The Little Things that Matter – #23 – Bonding Time with Ata

The other day was one of the most blessed day in our family. Another gift from above. Another niece. Another girlfriend. Another bundle of joy. ❤

Sharing with you our bonding moments when she was barely a day old.

Isn’t she beautiful?! My heart is full! I can’t get enough of this newest bundle of happiness. At first look she reminded me of our Dad’s mother, our dear Lola Ning and my younger sister, Jetty.

I carried her most of the time during my hospital visit yesterday and oh boy she is a good baby. Did not cry often and loud enough for everyone to be panicked. A few times she only did that irritating face look as a signal for me to look if she made something under that pink cover. But….but she already has that ability to get out of her swaddle blanket and stretch her arms and legs like she is preparing for a marathon. I think she will be feisty like her Aunts (I have two more sisters and she is my brother’s firstborn) and gentle and soft spoken like my brother.

Oh dear Sophie Margaux, I will protect you as I have protected your father and my younger sisters. I will love you forever. I will try my best to share with you my memory of your Grandmama and your Grandpapa and all of the wonderful adventures our family had when we were young. I am your oldest Aunt and I hope to give you my best version of our family’s history. I hope that you will grow to be close to the Lord. May you be a good, obeying child at all times, and the best example for your other siblings (if ever). Be gentle. Be wise. Love life and all its ups and downs my dear.

I love you always!

 

p.s. Since I am the oldest sibling and 5th oldest cousin in our bigger  family, everyone calls me “Ate Carrie”. Ate is a term used to address older sisters in our country. My first niece, Nicole, was not able to call me Auntie Carrie when she was little but lovingly called me “Ata”. The name stuck and every niece and nephew now calls me Ata. I love it! I love that every young family member only uses the name to address me. Such a privilege to be called Ata.