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Thirteen years ago today, my dream of becoming a mom came to reality when Zoe was born. Her arrival definitely changed my life forever. In fact, her birth set the course for the rest of my life. As a kid, I aspired to be a lot of things but my greatest dream was to become a mom and have my own family. Zoe gave me that.

Zoe was a very adorable baby. She was always laughing and when she did her chinky eyes would disappear. Haha! My parents always used to say that she looked like me when I was a baby. Just look at her here looking like a baby China doll.

 

Baby Zoe
Baby Zoe

 

Growing up, we eventually saw her become a lot like me too. She became a responsible older sister to Ziya, who was just a year younger. Zoe has always looked out for her and protected her. Now, she’s a great big sister to Ziggy too.

 

Sisters forever!
Sisters forever!

 

Zoe is really smart too. Like me, she loves to read and collect books. She learned to read at the age of 3. In fact, by the age of four,ย she already reached a reading level two years beyond the average. Then, about a year ago, she realized she also liked to write (yep, like mommy!). So, she has been practicing writing stories already.

 

My mini-me
My mini-me

 

Over the years, Zoe has been a consistent honor student. I’ve gone up the stage countless times already to pin ribbons and hang medals on her. She has given me an endless stream of proud mommy moments but I know that there’s still more to come in the future. I am so excited to see how much she’ll be able to accomplish.

 

at Laiya Coco Grove several years ago
at Laiya Coco Grove several years ago

 

She turns 13 today. Part of me wants to cry. Where did the time go? I miss the baby girl I used to love dressing up so much. Another part of me is happy because of everything she has turned out to be. And yet another part of me is apprehensive. I’m a mom to a teenager now. OMG!

 

ZoeTurns13b
At Zoe’s 13th birthday celebration yesterday at Yakimix Prime

 

They say a child’s teenage years are the hardest years for any parent to experience. That’s why I’ve been dreading this day (somewhat) for years. I don’t know if I’m prepared. I’ve already had a glimpse of what’s to come these past few years as both Zoe and Ziya became more independent. I just hope I’ll be able to handle their teenage years with as much grace and love as I can muster. I pray I’ll be the kind of mom who will be able to encourage them to chase their dreams, the kind who will have enough wisdom to share. I pray I will be strong enough to learn to let go and let them fly.

 

Zoe, I love you so much.

Never let a day go by without you knowing that.

It doesn’t matter where you are. I will always be here for you. Always.

We may have our difficult moments as mom and daughter,

but don’t ever think that I regret having you in my life.

I am so proud of you and always will be.

Thank you for being such a great daughter and sister.

Thank you for changing my life.

 


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20 Comments

  1. Hello. :)) Awesome narration. Hope you read my blog too. marcteng.blogspot.com

  2. Wow Janice, you did great in raising up your children. I am so proud of you, also your Lolo and Lola. Hopefully I can also be a good Mom to Emilio Dominic. One big happy family every time I see all your pictures. Keep it up and may the Lord be with you and your family today, always and forever. Have faith and believe that your goals and dreams will come true in his time.

    1. Hi Tita Pat! I was so surprised to see that you made a comment on my blog. I’m touched! Thank you for the kind words. They really mean a lot to me, especially coming from you. I only wish that Lolo and Lola were still here to see my family. I’m sure you’re doing a great job with Emilio too. I hope we’ll be able to see him soon!
      Janice Lim recently posted…Ziggy has joined Ready Steady Go Kids!My Profile

  3. Awww…how nice, Janice! I’m sure she’ll be okay. There are indeed a lot of horror teenager stories but it’s always different for everyone. I’m sure you raised her right and you’ve made her aware of how much you love her, I’m sure she’s secure with that knowledge. ๐Ÿ™‚
    May De Jesus-Palacpac recently posted…Donnaโ€™s Spicy tuyo pasta featuring Bebengโ€™s Kitchen Gourmet TuyoMy Profile

    1. I really hope so, May. ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks!
      Janice Lim recently posted…Ziggy has joined Ready Steady Go Kids!My Profile

  4. Time flies so fast! Your baby is now a lady and soon, she’ll bloom into a beautiful woman. Don’t worry, having you by her side to give guidance, support, and love will surely help Zoe to grow up as a responsible adult.

  5. How sweet! My eldest will be turning 11 soon and little by little, the topics we talk about are changing. We all have high hopes for our children but one thing will be for sure, they are the ones who will be choosing what they want to be. What’s important is that we are always behind them to support them and at the same time, we should be always on top because we will be their role models, the ones who they will look up to.
    TweenselMom recently posted…Kool Kids โ€“ Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Is CoolMy Profile

    1. That is so true. The conversations between me and my daughters sure have changed a lot over the years. They’re now talking to me about boys! Uh oh.
      Janice Lim recently posted…Ziggy has joined Ready Steady Go Kids!My Profile

  6. You are so sweet. Congrats mommy for raising a beautiful, smart and loving daughter. You did a good job for 13 years! Time really flies so fast.
    Rackell recently posted…Product Review: SansfluoMy Profile

  7. Wow! That will be 10 years pa for my son. Happy birthday Zoe and may you grow into a beautiful person inside and out.
    Que Sullano – Gavan recently posted…Strider Balance Bike โ€“ Gabโ€™s First BicycleMy Profile

  8. Time flies really fast when you’re a mom! Happy birthday to your little dalaga! ๐Ÿ™‚
    Ayi Dela Cruz recently posted…Your Babyโ€™s Precious CORD Blood Can Save His Precious LifeMy Profile

  9. Happy birthday Zoe girl! Mine is 3 years pa..time flies so fast. I’m sure you can manage mommy Janice. ๐Ÿ™‚
    Maricel recently posted…Maiaโ€™s Pumpkin RecipeMy Profile

  10. Happy birthday Zoe! I know, kung may remote lang sana ang oras. ๐Ÿ™
    Audric’s Mom recently posted…This Parents Had Already Prepared for the Death of Their Unborn Child ThomasMy Profile

  11. Happy Birthday Zoe! Wishing for more bonding moments with your mommy Janice.

  12. Wow! Congratulations mommy! My kiddos are toddy and infant pa lang. Long way to go.

  13. Kids nowadays grow so fast we regret every minute that we haven’t shared with them. Adorable girls, hope they stay as close as what they are now! ๐Ÿ™‚
    Mayu recently posted…Don’t Forget The Lifestyle Bazaar This Weekend!My Profile

    1. I sure hope so too, Mayu! ๐Ÿ™‚
      Janice Lim recently posted…Ziggy has joined Ready Steady Go Kids!My Profile

  14. It’s definitely a challenge raising teenagers. I have a 14 and 13 year old and like I said it’s a challenge. Time flies by so fast.
    Louisa recently posted…Nature Essentials Foot TherapyMy Profile

  15. Belated Happy birthday to your daughter! I have a daughter too and I think I will be emotional the moment she turned that age too. How time flies so fast!
    jem alvarado recently posted…45 List of Best Children Classic Book StoriesMy Profile

  16. That’s beautiful, Mommy ๐Ÿ™‚ Sometimes, when I have my son in my arms, my mind travels to the future when he’s a toddler, a big kid, a tween, a teenager, a young adult, a husband (?), a dad (?) and I just hold him closer and savor the moment. Everyone says they grow up so fast. They really do, don’t they? Your post here is proof of that. Your children are all lovely and both Ate’s look responsible and loving ๐Ÿ™‚
    Vicky Thompson recently posted…#30for30challenge Habit Number 22: Have at least one planned activity for Liam dailyMy Profile

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