Come Fourth.

If we aren't measuring our age by year, we start measuring it by occassion - junior prom, graduation ball, college, debut, college, college graduation, first job, second job, third job/promotion - then comes marriage. And we all know how exciting weddings and proposals are. Among my friends - I think we have gotten to the point of promotions, proposals and moving-ons (work, country, relationships).

There is one stage that we are slowly venturing into: Parenthood.

Okay - not me. But friends and family who are somewhat around my age.

There is Ignacio, my inaanak, who is turning two this year! He is bubbly baby boy that looks just like his mother (with cleaner feet). Yesterday, I received photos of a beautiful baby girl - Jayla Marie. Born about a week ago in California. Melissa, the proud momma, looked just as beautiful - not at all like she had given birth.

On the other side of the Pacific, Itin is carrying Baby Emilio. :-)

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I mean, I knew I was up for an adventure down under with World Youth Day and all the WYA talks that we'll be having - but I did not expect to be part of this one.

Itin and Third were expecting to have Baby Emilio end of August. Looks like he'll be coming out a bit sooner - na-excite siya kasi may bisita [me!!!]. I can't think of cooler parents [aside from my own - hi mom! hi dad!].

I was chatting with Ann earlier - and somewhere in the conversation she goes They are an amazing couple. And she was so right.

I met them when I was about to enter college. They were both there when I went through my Days with the Lord. They were most probably there during my debut. And after graduation, 3 jobs and many other interesting, growing-up moments - I find myself in their lovely home in Sydney, Australia. This is a home brought together by their own story - college, friendship, love, long distance (Padeeee!), long distance again (oi oi oi!), leading to marriage and now a baby.

I am so excited. :-D

I want very much to go visit - but limited guests are allowed. That would make sense. The doctors and nurses here would probably go nuts in our hospitals back home. First hour checked into the hospital and the whole barangay is already there - with mamon and ensaymada. Hehe. But it's probably better that way - more time and space for the patients to rest. Less noise, bacteria and cause for stress.

But yes, I am sooo excited! :-)

Several people have asked if the Baby could be called Fourth. Personally, I like Speedy (since their last name is Gonzales). 'Specially since nagmamadali nga yung bata.

I know everyone back home is excited as well! I've been blessed as it is to be welcomed into their home - little did I know I'd be showered with more blessings and this opportunity to welcome Emilio into his own home (if he decides to come out during the mass of the Pope, I'd probably still run to the station and ditch the Sto. Papa for the baby).

Love and prayers to Itin and Third (who is actually on his way home with chicken and gravy). YAAAAY! :-)