LOOK: LJ Reyes is a glowing bride-to-be in latest pictures
LOOK: The beautiful life of LJ Reyes with her kids, Aki and Summer, in the United States
LJ Reyes
When the news about her break up with Paolo Contis surfaced, Kapuso actress LJ Reyes quietly went to New York, where her mother is based.
"Relatively easy"
In an interview with Boy Abunda, LJ thanked God that He made it a "relatively easy transition" for them.
Future
In the same interview, LJ admitted that she didn't think about the future for her and her family but, according to Paulo Avelino, Aki's biological father, his son is currently enrolled and studying in the US.
Vote
Although she still doesn't know what the future holds, LJ made sure that she can vote overseas in the upcoming 2022 Philippine election.
New York Fashion Week
LJ's stay in New York is not all tears as she continues to be strong, attending the New York Fashion Week in September in an all-black ensemble.
Thanksgiving
Despite the challenging year, LJ still said, "So much to be grateful" as they celebrated their first Thanksgiving.
Children
Now that she's a full-time mom, Aki and Summer grow really fast in LJ's eyes. She wrote, "Parang lumiliit ako! Or lumalaki lang sila? 'Di ako sure!"
God
Whatever LJ has experienced, or has been experiencing, her faith in God remains stronger than ever.
Aki
As a family-of-three, LJ assures son Aki that she will be holding his hand "through thick or thin".
3rd birthday
Summer Contis celebrated her third birthday in the United States. To mark the celebrity kid's special day, LJ Reyes dedicated a heartfelt birthday message for her baby girl.
Kisses
LJ shares that Aki is not her baby anymore.
"Kisses overload for this baby boy! Ay di na pala baby! In private pwede pa sya ikiss, in public bawal na!!! wag nyo ko sumbong ah!!"
Mommy tip
According to LJ, the best way to keep her kids away from gadgets is to do fun activities.
"Best way to keep them away from screens is to keep them busy physically! Kahit minsan nakakapagod kasi pag nasa labas kami naghihiwalay sila ni Summer! Disperse talaga. Tapos gusto ring mahati ng katawan ko para sundan sila ng sabay kaso di pala pwede yun."
Gantry Plaza State Park
The celebrity mom will do everything for her children's happiness. She revealed, "The day they decided to play in the park with a freezing weather!!! pero para sa kanila kakayanin ko -- ang lamig!!! Haha!"
Perya
On Instagram, celebrity mom shared that she misses the joy of playing in the carnaval in the Philippines and she wanted Aki and Summer to also experience that fun.
"Nakakamiss din 'yung perya sa Pilipinas! Gusto ko rin maexperience nila 'yun! Favorite ko 'yung may hinihila tapos kailangan mag-match yung colors ng blocks and 'yung nagbabato ng coins," she wrote.
Inspired
"On my journey to finding a better version of myself! It's not easy at all," LJ confessed in an Instagram post. She added a message to her fans, "Honestly, you have inspired me more than I have inspired you!"
Lessons
LJ pens a letter to Aki on her Instagram, "I know that at this age, I will never sound cool to you. Ever! but I don't care, I would still try to be cool to you (and your friends)! What actually is so cool though is that you have been in my life this long and we have been through so much and you still are the reason (and Summer) that makes mommy keep going and going. You have taught me a lot of things I know as a parent."
Home away from home
A year after flying to the U.S., LJ Reyes is happily settled in New York City while still considering returning to the Philippines for her showbiz career.
