As she officially turns four today, I can’t help but be sentimental as I look back how she used to be this tiny baby I held in my arms four years ago who cries for milk all the time – the whole time.  Having her gave me a taste of motherhood and since then I never looked back.  As I would always say, I was born to be a mom – a stay at home mom that is.

I can’t believe how she has grown so much. Sometimes I tend to deny the fact that she no longer needs me by her side the whole time but the thing is she really doesn’t anymore. She has grown to be very independent now which is a good thing but surprisingly gives my heart a tug every once in a while.   Take for example the day she celebrated her 4th birthday in school (pics I have yet to share).  After blowing her candle and distributing the food for the class, she then turned to me and said in a very casual voice/tone,  “You can go now, Mom. I can eat by myself.”

I almost cried!

So today, on her birthday, here’s what I would want to tell my one and only princess.

To my Dear Sophia, you will always be mommy’s baby.  Having you was my biggest blessing (same with Mateo) and seeing what you have become now is my greatest fulfillment.  You have grown to be a very smart, affectionate and loving little girl which makes me so proud.  Remember that whatever road you will choose to take, mommy and daddy will always be here to support you all the way.  We love you!

On her birthday by the way, we had her blow a cake from Red Ribbon, her angkong and ama paid a visit and I promised to buy her “pink” cymbals as per her request.  I hope to find one! And leads? And oh, she talked to her favorite Auntie Nancy in Florida over the phone for a couple of minutes. I wish it was toll free so they can talk for hours but it wasn’t.

And there, the little girl’s birthday passed – uneventful but meaningful, atleast for me.

Last night my in laws paid a visit as it was the little girl’s 4th birthday. Over dinner, my father in law offered to take us to Hongkong next month before they leave for US as his gift to Sophia. We are all ecstatic of course so I am now in the process of fixing Mateo’s passport. I told Jon however that maybe we can pay for this trip and have his dad pay for our US trip this coming December instead. LOL! You see, December is a peak month and a round trip ticket to the US would cost around 1,500USD per pax or higher. He liked the idea and told me that he’d tell his dad, haha. I hope our plan works so we can really push through with our much awaited US trip to visit my sister in law who will be residing in Washington DC by that time. We plan to fly to LA and meet her there instead of us flying to DC as its really far and the kids might have a hard time. We are excited! If time will permit, we hope to drop by New York too for a few days since we’re there already so we can make the most out of the trip and the expensive airfare! I would want to try New York Bus Charters while we’re there to save time. I bet it’ll be fun.  Wish us luck!