A LETTER TO REANNA

My daughter, REANNA LOREN, is a month old today. My husband, Lorenzo, wrote this letter to Reanna when I was still pregnant. It came out in his site, "One Day Isang Araw" last May 13. Our baby arrived just a few hours after it was published.

Dear Reanna Loren,

Our family has a bedtime ritual, which usually starts with your kuyas taking a warm bubble bath, after which we brush their teeth. When they are both ready for bed, Kuya Lance and Kuya Troy would ask for their favorite bedtime stories. Your MOM and I would take turns, each reading at least two stories. We then say our prayers and tuck them in bed.

Tonight, however, was a very special night for all of us. Mommy finished reading her story and we discussed it briefly with your kuyas, as we usually do. And then it was Daddy's turn to read. As I began reading, Mommy started grinning, which got my attention. I stopped to ask if she was okay, prompting your kuyas to demand that I keep on reading.

At this point, your Mommy held her tummy, saying to your kuyas, "Your baby sister is moving around." I quickly put my hand on Mommy's tummy and said, "Hello." To say that you were moving around was an understatement. Instead of a baby girl, it felt like a boxer on rollerblades was inside!

Soon after, your kuyas also placed their hands on Mommy's tummy. They also spoke to you through Mommy's belly button, introducing themselves the way they usually do when they greet Mommy (and YOU) "Good morning" everyday.

We all kept our hands on Mommy's tummy after that. While I kept quiet, trying to feel your every movement, your kuyas were just talking away and having a great time. And then I noticed that you had stopped moving.

Your Kuya Troy said you were probably tired and needed to take a nap. Kuya Lance agreed, and asked me to continue on with the story, reading it softly so I wouldn't wake wake up Baby Sister.

So I started reading the story again. Softly, or so I thought. Within seconds, Mommy started to laugh. Before I could even ask why she was laughing, Mommy told me, "Your boxer on roller blades is at it again!"

Kuya Lance then said, "Daddy, you didn't read it soft enough!" Kuya Troy was already all over Mommy's tummy, saying "Hi Baby Sister, I'm Troy. I'm two years old. I love you, Baby Sister!"

Well, this went on a couple more times that night. Your kuyas and I would make a mad dash to your Mommy whenever she felt you move, we would put our hands on her tummy, and then I would continue to read softly after you stopped moving.

Finally, your Mommy figured it out: you were responding to my voice! Sure enough, she was right. You DID move whenever you heard Daddy talking. So we all kept our hands on Mommy's tummy until I finished reading all three stories, taking your Mom's turn just so you wouldn't stop moving. We then said our prayers and tucked your kuyas in bed.

Later that night, as your Mom lay in bed with her head resting in my arms, we couldn't stop talking about how blessed we were for experiencing this very special night, when for the first time, you, my precious baby girl, literally interacted with us, your family!

As the night wore on, Mommy finally fell asleep and I could feel myself drifting off as well. Half-asleep, I softly said "Good night my baby girl! I love you!"

When you heard my voice, you started doing your thing again. How did I know? Because when your Mommy fell asleep, her tummy was less than an inch away from my upper left thigh. I knew you started moving around when you heard me because I actually felt Mommy's tummy touching me!

That did it. That little movement was all it took to rouse me from slumber. I picked up a book and read you a short story. I talked to you and sang to you. And through it all, Mommy slept. It was a moment that we shared, just the two of us.

To this day, I still wonder: did you really recognize my voice, or was it just a coincidence? Whatever it is, I thank you, my darling baby girl, for that lovely moment. I can't wait to see you, but no rush, take as much time as possible. I'm sure your Mom and kuyas will be thrilled, when I share this with them tomorrow. But for now, my little princess, I wish you good night, in silence.

Love Always,

Daddy