Category: My Kids

My Kids, Parenting

Katrin Noelle

Phoebe Torres-Lucero

Noelle turned 11 last week! Before we knew her gender, I was already thinking that I wanted our second child to take my Dad’s second name Manuel. My dad had already passed away two years prior, so it was my way of honoring him. I wish he had still been alive to meet his nephew, my brother’s first son Gabby, who was given my dad’s first name for his second name, and of course meet my second baby. I love its meaning as well, derived from Immanuel — God with us. Again, naming our children is something we ought to do thoughtfully and prayerfully because it is a faith declaration. We wanted to declare that our child will walk with the Lord all the days of his/her life.

It turned out that second baby is a girl again! And the name Noelle just made sense to me. From Manuel to Noelle. Plus she was scheduled to be born around the holidays — Noel means Christmas. Not to mention Immanuel is Jesus — the reason we celebrate Christmas! “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[g] (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23  I just prayed really hard that I would give birth after New Year. 😀

In keeping with the tradition of giving a K name to our kids, we gave her Katrin, which also means pure. This I found in the same names book I found Danae’s names in.

Years later, I came across the definition of the name Noelle in a christian names page or something. It’s apparently derived from Nicolas of the book of Acts, and it means victory of the people. My dad’s first name is VICTOR. ❤ ❤ ❤ Writing this just makes me cry, realizing how God was really with us at that time. There are no accidents. No coincidences. I am humbled and amazed.

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Katrin Noelle. Another beautiful name for another beautiful girl. Who knew we would have a chunky and white baby?! She was the heaviest baby I gave birth to — my first C-section. And she was sooooo white. We knew she would be chinky. She is actually the chinkiest among the three. She had such thin hair that grew ever so slowly, and now her hair grows beautifully straight.

We declare that you will live a pure and holy life before the Lord, Noelle. That you will make wise choices, be determined to honor God in everything you do, and be victorious in all that the Lord leads you to do. The Lord is indeed with you, and I pray that you will grow more and more secure of your identity in Christ. I admire your faith. I admire your insights when we talk about the Bible, or stories, or situations. May you hear His voice even more, and obey Him. We agree with your prayer to be more like Him. You have always had humor and joy as a child. Just like Christmas! May you bring humor and joy to others, and I pray that puberty and hormones 😉 don’t get in the way of that.

You are my original clingy baby. Thank you for being sweet, loving, and thoughtful, though many times a “madame.” Thank you also for being funny without meaning to. You adorably still mix words up. I am glad you are able to laugh at yourself, and not take yourself too seriously. You are also the picky one, about food or beds or bathrooms, but I know none of that will matter when God calls you for His purposes. And I will be secretly, or maybe not secretly, laughing. Hahaha. Not at you, but because of God’s humor. ❤

Last week, coming down from Tagaytay on your actual birthday, when Daddy asked us what we appreciated about one another, I told you this. I love that all three of you love children. A person who loves children, I believe, has a big capacity to love others. I am proud of you for being such a person. You’re a kid, of course there are many times you are self-centered, but I know you and your sisters will grow up helping and serving others. We love you Noelle! Happy 11th! ❤

My Kids

Katina Danae

Phoebe Torres-Lucero

A few weeks ago, Danae learned that a movie she wanted to see was going to be shown on cable. She got excited and took note of the date. When in doubt about the content of any movie, I research first before I agree. And then I watch it with them. My girls know we can be pretty strict about these things, so I was glad I was asked first before she went ahead and saw it on her own.

The children in the movie have interesting names — Seven, Starr, and Sekani. I relate to the father who named their children, because his choices were not random. Seven for perfection. Starr for light in the darkness. Sekani for joy. I soooo love that. It reminds me of why King and I named our children the way we did. Early on, we knew that their names would be a significant decision for us to make.

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Katina Danae. 14 years ago, we chose to give our first born this name. We chose a K name because of King, which is his actual first name, and we wanted to declare that our daughter will live a pure and holy life. Katina means pure. Danae came from one of our favorite people in the Bible, Daniel. (I love his friends too. I joke that if I could name my kids Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, I would. 😀 ) The name means God is my judge, and we wanted to declare that our daughter will love God fearlessly and be ten times better, just like Daniel.

We declare these for Danae to this day! We also declare wisdom beyond your years, Nae. Wisdom in your speech, wisdom in friendships, wisdom in big and small decisions. We declare courage to share the love of Jesus, even to those who are difficult to love. We declare passion to seek the Lord, to obey Him, and depend on Him. We declare security in your identity in Jesus Christ alone. We declare strength in your spiritual foundations and steadfastness, that you will always choose God over anything the world offers. We declare confidence to approach the throne of your Father, humility to rely on His grace. May the Lord be glorified in your life Nae! You are a normal teenager, who is into Why Don’t We and easily appreciates beauty (I am being nice here 😀 ), who makes mistakes, fights with her sisters, and is in need of guidance. We thank the Lord for the work He is doing in you, in your day-to-day affairs. Thank you for listening to us, even though many times it takes a while to take. Thank you for always being open to us, talking to us about anything and everything. For trusting us with your tea 😉 . Thank you for loving and appreciating our imperfect family. We love you so much. Happy 14th ❤ .

 

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. Jonh 15:5

Discipleship, My Kids

Rooted

Phoebe Torres-Lucero

We went up to Baguio last month and while on Kennon Road, one of our kids noticed that there were trees sticking out of the mountain, some almost horizontally. She wondered how those trees could do that. STRONG ROOTS, I told her.

Very much like in life. No matter how the world turns, if we are strongly rooted in the Word of God, we remain standing firm in our faith. No matter what the world throws at us. No matter what the world offers us. By the grace of God, we will be strong in our resolve to love, honor, and obey God.

 

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:6-8

My Kids

Our Gymnasts

Phoebe Torres-Lucero

Can I just gush about our beautiful gymnasts? We’re so so so proud of our girls. Danae and Noelle recently participated in the 2nd Sonny Ty International Gymnastics Cup held in the Muntinlupa Sports Center, and they did so well!

First of all, Danae just had surgery last April. I know they say it’s routine surgery and no baby came out of her, but still. They gave her spinal anesthesia and they opened her up. Second of all, both Danae and Noelle just started training late June. Barely 4 months and they were already invited to join a competition for Level 1. Third of all, international? In the words of one minion, Whaaaa? We seriously did not know that it was inter-anything, let alone international. We just thought it would be a great learning experience for them, competing against their peers in PGAA (Philippine Gymnastics and Athletics Academy). And the costume is super nice haha. We were surprised on opening day. Five other Asian nations represented. Again, whaaa?

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2nd Sonny Ty International Gymnastics Cup, Muntinlupa Sports Center. Philippines, Indonesia, India, Iran, Malaysia, Hongkong represent!

The girls were such troopers. We were there from 8:30 in the morning to around 4:30 in the afternoon. We ate breakfast at home, but had no proper lunch. They just ate a piece of bread here and there. Even Gianna, though she rarely stayed put, was patient enough to endure the day. She only started acting up when her sleep got interrupted. Good thing we were going home already by that time. King and I took videos of the girls separately, because they were grouped by age and were at different parts of the sports center per event that they did. We’re super grateful that our friends, the Ramirezes, were with us. Their youngest daughter, Lovely, was in Danae’s age group. They helped us out with Gianna haha. I was able to take some videos in peace. We did miss out on recording most of Noelle’s floor exercise though. It was the last, and King and I were both distracted by the little one.

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Noelle, Danae, Lovely, and Gianna 🙂

Here’s the funny part. We thought they would be giving out medals according to who garnered the highest scores, so I expected only a few kids to get them. I hoped my girls would, but also knew that there were other gymnasts who scored much higher than they did. During the awarding ceremony, I stayed at the back because of course, Gianna was playing. She fell asleep shortly after, so we were on the floor because I had no seat. I only saw the 3 to 5-year-olds get awarded. Anyway, to make the long story short, they gave awards for each event — bars, beam, vault, and floor — according to age group and according to their scores. And because my girls’ scores were mostly 9s and high 8s, they got a gold for each event! Along with a lot of other kids haha. I didn’t hear Danae’s name called, and there was another name in Noelle’s age group that sounded like her name, so I was never clear if it was really Noelle being awarded. They just came to me later on with 4 gold medals each on their necks. So many kids were walking around clinking as well haha. They did award the top 6 who garnered the highest scores, and I think the top 3 get to advance to level 2.

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Noelle saluting their judge before the beam event. 🙂

We’re happy that our girls are doing something that they love, and that they’re progressing well. I mean I never expected them to be so good so quickly! I watch them practice in the gym, but it’s not always a clear view. Their performance on the bars surprised me the most because I know they were scared to turn at first and I don’t think they were strong enough to do so. But come to think of it, these girls taught themselves to cartwheel and do handstands, before they were formally trained. Why wouldn’t they get so good quickly with great coaching?! Not to mention their hard work and commitment.

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Danae after her floor exercise 🙂

I didn’t even think about scores at first. I prayed for them to be humble winners and gracious losers, but I just wanted them to experience it, to build their confidence, and enjoy it. To depend on God, to give their best, and to give God the glory. Them participating in such a competition was already a win for me. Little did we know the results would be so awesome!

My girls just amaze me. It’s one thing to learn gymnastics and to practice in the comfort of the PGAA gym. But to perform solo, with a judge, with many eyes on them, in a not-so-familiar, huge sports center, is a whole other thing. But you know what, they looked pretty comfortable right away. They were nervous, and I know they prayed a lot, but they carried on. What courage! And what God-given abilities!

And can I just say? They looked so beautiful in their costumes. I’m so proud of myself for doing their hair haha. I had to buy hair spray and bobby pins the day before. After the competition, they were like, “Seriously? I have so many hair pins on my head.” I think Danae counted 16 on hers, hahaha. It got the job done, didn’t it? No hair issues the entire time.

I could go on and on about that day. It was a first for all of us, and it was wonderful. One of the questions I asked them after was “Did you thank Jesus?” Indeed Lord, this would not have all been possible without You. Thank you. All glory to You. ❤

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deut 31:6

 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 1 Cor 12:6

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matt 5:14-16

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You might want to follow their page, THE PRODUCTIVE KIDS, too. 🙂

Funny Fridays, My Kids

Gianna turned “free”

Phoebe Torres-Lucero

Ever since Mother’s Day this year, Gianna likes to greet us. She greeted my mom and I everyday for the whole month of May practically. She would greet King too haha! And then she learned to greet him Happy Father’s Day in June. When we’d have get-togethers or attend birthday parties, she would always be excited to sing and blow the candle. I think she even requested to blow the candle one time (maybe more), saying “For me, for me.” My birthday is exactly a month before hers, so she was happy greeting me everyday, even after we told her that it was almost her birthday. She did learn to say that her birthday is on “Ogwest twewv.”

She’d also known for a while that she was turning three. One time in June maybe, she told me that she’s “turning free.” I said, “oh you’re turning free…yeah.” She smiled, looked at me and said, “I’m not Free-ya.” She remembered her friend and VBC dance teammate Fria, hahaha. She still says Free today.

August 11th, we told her that her birthday is tomorrow. So on the day of, when we greeted her happy birthday, she told me “My birthday is tomorrow.” Haha. It didn’t take much convincing. She was happy to be the birthday girl. We did pass by another baby’s 1st birthday party in the morning, but she had no problem “sharing” her day. Not a diva, my girl. 🙂

The girls are always excited to spend time with their cousins, and Gianna is no different. Oh the screams, when the family (both sides) arrived. She was so hyper that evening! Like extra extra hyper. She was also so excited to wear her princess dress. Two weeks before, she planned to wear her Minnie Mouse costume for her birthday party. But since she already wore it that week (just at home, no occasion), and I saw that she didn’t match her birthday set-up, I brought out 2 old flower girl gowns (Danae’s) and made her choose. When I went into the bathroom, she told me that she picked the Cinderella one, which is the blue one. I asked one of her sisters to help her out, while I prepared outside. She came out wearing the Belle dress! So adorable. ❤ And so like her. Sometimes she says no, but she actually means yes. She says one thing, but actually means another.

Thinking about the family get-together 2 weeks before, I asked Gianna what she wanted to eat on her birthday. Her immediate and consistent answer was “CAKE.” Later on she also said pasta. And then as I asked her what kind of pasta she wanted, or if she also wanted chicken, she mentioned “HOPIA.” Hahaha. There was indeed cake and hopia on her birthday. 🙂

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that’s hopia in the cupcake stand. and that’s the closest to the pink cake she wanted. she wanted a strawberry flavored one, but i doubt she’d enjoy eating it. she just really wanted a pink cake. hehehe 🙂
Funny Fridays, My Kids

Eeeew….

Phoebe Torres-Lucero

One time last month, Noelle and I were eating breakfast together, while the two other girls were still asleep (I love one-on-one moments with my girls).

Noelle: How come I’m the only one in the family who doesn’t like sauce?

Me: Yeah, there are people who like it, there are people who don’t. Remember my old blog about our preferences in eating our hotdog? We’re all different. You ate yours without bread, nothing on it. Danae ate hers with bread and just mayo. I ate mine with bread and just ketchup, since they didn’t have mustard (and I would have much preferred tomato ketchup). Daddy ate his with bread, ketchup and mayo, but he likes everything.

Noelle: What do you mean he likes everything?

Me: Like if there was pickle relish, he would be okay with putting pickle relish.

Noelle: Eeeew.

Me: Haha. But that’s what makes Daddy a good missionary. He can do those things. He can eat anything.

Noelle: I can’t do that. I’m picky.

Me: Hehehe yeah. But, Noelle, what if God tells you to go on missions?

Noelle: (smiling and without batting an eyelash) I’ll bring lots of food.

Hahahaha. We got a laugh out of that one. But more so, I was blessed hearing that she is still willing to obey God despite her unwillingness to eat certain food. Ready to go for God, despite her reluctance to try the unfamiliar. God bless her heart. ❤

Motherhood, My Kids

It’s a good thing!

Phoebe Torres-Lucero

I am a stay-at-home mom. Even though my older girls go to school everyday, I am with them at breakfast and after school. It’s not often that I go out, though I do drive them to their after-school and weekend activities, because the littlest one is with me. I have to plan my moves. I’m blessed that my mom stays with us and I can now leave Gianna with her sometimes. We have a Manang and the two older girls can pretty much fend for themselves. Many times, I bring a kid or the kids along when I have a meeting in church on a weekday and King can be bothered. There is strength in numbers, so I feel safer when all 3 or 2 are together at home as opposed to leaving only 1 at home alone with Manang (on the times that my mom is not around). As much as I can help it, I don’t stay out long either. In other words, we’re together a whole lot.

But, on the rare occasion that I leave without them, they’re always chatty when I come back! So chatty, that they fight for my attention. “Mom! Mom! Look at this.” “You know what, mom?” “Mom, look what I made.” “Mom, look what I can do.” “Mom, can I show you something?” “Heeeey, I was talking to mom first.” The littlest one now knows to say “Mom! Talk to me.” Hahaha. Sometimes they overwhelm me. King jokes that they miss me. We’re always together!

But I realize that my children love to talk to me. They want to spend time with me. They enjoy my company. They’re not tired of me (yet). Even when I embarrass them (deliberately or accidentally), I know they secretly like it. They laugh at and with me. They want my attention, my affection, and my opinion. The older ones complain when they notice that I leave home like 3 days in a row. It’s tiring at times, and the pressure is incredible. But you know what, it’s a good thing! My kids not only love me. THEY LIKE ME! They really really like me! Hahahaha.

When Gianna knows I’ve parked, she already goes to the window and screams for me. “Mommy? Weeeeee mommy’s here!” Sometimes she’ll say “You’re back, mommy? Yay!” She makes my heart smile each time. I think (I hope) she is past her recent phase of wanting me by her side at all times, like she would call me IN A PANIC, once she realizes that I’m not near her. She would cry for me not to go to the bathroom! Anyway, the older girls don’t get as excited, but they’re always happy to see me too.

Thank you Lord for this massive blessing. To be loved AND liked by my kids is indeed a good thing. ❤

Children are a gift from the Lord;
    they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

 

Funny Fridays, My Kids

Gianna’s words 1

Phoebe Torres-Lucero

Gianna is nearly 3 and she, like most little girls, is a talker. She’s also at that stage of creating her own monologues, talking to her dolls and laughing by herself. Just now, she came to me and told me that her barbie is hurt. She made our breakfast tray table into a slide for herself, and she let her toys slide too. Last night, she was pretending to be a cat and used the hamper as her cage. Noelle has something to do with her pretend play, as her sister would often initiate that game.

She surprises us a lot with her words. The day after she and I went home from family camp, she said to me “yesternight, we left ate noelle?” She must have figured if we say yesterday, why not yesternight if it happened last night? Nobody uses that word in our house. Nobody taught her that.

Her sentences make sense, though not always grammatically correct. This morning, she saw a picture, and she commented, “He have a scooter just like mine.”

Just now, she saw a screw on the pile of coins she’s playing with and said, “sharp” and gave it to me. And then a few seconds later said, “Found another one.”

Before she even turned 2, I believe, she already recognized “Cacia,” especially coming from Petron. She surprised us one time, coming from Commerce Center, when she said “Cacia! Cacia!” Now she says, “We’re going to Acacia?” or “I want to go to Acacia” even when it’s not a Sunday. (Victory Alabang has 11am and 3pm services in Acacia Hotel.)

Months ago, when I would tell her that a video on the internet is not working, she would tell me that “it’s loading, mommy.” When she couldn’t figure something out, she’d say, “How do dis?” One time, I asked her how do dis while pointing to my phone, she said “password.” Another time she answered, “I don’t know how. Aks daddy.” When she couldn’t make the volume work, she said to me “Mommy, it’s not louding.”

One time after a bath, I told her that she’s super wet. She asked me, “I’m Super Wet? Like a super hero?”

A few weeks ago, while taking a shower, she proudly told me that she killed an ant/insect. “I kill it!” And then she took her toy again and said “I kill it some more, mommy.”

I showed her the cotton on my arm after I had my blood drawn for some tests last week. I told her I got an owi, but that I was okay. She noticed later on that it was gone, and she asked me “You removed it? You okay?”

One time, she came into my room and told me “She’s mad at me.” I kept asking who was mad at her. Apparently my mom (gently) scolded her for not obeying. Another time, she came in and said “Mommy, she bite my skirt.” I asked who bit her skirt, and she said “the door.”

She says “I dunno” like an adult. I’ve heard her say “eeder (either).” She says “o see????” and “jussss kidding!” and “Whas going on?” She says “ekyoos me” too. She used to say “aproom,” but now just gives a thumbs up when she approves of something.

When she turned two, a friend of mine joked and taught her to say that she’s 5. Since then, it’s been hard to convince her that she’s 2! I would ask her how old she is, and she’d say “five.” One time, I told her that no, she’s 2. She said “No, I’m 5.” Thank God now she puts up 3 fingers when asked how old she is. I’m training her to say that she’s 3.

One time, she looked into one of Danae’s bags and said, “there’s no stuff, mommy.” She also knows the word empty, of course.

Some time last month probably, I was looking for one of their friends. I was thinking out loud. She answered me with “There. Beside Danae.” And she was right.

One time, she was about to spill over the container of paper clips. She was looking at me, smiling, and asked, “It’s okay?” I said no it’s not, and she replied with “It IS.” She has since refuted other things I’ve said with her “It IS.”

When she wants to end a story, she closes the book and says “Be end (the end).”

Before she used to answer “mmmm, maybe” or “mmmm, nope.” She also likes to say, quite nasally “mmm-hmmm” as her yes. One time I asked her if I could bite her butt, she said no. Noelle asked if she could bite mine, and Gianna willingly gave up my butt, saying “shore!”

But she loves mommy. When she sees me getting dressed, she always says “Can I go?” “I want to go oso.” When I can’t bring her, I tell her “I’ll be back.” Sometimes, she’s okay with it and says “You’ll be back, mommy?” even before I say it. Other times, she cries. One time, I hadn’t even left but just got something from the bathroom, she said “Are you back, mommy?” She’s always happy to see me back.

She volunteers to pray now, and she usually says, “Lord, thank you for myself….” and continues to thank the Lord for each of us. 🙂

 

Children are a gift from the Lord;
    they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

 

 

 

Family, My Kids

Noelle Speaks

Phoebe Torres-Lucero

When we got home from the hospital, Noelle surprised her sister (and us) with a video. She doesn’t want the video shared, but she gave me permission to share what she said in written form. 🙂

I am really inspired by my sister that she really is…..love. Even though she doesn’t hug me and she doesn’t even kiss me, I still love her. She’s part of my heart. Well, I want her to hear this because I love her so much (about to cry so she stopped the video).

Ate, you are a loving, kind sister. Whenever someone hurts you, I defend you. And even though you don’t defend me, you’re still here (puts her hand on her chest). You’re still my big sis. I pray that you were well when you had your surgery. I’m sorry for all the things that I have done to you, for all the bad things I’ve done to you. Um, if you’re listening, I want to say this. You..are…my….you are a part of my heart. I love you so much ate. Please forgive me for all bad things I’ve done to you and I pray for you that you were okay when you did your surgery, and….. thank you for being my big sister and for always caring for me. And like that time when you were going to (sniff) share the candy with me…. I was like, no it’s fine but you still gave me (sniff, holding back tears). I think you don’t remember this because it was a long long time ago. Sigh. I wanna say this again, you are part of my heart. You are my big sis. I love you and…. makes a heart shape with her hands.  Blows a kiss….I love you. Hugs and kisses by me (flips hair)! I relly really really want to show you that I love you even though I make mistakes and I hit you, I’m sorry. Well I hope it’s not too late to say sorry…….

And I wanna keep on saying this again and again. I love you, you’re a part of my heart. And whenever you you get hurt by someone, I’m like, just come with me. And whenever she cries, I cry. You also inspire me to do like good things, and also you…. when I say to you ate “does this look nice?” and then you’re like you have to change. That’s fine….. because you know, you’re older than me. Whenever you say you’re the boss of me, I don’t like it. But you are older than me, so I don’t consider you as a boss. I consider you as a big sister. I love you. Blows a kiss.

What a sweetheart, my Noelle. She has always had a soft spot for her sisters. God bless her heart. And we continue to pray that she, Danae, and Gianna will have an extraordinary bond as sisters. ❤

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Family, My Kids

Mommy Writes

Phoebe Torres-Lucero

Mommy’s turn!

The first time I encountered “it” was when Danae was around 2 years old. She wasn’t in any pain. She was actually just singing her heart out in the shower. I immediately called my aunt, who is a pediatrician, and she confirmed my fears. “It” was a hernia. I instantaneously cried over the phone, knowing that surgery was the only way to fix it. I did not want my baby to have to go through something like that.

But because it never gave her any problems — no pain, no changes in her bodily functions — and because I guess we were foolishly hoping it would resolve on its own, it took us 8 years to finally consult a pedia surgeon. The birth defect (not an injury) needed to be closed so that she could safely do gymnastics and other activities. Though it was not an emergency situation, we wanted it done a.s.a.p.

They humored her request! We joked that we are in the business of making dreams come true. She said, yay! Tomorrow, another dream is coming true. My surgery will be done! 🙂

 

I believe in the Lord’s timing, and I believe that though it seems late, Danae’s surgery was done at the right time. She’s more mature now, and she understands why it was necessary. She has always been brave, but God supplied her with so much courage and grace to endure this. I had to put a brave face on for her the whole time because I am not brave! With so many thoughts entering my head and fears threatening to disable me, I enlisted our family and a lot of friends to pray for and with us. That, and the peace of God that transcends understanding, certainly kept me standing.

There was no question that I would be the one staying with Danae in the hospital, and King would be shuttling back and forth to hospital and home. I’m so thankful that when it comes to family matters like this, it’s never hard for King to ask for a leave. It became a time of bonding for me and Danae. She got to have mommy (and daddy at certain hours) all to herself. I was happy to serve and help her. The two younger ones were safe at home with my mom during the day and with King in the evening.

When it was time to have her IV inserted, she was afraid. My outgoing, brave, confident, independent young lady became a timid, nervous, needy baby who wanted mommy to hug and hold her as they put the needle in. She cried in pain. She cried also through the pesky skin test. I wanted to cry too haha, but I was the adult. I needed to be strong for her. I just kept comforting her, encouraging her. It was late, but when she asked for TV, I obliged. As my mom advised, I helped keep her spirits up.

In the morning, while waiting, the anesthesiologist came in. All this time (I even signed papers to consent to it), we thought she would be given General Anesthesia. They could, but because of the asthma factor, it was more risky having a tube in her throat. Apparently that’s how GA is administered. They put you to sleep and then insert a tube in your throat for the gas to go through. When the anesthesiologist suggested spinal anesthesia, since she is physically big enough for it (he said that she’s big for her age — he should see a lot of her taller friends haha), I was not able to hide my apprehension. That was the same anesthesia I received, giving birth to Gianna. Could my Danae handle that? But the doctor assured us that they would do what we were most comfortable with. Thank God we had time to decide. Thank God King was there. I would never want to make major decisions like that on my own. We agreed that spinal anesthesia was safest for Danae.

About to be wheeled down to the surgery unit. Nervous but still smiling. 🙂

 

As she was being wheeled from her room to the surgery unit, she kept calling me, making sure I was right with her. She wanted me to be the one in the waiting area with her, and in the recovery room afterwards. I asked the anesthesiologist if he could sedate her while still in the waiting area, and he was kind enough to do it. He understood that Danae was nervous about being wheeled into the OR without me. He even agreed with me in prayer when I prayed for Danae while he was putting the sedative in her IV.

About an hour and a half later, surgery was done. I was right outside the door when they called for Lucero. The surgeon met me inside, told me that it took longer than expected because her hernia was so small. She said that small hernias are more dangerous because intestines are more likely to get trapped. God’s grace right there! Nothing of the sort happened to Danae all these years! The surgeon was happy also to say that Danae didn’t even flinch when the spinal anesthesia was given to her. She did great!

When I saw Danae, however, I saw her eyes closed but wet with tears. She kept talking but tears kept running down her cheek. I knew she wasn’t in pain, but I guess she was feeling overwhelmed. She couldn’t stop her tears from falling. I encouraged her to sleep, but she didn’t want to in the first hour. She needed to lay flat on her back for 6 hours. We also needed to wait for the anesthesia to wear off. She was hungry, but she eventually slept. She kept repeating that she was hungry when she would wake up. I would fall in and out of sleep too. At times I’d read. I’d pray for the others who were there in the recovery room. 6 hours is a looooong time to wait on a monobloc chair. But I thank God that because Danae’s a child, she was allowed company.

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My facebook post 🙂

 

Back in her room, she said she was happy that the surgery is over. Whew, me too!!!! We thanked God for everything. None of it would have been possible without Him. I was happy that the operation was a success, that her vitals were stable the entire time, that there are no complications, and that SHE’S ALIVE. Today, she is recovering very well. Praise God. 🙂

Through the 3 short days, my daughter learned to be more grateful. She thanked me each time I helped her ❤ ❤ ❤ . I don’t think I’ve ever received so many sincere thank yous that are not because of something material. On the way home, during a moment of quiet inside the car, she said “Thank You Lord.” That was probably the most sincere and meaningful prayer of thanks I ever heard her say. Indeed, our whole family thanks You, Lord. ❤

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First steps at home, with Wowa’s walker. 🙂

 

Thank you so much, family and friends, for standing with us in prayer. Thank you for checking on us as well. God bless each of you.

Click here and here for Danae’s take on her experience. 🙂

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever. PSalm 136:1

But I will restore you to health

and heal your wounds,’

declares the Lord, Jeremiah 30:17a