Whatever It Takes

Birthday

Whatever It Takes

15

CAMILA

I love birthdays. Like preparing everything, the caterers, the cake, the guests. Everything. 4 years went by so fast. My son, Julio, is already 3. He's actually celebrating his birthday today, thus the crazy household we have right now. We still live in New York, but sometimes I wish we lived in Canada, where Julio could have a quiet childhood.

I released my album a few months after I gave birth. I had good reviews, even reaching number 3 in the billboard charts. It was an amazing feeling, people praising you for your hard work? This was a solo project, and I was having anxiety attacks questioning people's opinions.

Shawn was very happy having Julio. He was his mini-me, with the same nose and lips and those cheeks. Julio got my eyes, which was more than I could be thankful for. He's a handful, running around, always keeping us in our toes, but he's a good kid. Always listening to us, being polite and respectful, sometimes very quiet, especially when we're having our Music Monday's back at home.

Music Mondays? Every Monday after dinner, we gather in our music room, jamming out to some random songs. Julio sits infront of us, listening intently, like he's memorizing every chord we play. We've raised him loving music as much as Shawn and I loves making it.

Shawn and I have our careers on hold for Julio. No albums, no tours, and just want to have quality time with Julio. I still did guestings, and red carpets for awards shows, but that's it. I'd rather spend my night at home, playing with my son. It changes you. Having a family changes you. I'm just glad Julio happened.

The girls would visit from time to time. Mani and Masi married a few months ago, making Julio the ring bearer of their ceremony, while the other girls and I are bridesmaids. Mani still has her dance studio up in Houston, doing her passion. Dinah still lives in LA with her Quarterback boyfriend. I haven't met him, but she said he's a nice guy. I just gave to believe her. As for Ally and Troy? They're happy, and still trying.

I don't get how the universe works sometimes. Some people are desperate to have a child, but not given one. Others don't want children, and abort the baby. Julio's the best thing that has happened to my life. He made me feel the type of love my mom would always describe to me. That feeling of someone needing you, and loving you unconditionally. Nothing would compare to that feeling.

"Julio! Please put your toys away properly." Shawn sighed as we tried cleaning up Julio's room. Julio was on a giggling fit, being the jolly kid he is.

"Julio. Listen to your daddy." I said, looking at him sternly as he nodded his head and following the directions.

"Why does he listen to you instantly?" Shawn asked on our way out Julio's room.

"He's not in the mood today, honey." I explained, not wanting to say anything that would hurt his feelings. "He's just pissed he has to fix all his crap around the house. I usually do all the cleaning."

"Anyone home?" We heard a voice downstairs as Julio ran out of his room.

"Cheena!" I heard my son run downstairs, as Shawn sighed and followed him. I made my way to Julio's room, getting everything fixed before our guests arrive. After cleaning the room, I made my way downstairs, being welcomed by my friends and some of Julio's friends.

"Come on, baby. Say hi to your Daddy's friends." I pulled him to Shawn's direction as Shawn was talking to Hailee and Charlie, our friends from the industry.

"Look who it is. The birthday boy." Charlie said smiling wide at Julio as my little boy hid behind my legs.

"Julio. It's just Uncle Charlie and Aunt Hai." I said, running a hand through his hair as he shook his head, still hiding his face.