Torn on Halloween 2016.

Julia: Mama, Can I be Snow White and bring a red apple?

Mama: Darling, it wasn't Snow White who held the red apple. Unless, you want to become the witch for Halloween?

Julia: I want to be Snow White and bring a red apple, Mama. (Voice increasingly goes high)

Mama: You'll have to settle bringing a basket but without apples. 

She doesn't say anything and poses cheerfully giving me a comic relief of some sort.

Sweet Treats and Candies and Halloween Zumba Party 2016 at school.

11 Sweet Months.

To my second born and my little giant, now that you've turn 11 months old, I'd like to tell you a couple of things.

This month, you've become incredibly sick I had to take you to the hospital twice. My nerves got into me and my knees started to shake the moment you were having a fever that spiked up to 39 degrees. To top it all, big sister, Julia was sick too. 

You had teething pains as well and your fever came on and off giving me the scare of some sort. 

You've grown 2 front teeth this month that made you feel totally uneasy.

Mama became sick too and we all had to work hand in hand for Tita Ina's wedding. This month was just gonna go by fast, as slowly you approach to being a year old. 

Oh Sabel! Where did time go? I look at you and still am amazed how far you've grown and realize you've achieved so much in time. 

I with a deep breath, at times cannot contain my joy and fear of what lies ahead of us, of the days that are yet to come. I fear that I may not be able to give enough when the time comes that there will be three of you to look after. But my excitement gets the most of me thinking that my fear will just go by and away with the wind. 

Little darling, I love the sight of you and Julia cuddling each other to laughter. It warms my heart and how I find it funny that you cry whenever you hear her cry. 

How you cheerfully look for her presence and how she welcomes you with so much kisses and hugs melts my heart so much! I wonder how it will be when Clara comes out? Oh yes! Belly, we've decided to name your little sister Clara. Julia is fond of it as she recalls the name Clara from the movie The Nutcracker. Soon, you will enjoy watching movies with Julia and Clara when the time comes. 

As of now, please remain as my baby - Mama's sweet baby just for a short while. 

I love you, Belly!

Mama

10th month and a secret.

To my funny and gentle giant, now that you have turned 10 months old, let me tell you how you've brought happiness to Daddy, Julia and Mama. 

Let me begin by saying how I love mornings when you wake up and bury your face next to mine, flashing me the sweetest smile, a mother's console to a long night's weariness. And then you go ahead and leap forward and check on Julia which is situated on my other side and patiently you try to figure out if she's asleep or awake. When Julia is in her sleep, I always tell you not to bother her so she gets her dose of sleep. So instead, you crawl down and slowly let yourself go down to where Daddy sleeps. How delighted you are when Daddy affirms your presence! 

I am so proud to tell you that in 10 months, you've learned and love to walk on your own. You are such a strong baby and I know in time you'll be able to do more. The world is beautiful and you too will experience it soon. I pray that time will slow down a bit- for you to fully appreciate the way it goes.

Let me tell you a big secret now...

When you were just 7 months old, mama found out that you were going to be a big sister. I honestly feel at times that I am maybe a tad selfish being pregnant while you are still a baby. But because you've grown up to be quite a joyful surprise I know that everything's going to be okay. That you and Julia will understand in time and eventually help mama out with your little sister. Yes, Sabel, you are going to have a little sister soon. 

Please be good to Mama at all times and I pray for your understanding and patience now that I'm pregnant. It won't be easy but seeing you and Julia makes me a proud Mama knowing it's worth it all. 

I love you, Belly!

Mama