PPBC #5: THEY SAY IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!

Our family members, especially those on Haligi's side, are party animals.

I remember, during the earlier stages of our relationship, that I was amazed at how Haligi's family would find reason to celebrate even the smallest milestone (a milestone still, nonetheless)--a balikbayan's homecoming, easter egg hunts, halloween trick or treat parties, death anniversaries, new jobs, promotions, good grades, town fiestas, and the list goes on. They are certainly one jolly, partying lot!

The party fever has since rubbed off to our small family and thus, ever since our Haligilet was born, we marked his "birthdays" every month till he turned one...

and then had birthday parties every year (click on the pictures to access party photos)...

I love organizing my son's parties as it brings out the child in me. I pride myself on being totally hands on, from conceptualization of the theme, to designing the invites, to buying the loot and prizes, cooking food (for his 2nd and 4th birthdays) and of course, entertaining guests. I also experimented on a lot of personalized party favors and decors and the results were truly rewarding!

While it seemed that our parties bordered on the lavish or extravagant, do note that our parties were carefully planned and budgeted. You'd even be surprised at how much (actually, how little) we spent.

I know of some people who would take out payday loans just to give their child a great party. I guess you cannot blame some parents who feel the "pressure" of having to keep up with a "hospitable" culture such us ours. Lucky for us, it took a bit of imagination, resourcefulness (and very supportive grandparents, hehehe!) to do the trick.

More than the fanfare, we see birthdays as wonderful opportunities to give thanksgiving for the past year of smiles, anecdotes and milestones. Best of all, Haligilet's birthday marks another wonderful year of our parenthood.

Literally and figuratively, a party is just icing on the cake.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

PPBC #4: A LOVE STORY--THE HALIGILET KIND

I firmly believe that the bond between parent and child is one of the strongest connections in nature. Romances come and go, but the bond between parent and child, blossoms, grows, and deepens through the years.

Our "love story" with our son began even before he was born. I remember that even with Haligilet in my womb, we already had grand plans of moving heaven and earth to give him the best that life could offer. We knew, even during the early stages of my pregnancy, that we were hooked--for life.

Apart from the clothes, toys and parties, Haligi and I made sure that we showered dear Haligilet with something priceless--our undying and unconditional love. These came in every form and figure--nappy changes in the wee hours of the morning, homecooked meals, walks in the park, road trips, drawing and doodle sessions, song and poem renditions, tickle time, bedtime stories, family prayers, "1-4-3"s in every imaginable dialect or language, and best of all, a bottomless pit of kisses and hugs.

We consider ourselves lucky that dear Haligilet is extremely generous with his reciprocal affection. Aside from the traditional "Mano po" gesture that my husband was born and raised with, Haligilet shows his love through his abundant supply of hugs and kisses. His look of adoration, the way he cuddles at night, the way he seeks us out in a crowd, the way he loves to talk to Mama or Dada on the phone, the way he giggles with glee during playtime with Dada or tickle time with Mama, the way he plays with his Mama's hair or pats his Dada's back even while he sleeps, are testaments of his very deep connection with us.

The most simple yet powerful statement of our son's love was the first time he sang the Barney Song. That was back in 2006, weeks shy of his 2nd birthday. On cue, he burst into song--"I Love You, You Love Me...We're a happy family..." to signify his love for me and Haligi. And for that, I will be forever indebted to that darn purple dinosaur. :D

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

PPBC #3: GENERATIONS (LESSONS FROM MAVER'S MAVER)

I never realized what serious business being a mother was, until I became one myself. It is the hardest job indeed--a 24/7 job at that.

Of all the things my own maver has taught me, the most important and insightful ones that I have taken to heart are three basic things--independence, foresight and laughter. I have learned, the hard way, that these three things, when combined, equip one with a suit of armor, powerful enough to withstand any storm.

I remember, I used to resent it when my maver did not accompany me during my first day in school. I felt helpless when mommy reminded me to look things up in the dictionary or encyclopedia on my own. I was let down whenever she chose to buy me books instead of the latest doll or dress. And I especially found summers spent at home sharing stories and laughter over backgammon or pictionary terribly mundane compared to an out-of-town trip.

I realize now that she gave me the best gift any mother could offer. Mommy gave me very sturdy roots to help me stand on my own. And I wouldn't want to have parenthood any other way. I will gladly, and wholeheartedly give my Haligilet his roots too. Whatever it takes.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

PPBC #2: SEARCH FOR A COOL SCHOOL

I hope I don't sound condescending, but I was never an advocate of early education. I felt that kids should be just that--kids. After all, I felt that my son had enough learning opportunities in our current set-up (call it homeschooling if you may), with daily alphabet and number drills care of Yaya M (but with an "accent"); regular trips to stimulating environments, and drawing and reading sessions with me or Haligi every night.

At 3, Haligilet can read all letters of the alphabet, numbers 1-100 (thanks to the numbers on the elevator!), all shapes (even an oval, hexagon and octagon). He can also spell and read his name. He is toilet-trained, drinks from a glass (he was weaned from the bottle at 11 months) and knows how to feed himself. Bopols nga lang sa writing. Hehehe.

However, with the current trends in schooling right now, it seemed logical to "succumb" to the pressure to already send our son off to school. But Haligi and I agreed that it would have to be when Haligilet at least turned 3, and 3 he is this year!

Finally agreeing to send our son to school was mainly because we wanted to provide him some semblance of routine and an opportunity for social interaction. And so the search for THE preschool was on.

Our criteria consisted of 5 Ps --

Profile--meaning the methodology of the school. We preferred those adhering to the progressive method where learning was through
play and experience;
People--pertaining to the teachers and administrators, and even owners. We also took into consideration, the student-teacher ratio (we preferred a class with a maximum of 8-10 students);
Personality--which refers to the overall "look-feel" of the school, and if the atmosphere and facilities were a good complement to our son and his character;
Purse--covers tuition and miscellaneous fees for supplies and textbooks; also includes addtional school bus expenses, if need be; and finally,
Proximity--which is self-explanatory.

We looked at about 5 schools, interviewed the teachers, inspected the premises, and had trial classes. To tell you candidly, I was not really that "OC" or particular about the choice of school. I just trusted my gut feel that our choice was the "perfect fit" for our son, for us, and for our pocket. To us, pre-school would just be a great place to learn new things in a new way and most especially, meet friends. We just want our son to have fun!

Later on, I firmly believe that it will take a lot more than the 5Ps (maybe 50!) to guide us in our search for the "big school". Ask me again later. :D

Right now, I'd like to bide my time. Mom-zilla I am not :D

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

PPBC #1: BECOMING A PARENT

My current state of affairs as mentioned here and hinted here, has made me reminisce about my birthing exprience.

I have always been asked how I knew I was ready to become a parent, to which I always replied...YOU NEVER ARE.

I don't think anyone is 100% ready. Parenthood can be emotionally, phsyically, even financially draining BUT nonetheless, REWARDING. Labor pains, sleepless nights, endless bills are far outweighed by your child's warm cuddle, loving gaze, and toothless smile. A baby's sigh, coo, even cry are music to a parent's ears. This is what parenthood is all about. It is not about counting pains and costs. It all about overcoming roadblocks and marking milestones. It's about loving and caring, warmly, completely, and unconditionally.

My entry into parenthood may be considered a comedy of errors. I was on my 34th week, totally unprepared, when premature labor hit me. I had no definite birthing plan, no overnight bag to speak of, no clean baby clothes to prepare, no hospital supplies to pack. Worse, my husband was out jogging! Despite all these, I even managed to take a leisurely bath, apply make-up, and put on my best maternity get-up. I was dead set on looking my best on my very first attempt at parenthood.

Since I was weeks shy of my due date, my OB deemed it best to administer steroids that would accelarate the maturity of Haligilet's lungs. By the way, my OB, whom I love dearly, was, by some strange design, stripped to her underwear beneath her labgown. Funny!

I was attached to an IV and fetal monitor for 72 hours. All this time, I was able to interact with a lot of people--doctors, nurses, even patients. Mothers, would-be-mothers, former-mothers came and went while I was left counting seconds, minutes, hours, days, even freakin' IV drips at the labor room. I became fast friends with some doctors who kept me sane during my entire stay. The friendship also gained me (forbidden) access to my cellular phone which I used to give YM updates to all my friends (read as: CHISMOSA!). I never forgot my hygiene rituals and make-up sessions during the 3 days that I was at the labor room, on bed rest at that!.

And so THE day came. The pain was too much to bear. And I had to ask for 3 epidural shots--YES, THREE--to make the pain go away. Little did I know that with pain, memory went away as well (which I am paying for that up to this day). I screamed and howled and cursed while trying to huff and puff and push. My nurse-friends kidded me that my screams can be heard all across Ayala Avenue. Midway, I even begged my OB for a C-section. Hahaha, pathetic! And the clincher? My OB's most memorable words--"Mommy, you have twins--a boy...and poopoo!" EWWW!!! I passed out soon after kissing the most beautiful 4.15-lb "alien". More than fatigue, I probably passed out because of sheer embarrassment. Mwahaha!

So folks, as I've said and as evidenced by my birthing story, YOU ARE NEVER PREPARED. But while it may be a totally overwhelming experience altogether, the Guy Upstairs built parents to be tough and resilient soldiers, armed with an artillery of kisses, hugs and love.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH