Three previous pregnancies in her husband Oyo Sotto’s clan helped Kristine Hermosa prepare mentally and emotionally for childbirth, according to her sister-in-law Danica Sotto.
“Three babies were born into the Sotto clan in 2011 alone and Tin was witness to all of these,” Danica told Inquirer Entertainment on Wednesday. “The first was born in February, the other one in July, and my second child, in September. When it was her turn to give birth, she already knew what to expect.”
Kristine’s daughter, Ondrea Bliss, was born through normal delivery at 11:49 p.m. Monday at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City. She weighed 2,680 grams (5.9 lbs), according to a text message sent by Oyo.
Mother and daughter were discharged from the hospital and sent home on Dec. 28, Danica added.
Kristine was already feeling birth pains as early as the 24th, according to Oyo’s dad, Vic Sotto. “She was scheduled for a checkup on the 26th, but her doctor didn’t allow her to go home anymore,” he said. “Oyo kept updating us through text messages until Tin finally delivered the baby.”
Oyo’s mother, Dina Bonnevie, accompanied the couple to the hospital. Kristine’s mom, Mari Alma Hermosa Orille, is currently in Canada.
Vic visited the newborn the following morning. “It’s too early to tell whether the baby looks like Oyo or Tin, but I think she got Tin’s brown eyes. Her skin is also very light and her hair, super thick,” said the grandfather.
He said he wasn’t worried at all that the couple would have a hard time taking care of Ondrea on their own. “They had enough training with their adopted son Kiel (now 3). I congratulate Oyo and Tin. This is indeed a merry Christmas for them.”
Danica said she reminded Oyo to “be patient and to try to help out as much as he can. Tin will be needing a lot of help from him. The true test is when they finally bring the baby home. Can they easily adjust to her? I also told Oyo to be more cooperative.”
In a previous interview with Inquirer, Oyo admitted he’s still in awe that he’d soon be a daddy. “I’m happy, nervous and afraid, all at the same time.” He added that he talked and read stories to the baby every night. “We also made the baby listen to classical music.”
E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph