My Mot

For 2 amazing years, you have showered me with immense joy.

You who came at the most hectic time of my life (adjusting to a new job, moving to a new house, ending a relationship, ate's homecoming), two scary spottings, fetal distress, pre-eclampsia which led to an emergency CS - whew!

...stuck with me and held on for dear life. You taught me how to be strong. Hence, your name Riley. Courage to the end.

For 2 amazing years you have given me unconditional love.

You who had to endure my clumsy mothering skills - from diaper rash to new infant milk allergies and wanting to quit being your mom at 3am over colic and incessant crying, still gazed at me with pure adoration and how!

For 2 amazing years you have provided me with stretches of laugh lines.

You who call Shrek an "okoy", wakes up at 5am smiling and eager to go outside, plays at the park but not wanting to slide, dances to ABS CBN's summer song and calls me Momommy - as in Wowowee. You made me laugh like no other guy can.

For 2 amazing years you made me a better person.

I didn't care about a lot of things before. Ako'y isang malaking dedma. I do what I want and don't want to be disturbed. Period. But when you came, I just wanted this world to be a better place for you. I don't want to die just yet so I can see you grow. I'm also praying to God that you would have a greater life than me (although I've been so much blessed din), more opportunities and all.

For 2 amazing years you made me want to aim bigger dreams for you.

I want us to travel together and see the world! I want you to be good in math. I want you to be a well-rounded person. Sana you'll learn a musical instrument. Or play a sport. Of your choice. I won't force you to do something you don't want to do. That's not how I was raised (thank you Mama and Daddy).

For 2 amazing years you kept me a domesticated person.

Home buddy naman ako but during weekends, I want to go out as much as possible and as long as my budget would allow me. But when you came along, I never did want to go even to the mall without you. And had my appointments squeezed in a day or even cancel night outs. The only time I did go to a bar again was in Davao (mandatory pa yun) and I was so out of place. I was content seeing you as you go about your milestone moments or watch you play and read (more of scan books) and those hohum things.

For 2 amazing years.

Thank you.

Allow me to thank these people too:

Daddy Dad: for taking care of you the whole day and watching endless Barney cds

Ate Elma and Kuya Jo: for treating you as another one of their own kid (nagselos nga si Jocelle eh)

Teret: for taking you to the mall ALONE(a feat which I haven't done pa nga) and arranging your clothes and trimming your nails

Kuya Bong: for buying pasalubong - a cool Toy Story car in Disney HK (ako nga walang something eh)

Ate Susan: for taking care of you and calling you her bunso

G-Anne: for taking countless photos and videos of you in her phone (ako nga nag grab na lang ng images pra sa multiply ko eh)

Ayla: for being your 2nd mom when you stayed in the hotel and watching over you when you swim

Jundee and Angel: for making alaga din and buying food pag nag grocery for gab

Yen: for giving you a lot of stuff and pampering you with kisses and for being the nth mother (ang daming nanay ni rye)

Jen and Jamal: for giving Rye a glimpse of the Moslem ways and being a hands on Ninang

To my Mot, Toot toot, Rarye, bert, Matmat: Happy Birthday! Let's go dizzy with fun..