My Mom is the sweetest person I know!  We grew up getting gifts from her in every occasion.  They weren’t expensive gifts but they were priceless.  She also instilled in us that gifts you’ve personally made an effort to create are more precious than store-bought ones.  So, every occasion was preceded by an art class.  She’d take out crayons, paint, paper and other craft supplies and my sisters and I would each create our masterpieces.

As I am my Mom’s biggest fan and would like to raise my children the same way she raised us,  this practice of gift-giving I definitely would pass to my toddlers.

And so, a few days before VDay, my toddlers and I got busy working on our cards and other masterpieces.
 









There was no full-course meal in a fancy restaurant. No romantic table setting nor romantic mood at that.  There wasn’t even a fairly decent dinner (I really botched the meal I cooked!!!).  But we were all together on the day of hearts…and what could be more important than that!

Dearest Jade,

I love you very much!  I know that you know that coz I always tell you how much I do love you everyday. I am proud of how you are turning out to be – a Christ-loving, smart, affectionate and thoughtful little girl.  Although Mama gets angry sometimes when you disobey or misbehave, do remember that it is because I love you and I want you to be a good person.

I pray that God will continue to guide me and Papa that we may raise you and Jakei well.  I also pray that God will give you good health as I still have fears of losing you the same way we lost your twin Jake.  It is mainly because of those fears that I am often overprotective of you.  But don’t worry, anak, I am starting to learn to let you have your own space to grow.

I love you, Jade! More than you can ever fathom.

Mama

so frail at merely 1060 grams



2-month border at hospital nursery


  

now a very precocious 2-1/2-yr-old



My dearest Jake,

I love you, anak!  And I am missing you terribly.  Although I always tell myself that you are now in a much better place than we are,  I still can’t help but wish that you were here to share joyous moments with the family.  I often wonder if you’d look like your twin Jade or if you’d be more like your brother Jakei.  Perhaps, your temperament would be the same as that of Jakei’s. Or maybe you’d be as stubborn as Jade sometimes is.  If you were here with us, the house would be in shambles by noontime with all three of you running around! Oh, but what great fun we’d have everyday! 

Hay, anak….  I still cry when I remember how much you have suffered in those seven days that you were here with us.  But I am most proud of how bravely you fought to survive.  My sadness is consoled knowing that you are free from pain in God’s beautiful garden.  You are indeed in the best place anyone could ever be – safe in the arms of Jesus.

I love you, anak!  I will always hold you close in my heart. And I will always be missing you terribly.

Hugs and Kisses,

Mama

our beautiful angel Jake

Dearest Jakei,

I love you, Jak!  You are the most handsome little boy in the entire universe!  You never fail to make Mama laugh with your antics and your silly faces.  You also never fail to make Mama’s heart beat faster when you do your stunts.  I do hope you get over making those sudden leaps and bounds before Mama’s reflexes slow down.

You are the only boy in both sides of the family so much is expected of you.  My only wish is for your Papa and I to be able to raise you well so you’d be able to fulfill your(yours, not ours) dreams. 

Anak, your Ate Jade also loves you very much.  She may demand more attention at times but she loves you and she never fails to show how much she does.  As you grow up together, take care of one another and strengthen the bond that ties you. Take care of your sister.  

I love you, Jakei! So very much!

Mama

a whooping 8 lbs 4 oz baby boy!



Papa’s junior in so many ways