HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANAK!!! We cannot believe you’re turning eleven. Eleven !!! A ‘tweenager’.
It seems only yesterday that you were the tiny baby who was being feed on demand. And like most babies, demanding you were!
We were at the Kennedy Space Center in Houston when you were about eight weeks old. You were cozily sleeping in the ‘snuggly’ in front of me, when suddenly, you screamed. Your piercing little voice echoed, people looked and must have thought I abused you. You were hungry, I know, but we had to find a discreet little corner to breastfeed.
When you were a toddler, on Sunday afternoons while I cooked, you always wanted to be lifted up so you could see what was inside the big caldero. I would stand you on the edge of the stove holding you with one arm, while I mixed the adobo with the other. That got Daddy upset! What if we went off balance and fell right into the boiling sauce? ‘Living on the edge’ was fun!
I remember when you were finally potty trained. We bought you those Disney Princesses undies; seven in a package. You wanted to wear them all at the same time, not under but on top of your clothes. Little big show off you were!!!
Your brother was born when you were two and a half. How you would touch him, kiss him, poke him, and do it all over again! You couldn’t get enough of him; you wouldn’t even let him sleep. Daddy and I enjoyed watching you. What a pretty sight that was!!
When you were about three years old, you were terrified of thunderstorms. I told you that when there is thunder and lightning, heaven is celebrating because another angel just got her wings. And whenever you see lightning, you have to smile because that’s God taking a picture of everyone. I guess that worked. You believed me and were afraid no more….
Few nights ago, after that severe thunderstorm came to pass, I commented on how your brother is not being bothered by thunder and lightning. Without missing a beat you said; “oh that’s because when he was little I told him that thunder and lightning means God and his angels are playing bowling up there in heaven.†I laughed and said, “but that’s not what I told youâ€Â. You gave me that wicked smile of yours and said; “Mom… the story you told me is the girls version, what I told my brother is the boys versionâ€Â. You should have seen the look on Daddy’s face, it was worth a small fortune.
One night while you were doing your homework, you were about seven years old then, you decided to pull out your loose baby tooth so you could get $5.00 from the tooth fairy! Was that the dentist, or, the shrewd businesswoman in you?
You and your brother were particularly interested in our childhood stories from the Philippines; especially mine because I grew up in the barrio where running water and electricity were nonexistent. You both thought that those were Jurassic days, when dinosaurs roamed the earth. It was very nice when you finally understood that those were different but full of fun and good times. You even went as far as saying you were proud to have a Dad that is half PROMDI and a mom who’s a full- blooded PROMDI.
Daddy and I are always delighted when you told us your secrets. The story about your “crush†was the best, so far, because we realized that you thought, “crush†meant the boy sitting next to you in class. Your innocence is so light and refreshing. Don’t let those other girls in class confuse you. They’re just talking silly.
We love watching you read books. Sometimes you look so intense and engrossed as if you are wholly engulfed in the story. Keep it up. . . reading wholesome books is a very, very, good thing. BUT, when you’re doing your homework, do not make the excuse of going to the bathroom, and staying there for too long, because you are towards the end of a very interesting book. Understand you’re anxious to know how the story would end. But, the book can wait. Homework can’t.
I remember the time when the Eagles’ “Hotel California†came on the car radio. You sang along and we all burst out laughing. You turned purple in embarrassment!!! It was not your singing, Anak. You unknowingly gave Tito Joseph his much needed break at guessing my correct age. How else could an eight-year-old memorize the lyrics of a song popularized way before she was born? Oh, it was so funny!
Sometimes Daddy and I would check up on you while you were sound asleep. You would pull the tulle that hung on the canopy above your bed so close to you, as if it would protect and comfort you. I hope we didn’t push you to sleep on your own bed too soon.
When you helped me set the table for dinner, you do it so well that even Martha Stewart would be proud. And she hasn’t tried your homemade banana split! It is to die for.
One night you were in the basement, I was upstairs and accidentally dropped a book, making a loud noise on the floor. You hurried to see if I was alright; a gesture so sweet it touched my heart.
A few times we’ve gone to the grocery store and I had forgotten to put cash in my wallet. You were quick to offer yours; then with that wicked smile you would say, “Mom you owe me...."
Remember the fights we used to have (and still have) when you refused to do things that you’re supposed to? Those were good fights, and I hope you’ve learned a lesson or two. You are learning from me but I'm learning a lot from you too: just don't be too quick to use my words against me.
You are a very sweet, protective, and caring older sister. Your brother love, and, adores you very much. But, that doesn't entitle you to boss him around.
You and your dad are tight, very close. You run to him for cover every time I reprimand you. Not cute; sometimes you forget that Dad and I are on the same team. You should be, too, if you know what I mean.
That Friday night when we dropped you off to your 7 to 10 pm first school dance, Daddy and I realized that there is no holding back: our little girl is growing up.
As you turn eleven on Sunday, the 13th of November, we wish you all the very best. We hope and fervently pray that God will always guide you, protect you, bless you and keep you in the palm of His hand. And always remember that Daddy and I are always here for you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OUR DEAREST DARLING GIRL!!
With all our love,
Mom and Dad
: May all your wishes come true 
cry: cry: I am so touched by everyone. But I am pretty embarassed by my mom's letter because she tells my whole life story and some parts were suppose to be kept between my parents and I. 
I'm kidding Mana 
