Love with a love that is more than love

I've been a mom for three years now, give or take a few months. The other day I was thinking about the unconditional love that kids have for their parents. I read somewhere that children don't easily lose the love they bear for their parents, no matter how verbally and physically abused they become. And it made me think about how my kids express that love.

Take Faith, for instance. She's only a little over a year old and is a very fierce little girl. She's the type who won't take no for an answer, who is so utterly fearless that she throws herself fully into every activity. Who barrels her way through her big brother and other obstacles just to get to whatever it is she is trying to reach for. And yet, I can confidently say that she loves me best. It's in the way she makes her way towards me and hugs my legs begging me to pick her up every time I arrive home from work. The way she snuggles her head into the crook of my neck and refuses to go with her yaya or her grandma. The way she bangs her hands against the bathroom door (together with Josh) wailing out loud if I so much as take a bathroom break before their bedtime. And especially the way that she seeks comfort from me alone (whenever I'm around of course) when she gets an ouch -- "no thanks but I want my mommy", is what i imagine her thought balloon is during those moments. My little Faith-Faith (as Joshua is fond of calling her) who does not stay still for more than 4 seconds (I counted!) but is like a contented cow in bed as long as I am lying next to her.

And Josh, of course, who, despite having his own favorite people (my sister and his grandma & grandpa), will also not accept any substitute when I am around. My heart sometimes feels like it's going to burst every time he whispers, "I love you mommy" even after I've scolded him or given him a time out for hurting his sister. The generosity of his spirit is amazing. Imagine saying "i love you" to someone who pissed you off (even if you deserved it!). Josh, with his death grip on my hands (and sometimes my neck) during bedtime, running my fingers all over his face until he falls asleep.

I feel so privileged at the gift of my children. And though sometimes I feel like such a rat for complaining, more often than not, I am thankful for being given little glimpses of God in the things that they do.

Conversations with Poop

The absurdity of what happens in the course of being a mom sometimes astounds me. Like last night's conversation with my three year old son, Joshua. He was on the potty with me holding him up and keeping him company.

Me: So, are you going to make poopoo now?

Josh: It's coming, mommy, it's coming.

Me: (after 2 minutes) is it coming out already?

Josh: talk to my poopoo mommy so it'll come out.

Me: (to the poop) Hey poopoo, come out now before I give you time out!

Josh: (as the poop) Yes, mommy. Do not give me time out.

Me: So, is it coming?

Josh: It's eating chocolate. (he ate 1 piece of chocolate after dinner)

Me: Oh, ok. (after 2 minutes) is it coming out na? (I was getting a little tired of hanging out in the bathroom by now)

Josh: yes, it's brushing it's teeth.

Believe me, this was an actual conversation. And quite a lengthy one, mind you. I didn't include the references to hatching and other whatnot. And let's not even talk about the time I actually SANG to the poop. (to the tune of twinkle, twinkle little star)

That is what I go home to every single day. Different levels of absurdity but who cares? It's one of the perks of being a parent. Free comedy entertainment to chase the stress away. Now, if I'm feeling generous and only if you've been a good boy/girl, I just might invite you one of these days to come over and have a conversation with the naughty B_og_r.

Separation Anxiety

Another weekend over so soon. Some good things never really last. Like Saturdays...or lazy mornings spent in bed with two pint sized mini-mes crawling all over me. Still, it's something to moon over while in traffic or waiting in line at the cafeteria desperately trying to have your morning cup of coffee before your first meeting starts.

Still, can't complain. Aileene's birthday was fun, it's not everyday that I allow myself to gorge on pizza (five cheese and tomato, yum!) and spend a few hours shopping with one of my favorite people. The kids' doctor's appointment was a riot, as usual, with Joshua threatening his doctor, "Do not go to my house!". Was kinda looking forward to spending some quiet time with the hubby after the kids went to bed but fell asleep instead (sorry Jun!).

Felt like I went to the two ends of Metro Manila on Sunday. Wait a minute, I DID go to the two ends of the Metro yesterday! That's the trouble with double booking. Had to go to a baptism in UP and then drive over to a birthday party in Roxas Blvd. Good thing driving was a breeze...going to UP reminded me of how much I love the campus. I was waxing nostalgic while driving under the canopy of acacia trees leading to the AS building. Hmmm...what they did to the College of B.A. bldg was downright hideous. For some reason, it still smells the same. Felt like going back to school, except that (1) I hated Math 1 and 11; (2) Hated Nat Sci 1 & 2; and, (3) I will only go back as my present self and not as the awkward 16 year old I was then.

So anyway, here I am, morning after the weekend, wishing I woke up to Faith squeezing the various parts of my face and cooing into my ears happy to be waking up next to me. With Joshua telling me, "The sun is up Mommy, time to wake up!" instead of waking up at the crack of dawn (4:30 am) and eating skyflakes for breakfast.
But it really was a good weekend. Lots of kid and hubby time, sisterly bonding (and shopping!), with a little bit of ALIAS episodes thrown in. What more could I ask for?