Three years ago, you came into this world, unbidden, unannounced. What I know was that I had already decided to take my leave of absence in preparation for your coming, which was originally scheduled a few days later.

Jeremy's 3D pic

That day, after office, I went to my sonologist to take my scheduled ultrasound. But lo and behold, I was told that the water where you were swimming in, was fast being depleted. How could that happen? So against my wishes, I had to be confined to the hospital so you could be properly monitored. But since I had taken a heparin shot that morning, and my last meal taken at two that afternoon, we had to wait for another eight hours before you could be finally delivered.

Nine forty-five pm came, and I was finally prepared and wheeled to the operating room. My two doctors were already waiting for me. My OB Gyn Dra. Martha Aquino asked me if I was nervous, and I said yes. She said, don’t be.

I had a sudden panic attack when I saw that the part from below my chest and down was blocked from my view. I realized it wasn’t just panic, it was more claustrophobia as I felt the world closing in on me. At the same time, I knew I did not want my blood pressure going up, though Dra. Aquino said it would benefit you more if I had pre-eclampsia because that would somehow help your little lungs become stronger. You see, you were only on your 35th week, and yet, you had to be delivered. Then again, I wanted to be ready for you so I had to prevent the panic attacks by thinking of something else. I had to focus on my hunger pains…yeah, I thought about the fact that I was already too hungry and just wanted to get things over and done with.

But that is not to say I did not want to go through the birth process. In fact, I had waited for it so much, this being a new experience. I gave birth to Ate Kara normally, you see. I was just scared, that’s all. After all, we waited for you for a long time and all we wanted was to finally see you.

At 10:54 pm, we all heard your muffled cries. You did not cry loudly, unlike your little sister Cassie. In fact, your birth video often shows you sleeping instead of crying heartily so the doctor who caught you and who was cleaning you up would, from time to time, tap you gently. You did not like being disturbed from your peaceful sleep so you would cry every time she does.

Jeremy at 2 months

Days quickly went by and now you just marked your third year. Last night, before I slept, I prayed a prayer of thanks to the Giver of Life. I thanked Him for the three wonderful years of having you, being blessed by your kisses and hugs and smiles as you wake up in the morning, and see daddy and me at the front door as we come home at night, or being asked to blow and kiss whatever is painful because you believe that Mama’s kisses could easily take away the pain, or being asked to play with your cars, or sing and dance with you as you watch your favorite Hi-5 shows. I thanked the Lord for the pure joy you have brought all of us at home and prayed that God, with His infinite mercy, would keep you, Ate Kara and Cassie safe and healthy at all times. And I prayed that He would give Daddy and me long years so we could take care of you and witness all three of you growing up and building your own lives.

But for now, you remain ours, our little boy, our baby. Three years have already gone fast, but I look ahead with excitement as years unfold in your young life.

Happy birthday, anak. Mama loves you so much.

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