birthday

As I woke up this morning, I gave him a perk on his cheek and whispered “Happy Birthday son!” He cracked open one eye and nodded happily.

“Mama, what time I was born?” he asked with curiosity.

“3:00 am!”

“What? 3:00 am!!! How did you know I’m coming?”

Slowly, vague memories of me being pregnant and giving birth to him returned. It has been ten years since I announced my pregnancy to V on his birthday. It was very exciting at that time because it was our first pregnancy, and it so happened on V’s birthday.

I gave birth to Edison through emergency c-section. I was a few days overdue but there was no sign of him coming (he must be feeling too comfy inside!). Our gynae at that time proposed inducing labor, and it makes sense to me as I was already heavily pregnant, too exhausted and couldn’t even sleep well.

Unfortunately, the induction didn’t went well. In less than two hours, I was wheeled to the operating room for emergency c-section due to fetal irregular heartbeat. It wasn’t a bad thing though – that’s because the entire birth-giving process was relatively painless for me. I didn’t even experience labor pain at all!

And so, today is a new day. The last year of single digit birthdays for Edison, that is.

When I asked if he wanted a fancy birthday party with friends, or a simple birthday celebration with family members, he chose the latter. I love that too! I’m not a big fan of fancy birthday party, and so do him. It takes a truckload of time to prepare such a party. Instead of spending a hefty price tag for a party, I rather buy him something that he likes, or bring him on a holiday.

Dear Edison,

What a fun year it has been, right? We’ve finally settled into our new home this year, and you got a new bedroom for yourself. Going to and from school is such a breeze now. Everything is feeling good and comfortable. And as they should be.

You’ve almost completed your Primary 3 with new classmates and new teachers. It has been a challenging year, school-wise, but we’re glad that you made the transition well. Studying has never been easy, but you know very well that Daddy and I will always be there to help you and to support you.

You started playing tennis this year, and I’m glad that you love it. Swimming, tennis and golf are your favourite sports now. We want you to learn sports – not for competitive reasons, but we want you to have fun, stay fit and make friends. As what I’ve always said, all I want is for you to be happy and healthy.

You’re a loving, sensible and good-natured boy. I’ve said that many times and that has not changed till now. In fact, you’ve grown into a caring boy with a heart of gold. You care so much for the people around you, and have learnt at a very young age on how to speak the language of love. As such, being your mom has been the greatest thing I could ever ask for.

You are a brave, cheerful, silly, goofy, and inquisitive little boy. I love seeing the kind of person you’re becoming, as you become more confident with yourself, and who you are. We are beyond lucky to have you in our family. You bring us so much joy and happiness.

Right now, at nine, you come to me with almost everything. When you face challenges, when you need help, when you’re bored, you’ll come to me. I hope that you’ll continue to do so even when you grow older. Please always remember that I’ll always be there to protect you and to guide you. From primary to secondary and tertiary, I want to be there to share all your challenges and celebrate all your successes.

My goal has always been to be the best mother and the best teacher, you could have. On the other hand, I also learnt a lot from you than I could have possibly imagined. You allow me to see the world from different angles, and the positive feeling that with you, my life is beautiful and worth living.

I love you, son. And as I say to you every night, “I’m SO proud to be your mom.”

Happy 9^th Birthday, Edison! I shall end this letter with our family picture taken on your birthday. 🙂

Love,
Mommy

Today, we’ll be celebrating Edison’s birthday. He was born on Sept 11th eight years ago. I couldn’t help it but feeling incredibly nostalgic whenever this day comes. His birthday is also the birth of me as a mother. The sentimentality emerges within me at this time every year.

I think back to the many days and nights when it was exclusively us – just me and him. When he transformed me from a woman to a mother the day he was born. When I realized I could possibly love someone more than myself. And when I knew being with him at every step of his growth is the happiest thing that has ever happened to me.

As what I’ve done every year, I’m writing a birthday letter to him. Hopefully, when he grows up and read this letter, he knows what I want to tell him on all his birthdays.

So, here I am now, penning this birthday letter to my dear son. Perhaps it may also strike a chord with mothers everywhere – the endless unconditional love we have for our children, and the unequivocal pride we have as we watch them grow.

Dear Edison,

Eight years ago, you came into my world, and you changed me completely. It took me a while to accept the fact that I was a mother, and is going to be one forever. But now as I looked back, I couldn’t help but smile. It’s a feeling of fulfilment beyond words. Although I’m still not sure if I’m the best mother to you, I feel that I have done my VERY BEST.

You’re my first and only baby, and you’ll always be. Because of that, you and your needs are always at the top of my priorities. Whatever I do, wherever I am, and no matter what decision I made, I think of you. Someday when you’ve children of your own, you’ll be able to comprehend what all that means.

I want you to know how much I love to watch you.  I love watching you run, climb, swim, and jump. I love watching you throw, catch, and smile.  Your smile lights your face, and makes your beautiful spirit all the more engaging.

You and I – we’re bounded by a magical tie that only exists between us.  It is ME whom you’d come to in the middle of the night after a bad dream.  It is ME whom you’d express your frustrations at when things didn’t go the way you expected.  It is also ME whom you’d tell all your secrets to late at night. Please let it be ME – I’ll always be there for you whenever you need me.

You’re kind and considerate. You’re generous with your time and love. You work hard and play hard. You’re funny, silly, goofy and lovable. You’re obedient and listen to instructions. These are all the traits I wish for you as you grow up. My goal has always been to raise a happy, kind, generous, hard-working, and responsible boy. Thanks for making my job as your mother so easy.

I noticed that you’re growing up a little bit more lately. You eat adult-sized meal, and you enjoy a wholesome of food from mussels, crabs, squid, prawns, and even sashimi. You were less adventurous with food when you were younger. Papa and I love to see you enjoying a wide variety of food.

As you enter your 9th year, these are my reminders for you:

There is no substitute for family. Papa and I always stressed that our first priority is to take great care of you. We want you to be happy and healthy. Papa sometimes nags you at the slightest thing, but deep inside his heart, he’s a very protective father. He always protects his family and put his family at number one – which is something I want you to learn from him as you grow up.

Work hard, Play hard. You’re doing this beautifully now, but it won’t be easier for the years to come. As you grow up, the temptation to play more than you work will be stronger. It’s a challenge that you need to deal with. As I’ve always said, learning and expanding your knowledge is very important, it’s a continuous process, and it should be fun too. The harder you work, the better you will be. Success only comes to those who are prepared to put in the hard work, time, and persistence.

Always be happy.  Every single day, find something that makes you happy and do it.  Be it big or small – do an act of kindness, eat an ice-cream, call a friend, play your favourite game with Papa – it doesn’t matter. What matters most is you spend a portion of each day smiling and laughing. Papa and I always want you to be happy. And happiness is all the little things that make your life awesome.

Happy 8th Birthday!

I love you always – Mama