It was on an early morning of November 4 of this year when OUR Little Baby Eieo had his first BCG and Anti-Hepatitis vaccines. He was rescheduled on this day because he had a very mild flu during his previous immunization schedule. His pediatrician told us that it is not advisable to give vaccines to Eieo when he was in not-so good condition.
I, along with my sister and aunt, (my hubby, Rainier was at the office and so dismayed that he missed it out) brought him to the nearest yet the most reliable health-providers of our town. When I was observing the other babies being immunize, I heard them crying so loud. My little prince was sleeping during that time.
My baby was the youngest yet the chubbiest among the twelve adorable babies present inside the clinic. People – other mothers, health practitioners, keep on looking at my precious one, appreciating his physical features – and that really make me as well as my sis and aunt so proud.
When we were still waiting for our turn, my baby woke up. Despite the loud cry of the other infants, he still managed to keep on smiling and giggling. That is why he started to get the attention of many people. He suddenly became the center of attraction.
Ooppss… wait. When it was his turn to be vaccinated, my sister held my child and started to position for his first vaccine. After taking a quick photo shoot to be included in his scrapbook, I hurriedly went out of the clinic.
As I heard him cry (but not as loud as the other babies :>), my heart started to beat so fast, my knees started to shake and I even became to look so pale. The other mothers and the rest of the people inside perfectly understood since they felt the same way and considering Eieo is our first-born.
Although it just took him a minute or two (I supposed), I could not explain how I felt during that time. I was even more nervous and scared than the time that I would be brought to the delivery room of the hospital.
Seriously, my mom is definitely right. The fun and joy of having a baby also includes being nervous, tensed and so worried whenever the baby is exposed to natural and normal stuffs like immunization, being sick and the likes. My grandmom even told us that this is just the start of being a parent. More to come, they say.
It has been my baby’s habit ( or may be just coincidence :> ) to wake up 3 or 4 in the morning to have his baby talk, fun-filled and playful moments, which will always last for hours.
We just love staring at him and laugh as he laughs, chuckles, smiles and giggles – a great family bonding time. In these times, we can confidently say that this is one of the million ways to feel the fun and the joy of being a parent – a very rewarding yet a challenging experience.
My hubby awfully enjoys capturing these moments and often takes a video, which will be treasured and cherished forever.
Around six to seven, he starts to get sleepy and finds his most comfortable position to pose himself to sleep. When this happens, my hubby will begin singing his lullaby. ( He is indeed a singer and a musician, after all :> )
Please see his wonderful video and witness how overwhelmed, happy and proud we are as his parents.
I remember how my aunt emphasized her tips to a better marriage during our big day, our wedding day. When it was her time to talk and share advices based from her own experiences, she told us that it is through an open and honest communication we can achieve a successful, fun-filled, satisfying and harmonious marital relationship. Here are some her points on a happy marriage:
• Communicate. Talk and listen. (Sometimes, listening is far more effective than talking.) • Never make money an issue. Whatever he owns is mine and whatever I own is his. Everything becomes a conjugal property or belongings. (However, it is never bad to save on your own or have money with you.) • Be intimate and affectionate. This should never be taken for granted as this gives spice and keeps bonds or ties stronger and tighter. • Let go of petty quarrels. Arguing is not bad at all; however, having much may hurt the other or both of you and may even put the marriage at risk. • Enjoy doing things together. Whatever the activity is, what matters is you both have good quality time together. Date and enjoy your time together.
Getting married for a year, ten months, a week and two days, I must say that these tips really helped us out. However, no matter how hard we try, still, there are some inevitable circumstances, which go between us. Though, I believe that these also make our love stronger.
I have learned a lot from our marriage. Each experience and moment I had with my hubby has always been special. Whether is has been good or not-so, I am happy that we were able to take something from it.
To all hubbies and wives out there, keep the love burning.
Through the years that we are together, I have always been the communicator, someone who is fond of telling stories, so open, transparent, expressive, and somehow talkative. I have been so used to this because I am who I am. I discuss what I think should be discussed about; I tell stories which I think worth the time; I consistently express whatever I feel to let you know what is inside me. I sincerely do these things only for one intention: to be open, to be me.
However, lately I have just realized that things are not doing so well between the two of us. With this, I must say that it now hurts and this really affects me. I haven’t thought of what the exact or right thing to do. All I know is I need a break, a retreat. Please don’t get me wrong. I just want to discern and weigh things out. For who knows, this may even benefit you.
I always wanted you to be happy but it always turns out the other way. I apologize if you think I am possessive. Don’t worry. Now, I will really try not to be one. Forgive me if I need to keep myself somehow away from you. I just want us to realize each other’s worth.
I am not sure what may happen next. But, this is what I want right now for I have just decided not to talk, interact and communicate with you.
Hasta La Proxima Vez…
(This has been an adaptation from the life story of someone who needs to regain something, which she thought she lost for such a long period of time.)
My life has been changed since I gave birth to our little bundle of joy. I have adjusted my routines, activities, habits and of course, priorities. This has been, I believe, the most challenging yet the most wonderful and rewarding responsibility one may take upon… parenthood.
Being a parent does not require formal schooling and professional training or experience. They even say that it is easy to become a parent but very hard to parent. The responsibilities do not end in giving birth. In fact, it is just a start of a very long journey of experiment, experience and reality.
I can still remember the feelings my husband and I had the moment we saw our bundle of joy: mixed emotions, unexplainable, overwhelmed, and grateful. We can never forget such emotions. However, as we felt the joy and excitement of being a parent, the intensity of being scared and challenged also increases. Fear… that we may not be able to raise him the way he should be.
But, one thing is for sure, we will always try our best to do and apply what we believe is right and necessary.
I have been reading articles, good books and other related references on parenting and I must say that I have really acquired a lot of things. With these, let me share some of the many learnings I had.
We, parents, should realize that training a child begins at birth and never stops. It is indeed a continuous, ongoing process, which involves the emotional, physical, mental, and most of all, spiritual aspects of our offspring.
Remember that as we become their first educator, we are the most important teacher our child will ever have. The teaching of home embraces and includes all the extent and walks of life.
Always balance discipline with love. Bear in mind that love without discipline is not love, and discipline apart from love is merely punishment. Discipline is done with loving yet firm correction, reinforcing the total impact of the teaching process. Generally, this results to a child being obedient, respectful, tact, responsible and naturally good.
With these, let us all celebrate the blessings of parenthood.
The world of today offers a variety of great things and possibilities. Recent inventions and innovations make our lives faster and more convenient - our tasks easier to accomplish. Yet, despite of it all, I wonder why many people still are uneasy and seem to be weary of everything that is happening.
Reflect on these scenarios:
Are you a person who barely meets your deadlines and always receives memos from your boss?
Are you always annoyed when other motorists block your path?
Can’t you stay in the same lane during long hours of driving?
When is the last time you read a good book?
Do you seldom spend quality time with your spouse and kids?
In the middle of a heartfelt conversation with someone you care about, does your mind drift to deadlines, appointments, and stuffs that need to get done?
Do you seem to be so impatient and short-tempered lately?
If your answers are all yes, I think you should start to pause for a while for discernment – to weigh things out. Admit it. You are moving too fast and you don’t even know what you are missing. Well, better take time to read this write-up as it aims to help those busy people who certainly need a break.
Maybe then, you should try to loosen up from your daily dealings and slow down a bit. Have some time to relax and free yourself from your worries, pressures and distractions brought about by your work, business and other unnecessary socializing.
Practically speaking, things in life have been changing so fast and people have become so busy with so many things – personal life, family, career, business, work, and others.
Sometimes, they tend to commit more mistakes and have many failures as they try to accomplish all responsibilities and meet them all. With their very busy schedule, they need more time to meet all these things and forget that they have their priorities.
Being preoccupied has never been healthy; instead, it only makes things worse, more complicated, and creates many lapses. Therefore, busy people must take a good break, a time for leisure, relaxation, fun and enjoyment. These can be in a form of having some quality time with their family, loved ones and friends; hanging out in a mall or park; visit a charitable institution; read a good book; or, attend a retreat or recollection.
I remember the story of a logger who outsmarted his two other fellows after a long day of work. These two other loggers persistently kept on cutting their subject without even having their break. Despite their effort and hard work, they still failed to meet their quota for the day.
Wisely, the thinking logger performs the task slowly, having ample time for resting. Yet, he accomplished the job earlier than what was really expected.
At the end of the day, the two loggers asked him why though he took time to rest and relax, he still managed to finish the task and meet his quota earlier.
The wise logger confidently said to his fellows, “It is because when I freed my mind and cleared my head from work anxieties and pressures during the whole time I was resting, I was also able to think of a better plan and strategy. And this really helps me achieve my objectives for the day. So, I think that was what you two missed out.”
Personally, this story has inspired me to find time to unwind and loosen up. I have valued the importance of taking a break and freeing my mind from work-related stresses. In this light, I do hope that the same things will happen to you, too.
Inspiring young minds and touching their lives have been my commitment in this noble profession, my vocation. Teaching in the academe for more than five years has unexpectedly touched my life and has also changed my perceptions on teaching, love, inspiration, and even life.
For ten consecutive semesters and five summers, I have been consistently and dedicatedly teaching grammar, speech, International English, business correspondence, technical writing and research. Handling these subjects over the years, I have met, dealt, communicated and interacted with various teens, adolescents, and youths – my students.
They may have different personalities, individualities and characters but one thing is for sure… they always comment on my teaching methods and strategies – that I indeed make English enjoyable, exciting and a lot fun.
Working with people on their late teens and early or mid twenties makes my profession very special and a lot more challenging. They bring surprises, give me a bundle of joy and put a spice on my professional career.
Expectedly, after each semester, they all end up as my friends; others even become my closest friends and pals. As they range mostly the same with my age and since we are all raised in an environment in the same generation, adjusting has never been an issue. Spending quality time together, during weekends, we enjoy meals at my place, chat a lot, hang out, go to malls and watch movies.
I suddenly realize how fulfilling this profession can be. Needless to say, their words of gratitude simply inspire and complete me. They are my source of strength and inspiration to come to class everyday and work with a smile.
My husband and I are both blessed with a son. We named him Leo Antonio, Eieo for short. We took the names from the names of our late beloved grandfathers, the fathers of our loving mothers.
Leo is from my one and only Lolo Leovigildo, whom I loved so much since I considered him as my dad for almost twenty-five years of my life and existence on earth.
Antonio is from my dear husband’s Lolo Antonio, whom he loved very much since his lolo still knew his name, Ren, despite memory loss and other signs of aging.
I am our son’s greatest fan because I can literally say that I can stare at him and be with him 24 hours a day, 7 days a week… without feeling bored and tired.
When my baby started to do his reflexes (that was according to his pediatrician) such as smiling, making faces and lots of facial expressions, he always gives me, my hubby and relatives the bundle of joy that we never felt when he was not with us yet.
Whenever he sleeps, I always love to stare at him, memorizing each line on his face, his facial features and everything.
When he yawns, I always take the chance to smell his breath… for it really smells so good as if his mouth has its own scent.
When I give him a quick yet soothing bath every 9 to 10 a.m., I always love to pamper him with the best, purest and most delicate baby products available in the market.
When he needs to be fed, I breastfeed him a lot. Though most of the times, I know that he still wants to be bottle fed even if he doesn’t say a word. So, I give him both.
These are just some of the million moments we share each day of our mom and son bonding time.
But, when the clock strikes at 7 p.m., I am no longer his greatest fan, it’s now his dad. It is no longer just mom and son bonding time… but, our most-awaited moment, our perfect family bonding.
Apology is an expression of repentance or guilt over having said or done something, which is perceived and considered hurtful or detrimental. This also requests for pardon and forgiveness.
For many of us, it is hard to swallow our pride and say, “We are sorry.” If you experience such difficulty in resolving conflicts and arguments brought by hurting words and actions, here are some helpful points to humbly earn forgiveness while you keep your dignity.
Discern and reflect. The first thing to do is to realize that what you did was not upright which may either intentionally or unintentionally hurt the other person/party.
Mean the words that you say. Therefore, take full account on it. There should be no excuses, no alibis.
Consider when, where and how to apologize. These may have effects on correcting mistakes, resolving conflicts and winning forgiveness.
Know the exact words to say and express your apology. This can make you more comfortable and at ease. Lesser mistakes, lapses and misunderstanding may occur.
Do the apology personally… face to face. Effort may mean something worth appreciating for. This also strengthens both sincerity and honesty.
Remember that for a sincere and true apology to be complete, it needs a resolution, a promise or an assurance.
Apologizing may not be as easy as it may seem. However, the fruits of doing so can really bring a lot to you and may change the way you feel, see things and even the way you live.
I never thought that breastfeeding could be as painful as what I felt on its first few days or weeks. When I had to breastfeed my child, it even made me shout and cry aloud because it was really painful. I truly admired how my mom tolerated the pain just to feed me with the best milk and give me the nutrients that I greatly needed and deserved.
Despite the pain it brought me, I consistently continue and pursue to give him the milk that he needs. I even made researches on how I can produce more milk. I eat healthy and nutritious foods, fruits and vegetables; drink lots of water; take vitamins or supplements; and, continuous fluid intake.
Needless to say, breastfeeding gives me a good realization of how rewarding and fulfilling motherhood can be – a genuine essence of being not just a caring woman but also a loving mother.
When we are blessed with our baby boy, my nights suddenly become memorable and a lot more meaningful.
Despite the fact that I need to stay awake even if it is too late; wake up in the middle of the night for several times to check on his diapers, breastfeed or bottle feed; and, dedicate all my 24 hours to my baby, I still find this very rewarding. With just one smile from my little one, all my stresses would have gone in just a snap of a finger.
Sleeping with my son and my husband is one of the best things that happened to me both as a mom and as a wife. Seeing these two men sleeping beside me is such a great feeling. This also generally explains how happy women can be if they will be blessed with a loving husband and a dear child… just like what I have.
I simply cannot explain how overwhelm I am every time I see my hubby hugging, cradling and singing lullabies to our precious one whenever he arrives home from his office. Our son gives us the bundle of joy that only he can.
With these, I really thank God for letting me feel and experience the bliss, zeal and fulfillment of having a baby.
I used to be a career-oriented person. Years back, I worked as a media practitioner – segment producer/head writer of various shows and programs in one of the most prestigious networks in the country.
I was so busy living my life in the limelight and my social life was literally active – meeting different kinds of people, attending several events, doing scripts, editing and proofreading all kinds of write-ups, shootings, tapings, and the likes.
I chose this field of specialization, this career, which was full of adventures, surprises and challenges, simply because I loved doing these stuffs even if this required me 24 hours and seven days a week.
These things happened when I finally realized that I failed to spend quality time with my family. Indeed, this realization had scared and alarmed me so much that I needed to think it over and to find time for discernment. I believed something had gone wrong since I was raised in a family-oriented environment. My family should always be the first on my list, my priority.
With mixed emotions, I resigned from my post though my career was on its peak, and I was consistently receiving promotion, recognition and salary increase.
Then, I took another post from another institution. I worked as a Tertiary English Professor in today’s renowned university. This time, I have committed myself in this noble profession. I have lived my life in teaching grammar, writing, research and speech, touching the lives and hearts of my students, and inspiring young minds.
Though I am not receiving the kind of compensation I used to earn before, I am indeed happier. My moments with my sweet students are one of the reasons to stay inspired and dedicated to this kind of job.
This simply brings me joy, self-satisfaction and fulfillment.
My husband and I decided to see a medical expert, an ob-gyne with much specialization in high-risk pregnancy and the like. Because of my having an irregularly irregular menstruation, as expected, the findings were hormonal imbalances, polycystic and anteverted uterus… quite hard for us to have a baby as early as we wanted to.
The physician said that in a year or two, we might have a baby if continuous check-ups and medications were observed. Therefore, we started the sessions and took all the risks and chances just to be blessed with a son or a daughter.
On the second month of our marriage, we did undergo certain medication and treatment. This method might mean lots of emotional strength such as faith, patience, hope, determination, and of course, financial stability. We were so serious and eager on this medical work out; weekly check-ups, ultrasound and daily medicine intake.
We really wanted to have a baby. After the long wait, sincere prayers, consistent and determined efforts, we were blessed with a baby. It was December 05, 2007 when we knew that I was five weeks pregnant. Right after knowing the great news, we – grateful and overwhelmed, ran to the church, religiously thanked God and praised Him with all our hearts. What a very nice gift from God!
We just realized that most of the good things that happened to our lives as individuals and as a couple came on the cold and sweet month of December. We were both born in December, got married, and most of all, we learned that we had a baby boy all on the same month.
We could not explain how happy we were. He simply brings us the joy that only he can.
How can a wife love her husband… more than she can ever do and give … more than he can ever feel and think of…
She must feel that she is prioritized, appreciated, and most of all, LOVED. He should always make her happy, secure and fulfilled.
Here are some pointers that a husband should always consider not just to feel loved by his wife but also to give her much joy, confidence and fulfillment. Therefore, HUSBAND, you must:
Recognize and meet her needs.
Loving your wife doesn’t necessarily mean that you recognize and meet all her needs nor assure her that you will give whatever she asks for: her wants, desires and necessities.
Many husbands deeply and sincerely love their wives yet unintentionally or unconsciously fail to consider that these women have such needs, which are not being met.
Since you love you wives, I believe you are also interested in recognizing and meeting all their needs.
The biggest needs, I supposed, that are often and most likely overlooked are the needs for communication, emotional support, sexual drive satisfaction, and companionship.
Make her a partner in your marriage.
Marriage is such a wonderful and beautiful relationship, which involves two persons who work, bind and become as one. The husbands have the responsibility in decision-making, but it doesn’t take the wives away in and out of the scenario.
Your wife has her own skills and abilities and you are to motivate, encourage her to make use of these traits in the most productive, practical and efficient way. Teamwork in marriage, that really works.
With these things in mind, heart and action, I passionately believe that these would make most marriage ties stronger and last long, even for a lifetime. Indeed, this can make happier homes that their families can surely enjoy.
I am not an accident. My birth was no mistake or mishap and my life was not a just coincidence. My parents may not have planned me but God definitely did. He was not at all surprised by my birth. In fact, he expected it.
Indeed, long before I was conceived by my mom and my biological dad, I was first conceived in the mind of God.
It is neither fate, luck, coincidence nor chance – that I am breathing at this very moment. I am alive because God wanted to create me. The Bible says, ”The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.”
These are just some of the learning I had from one of my favorite inspirational books, The Purpose Driven Life by Mr. Rick Warren.
These lines were perceived and learned from its Day Two. These words have taken away my grudges, bitterness and resentment over my biological father. Most of all, these words of wisdom and reality have encouraged me to pursue and continue what I am doing right now, to be inspired and feel so blessed, and to keep on breathing with much optimism, love, determination and courage.
When I got married in 2006, I finally realized that this new phase would really change my life forever – my priorities, schedules, habits, routines and activities. My hubby and I had a 4-year engagement and we were right to think that we still needed ample time for adjustment. It was indeed true when people say that you and your partner will only know one another if and only if both of you will live under one roof.
Though we knew each other for quite a long time, we were surprised that we still make many revelations not just in our daily activities, values and attitudes, but also in our perceptions, beliefs, insights and points of views.
However, I am so thankful that we always manage to resolve those conflicts and settle those things out. I believe that all these happen simply because we religiously put God in the center of our relationship.
Thus, we try our best to keep our communication lines open, stay away from petty quarrels and bridge whatever gaps we have so far. Well, of course, aside from love, understanding, respect and trust are the keys to a successful marriage.
A man wants to feel that he is always understood; a woman wants to feel that she is always loved.
Many people believe that a typical family is comprised of a father, a mother and a child. Yes, indeed. But, not for me. I have a family, an extended family that I can call my own though I do not have a father, a biological father.
In my twenty-four years of existence on earth, I have never seen him. Not even once. Never. Ironically speaking, he just resides nearby – a tricycle away… three streets, two subdivisions, several blocks. Well, I don’t even have a picture or anything that may remind me of him. And if someone will ask me why, well, I still do not know until now.
Needless to say, I simply consider him not just as my biological father but also a sperm donor. (I even make use of it as a joke… Whenever I would be asked on what I would tell him when we could get the chance to meet for the first time, I would just smile and quote, “Hey, thanks for the sperm.”)
Kidding aside, he never extended a hand to help my mom in raising me and granting my wants and needs. He never gave me a centavo to provide my necessities. He never had the guts to stand on his own and take accounts of his decisions. In other words, he chose his mom over us – his own family.
On a lighter side, though I don’t have my biological father with me to give me a father figure, I was so fortunate that I had my dearest grandpa, my mom’s dad, to make me feel how it was like to have a father. He was even more than a father to me. He, along with my grandma, was there for my mom through thick and thin.
Indeed, I must say that I would not be here where I am right now if not for them. They had shown me unconditional love and tender loving care that only they could ever give and share. More so, they have successfully given me my needs – be it financially, physically, mentally, emotionally, and most of all, spiritually.
I once dreamed of a happy family with the usual, typical members – a father, a mother, and their offspring. This was simply because I had none.
Since I came from a broken family, I missed to experience the joy and fun of being loved and cared by a father. I didn’t have a father figure to look up to. But, I am still indeed thankful to be loved and raised by a single parent, my greatest mom as she was supported by her mom and dad (my one and only grandparents), and her siblings as well.
They all helped me out, nourished and nurtured me to be the best someone that I am right now. My achievements, my career, my views and values in life – I owe these all to them.
However, I guess it still feels a lot better to have a family and a home that you can really call your own.
Myraine
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