Liam at 2 year and 9 months

Looking at my son now, I can't help but be amazed because sometimes, he doesn't act or sometimes doesn't talk like a two year old. He speaks complete sentences already (correct grammar at that) and asks questions which always starts with "why?" Last June (I just forgot to upload it sooner) I got his half-year Developmental Report from his school. And I am quite happy that his teachers have the same observations as we have.

Now, after almost 4 months, we are trying to address his weakness in his gross-motor skills by giving him more chances to play with his soccer ball with his cousins and Papa. We think that his swimming classes every weekend also helps address this. Yesterday, I was so proud with him when he finally jumped off the pool, all by himself, without the teacher holding his hand, overcoming all his fears! I know it was a great achievement for him and I am glad both me and his Papa were present to witness it.

He also amazes me because, at two, he also likes to play "prayer meeting-prayer meeting" with us or with his grandparents. He likes going with us during our weekly households and now he has some favorite worship songs already.


I remember uploading a video of him early this year doing some form of "worship" but at that time we couldn't even understand the lyrics of the songs he was singing.

But there are some days that I worry for him. What do I worry about? Hmmm, some little things that I know would matter someday -- how do we teach him to become resilient? (living in a 1st-world country allows them to get things easily, no major problems encountered, unlike us, his parents, when we were still Manila). How do we teach him the value of saving? (When what they need are easily available and served to them on a silver platter?) How do we teach him the value of appreciating the smallest thing or be thankful for the smallest blessing?

Such worries are sometimes the topic of our little chats as a couple/parents. But I felt good hearing the last verse of the Gospel today: "Don't worry about tomorrow, because today has enough troubles of its own."

My Kuya Story

I remember mentioning in one of my recent blog entries about my Kuya Story. I didn't elaborate much then because the blog focused on me and my Ate. ANd now, since it is our birth month, I'm taking the time out to write and share my Kuya story.

I remember a friend and a former co-teacher that mentioned that they prefer a girl for their first-born because generally, girls are more responsible. They said whoever is the first in the family will really play a big role on how the younger siblings will act. I am a girl and I can say I agree with them that girls seem and are indeed more responsible (hehe sorry guys) but I disagree when they said their gender preference for their first-born. Why? Because probably I have been blessed with a responsible Kuya (and my husband is a first-born as well, who is also a very, very responsible and disciplined man as well).

While growing up, I experienced being compared to him maybe because among the girls, I was the one who also showed promise in the field of academics like my Kuya. This probably the reason why I harbored some ill feelings towards my parents (especially my Mama, but happy to say that I'm way over that already, it was their way to bring out the best in me :)). The height of the competition reached its peak when I got to high school and I tried in vain to get the same awards and achievements my Kuya had when he was in high school. It didn't help that we both went on the same school and most of our teachers were the same. Award after award, it was till not enough and I was getting tired! But despite all of these (and him being Mama's favorite hehehe)he didn't abuse it, meaning he didn't abuse the fact that he was my mom's favorite. During times of argument with my parents and I'd end up crying, he'd be the one to console me and process the entire thing. I felt loved.

Birthdays have been an issue as well. I always felt my Mom was more excited with what to do with his birthday, considering that my birthday goes first. I on the 30th and him on the 31st. But as I have mentioned that's a thing of the past now. Now, we usually celebrate our birthdays together.

Our similarities does not end in our achievements. As my sister-in-law (my Kuya's wife)told Alvin when we stayed at their home last year, she has never seen two people, being sooo similar in practices, mannerisms, attitudes and the like. Of course, she was referring to me and my Kuya. Okay, okay, I admit he has more charisma than I do hehehe :)

I really look up to him. He has touched my life and inspired me to do my best in everything that I do. When blessings come in, he is a constant reminder that we should share those blessings and be reminded always of the people who have been instruments of those blessings. I won't elaborate the things that he has done for the family (friends and relatives at that) but if people will only know all these stories I'm sure he'd have a fans club of his own. He is a very generous (this is one aspect I can't follow hahaha but I'm trying!) and selfless man. He never gets tired of helping family and even friends who are in need. That is why I think the blessings that they receive are endless as well. I am pretty sure my parents, just like me and my other siblings are very proud of what he has become now. He himself had a very colorful journey! I am sure, humble that he is, he wouldn't want the things he has been through and what he has brought to the family be announced to the whole world (baka sakalin niya ako when I publish it). But I will remember. And we will remember.

I am blessed to have a Kuya like him. I thank God that He chose him to be my Kuya. Happy Birthday Kuya! We love you!