Happy Birthday, Basti!

When my son turned one, I swore I will write a letter to him every year on his  birthday but I never was able to do that. So now, I hope to continue that tradition.

Dear Basti,

It has been five years since you came into our lives and saying that my life irrevocably changed when you emerged from my tummy is an understatement.

I sometimes wonder if I was really that good to deserve someone as wonderful you. I guess all we can be is to be good parents to you and to give not only our best but our all. We sometimes struggle and think if we made the right decision but unfortunately, parenthood does not come with a manual.

Sometimes, I feel guilty because I don't get to spend as much time with you like other parents. At least you have your Dad with you to represent me. But again, this was one path that I chose to take. I hope someday, you'll forgive me for not being a full-time or active mom.

I also hope that one day, you'll realize that when I withhold something from you or say no to you, it is for the best. I do not want you to grow up thinking that the world owes you. It should be the other way around. We, including you, are all placed here for a reason. We spend our lives looking for that reason. I'm happy to say that I have found mine and it is you. I am a lot of things in this world but my main reason for living is giving birth to you.

I hope that you will do big things someday. It is my only wish that you grow up to be successful in your field and make the most out of your life. Enjoy the journey. It's not the end-goal that matters but how you get there.

Be a good boy and I hope that you will embody all the values that we have and will teach you. Always put others ahead of yourself. Selflessness is a value that is sorely lacking in this world. But then, leave a little something for yourself so you can continue to be selfless.

Take care and never forget us. I hope when you grow up, you'll still take some time to see me and your dad. To give me one of your wonderful and precious hugs. They always seem to have the power to take away all the stress and pain.

I love you, Basti. So so much. Seeing you now makes everything worth it.

Much love,

Mommy

Basti Picture Company Pictures - 5 June 2011

I've been getting lots of comments about my son's overflowing cuteness. To ensure that his cuteness is preserved before it disappears from memory, I paid for an annual membership at Picture Company so he can go there anytime for a studio shot. It's money well spent because my son is as cute as ever!

Here's a collage of his photos:



These are my favorite photos of the bunch:






How cute can you really get???

Basti's First Birthday

We celebrated Basti's birthday one week later than his actual birthday. Feb. 7 at Galleria de Magallanes.

Haircut

Before the haircut


After the haircut

Is there a difference? Hehehe.

Basti had his haircut yesterday at this kid's salon at Festival Mall. It's a cute shop wherein the toddler can sit in little cars and they can watch their favorite cartoon. Everything started smoothly at first with Basti playing with the car and watching Hi-5, however, he began to freak out when he heard/felt the razor. Yaya had to hold him but he kept on twisting his head.

Fortunately, it was over in less than half an hour. The haircut's more expensive compared to an adult haircut but we somehow expected it. Their stylist was really patient and really knows how to deal with toddlers who doesn't seem to like to have their hair cut.

Happy Birthday, Basti!

My dearest Basti,

It's been a year since you were born and it has been one very eventful and wonderful year.

I never thought that I will be blessed with a baby but God is good to grant me my fervent wish. You brought more joy in the lives of your Daddy and Mommy and we are so proud to be called your parents.

We strive to provide for your every need. When you got sick, we stayed up almost throughout the night sponging you down praying to God that your fever will go down; praying that instead of you suffering, I'll be the one to suffer. My heart broke with your every cry. My hands soothing your brow and your back.

As you grow up to be a strapping, bright, intelligent and successful man that we dream that you'll become, I pray that we, as your parents, will be able to guide you to the best of your abilities. I pray that you will become a selfless man. Someone who will put other people's needs above your own.

And when the time comes that you leave the safe haven of our arms to find your own way in life, I hope that you will come back someday to at least give me a hug--the kind of hug that you have reserved for me.

May God bless you, my son. Remember always that I love you.

Mommy

Walking Basti

Basti is now walking. If I'm not mistaken, he took his first steps right after the new year. One or two steps and adding to it everyday. Pretty soon he was walking around his room.

This video was taken on Sunday, Jan. 24 when his cousins and aunt/uncle came over for a visit. He was very excited to see everyone.

My son is growing up fast!

Sick Basti Part Three

Ever since Basti was born a year ago, we only had three unscheduled visits to his pedia. The first was when he had Upper Respiratory Tract Infection on his second month, next was early this month when he had a slight cough and cold. But so far, this recent episode was the worst. It was the first time that he contracted a fever.

The fever started yesterday early afternoon. Basti's yaya called me and told me that Basti's temperature is at 38.5. That's pretty high for his age. I told her to administer Tempra drops and I'll contact his pedia (Dr. Clemente) and Leo. The doctor said to just observe and give him sponge baths and continue with the paracetamol every four hours.

I slept in Basti's room and together with his yaya, we kept our vigil throughout the night. And boy, was it definitely the longest vigil I've ever done.

I slept at 1130 and set the alarm for 1230 for Basti's next medication. We woke him up and gave him his drops. However, he did not sleep afterwards and was very cranky. He wouldn't stay still on the bed and he kept rolling around and crying. He eventually slept at 3AM. We woke him up at 430AM for the next round but this time around, he threw up.

His temperature went down in the morning but we resolved to bring him to Dr. Clemente in the afternoon. What made me worry more was that he was throwing up everything that we were feeding him. When we got to the hospital, I think he threw up 5x already (twice on me).

According to Dr. Clemente, it's a viral infection and he could be sick of either of the three things: flu, tigdas-hangin or diarrhea. He prescribed paracetamol (even the suppository type in case he would throw up again), ibuprofen, plasil and pedialite. We tried the Plasil already and unfortunately, he still threw up even after taking it. We tried feeding him his solids and milk but he refused to take them. He even refused water. I'm at wits end already because if he still wouldn't take anything throughout the night, we have no choice but to have him admitted tomorrow.

It's already 7PM and I'm bracing myself for another long night ahead. My thanks to all those who prayed for my son and I entreat that you would keep him in your prayers. My heart bleeds with his every cry and I feel very helpless as a mother.

Basti's First Halloween

We initially couldn't decide on Basti's costume. It was supposed to be Nemo but it was too hot outside. Next option was a piglet costume that I think first belonged to Chloe. But he looked too much like a little girl so we opted for Batman!

Basti @ 9 months

Various pictures of Basti at 9 months old.

Picture Company Pics - 17Oct09

Basti's 1st Birthday Party

Start:

Jan 31, '10 3:00p

Galleria de Magallanes, Makati City

Lunch at Alba's with the Palileos - 6 Sep 09

More pictures of Arwen and Basti at Alba's

Basti and Arwen - 5 Sep 09

Arwen and Basti at Magallanes

Con's Despedida - Oct 11

More Basti pics. Hehe.
I tried taking a picture of Chloe and Basti but Basti moved last minute.
He's so cute. Hehehe.

Basti trying out his Halloween costume

I got this costume from Cheryll (thank you, Ninang!). He just looks SOOOOOOOOOOO cute!

Basti at 8 months - Sep 27

I totally forgot Basti's 8 month as it was the day of the typhoon Ondoy. We were too shocked with the devastation that the typhoon wrought in the capital.

We had lunch at ATC the next day to celebrate Mama and Papa's wedding anniversary as well. I got Basti a small cake at Bizu. I got the hat at Shopwise Sucat the day before (it was where I sought shelter after getting stranded in SLEX for four hours).

Basti the Red Nose Baby - Sep 21

Basti had a red dot on his nose as he kept pressing his face/nose against the screen of his playpen. Good thing it disappeared after several days.

Basti at MOA - Sep 20

We went to the BookFair at MOA last Sep 20. The rest of the pictures was taken at the restaurant where we had lunch. He was enjoying the high chair.

Crawling Basti

Basti is now a crawler. He actually crawled from his room up to my mother-in-law's room which is a few more meters after the video stopped.

Happy and Cute Basti