“Touchdown, Auckland” were my two words after our plane landed in Auckland on June 5, 2017 at 10:05am. A significant milestone for our family. After all the waiting, stress and anxiety, we’re finally here – our new home.

When I gave birth to Zane, we were to continue with working in Singapore and leave our son in the Philippines with my parents. Zane would come visit us in Singapore either with my mother or mother-in-law every 2-3months. It was until Zane turned 2 when I came to a realization that we were tired of this routine and being away from our son often would just add to the stress and missing important milestones in his life was heartbreaking.

The very first tourist attraction that we visited here in New Zealand was Muriwai Beach, it was winter. It's 42kms west of Auckland CBD, and took us about 40 minutes drive to get there. When we arrived, all I could say was it's definitely worth the drive. The beach was a paradise by itself, unique, plus it didn't have any entrance fees unlike some of the beaches in the Philippines.

For as long as I can remember, I've always been that type of person who couldn't tolerate pain very well. A little prick on the finger or scrape to the knee and I would literally go nuts. I've always wanted to be a mother but just the thought of giving birth and having a human being coming out of your vagina would literally scare the shit out of me.