Dearest Katherine,
Happy Birthday, my love (this is how Daddy and I call you)! Well, we survived and thrived this past year, the three of us should congratulate ourselves. It’s not easy moving to a new country, adjusting to the climate and learning to take care of each other without help around. But we’ve done it and I couldn’t be more proud of our family. A year ago, I was in hospital and met you for the first time. From the moment you were placed on me (before being taken away to be cleaned up), life as I knew it was never the same.
Our first year
In this past year, I have documented your monthly progress and posted it here, online and in my other social media channels. There is a good reason for that, and it’s because we have family and friends living abroad who want to know about you, about our life here as a family.
These days, it is the best and easiest way to share our story to people who care about us–and there are a lot. People you haven’t met yet, but they already love you and care about you.
This is the world you will grow up in: families far from each other, but still connected and aware of what is happening to each other on opposite ends of the world. But don’t worry, there are still things we keep to ourselves, but I’ve been documenting privately: just for you!
Our new home
Right now, we are a few months in to settling here in Wellington. My top concern, really was finding things to entertain and educate you.
In the Philippines, this was easy: we have family and friends that we could visit, and you could play with your cousins. I could bring you to one of the many malls that line Metro Manila for new things to see or the beaches and other beautiful places in our country.
These days, I would bring you to a playgroup run by one of the churches here in our suburb. It runs every Monday morning, and you get to play with other kids for a few hours till you tire out just in time for morning nap. On Wednesdays, we go to the local library for some music and playtime. The rest of the week, you go to daycare. On weekends, we would drive out to the city or any other surrounding area to explore our new home.
Daycare
Some Pinoy mums might frown on sending their kid to daycare at your age, but this is not a strange concept here in New Zealand (or, in fact, other Western countries). I can see the difference it has made in you between the time when you first got here until now.
Where before, your stranger anxiety was really high, these days, you are more sociable. Sure, you still shy away when you see new people, but you warm up quickly. I can also see you starting to be more independent during playtime, and definitely more active! You’re also developing more motor skills, and in a few weeks, I think we’ll be seeing you walking on your own!
We also have a Filipino community here in Wellington. We’ve only known them for a few months, but they quickly became like family. So much, in fact, that they helped pull together your first birthday! How amazing is that?
Our new life
Why am I telling you these things? Because I want to tell you that moving to a new country, trying to make it a home–is hard. As your mom, I have had many days where I’ve questioned why we moved here. Usually, when we are stuck at home and I feel like a bad mother for letting you watch too much TV, or when you’re sick, or when I’m really tired from housework.
But then I think about what life would have been had we stayed in Singapore–your Daddy and I probably would not have much time for you by working so hard. Or we would probably be so stressed with the traffic, had we chosen to stay in Manila. There are pros and cons of living and staying in Singapore or Manila. But as of now, your Daddy and I feel that here in Welly is the best place for us–for you!
Here we are able to focus on you, and on our family. The lack of malls and shopping centres, while disappointing to a city-girl like me seems to be a good thing now that I think about it: I’m learning to find entertainment in nature, which is abundant in NZ. We’re learning to live more simply and at a relaxed, slow pace-a vast difference from what Daddy and I experienced these past few years. You will definitely appreciate this when you grow up.
As you move forward to your second year, I am so excited at the progress you will make. You are unaware of it right now, but in a few months, you will be a big sister! I can only imagine the fun you will have once your sibling arrives. I’m sure you will be a great sister. There are so many things to look forward to in your next year, so many places to go, things to see and people to meet. It will again be an adventure of discovery for you, and for us as a family!
My only prayer is that you stay in good health and disposition, as you have been this past year. We love you, dear daughter!
Love,
Mummy
