My dearest daughter, Nina

Dearest Nina,

This is mom trying my best to write on this very creative gift, my beloved son-in-law has created for you. I am asking Mia to help me. You will be proud that I am using the computer so much more nowadays and through this I am able to take part in greeting you a most momentous and happiest 40th birthday, my Nina!

You were the cutest little baby who had the entire Little Baguio crowd in one room. You were OUR FIRST and as you know, there is always something very special about first borns and first apos. Nina, I can never forget the day Dad took me to the hospital to deliver you. It was just him and I. Because you were our first, we really did not know what to expect but we were bursting with excitement. We wanted to know if the little black belt inside my stomach was a boy or a girl but we were almost sure it was a boy because of the way you kicked! Oh, what a dream it was for all of us to see you for the first time! You were like a dream to your Dad (of course at that time, we didn't know we would have 5 more!) and a gift-from-heaven for Papi (who was crazy over little girls so he went googoo eyed over you).

Going through these messages and all the friends who always approach me to ask how you are, makes me realize what a fine and wonderful person you have become. I am so proud of you my Nina and I am sure, Daddy up there is all smiles, as he sees how you have turned into a perfect mother to your kids and a perfect wife to Doug.

Daddy sure designed his journey to be timed with your spending Christmas with me. He made sure it was our year and really, having you and Doug and my two loveable Erica and Cy, made Daddy's absence a lot easier to bear.

I wish I could be with you on this special year Nin. You know how it feels for a mother to be away from her children so you know how I miss you each day and each hour. But, I will not be selfish because I know you have found your home in San Francisco where Doug and you have put together a wonderful home and a wonderful family.

Happy Birthday to you my dearest daughter!

I love you (and Doug, and Erica and Cy) very very much! Dad does too! He is proud of you because you have turned out to be just like him!

I love you,

Mom