how maputi you are. I even heard the anesthesiologist gasp. “Ang puti!”. Maybe he cannot relate because the mother is the opposite, hehhehe. They took you away and placed me in the recovery room. My time there was like forever, the clock was so “slow”. The next time I saw you were from the camera shots taken from the nursery and I immediately saw whose looks you have taken. Finally, I came to visit you in the nursery. When I held you close to me, I felt the fulfillment of my life.

Today, you turn TWO. Mommy and Pap will give you a happy, happy birthday! We have a long, long way to go and a lot of birthdays to celebrate. And as we recalled the very day you were born, we say our wishes that you grow up to be a a smart and confident individual, God fearing and obedient to your elders. Our prayers would always be for your safety and health.

Sweet dreams little man, we’ll be right here when you wake up.