It's 2019! I opened my blog again and it has been more than 2 years since I last wrote something here! I have been wanting to write forever, but many things keep me from doing so. Today, I opened my laptop and decided that I will no longer make excuses.
So, my last post was about my (first) pregnancy and waiting for baby Boy to arrive! Lo, and behold, he came out on May 15, 2017 after 11 hours of labor, and we called him Shalom. I breastfed him until I ran out of milk shortly before he turned 1 year old. He is now busy running around, talking, commanding, and copying everything we say or do. But let me fill you in on more details...
When Shalom was 8 months old, my husband and I found out that I was pregnant... again (which is why I ran out of breastmilk 5 months into my 2nd pregnancy)! We were a little bit surprised, but also delighted that we have yet another blessing. Our little baby boy was already a "kuya" (older brother) too soon, and it gave me mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety. I went through almost the same pregnancy chronicles, although this time, I found it a little bit more difficult, given that I have gained weight since the first baby, so being pregnant and heavier is a lot more work (and weight) for my spine and bones. My lower back and legs suffered the consequences. Until today I will still feel sciatic pain from time to time.
On September 8, 2019, after 19 hours of labor, hunger, and pain, our little girl finally arrived, much to the delight of our family. We named her Agatha. She was borne tongue-tied, which is why on her first few days, I found it so hard to breastfeed her. She just couldn't keep her mouth sucked into my nipples because her tongue couldn't hold it long enough, I guess. After doing some research and asking moms of other tongue-tied children, I set an appointment with her doctor so she could have her tongue-tie release. Much to my surprise, the day before the appointment, she was rigorously crying and fighting with my nipple (which she does everytime she feeds) and suddenly there was a little amount of blood coming out of her mouth. I also saw a short thread-like thing sticking out from her tongue, and then for the first time, she licked her lips and her tongue came out. I realized that her tongue-tie is already gone! It was her first miracle and I will never forget that moment, everytime I see her stick her tongue out when she makes silly faces. After that, I didn't go to the doctor anymore.
Today, Agatha is 10 months old and Shalom is in his "terrible 2s". Shalom is starting to show his will, commanding things he wants to get done, and resisting if he doesn't want to do what he is being told. He is generally a good listener, sweet to his little sister, and can play by himself most times. He loves singing and playing musical instruments. He would usually turn any stick or long object into a drum stick, and then toy buckets, the floor, chairs, table, plates, or his sister's back becomes a drum. His recent favorite songs include "How Great Thou Art," "Softly and Tenderly," and "Mighty to Save." He has always been a "reserved" baby, and it is still very evident in his personality now that he is older. He is very very shy, especially among strangers. He will not smile or talk to a new person, but he will get the hand and put it on his forehead to "bless" to an adut when he is told. He prefers being left on his own instead of having adults gather around his cuteness. He goofs around only with family and familiar people. He loves music and sings a lot.
Agatha, on the other hand, has already discovered that it is more fun on the floor than being left in her crib. Therefore, she rejects the crib and would cry her lungs out if you leave her there for a few minutes if you needed to sweep and mop the floor first. Since she was a baby, she has been "sociable" and freely gives her smile away to people, even to random strangers (Shalom has never smiled at strangers). She and her brother are so sweet to each other, they probably wouldn't be able to sleep at night without seeing the other. At this point, she is so cute and cuddly and sweet, like most adorable 10-month olds. But she is already showing her strong personality, which she probably got from her mother (and I love it!)
Being a mom (for 2 years now), while still having a full-time job is enough to keep me busy. But a lot of times I feel like I needed to do something that I always loved doing - WRITING. From now on, I will try my best to start writing again. I will write the things I feel, the things I dream of, and the things I see - watching my two adorable children grow. In writing, I hope to keep all the memories of this stage in my life. All the joys and challenges it takes to have two toddlers. All the fulfilment and gratitude of being able to still have a career and do what I have always done, while my kids are being well taken care of by my parents, and the journey of raising our kids well while nurturing my marriage. I will try to write at least once or twice a month. Or maybe more if I have the time. But writing will be my "me" time. My mental therapy as I juggle my daily crazies. And hopefully, in writing, I can also inspire others. In any way possible.
I am back on the road! The radical journey continues!
