A mother's love note:

playmates for life

The idea of having you two so close together worried me. Not because I didn't think the two of you wouldn't get along, but because I felt scared that I would only become half the mother I wanted to be to each of you. But clearly, Mommy was wrong. Though the photo above is blurry (hey, iPhones aren't perfect), it is what I hope the two of you will continue to be like through life; lifelong best friends who will be there for each other, come what may. And to be there to make the other laugh.

Each time Daddy and I see one of you light up because the other comes into the room or you make the other laugh hysterically, you make our hearts skip a beat. Because it's that kind of love the two of you share that make me want to be the best person, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and most of all, Mother, I can be. It's not an easy job taking care of both of you. It may seem like Mommy raises her voice often and is constantly nitpicking on how messy the house is, how dirty the dishes are in the sink, or the endless loads of laundry that needs to be done. But be rest assured, those can be put aside when I know that it's my hugs you crave, a smile of approval, a quick game of peek-a-boo, or just to sit on my lap.

I thought I knew love pretty well. But I hadn't known its power to bring me to tears instantly when a smile from either of you can make the troubles of my day seem so minute, or missing hearing "mommy, mommy, mwaaahhhmee," can actually make me a bit sad, though I've been gone only a few hours, and how upon the first few minutes of meeting two complete strangers turned my world upside down in the best possible way. I do my best to show you how much I love you both, despite the aching fatigue in my voice when you ask me to read a book for the upteenth time, or rock you in my arms when I've been holding you for the past hour, pushing the double stroller all over the hilly Zoo in 80 degree heat, showing up on date night wearing my milk-stained shirt with pride, forgoing showering because I'd rather know you'll sleep soundly, than wake you with the noise. But I also show my love by disciplining you when you've misbehaved, acted unkindly towards others, or a multitude of "please don't do that's." Love surely is a powerful and mysterious gift. One I'll welcome anytime.  

To my two audacious kiddies, you've made me the proudest Mommy on Earth!

Here's to every mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, or any woman whose ever raised children in any capacity--you have taken upon yourself, beyond-a-doubt, the hardest job known to mankind, and you deserve all the richly rewards God can bestow upon you. Thank you Titas, Lolas, and Nanays. Happy Mother's Day to you all.