Thursday, September 24, 1998

Baby Andreij

Dear adorable son, baby Andreij,

As I write this, you are sleeping soundly in your crib baby bed. I just want you to know how much love and happiness you brought to us and to our family.

Years before you were even a twinkle in my eye, I imagined you in my dreams and pictured how wonderful you would be. I didn’t know if I want a boy or a girl, but deep down I knew you were my son.

When I took you in my arms for the first time, you felt right where you belong, and you’ve seldom left since.

When we arrive at our home, everyone was there to greet you and they vied for your attention, smothering you with kisses and stroking your sweet-smelling skin.

Your name "Andreij" with silent "J" is your Dads idea "J" stand for Jesus. Every day we praise the Lord for you, my darling boy. Andrei means Andrew is: Manly. St Andrew, an apostle of Jesus Christ, later became the patron saint of Scotland. The Scottish city St Andrews is named for him. "Hosea" is the name of a prophet from the bible. We prayed and open the book 3 times and found your name each time.

You are My and Your Dads tiny angel, our breath of fresh air, and our heart. I always knew Dad wanted a daughter, but we never knew how much we’d adore having a son.

We're not the only one who can’t get enough of you. Your cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Grandmothers thinks you’re the coolest person in the world. I think you think the same about them. I’m not sure how long this mutual admiration will last but I’ll do my best to help you to stay close.

Your father couldn’t be happier to have a little boy. He’s extra gentle with you now because you’re still small, but I know he can’t wait to throw you around and get dirty with you.

We're so blessed. How did we get so lucky with such a sweet baby? Your soft cries are easily calmed when I hold you close and I rub my hands through your soft head of curls.

Suddenly you were grasping my finger, rolling over, giggling, sitting up, scooting across the floor, excitedly grabbing for a spoon to feed yourself with your favorite Gerber.

Your laugh sounds like music from heaven. And I can strike the chord whenever I please simply by kissing your chubby neck.

A good attitude will take you places. I’ll teach you lessons like that. I promise to always love you and do my best to raise you to be a kind, brilliant and happy.

Lifetime love from Daddy and Mommy
April 15, 1999

No amount of gold could ever compare 
to the gift of love that my son shares.

Having my baby in my arms
takes away all of my worries and stresses.

I love your open-mouth smile and 
you are great big gasping laugh when I tickle you.

That's your favorite hot dog pillow.

You are a tiny little angel who loves to sleep.

A lifetime loves from You and Me and Dad.


My deepest desire is for you to know God,
to trust in Him when life gets tough
and that you’ll trust your parents too,
to help and counsel you
when you’re pondering the mysteries of life.

The toothless man loves Gerber!
Andreij was always excitedly grabbing a spoon to feed himself with his favorite Gerber.

Dreaming! I pray silently for your future.
 I wonder who you will become, what your interests will be,
even who you’ll one day spend the rest of your life with. 

You always lost one of your socks during your sleep.

Always excited and happy to see your Tita Doctor Pedia Chua at Perps.

Daddy assures you will get the best health benefits.

I love how you reach for me when you are happy, sad or scared.

Andreij loves "Tuntol-Tika"!!!
1 year and 3 months old, December 21, 1999

You have 8 teeth now. There are few nights, when I’ve been comforting you as you are teething, I have felt those tears spring again to my eyes. Because I love you with my whole heart, and I look forward to knowing the strong man of God you will become.