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