In two weeks' time my in-laws will be flying back to Manila, after almost 6 months of stay here with us. It's the start for me.
A couple of days ago I had a practice on how it is to be left alone at home with my two kids. I briefly shared my story on my previous blog. Now in the next two weeks, I am actually preparing not only myself but my son as well, as I know his cooperation will really make things easier for the three of us, once his Lolo and Lola goes home to Manila.
I remember whining a couple of weeks ago -- wishing helpers or yayas are also available here in Sydney, a friend of mine told me "don't fret, in a few year's time, makikita mo rin ang bunga ng ikaw mismo ang nag-alaga sa mga anak mo. (IFP)"
Well lucky me, I thank the Lord that I didn't have to wait for "years" to see the fruits of that. The last two days I was with Liam, I was able to observe that he has been acting more independently and maturely. In the morning, we already practice our routine before he goes to pre-school without much difficulty. He wakes up at 7, eats breakfast, drinks his vitamins and then takes a bath with me. I give him a shower first, but after giving him his shower and it's my turn to take a bath, I tell him to do his usual routine, all by himself -- putting on lotion, brushing his teeth, fixing his hair (using his dad's gel!) and dressing up by himself without any assitance from me (from undies to his undershirt*, to his pants and to his shirt). By the way he also knows how to undress himself already. I am a proud mama.
Then after lunch, he knows that after eating lunch, it's time to take a nap. I don't have to remind him about this, he knows it already and it has become automatic for him to call his Lolo and Lola to their "spaceship" (their room) to have his afternoon nap.
Yesterday and today I went out to do some errands at home and to visit the doctor. We've been out walking for almost 2-3 hours and not once did he ask me to carry him. He patiently tried his best to walk with me, not having any tantrums at all. No crying spells. When I ask him if he's alright, he'll tell me calmly, "Mama, I'm tired" or the other time "Mama, I'm thirsty, I need something to drink." I am a proud mama.
At home, he has established the rules already that after 10am and 4pm, he can't eat or drink fancy foods anymore as he knows eating after those times might make him full and by lunch or dinner time and can't eat as much anymore. And everytime he drinks juice or chocolates or anything that is sweet, he knows that he has to drink water after. Not drinking water after taking in sweets might make him sick and if he does get sick, he knows he has to drink medicine -- which he dreads doing.
Everytime he wants to try out something, he still asks permission from me. If I say no, he follows (on times that he really wants something, I still have to do some explaining). I am thankful.
Of course, there are days when he is being a kid, but it's more of the exemption than the rule. Sometimes, he still acts childishly especially at the presence of his Papa, Lolo and Lola. But when it's just me and him (and his sister)...he is so independent and mature. I am thankful that God has entrusted him to us. I am thankful that I was given the chance to really see these milestones myself. I am thankful for giving me the chance to hone him to be the person that hopefully God wants him to be. Mahirap? Oo naman! Pero kung ganito naman ang kapalit ng pagpapalaki ng mga anak ng walang katulong o yaya, sige ok lang! Sabi nga ni Manny Paquiao, "bring it on!"
