To my son on his 1st birthday

by - 10:05 AM



In the 90s, there was a song by Savage Garden that went:

“I knew I loved you before I met you. I think I dreamed you into life.”

That’s you, my dream come true.

You don’t know how often I am told that I should go back to work because I have so much ahead of me. After all, Mum was already a manager in one of the biggest companies in the country when I conceived you.

But here I am. Always, always choosing you.

A week before your birthday, our neighbor asked if I have finished something health-related in college. I said, “Hotel and Restaurant Management”, and she replied “But you’re doing breastfeeding counseling. Isn’t that a bit far?”

I got into that because I love you.

Thank you, Popy. I have achieved so much more because of you. While it is true that I have given up my career to be with you, you have allowed me to pursue old and new dreams. You made me better at multi-tasking (like carrying while breastfeeding while doing the laundry). You gave way for me to pursue a writing career. You gave me an opportunity to become an advocate in things I have not even given much thought when I was single. And most of all, you allowed me to love you.

Breastfeeding. Photo courtesy of my husband, Kevin Gabriel


Babywearing at Glorietta, Makati

Finishing my BFP and Arugaan Breastfeeding Peer Counselors Training with Doula Velvet, Nanay Rich and Popy.


I can wish you a lot of things like be a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer or the president of this country, but mum only wants you to be a good man, and I pray that I will always find the strength to raise you as one.

You will one day be a student, an employee, a boss, a husband, a father… And Mum’s only wish is that whatever path it is that you will pursue, pursue to be good and happy at all times.





Khale, in behalf of your Bubba, I want you to know that our love will always be the greatest force in your life. Our love has and will pacify your cries; put you to sleep when you’re tired; and feed you and quench your thirst. It has taught you how to crawl, to sit, to stand, to walk and to run.

Your happiness will be our happiness. Your every victory will be our pride; and when you’re defeated, we will be the one to pick you up. We are your safe place when the world scares you.






There may be many women who will one day come into your life, but Mum will always be the one who stays for the longest time.

Because, darling, my love is you and my heart will forever protect you.

I may not be able to give you the world, but you will always have the best of me.

I love you forever, Popy.

Love,
Mum




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22 comments

  1. I also received some comments when I chose to be a full time mom, they thought stay at home mom has no career or dreams in life. Happy 1st birthday to your son.

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    1. But we have, di ba? :) And there are times that we achieve more while we're at it.

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  2. Happy birthday to your son, what a touching and moving post! I'm sure he is also happy to have you as his mom :)

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    1. Thank you! I hope he'll be able to read this in the future. :)

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  3. Awww that's so sweet! <3 Happy birthday to your little boy!

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  4. Happy birthday to your son. Congratulations also on your breastfeeding journey. I'm also a breastfeeding mom. I'm now breastfeeding my 3rd child who is almost 2 years old.

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    1. Thank you, Mummy Teresa! Great to see another breastfeeding mum here. :)

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  5. What a beautiful message. We moms love writing letters to our kids, noh? I hope they don't find it too cheesy when they get to read it next time. Hehehe :) Happy happy first birthday to your son!��

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  6. Awww what a touching message! I'm sure your son will cherish it when he reads it when he grows older. Happy birthday!

    PS: I love that song!

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  7. Happy Birthday to your son! :)

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  8. Awww...sweet! I also wrote a letter to my boy when he was born! Happy birthday to your baby!

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  9. Aww.. what a touching post! Like you, I gave up a good career because I wanted to have kids and be a full time mom. Now that I'm pregnant, I don't think I'll regret my decision.

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  10. Happy birthday little boy! If ever I get pregnant again, I'm definitely learning how to babywear! I didn't know why I didn't do that when I was pregnant with our son.

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  11. Happy birthday to the handsome boy. Just love it when you ended your letter with might not give the world but he will definitely have the best of you. Shows how much love you have for him.

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  12. Made me cry. :) I also gave up my career for my children, and every second with them is all worth it. You're a strong woman; keep inspiring other moms! God bless you and your family, mommy :)

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  13. Happy 1st birthday to Khale! Such a milestone. We really give up a lot as mothers but what others don't realize is that we gain so much more in return. :)

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  14. Aw, this post is so heartwarming. I envy you for the courage of choosing to be at home. I hope ako din soon. If kaya na financially. Happy birthday to your baby boy.

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  15. What a sweet letter for your baby boy. Happy birthday to Popy!

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  16. Awww.. Happy first birthday to your cute angel Khale! :) If it wasnt for our angels we wouldn't be in this path of writing and trying to be an awesome mom and helping our kids grow to be good and well....

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  17. Nice to meet you Mommy and Khale! Ang bait bait ni Khale during the event. Belated Happy Birthday din! :)

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  18. Happy Birthday to your baby! It's none of other people's business what you choose to do so don't mind them.

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  19. Belated Happy Birthday to your little prince!

    Although I cannot fully relate to the whole mom experience, somehow, I understand. Many people do not understand or choose not to understand the sacrifices that women make when they become mothers. It is not exactly easy to go back to work when you worry about what happens to your baby at home. Sure, there might be relatives, close family members or a yaya doing what you should be doing but I agree when you said that there is nothing more rewarding than having to do the raising of your child yourself. Whatever you are doing now for a living might not be the course that you studied when you were still in college but people shouldn't judge you on that. In fact, people should be envious of you, for you are evolving and changing to become a better person and of course, a better mother and role model for your baby. Keep up the good work, Mommy. I am sure Khale will be proud of you in the future. - Ate Zena

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