Remembering Papa

Tomorrow is my dad's 4th Death Anniversary.

I am happy because up to this time, I still see him in my dreams. I still remember his face so well and I feel like he's just home in the province.

I believe in my heart, he never left us for good. His loving memories remain.

"ELMOstruck"

Kenzo thinks Elmo is his bestfriend. He's been liking him since he was half a year old. His first ever VCD purchase was the Sesame St's "Kids Favorate Songs 2". And no matter how many times it is being played on, he still watches it with enthusiasm, always like the first time.

Goodness indeed when we heard about the "Sesame St. Live World Tour" coming to the Philippines. Thought this was his chance to 'meet' his bestfriend in person.

The date was set on July 21, 11am at the Aliw Theatre and we got us VIP seats to give Kenzo an up close view.

When the show started, Kenzo was mesmerized. I think he couldn't believe his eyes that what he has been watching on TV is real and is right in front of him. And when Elmo came out, My boy! he stood up and was clapping his hands and swaying his body the whole time.

Towards the end of the show, Elmo with the rest of his buddies approached Kenzo and some of the kids near the stage. My little boy's eyes were sparkling in disbelief for an ELMOexperience.

He was awestruck. Well, I guess, ELMOstruck.

Arisha Javen

Also known as: IRISH or REESE

at

1 and a half month old

Kenzo Talks

Me: Baby, if someone asks you what your name is, you should answer by saying "I am Jov Arkenzo Abad"

Kenzo: (playing with his toys, as if he didn't hear me)

Me: let's practice. What is your name?

Kenzo: (quiet)

After 3 attempts and no answer, I was almost about to give-up but...

Kenzo: "is Abad"

How cute!

Now I am overwhelmed by his learnings. He can say his age. He can identify things. He can utter the name of Irish. He knows his body parts. He can sing the happy birthday song. He can dance. He knows some of the heavenly bodies and yes, he can count from 1 to 10 and he partially memorizes the Alphabet.

Whew!

Back to Work

After 78 days maternity leave + 5 days vacation leave, I had to take one painful step again - leaving my babies at home with their nannies.

Last night, I had a heart to heart talk with my son, Kenzo. I told him how sorry I am to not be able to wake up with him every morning (because he wakes up at 9am and I should be out of the house by 8am). That I feel bad not to be able to personally feed him his favorate foods. That I can't watch TV with him. Can't nap with him. That in a week, I only have all evenings and 2 full days to offer him.

He was listening very quietly. I think he understands that momma has to work to help pappa give him and Irish a better life in the future.

I also told him to watch over his baby sister.

This morning, I could'nt leave home just like that. I know I got no more reasons to be late for work but I took the risk. I waited for Kenzo to wake up. And when he saw me dressed up for work, he just smiled at me. When I stepped out of the door, I waited a little. He was just looking at me calmly. No tantrums, no loud cries. At the gate, I was almost teary eyed. How come my son has adjusted to the situation right away?

I think it is me who needed to face reality.

It really is hard to be a working mom. If only I can be sure of the future here in our country, I wouldn't mind being a SAHM.