I believe all things happen for a reason. The past few years weren't really good to me. I believe you know why already. I was constantly praying for a change because I need something to motivate me to actually live.
Then God gave me you.
The most unexpected, most beautiful, most perfect thing He could ever ever bless me. Or anyone for that matter. I could not be any happier.
I always knew that God knows what we need just so perfectly and He knows for certainty that you are just what I want and need. I am eternally grateful for giving you to me. That is why with no hesitation we wanted you baptized as a Catholic.
I do not like it when they justify being Catholics because their parents are one. I want you baptized because I believe in His greatness, and that the simplest way of expressing my gratitude: for my son to be welcomed in His family too.
Neither of us (your papa and I) planned the whole thing. It was your grandparents (papa's side) who took care of everything.
You were baptized in Our Lady of Remedies Parish in Malate on a Sunday, January 20 of 2013.
You had a whole bunch of god parents. I hope they are still doing what they're supposed to do to date. Most of them were mutual friends of your papa and I especially those who were his friends in high school. The god mothers I chose for you are the people closest to me. They are the ones I first told about you and about your papa and I. You always should give them respect and not just ask for gifts because they are the ones who will make sure you are in God's way. If everyone else is failing you, you can ask your Ninang Sid for better guidance as she's the one who I believe is the most devout.
Your place for reception was in a hotel. It's Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros. Remind me to have a buffet there when you're older.
It was in the penthouse of the hotel, overlooking Manila. It was beautiful. And you deserve beauty and the best things.
I adore this picture of you with mommy. You were such a fatty!
Tita Ton is the principal sponsor I chose for you because she is one the best people I know. Long before she even saw you, she sent you a package full of nice clothes and baby stuff! I'm thankful we have someone like her in our life. She even flew home with Tita Bing for this special event.
Love, you received a whole bunch of gifts that day! Mama enjoyed opening every single thing. It made her happy because she didn't expect something as wonderful as this was going to happen to her. Mama also believe that you attract money! Most of your guests gave monetary gift. You were a whole lot richer than your papa and I.
Us with your grandparents from both side. Look at that annoyed face!
Although you were very annoyed, you behaved so well. I am so proud of you.
Us with mama's family.
Us with papa's family.
Look at our faces! It just shows how tired we all are. Papa and I barely had sleep last night to remind everyone to come. The night before your christening, we stayed over in the same hotel. It was our first hotel stay. You loved it because there were too many lights!
Us with mama's closest high school friends. Ninang Stef (most left) gave you too many baby clothes when I was pregnant with you! She's my high school best friend. Actually, they all are. They made high school so much better. Ninang Janine (most right) was there when you were handed over to me at the hospital. She was also one of the first few people who carried you! I hope you are sharing the same great friendship with her twins.
Us with mama's college best friends. They were constantly visiting you at home. I love them to bits and pieces and I sure hope you do too. They are wonderful people.
This picture makes me so happy because I loved both of your faces.
Your papa's high school friends are crazy. This picture explains it all. I'm close to most of them because I always visit your papa at LSGH when he was still in high school! He's my baby before we had you.
Us with papa's father side family.
Us with mama's father side family.
Us with mama's mother side family. Mama's devastated Nanay didn't come! :-(
Us with mama's father side. They traveled all the way from Nueva Ecija for this day.
Us with papa's mother side.
Light, I hope you know how much we all love you. If what we are showing today isn't enough for you, go ahead and take a read at mama's e-letters for you. I am trying to explain what is inexplainable because this is my attempt to put my love for you into words.
At the end of the day, all I want you to believe and hold on to is the unconditional love your papa and I have for you. When you get to have a child of your own (Not anytime soon, I hope) you will understand this love although I'm quite sure that nothing could ever compare the love I have for you. You are the light of my life, the love of my life and everything else. You're the reason why I'm here. Mama will never leave your side. I love you to the ends of the world and back.
Love, Mama
