Dear Zayn, This is your birth story.

Dear Son, You came down to earth during one of the most historical times on earth and challenging too because of the Corona Virus Pandemic. It was mid of March 2020 when the lockdown started. We had been praying to have since 2019. I wrote about you on my 2018 Vision Board. I knew you were coming very soon. Before I took the pregnancy test last April of 2020, Ate Zephrine prayed for a baby brother. Indeed, we got a positive result. I was so happy. Daddy was happier. Your Ate Zephrine kept talking to you. She loves to draw our little family and you were inside my tummy. You made our 2020 the best year! We love you so much and we couldn't wait to meet you.

This pregnancy was challenging because of the safety measures. I had my first ultrasound around May. My first check-up with my OB, Dra. Gladys Garcia was around June. It was in August when we found out the gender, it's a boy. Your ate Zeph knew from the very beginning that you're a boy. She kept saying it. We had our monthly check-ups starting October to December. I loved listening to your heartbeat. It was not easy to go to hospitals and laboratories during this time. But my heart was always strong because I've always felt the Lord's guidance and protection. During this pregnancy, I accomplished a lot of speeches. I also gave talks, interviews, started a vlog series for Refining Womanhood, I worked as an Engligh Teacher for Koreans (part-time), we sold ukelele through shopee and continued managing the company from home. I also had much time playing the piano, ukelele, singing with dad and ate and created a lot of teaching resources for Ate's homeschooling. It was a very productive time despite being quarantined at home. I felt strongly that you will be a musician and a great speaker/leader someday. We faced a lot of challenges as well; emotionally, physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Your dad was called as a bishop sometime in August. He was always outside the house so I was always nervous that he might bring home the virus. But my fears was turned to faith promoting experiences. My body was challenged because of lack of exercise and connection to nature. I am grateful that our house was close to the park in our subdivision. Emotionally, I had painful expereiences with loved-ones due to misunderstandings and lastly, depression or sadness, anxiety were there too because it wasnt easy to be stucked here at home for a year. It was lonely at some point. Knowing that you are here with us gave us joy each day. You entertained me personally during this year. Ate Zeph loves to embrace my tummy and talked a lot to you when you're still inside my womb. You are so blessed to have such an amazing ate. FASTFORWARD. On December 10-12, I started feeling little contractions. I thought you'd come out on the 12 because of the continous back pains that night. When I woke up around 4am on December 13, I pead with a little blood and then more blood came out. I knew it's time. I prepared Ate Zephrine's things and snacks, cleaned a little bit, messaged tito dennis so they can bring ate niels to accompany nanay and ate while we're at the hospital. Your things were ready to go. Daddy brought them to the car. He gave me a priesthood blessing and we prayed as a family. I was nervous but I was braver. We bought breakfast from Jollibee first and then we went to the hospital. My swab test result was 1 day expired. They wanted me to do a rapid test first, wait for the results after 3 hours before I can go in to the labor room. But your dad fought for us. Eventually, after a little drama, they accepted my swab test result and let us in to the labor room.

DELIVERY ROOM They monitored you. I was already 2cm dilated. They gave me oxytocin via dextrose. I ate skyflakes and water. It was a continous contractions until it was already too painful to handle. I planned to get an epidural at 4-5 cm dilation but the doctors were still on the way. It was a very quick labor from 3-4cm to 7cm. I was kicking my bed. I wanted to cry but the nurses told me to just take deep breaths. It was so hard because of the masks and the face shield. I was very stressed with all of these IE tests from time to time. Finally, the took me to the pushing table. They injected something to my dextrose that I felt very dizzy but somehow helped lessen the pains. The doctors came right when I was about to push. It took about 6-7 pushes before you successful came out!!!! And yes, when I saw you-- you had a very loud cry. YOu had so much hair and you're a hairy baby on your body. I love you my dear son, I cried for JOY and I kissed you right then. I forgot all the pains when I saw you. I felt extremely grateful that we're both safe. You know when you're due date got closer, delivery day feels like your last day on earth. haha! Yah-- Then they cleaned you, we took photos and you latched successfully. After stitching me and all that preparations, they took me to my room and you to the nursery room. MONDAY MORNING Your pedia came to my room and told me about your condition. You needed to be admitted for 7 days or 3 days if I know a nurse who can continue your 7-day anti-biotic medication to avoid any possible infections because you had high WBC... I coudn't accept it. I wanted to be there when they need to inject you any medicine so I can hug you and love you. But I had no choice. I need to follow the doctor for your safety especially during this pandemic. We went home that day without you. I was crying for three days. Your ate Zephrine looked for you when we arrived home. It pierced my heart when she asked excitedly, "where is zayn? I told her you needed to stay at the hospital because you're a little sick. Daddy visited you everyday. I love you so much, Zayn. I couldnt wait for us to be together as a family. While you were at the hospital, we learned that we needed to repair our drainage/alulod. It was a very dusty repair so good thing you're not at the house yet. Thank you to sister joy mangalindan who helped us clean the house since I was still healing my physical wounds. Sister nomo and other sisters also cooked lunch for us while our kitchen was not available. PICK UP December 17, Thursday --- we went to the hospital to pick you up. We're so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!! We waited for almost 1 hour outside the NICU. I'm very grateful because they fed you with breastmilk as I requested. You're a healthy baby boy and eats a lot. You also cries a lot maybe because you're looking for my warmth. That's why I promised that I will spoil you in my arms. Finally, we got you. We went to Tatay Pangan's funeral before we went home. Daddy dedicated his grave. It was his first time and we waited in the car. Then we bought your medicine. Tita Camille was your nurse for the next coming days. You came home with a heplock and we went to their house so she can inject the medicines. She also come to our house twice for your evening shots. So it's 2 times a day, morning and night. It was difficult to bathe you because I was worried that your heplock might be pulled or something.

UNTIL SUNDAY... DECEMBER 20 We needed to go to ER to re-inject your heplock. We went to sacred heart and 5 times those *** nurses tried but failed. We went home because we're in pain to see you in pain. We wanted to discontinue this medication and just trust the Lord. My heart was so down. I didnt know what to do. My eyes watered my pillows. I asked your pedia what to do, she said go to AUF Nursery for the doctor who can insert your heplock again. We didn't go right away. We prayed first. Then, I was encouraged by your tita irene and valbs to finish this. In the morning of the following day, Monday --- we cheered for you. Go zayny go! We prayed and we felt more courage this time. I asked Sister Dato to acccompany me and your dad. We went to AUF very early. The doctor was there waiting for you. They asked me to wait outside. It was a quick process. They gave you to me with the heplock propertly inserted and you're calm. I was so happy and grateful. We finished the medication. We went to tita camille again. I felt extremely loved by my Heavenly Father as He watches over us. He strengthens and teaches us great lessons especially to trust Him more.

Zayn, you're at home now. You're healthy now. I felt that this complication happened because of my stressful labor and delivery. But hoooray!! I felt like a first time mom again. I was so paranoid about your umbilical cord. LOLS I even called your pedia late at night because it has very little blood which is actually normal because it's peeling off naturally. LOLS!!! I love taking good care of you especially because you made my dream come true. I was able to breastfeed you despite low milk supply in the beginning. You're so good in sucking mommy's milk. You're the very reason my milk supply gets more and more. I also love to see how your ate zephrine matures and daddy endures "PUYATAN" because we're all excited to have you. Know that you're loved deeply by our little family. ATE ZEPH AND ZAYN FIRST MEETING This was so priceless. You guys first met inside our car. Zephrine asked me if we can take you inside the house. haha! She loves you so much. She wanted to hug you and kiss you a lot but because of your heplock, we needed to be careful. BUT RIGHT NOW, after your heplock was removed and your umbilical cord peeled off, Ate wakes you up most of the time because of her kisses, snuggles and hugs. haha! Whenever I asked her to watch you, she lies down beside you and automatically put your head on her arm. She loves to talk to you. She's always helping me during diaper change. She gets the wipes, diaper and throws the dirty nappies. She also makes a lot of toys out of her brick toys for you. She made you a helicopter, a motor "kambiyo" and even prepared a gift box for even before you came out.She has many plans for you and her when you grow up. She loves drawing you with her holding hands. She learned how to write your name. She loves your name.

Today is January 20, 2021 -- You are now doing great. Although you just had pimples but we already put medicine and you're face is flawless now. I told our pedia during your check up that we're using filter when taking photos because of your pimples. So we need to cure these so we can have #nofilter shots. You know my son, we didn't have anyone to help us in taking good care of you. It;s just me and your daddy. We had ate amber dato who helped in the household but I feel extremely grateful that you have me 24/7. I love this experience with you. YOu added happy, joyful colors to our family. You teach us a lot of lessons daily and I feel confident now.

My son--- we're just waiting for your Lola Lydia so we can do your naming and blessing next month. :) Sleep tight now. Thank you for this time. I was able to finish this entry. Hopefully, I'll find time in the future to proofread wrong grammars and add more details. Sincerely, Your MAma bear, Nyles