My baby turns ONE.

And it all came to this day…

When you are a year older and perhaps it is timely to say that I became wiser that I became your Mama.

I’ve been tossing and turning underneath my sheets as I try to remember all that it came to be. All that it was back when you were just a two-double lined strip test. I can probably write a book from how you came to be in this life but I shall do that in another lifetime.

Sometimes, I find myself staring at you, most especially at your sleep and I find myself giggling and giggling some more in between sobs. Oh Julia! You are finally a year old. How amazing is that?! I can’t believe that you are a big little girl already. I can’t believe that you are ONE.

When I found out that I was pregnant with you, I prayed to God everyday. I thanked Him for you. And I prayed to Him for you to become normal, healthy, happy, God-fearing and a beautiful baby girl. I always thank God now that you are here. I thank Him for the gift of life He bestowed you with. I thank God for you always. He blessed me with the most beautiful baby and that’s you… Daddy and I are the luckiest parents ever.

You have bloomed to be a beauty now that you are one.

I smile proudly when one comes asking how many teeth does she have now?  I proudly say, eight. When one asks what kind of food you eat, I straightforwardly tell them, anything. Because you absolutely eat anything, and for that I am one lucky Mama.

Have I told you that you are getting prettier each day?

Have I told you that you have the most beautiful eyes we’ve ever seen? Eyes that lit up each time you smile; eyes that are wandering and full of charm.

Have I told you that you are the smartest one year old I know?

Have I told you that you are a charming and bubbly baby?

Have I told you that you surely have mastered the art of dancing? Oh Julia! You have the funniest and happiest dance moves there is. I never imagined you could dance like that. At any given sound, you inevitably sway your hips like a belly dancer.

Have I told you that you can sit up straight already? And when you are tired, you hang by loosely with the biggest grin there is.

Have I told you that you look like Daddy all the more? You are his mini-me.

Have I told you that so many people love you? Some of which I do not even know of.

Have I told you that at night, you gently roll over (just an inch away) by my side to sleep?

Have I told you that you survived the strongest typhoon in the world? In that case, you are one mighty and brave little girl.

The whole year seemed like the longest trip to me. It will be one of the most remembered years of Mama’s life because there was you. You, who brought all the sunshine to our dull and gloomy days. You, who made us smile despite all the tragedy we had to get by. You, with the sweetest smile, would melt so many hearts at once. And you, yes you, the love of our lives…

In a dream I had once, I realized that maybe, just for a second, when the stars were aligned, that we were destined to be together. That you would become my daughter and that I, would become your Mama. You are home to me. You are home to Daddy and I. You may not know it yet, but in time you will come to know how you’ve brighten up our lives.

I love you all the time,

Mama

To my lovely girl on your 10th month.

 Dearest Julia,

Days have passed since our quick and easy trip to Cebu. Mama is very happy because your brace has been partially removed. You’ll only get to wear them 8 hours a day and luckily for us, we don’t have to wear it during bedtime. I am so proud of you for enduring all these months of recuperation. You are one tough girl!

As you turn 10 months old, let me tell you how marvelous you are!

• -       You now have a total of 6 teeth. 4 on the upper side and 2 on the lower side.
• -       You babble words like there’s no end to babbling and I totally love how you babble Ma..ma..ma..
• -       Technically, your first word is “Papa” and your Daddy couldn’t be happier.
• -       You get so mischievous and naughty when you have something you really really want. And when the person next to you utters, “give me” you squeal to the sound of it leaving the room full of laughter and cheers.
• -       You are now wearing SMALL sized diapers. It used to be newborn size for a quite a long time. It only shows that you are now a big girl! Bravo!
• -       You have mastered CLAP YOUR HANDS so well. It makes me overjoyed how smart you are at some tricks.
• -       You can now wave “goodbye”, a trick you learned just before you went off to dream land.  You are an amazing baby!
• -       You certainly know everyone already. You know when someone is a stranger or not. 
• -       You have the most wandering eyes. Eyes that sparkle each time you smile, Eyes that are full of fury when you get mad. Eyes that is bursting with knowledge. And eyes that make me melt all the time.
• -       You have mastered the art of eating. You know what you want. You have tried almost everything already and for that I am proud of us both. Mighty proud.
• -       Your PAVLIK Harness has been partially removed my dear. You are now wearing it 8 hours a day only leaving the bedtime free off your brace. And because of this, you can now roll over your tummy and back. You seem to love it so much – you smile with delight. And not just that, you can now lift your head way up with the palm on your hands touching the mattress. I love it how you do such thing – it makes me feel oh-so-proud of you, Julia.
• -       You love to watch your ABC’s DVD. You don’t want anyone to bother you when it is being played. You are so attentive and so much more. I know one day, you’ll be the smartest kid in school.
• -       You love it when we read a book or two for you. You listen and then mumble words as if you are reading with us too. The mere thought of it keeps me giggling. It simply is the cutest thing ever.
• -       And lastly, probably the most important milestone this month is that you are now officially weaned out from Mama’s milk. I am so proud of you my dear! As I write this, its close to 5 weeks that you are breast-milk free.

  

Oh Julia! I can go on with all the wonderful things this month has to offer with all your delightful ways…

But I must not forget that somewhere along our journey, there are lots of people, some I know, more often than not, strangers, who leaves us inspiring messages. These people have encouraged me to keep on writing to you month after month. They make Mama strong too. I may not know them personally, but I know that they care about us, about our journey.

So, now, I’m sharing some of their lovely thoughts, may it inspire you too one day…

shalinirelwani

@mariaritablanca she will excel in more ways than one and no one can achieve what she can achieve. :) to a mother our child is the most precious thing in this world and nothing or no one can change that feeling :) God bless Julia she is gonna be an amazing woman

juliefdcruz

I got teary-eyed when I read your blog, Ric. Our child will always be the most precious gift we could ever have. By that alone, we are so blessed! :) Julia will be an amazing woman as she is already now and that is because she has so much love around her. I'm hoping to meet you one day and your beautiful bundle of joy. You are such a wonderful person. Full of positivity! Just shun all the negatives, they won't do any good. God bless you and your beautiful family! 👪💕🙏🌈😘

carentorres_rama

Very nice @mariaritablanca . I got teary eyed while reading your blog. It would be nice if you could print & frame it together w/ this picture so Julia can read it over & over again when she grows up. 😊

lucytgomez

@mariaritablanca So beautiful Ric! Brought tears to my eyes. God could not have picked a more perfect mother for Baby Julia. She is a beautiful blessing to the entire family, in every way that truly matters.

love_dressup

Be blessed always baby julia ;) u will always be in my prayers! Ur smile/laugh is contagious 👼

marilu_g1212

The cast is serving as an anchor for her to be able to lift her head, strengthening the neck muscles in the process. Romans 8:28 says 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.' Julia is God's beloved child, the apple of His eye and He has a special, unique purpose for her. :) @mariaritablanca

lizamagdamit

God bless you julia ;) continue to be cheerful, spreading smiles and giggles. 🌸🌸🌸

apo_ni_julit

hello..thanks for accepting my request;).. @mariaritablanca..I spent the morning reading your blog..and I love everything.. especially the one's about baby Julia..you're an A.W.E.S.O.M.E mom!!..handsdown to you for being so amazing and positive despite what ur going through..you are a super mom..I really admire you!...Julia is so lucky to have you..and vice versa...with all the goodness of your heart, God bless you more!!♥♥♥..

msros

So they say that babies speak their heart and express their emotions through their eyes... Well this little angel's eyes sure is overflowing.......

oshinvega

You are both lucky to have each other. @mariaritablanca 👩👶 You may not know it #julia but you inspire alot of us with your bravery. I'll always pray for you sweetie.. 🙏

irvie20

I am a fan to both of you..The battle that you have been through with your baby and the happy face that Julia is showing all the time is just so inspiring..Dealing with a baby alone is not easy the more if their is something else that you dealt with..I don't know you personally but I felt your joy,continentment and and battle..Maybe because being a mother as well we tackle different journeys in life..And you are absolutely right everything is not easy but because you have each other everything will turn out fine..May God continue to Bless your Adorable baby Julia and your family always...@mariaritablanca

Julia's first solid food.

Oh hello world!

Ever since my little girl was born, my blog has been like an extension of her life already with some of her very firsts and of course her photographs too. Motherhood becomes me I suppose. I will try to blog on pretty things and the usual grind I used to do before, remember, I will TRY.

But for now, let me share with you all how marvelous today is.

Julia just had her first solid food.

SQUASH.

It is my favorite vegetable and I cannot explain why. Maybe because of its flavor and texture. I love it steamed, boiled, sautéed with other yummy finds or better yet grilled (try it some time!).

Julia liked it. :) She didn't spit it out or what not. She had 4 small to medium slices that I carefully mashed alongside with little soup.

I am proud of our little one!

Julia's veggies.

Julia eats Bananas and Carrots.

Enjoying her avocado.

Julia eats her first sweet potato.

On your 9th month...

Dearest Julia,

Time flies. Fast.

I cannot believe that you are 9 months old already. Everything feels dreamlike now. One day, you were in my tummy, the next you were in my arms and now you’re even biting me already. Oh Julia! You are getting prettier each day and not just that, you are even getting naughty too! I wonder were you got the latter from.

So, it begins. You fake cry out loud when you don’t get what you want. I know where you got that. And I’m crossing my fingers many many times for it not to happen. Hahaha! (Loud laugh) You know how to get your way going. So easy for you huh? You are such a charmer and that’s all you do. You’ve been so cheerful too; I know that you are full of all the positive energy in the world. Keep it that way my dear.

A few days from now, we are going to visit your Doctor again in Cebu and hopefully when all goes well, God willingly, your cast will be removed soon. I cannot wait to see your right leg again; to carry you with your legs dangling like there’s no end to it.

A few days from now, you will be wearing what it seems to be like a harness or a brace for your hip. Please be patient, Julia. We have to do this so to protect your hip from dislocating again. Please be kind to it as well. There will be a delay to your walking because of this. And I know deep inside of me that you want to walk so bad already but just be patient darling. Just be.

Always remember that good things happen to those who wait and that patience is a virtue. When all ends well, everything will be smooth. You can walk proud and tall in no time.

Mama has been so busy lately planning for your 1^st birthday. I simply cannot contain my excitement little one. I am planning to have a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse party for you since you love the show so much it makes you dance. I cannot wait for your big party in 2 months.

Mama made an invite for you. I hope in time, you will learn to appreciate the little things. 

Part 2 (After our trip to Cebu)

As you turn 9 months old, your cast has been removed. Oh what joy it was for me to see your legs once again!

The whole procedure was a little bit hard on us both but because we are both strong we managed it easily huh? You were irritable the time we left the operating room up until the day after. I understand that the harness that you have to wear is somehow adding much discomfort to you.

I am so proud of you, Julia! You have been my strongest little link. Because you are mighty, I am mighty too. You are the reason why Mama is becoming stronger.

Do not worry my love, in 2 months, God willingly, the doctor will see more improvement from your surgery and will hopefully order for it to be removed again. For now, you can only dangle your legs upon bathing and that’s like a couple of minutes only.

There will be brighter days, Julia!

It will come. And it will be beautiful just like you.

As you turn 9 months old, you have started weaning on feeding from Mama. I am not sure if I will become happy about it but a part of me does because you have mastered the art of biting vigorously and it hurts so much it made me cry once. I know you didn’t mean to hurt Mama but I simply cannot tolerate the pain it does. I am proud of you for taking the bottle. I am proud of you because you do not complain at all. You are a dream to behold, just because you are you…

I love you so much, Julia!

Love,

Mama

On your 8th month and more...

Dearest Julia,

This month has been nothing but great! I do not know where to begin and I do not know how to end it with… But Mama will try my very best to tell you all that has come to happen as you turn 8 months old.

We travelled to Cebu to visit a geneticist for your sake. We want to be not just good parents but the best parents there is for you my dearest. So, we journeyed all together as you had your very first out of town trip. We took the fast craft to Cebu and I can tell you were pretty much thrilled because you never took a nap before heading to the pier. You were all smiles as you scrutinized everyone. I honestly do not know where you got that. I say the trip was happy.

We took a series of tests and examinations for your bones. My darling, you were always in tears as they expected you thoroughly. But like I always tell you my love, this is all for your sake, for your own good later. But even in that deepest and tiring mood you have you still manage to smile at us. You make it seem easy for everyone, Julia, especially me, your Mama.

As we approached your 8^th month, you grew 4 teeth on the upper side and you were a little fidgety for a day but it all disappeared right away. You are one mighty baby!

Weeks have passed as we desperately waited for your results. I prayed to God and Mama Mary for everything to be okay.

It was a Monday, when Mama got the email from your doctor about your skeletal survey. Trying to be scientific and all, I knew there was something wrong with one of the slides. Your doctor said to see an Orthopedic Pediatrician, as she was concerned primarily about your pelvis. Deep breathe. Oh dear.

I googled and tried to find the nearest doctor there is for us to visit again. God must have seen my worried face that He sent us an angel, and there I found the one that would check on you next…

We met up with that very doctor on a Monday. He told Daddy and Mama that you needed surgery. Deep breathe again… We decided to have it done right away so as not to waste any time. Julia, always remember that time like life is gold and uncertain.

Your surgery lasted for a good 3 hours. You were at the recovery room for another good 3 hours. I sat along with the doctors there as I carried you and your heavy cast in my arms. There were all these lifelines on you and I remained composed for you. I had to be so you’ll be strong and calm as well. I cradled you and sang Hail Mary as you slept peacefully. Oh my love, my heart was like crying out. If only I could take all the pain you were going through. I wouldn’t want you to feel anything uncertain or I don’t want to cause distress on you. But as your doctor said, this is all for you. If we don’t do this, then you cannot walk properly and time will come that your hip will hurt so much in your later life and there is nothing we can do about it already. There will be better and brighter days, Julia. And you shall walk tall as you journey the beautiful days of your life.

We all are in awe of your mighty being. The day after your surgery, you smiled, laughed and even entertained every visitor that came towards you. The only thing that bothered you was the oxygen tube on your cute nose and everyone that came in with white clothes.

Fast forward to now as I write this…

It’s been 2 weeks after your surgery and I still find it unbelievable that you seem not bothered by your cast. I call your cast my ‘frenemy’. But because of your high spirits and kind heart, its not that hard after all. You are one strong little girl, Julia. Mama is just so proud of you! You are the bravest baby I have ever seen. I wonder where you got that from my dear?

You slept peacefully on the morning of your surgery.

Just before surgery.

With Daddy and Mama before wheeling you out the room on to the OR.

At the recovery room with your Anesthesiologist. 

At the recovery room.

Julia's hip spica application.

A day after surgery and you are all smiles.

I love you!

With your awesome doctor - Dr. Leo Jiao III.

Just about to check out at the hospital. Look at you. Need I say more?

You are asleep now as Mama writes this and I couldn’t help but notice that even in your deepest sleep you still amaze me. Your beauty radiates like the sun and your smile is intoxicating. You smile even in your sleep. I know that God’s army of angels is surrounding you with joy and laughter as you sleep. You are simply adorable my baby love. I know some day, you will read everything that I have prepared for you, you will understand why and you’ll probably want to know more, someday, you will find all of these stories and laugh on it and perhaps even hate me for doing so but I know this is the only way so that someday, I know that you will remember me.

I love you, Julia!

Love,

Mama