Day 97: Movie Date

Thanks to a couple of movie passes courtesy of my brother-in-law Jeff, my son and I were able to have a movie date at the SM Cinemas. 

Having lived in the more laid-back places in the Philippines for the past 9 years, I was in shock to discover that cinema prices in the city are now at a minimum of P170/head. It would even go up to twice that if the movie were 3D or ultra special. Wow!!!

Well, unless we'll be gifted with complimentary theater tickets, regular movie dates will certainly not be in our family's list of bonding activities. It is simply much too expensive for us. 

For today, it was an entirely new experience for Jarred as it was his first time to watch in a topnotch theater. He was in awe of the size of the movie house, plush seats and clean smell. He was excited to see the animated film "Rio", a feature about a domesticated blue macaw from mid-west United States who gets the adventure of a lifetime when he travels to Rio de Janeiro to reunite with the only other survivor of his species, the feisty and independent Jewel. It was a great blend of comedy, drama, romance and music - all working together to impart an important message about preserving the environment, reaching for your dreams, never giving up and love in the family. 

Jarred couldn't stop laughing during the hilarious parts and would freely tap his feet and snap his fingers during song numbers. At times, I would see him shy away during tender and romantic parts (wow, they understand about that already?).  Before the movie ended, he told me that his two sisters would certainly enjoy the movie but he knew it was far too expensive for our family. He just said that they should just all wait for it to show on HBO or Star Movies. 

As we were leaving the theater hall, he noticed a big billboard featuring Disney's "Cars 2" in   3D. He knew 3D would be much more pricey than the regular P180 ticket. He said, "I wonder when Cars 2 would come out. Mom, when it does, can we watch? I'll save up for it so that we can all watch. I can keep my allowance and maybe by then, I'll have enough for the movie." All I could do was say, "We'll see son...that's still too far away to think about..."

Day 338: Jarred Andrei turns 8!

The month of December is always extra special because aside from celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, our family also celebrates the natal day of JARRED ANDREI, the firstborn son.  Eight years ago today, I gave birth to a 7.3 lb healthy baby boy at the General Santos Doctors' Hospital.  It was a challenging delivery since I had to succumb to a caesarian operation after a gruelling 12-hour labor that didn't progress beyond 3 cm.  As a first time Mom, many things were so new, unfamiliar and downright scary.  It didn't help that I had the worst possible recovery period from my operation.  I just thank God that hubby and my Mom were at my side to give me loving support. 

Since birth, Jawed / "Mokong" / Red / Redboy has always been a dark-skinned baby and he revels in this "kayumanggi" complexion even now as a young man. Being the first grandchild on both sides of the family, Jarred was doted upon by his grandparents, aunts and uncles. He was showered with not just love and care but also with lots of tangible goods.  During his early years, Kuya Jawed enjoyed all the pampering and spoiling as an only child.  Suffice to say, he developed a less-desirable temperament as a young toddler.  

Fortunately, things turned around soon after the arrival of a new baby.  At age 4, Jarred was at the ripe age to become a Kuya.  And boy, how he doted on his baby sister!!!  He became a protective and caring older sibling to baby Caitlin.  Kuya made sure he was always around to assist Mom and Dad with caring for the new baby.  

All of the wonderful qualities that a young boy should have, started to unfold and develop rapidly soon after Jarred began preschool.  His academic learning and personal development multiplied tenfold within his year at Kinder 1.  He was growing up to be a charming and articulate little boy.  Jarred also took pride in his studies, oftentimes placing in the class top 5.  

He was almost 6 when another baby was welcomed by the family.  Even though he was obviously dissed with the fact that the men in the family are now outnumbered, he continued to play his role as a loving Kuya to both girls.  He could already do small tasks involving the care of his two younger sisters.  

When Kuya graduated from preschool last year, he made the whole family so proud by finishing as Salutatorian of his graduating class.  He certainly made such a stark turnaround from being a young "bugoy-bugoy" to a young man, teeming with intelligence, wit, charm and love. 

Today, he continues to grow in the love and fear of the Lord, learning day by day about God's plan for him.  He is growing up to be a very prayerful young lad, a responsible and dependable son, a loving and caring brother, and a reliable and affectionate friend. 

At night, while asleep, I peek in on him and get amazed at the sight of this wonderful young man.  I fight back the urge to wish that time freezes so that I could always keep him like this...but I know that time will pass and he will have to grow his wings and fly to fulfill his dreams. 

But for now, he is my little man...the other important man in Mommy's life...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Son!!!  I pray that you continue to soar in life and achieve everything you set your heart and mind into.  Mommy and Daddy love you so much!

Day 121: Firstborn

After finishing the collage of my bunso, CeeJae, when she turned 1 almost a week ago, I got inspired to do the same for my two older kids. It was fun rummaging through over a thousand photos and choosing only one for every year of my dear firstborn son, JARRED ANDREI. It was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, remembering every occasion and situation depicted in each photo. 

I can't believe that 7 years has passed since I held a handsomely-dark little baby boy in my arms. It was a challenge as a first-time Mom and we've had hits and misses, my son and I, but I'm proud to say that he brought out the best in me as a mother. Despite the difficulties I encountered both as a wife and Mom during Jarred's early years, he turned out to be such a smart, confident and caring young boy. I can rely on him to take care of his two younger siblings when I'm busy with house chores or teaching tasks. He plays substitute teacher to them at times so it's not a surprise that the girls are starting to love school and learning.

To my firstborn, my only son - thank you for showering my life with so much joy and pride. You will always be my baby and even though there are times we don't see eye to eye, always remember that Mommy loves you so much.

Day 113: Kuya Jarred on video

While taking my afternoon nap, I didn't realize that my son tinkered with the camera and made this video.  It was only after I recharged the camera battery and uploaded the photos and videos to my computer that I discovered what he did.

Being left in charge while his Dad is away, he highlights what he does everyday as the Kuya and the "man of the house". 

Day 8: Independence

Didn't I just write about how all grown up my son Jarred is now? Well, today is about another milestone in his life and our family. For the first time, he went to school and back home all by himself. His Dad or I didn't have to accompany him on the way to or back from school.

For many months last year, he kept on dropping hints at us that some of his classmates and schoolmates ride the tricycle all by themselves. In several occasions he would request if we would let him do the same thing. At the time, we thought he might not yet be ready to go off on his own but since turning 7, it seems he has grown so much, proven to be more mature and responsible. And so, today marks his "independence day"...and you should see the grin in his face when he left this morning and the pride in his smile as he arrived home.

Of course, this kind of independence is parent-controlled. We were able to contact a trusty neighbor-trike driver who agreed to bring him to and from school everyday. It is much like a school bus thing only that there is only 1 rider. To my son, it is complete freedom from being treated like a baby.