Monday, April 30, 2007

Busy month of May

"The Spirit told me to accompany them without discriminating" Acts 11:1-18
" I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly" Jn 10:1-10
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Those are the words that struck me in today's reading. I took that from the first reading and the Gospel. Yet, it seems that these came from one paragraph. Who is God refering to? Clearly an instruction that I have to think for this week. My gut feel say it has something to do with my family. Then, I am happy because it is says "life and have it more abundantly". See God is going to provide something for them. I am happy. I've always pray that as God blesses me with so many, may He do the same to my family. I am excited for everybody. If I missed today's reading them I would have missed this good message. Praise God and thank God for His grace. Amen.


The month has started yet but we have received a lot of invitations already. Nope. We chose not to say no and so here it goes our busiest month of the year that would include outside activities.

  • Three (3) wedding bells in two weeks
  • One (1) baptism where Josephine is a Ninang
  • One (1) children's party. Maybe the first party Polo will be attending.

I have to consider that I also loaded in my work and Josephine will be going back to work this May. I listed all the things I need to do this year and I was surprised to find out that the list of my task is quite a long one.


There are also some important/special dates that I should remember.

  • May 1 - Mamang's 85th (?) birthday
  • May 6 - Mommy's xxth birthday
  • May 13 - Mother's day. Wow, Josephine's first mother's day.
  • May 21 - Polo's 3rd month birthday

Yes, we are a busy family indeed. I remember being busy last year but we didn't have little Polo then. Now, it is a different ballgame. May will also mark the first time that Josephine has to entrust our son to my mother in law and be separated because of work. Adjustment again.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Number 34: Pictures of Polo and Praise

I love Daddy! - Jopay sewn that patch when she was still pregnant
Angel look of Polo

Sleeping. sleeping.sleeping . . .

What's the plan? Children discussion how to save the world! : )



Polo's little hand

That's a funny joke, Polo!

Praise reading a story to Polo

Yes, Sir!!

Extra characters... :)

Last year I was able to post 34 of everything and anything that mind was able to conceive. That's now the total post I have as of April 2007. Wow, it says how exciting this year is for me. I am recording myself and my family pretty well this year. I might even surpass my 2004 record

























Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Nothing Much

People are not that hard to understand as long as you are willing to strip your own biases, you have a healthy self esteem or self worth, ability to just listen and not take it personally or draw up own conclusion without really not seeing the other's perspective. Try it and experience the power of understanding another person. Let the person talk. Let him speaks his mind without hearing anything from you unless asked. It isn't your idea that is important even if you think yours have a more sound. Who knows, it might not be.

I am often amazed on how we think differently. Sometimes, their is a common point but the details might be slightly different. No problem. It isn't in our similarities that we strengthen our relationship but rather how we can achieve understanding with different backgrounds or interpretation. See. Maturity.

Hard. Sometimes, I tend to speak and not listen. Though, really I want to listen to people. That's why I admire some people who can really just close their mouth and patiently wait until I have ended what I really want to say. Their is acceptance or a feeling of being accepted. That's something right? To end a day, having that confidence that there is someone who was able to accept your thought and ideas.

Why am I saying this? I am not sure yet. I am actually stressed and can not think. So, I am just striking keys and what ever come into mind, I write.

Lakers lost by a wide margin. Miami too. But my other bets are still winning. Denver, Golden state and Houston. Go T-Mac.

Why should people in Iraq accept to rather kill people whether their identified enemies or their own countrymen? Principle? Wow! What a power belief to justify killing. In the first place, why are the American Soldier still in Iraq? Don't know too.

Much has been written and discussed about the Virginia School Massacre. All I can say is that, I also feel sad that future of those people ended in a blink of an eye. Or even faster. Why, why why? Don't know too why it has to happen?

Election time here is nearing. I have never missed to vote. I guess I can easily say that I would vote for some while I honestly am not sure if I will still vote for those who have been there for quite a long long long time... Alternatives? Actors, gambling Lords? I have to think hard.

At least it would be a non-working day. I hope that it would be peaceful but killing has started because of the coming election. Power and money.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Polo at two months

Polo: Sleeping after his busy Saturday schedule.

"Look Mommy Im heavy now (5.1Kg) and I'm behaved. Can we take this home with us?"


"Hi Tita Pia, Thanks for my cute shirt. I waited two months to wear and show this to you!"




April 21. Saturday






My dear son celebrated his 2nd month here on earth last Saturday. It was quite a very busy day for us. We left Paranaque at around 10 am and went to St' Luke's for Josephine's last consultation with Dr. Joy. Good thing our car aircon was already working properly so I wasn't tensed as I was when we last went to St. Luke's. We gave Dr. Joy some photos of Polo and she said that she will place it in her office. The visit was just maybe 30 min.






Lunch. Drive thru at Jolibee.






We then proceeded to Manila Doctor's Hospital for Polo's second round of vaccination. We waited maybe around an hour to see Dr. Joey as there were several children ahead of us. Polo cooperated like he usually does and he just patiently drunk his milk. We weighed Polo and he is now 5.1 Kg and 61cm tall. Good, good. :) then it was his time for his shot. One loud cry. When the needle was removed, he stopped crying and even managed to give us a simple smile. Brave boy, brave boy! I am sure that soon, it will be tough to give him shots.






It was then time to go home to Marikina where her Tita Chi chi prepared a simple merienda. Pancit, fruit salad and Coke. Happy Birthday Polo! :). Simple but I thanked God that our son is healthy and seems to be a happy child.






I was worried that he might catch a fever or be in pain and irritated because of the injection. Though, Dr. Joey explained that because we paid for the "premium" he might not get these at all. Whew! Even then, we already bought paracetamol just to make sure. We've been monitoring his temperature and so far he is just around 36.5 C.






For the past two Sundays, we've been attending Mass in Marist School. It was good to see my Alma Mater though, it was hot inside the church.






God must have heard my plea. Sunday, was spent resting. Polo slept longer. We took advantage and slept in the afternoon as well. It was relaxed and peaceful. Thank God thank God. Sometimes Chi chi would peak into the room only to find Polo sleeping. We woke him up at maybe 7pm as we prepared to leave.









Friday, April 20, 2007

Rest. What rest? But I'm not complaining!











When I was still single, I would allot at least one Sunday per month for myself. Either, I would lock myself in my room just to sleep the whole day only to go out to eat and to attend mass. What a luxury that was! Sometimes, I would wake up early and go to Makati. Have my breakfast at starbucks, read books or write something, attend mass, just completeley unmindful of everything or anything around me. It was like, Greenbelt or Glorieta was my own house. If there was a good movie, for sure I would watch and I dont mind doing it all by myself. I would then go home feeling recharged!








I got married. Being with Josephine during our first year of marriage was for me like being with myself. We lived away from our families so we really had chances of spending time with each other. I loved it and I terribly missed it now. I dont mind seeing Josephine and having conversationg with her all day. It was as we've shared all but natural. I didn't miss my time for myself because for me it was still like spending time for myself.








When we moved to live with my in-laws more than a year ago, I honestly and I think it was expected, had to adjust. Before getting married, I was already separated from my family then now I have to be with a family again. God calls. We just responded. Today, we had to schedule soemthing grand like our "get aways" to make sure that we still spend time together. Tough. I'm waiting now for God's instructions on where He wants us to go.








Anyway, now we have Polo in our lives. Totally changed our lives. First the pregnancy and then our new born baby. When he is awake, we give him our full attention and as much as possible we do not want to hear his cry though at times I let him cry. If Polo is sleeping, it is supposed to be a time for us to rest as relax as well but we just find ourself fixing things and still Polo's stuff. Yes, we get tired like this week for me for example. Work is stressful this week. I get home at 9pm or even later since Monday. Meetings.








Seeing Polo even if I'm dead tired is a rest in itself. I welcome him even in my tiring days or stressful week. Somehow, he gives energies to us especially if he shows his smiles or if he trying to mutter a word as if he is teeling me something. Even if I feel weak, my body would find enough strength to carry him around. Polo would just look around and as if I could read his mind, I know he is comfortable and that thought relaxes me.








So, the meaning of rest for us has changed. Just to be with my family Josephine and Polo whether we are moving or lying on our bed... everything is considered a rest already.
















Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Welcome to the Catholic World, Polo!

After his Easter baptism party, Polo has to rest. He slept peacefully and it gave us also our share of rest. He slept longer than usual. Party Hard. Life is short. Good thing, April 9 was still a Holiday.



Polo in his kingdom. Wow! I never received this many gifts in my entire life.


Tres Compadres! (that's right, that's Praise borrowed for pictorial only)



Happy Polo. I want to PARTY!!!




Hungry Polo. Is this all I get?




The Ladies around him






The Leonardos plus Isaiah!


Friends with the babies (Isaiah, borrowed)

The Agustin's plus Isaiah with Father



The Maras

Look at my dimples, mommy




I want to go around, eat, drink, etertain people, chat, laugh and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz........ so sleepy..

A new Christian with Fr. Alan
Polo was baptized last Easter Sunday, April 8 at St. Andrew's Church and reception was held at Cabalen, Glorieta.














Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Love visited me last night

Polo's cry woke me up. It wasn't that loud but he was already asking that his diapers be changed and he wanted to drink milk. I changed his diaper and carried him for awhile then gave him to Josephine so he can have his milk.

That was 1:30am. I tried going back to sleep but my mind started thinking about my life. While I thought it would lead me to wonderland after a few minutes, I was but went to my past only to find myself under the blanket of memories. I started five years ago, where I was what was happening around me. I thought having a car was the highlight of that year. An accomplishment considering that I never thought that I would be able to do so. BUT no, I didn't consider my car as the greatest event that year. It was saying goodbye to my mother and sister as they left for US. Wow, that was five years ago and Mariel is now all grown up. Then I went back 10 years ago hmmmmmm... there were a lot of things happened but I want to go back 15 years ago.

1992. The year of great humiliation as I was forced to look down at myself. Shoulders were down, head too heavy and embarass to lift. My world was crushed as I experienced the big trial in my academic life as a student. It was so great that for months I cried by myself endlessly. Self esteem, self worth, pride, hope...eveyrthing left me that year.

That was a year though of surrender not to the world but to God. I have given up hope but then faith found me as I allowed God to live in me.

August 25, 1992. Mariel was born. She was a blessing to us all but it is more special for me. I don't know. She was God's gift to me, an assurance that everything will be ok. Suddenly, I wasn't the daily subject of our existence. Mariel became the center of everything as she reunited everyone and healed a lot of aches and hurts. It was like she opened a new door to all of us.
People started smiling when it was gloomy and a lot of anger lingering around us prior to her birth. She changed everything. There, she was our angel. My angel.

I still think of you, Mariel. I have not forgoten you eversince the day you left. How can I? I can't and I will not. You will always have a special place in my heart. Even I am surprised sometimes that I still feel this way towards you. How I wished that you didn't leave. That would be self fish for I know even then that it would be harder for parents to leave all of their children. We can take care of ourselves but they must have you. I support Daddy's decision to leave and bear no negative feeling or what so ever. I only know that I miss you. Do you know that when I bade goodbye to you in the airport, I cried by self in the bus? I did. Even if there were people around me. I didn't care. The tears flowed and I can't stop it. You were gone.

I will not grow tired thinking of our dates. Just you and I. We didnt have a car then but it wasn't a problem. Your eyes becoming big out of excitement on Saturday morning as we were about to leave. For you, it was a very big day and I felt so happy seeing you like that. We walked and talked and planned of the day's activities. I found it funny that you were choosing to board a non-aircon bus than the convenient and comfortable FX. Mommy's influence. Inside the taxi, you automatically would fall asleep. As soon as you opened your eyes in cubao, your sleepy head would change as if we were going to something magical. The MRT was a treat for you. You loved riding it and then Makati. Hop hop hop.. run run run.. The two of us. (Today, we can go straight from the MRT to Glorieta without ever using the unfriendly stairs of MRT).

Timezone was a hit for you. Sometime the adult in me would interfere on what you were suppose to play and the games which I thought were too complicated for you. What the heck, it was your day and you can play anything and everything you wanted. I've lost you in Timezone as you sprint from one game to another. Wow, you were so happy Mariel to look at. I was happy too. If the credit runs out, you wouldn't insist on having more. You were contented. I was amazed that I didn't need to pull you out. You knew when to stop. ( I guess you still have that attitude/discipline until now.) Then we would have our lunch at any place you wanted. You ate like a lion. hahahahahahaha....

Of we go to Powerbooks which was a few blocks away from Glorieta (today, it is inside Glorieta already). You didn't know about that at first so you were awestruck to see hundreds of children books. Taking care of you was easy because you would just sit there and read books. Sometimes, we would buy something if budget permits but again you never insisted on buying something. I would just be happy watching you sitting there and reading and getting yourself confused on what to read next.

Time for a Merienda. Mc Donalds or Jollibee. Hahahaahahaha... as if you didnt get hearty lunch. You would devour what ever was ordered. Imagine, I didn't pay attention to the people around us. For me, it was your day and my eyes and mind were just focused on you and no one else.

Then we go home, as much as you would like to tell stories your tired body betrayed you. But I was sure that you shared everything to Mommy and Daddy. The following day, I would say goodbye and you would ask me when I will be back home (I was already living in an apartment). *Sigh* Even at this time, you were already breaking my heart. It was hard to say goodbye to you.

Mariel, we do not know when we will see each other again. I'm sure that day will come. Someday. I just want you to know that I love you and time will not outgrow it but rather it will be nourished. A friend of mine, Yvonne (you also know her) once promised me that neither time nor distance can separate friends. It is true, she is there and I still consider her as one of my truest friends. You will always remain a dear sister to me. I can not wait but to hug you once again. I am sure it is now all awkward for you but for me it is not. Even, if I have my own family now, your place inside my heart isnt replaced. You are still here within me my dear sister. I know that as day passes by so does our time together. I still long to see you everyday. I thanked God that there is YM as at least we could catch up.

I will be your brother no matter what and remember that in your heart as well. Maybe five years have already created a huge hole but love will always bind us together. No one has ever filled the emptiness since the day you left except God. I don't mind feeling this way. All I know and I understood that I have learned to love you and so I let it be. Take care of yourself and I do wish you well that you may grow and reach your dreams.

Yeah, I am still emotional until now. When I opened my eyes I saw Polo and Josephine. I embraced them for I know that love has just visited me last night.

Monday, April 02, 2007

To God Alone

"Wait for the Lord with courage, be stouthearted and wait for the Lord" Psalm

I will keep still and let everything take the back seat. It is the start of the Holy Week. Lord, I am not sure if I was truly able to prepare for this year's Lenten Season. I have been busy with so many things which you are important but there were also activities that should have been alloted for you. I remember you, Lord because You have called me. In commerating your suffering when you were here on earth, Lord I will spend a quiet time each day thinking nothing but you. Why you came here. Why you loved us so that you were more than willing to die for our sins. What is it, Lord? May I be one with You this week and I ask for Your grace to allow me to go to confessions. I offer you family, my work, friends, problems, plans, everything Lord that pre-occupy my time and my mind. I surrender them to you Father. I want to be close to you Father especially this week. On Easter Sunday, I will appreciate more what You have done for us, for me. A simple stubborn child of yours. May I feel Your love grow more and more. To love you and to know that You love me more than I do. More than this world can offer. More than the love I receive from my family and friends. So much Father, abundant love you have given me. I have experienced You working within me eversince. O Lord, my God and Father. I love you. Thank you so much for this life that You have given me though there was a time in my past that I seemed not to appreciate life. I was so full of anger and bitterness but You never gave up Father. Your faithfullness and mercy kept me safe. You healed my wounded heart with your love. I know and understand that I am where I am because of You alone. Many times I almost gave up but You always reached out and accepted me. NOt for what I have done but because simply I am Your child. I will praise and glorify You all the days of my life. Amen.


(no blogs for me for a week. I will be silent)

Polo: Different Moods

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