Mabuhay. *

While going over some albums the past week, I suddenly realized how much Orion had grown up. In fact, Aaron commented this morning that Orion is much bigger, his face and body structure has changed. It makes my heart cringe that my baby is growing up fast and we are going into "greater independence" stage. My mind races so fast and I just find myself being silly sentimental on the fact that he will eventually "leave" us to go on his own. Silly me, really but just the same, I sort of felt nostalgic for my mother too and how she coped when her two daughters decided to have families of their own. Umm, it's Mother's Day, so please allow me this ridiculous sentimentality for now.

I really cherish every moment with my son. Just tonight when I put him to sleep, after our prayers, I said "Goodnight, I love you," and normally, I have to ask him to say the same to me. However, he immediately said, "I love you Mama Kelly," and boy, I just melted away. It's so easy to love an innocent child, so why are so many children suffering in the world? Again, it's my humanity and my experience of motherhood that's making me say all these things. I am most thankful to God that I am carrying another lovable blessing.

During the day, Orion plays a game that he empties a toy basket and carries it with him while saying "Bye, Mama" as he walks out to the garage. When you ask him, "Where are you going?" he'll say, "Mama, Orion go to school." He also has learned how to put on his shoes and that if you tell him that "We are going to ______," he will immediately run to put on his shoes and get his hat. And when he's ready, he will pull you along "Mama, hold hands" and wants to go out the gate quickly. That's what happened yesterday. Because he hadn't had much activity outside the house after our vacation, I took him to this Kidsport place where they have "safe" facilities for kids. He was really like a bird out of his cage!

Besides all the loving things, a toddler is still a toddler. He has mastered running and "disappearing." When I call frantically, he will sometime deliberately "hide" himself until my anger shows. He'll turn up with a naughty grin on the face and say "Yes Mama," nonchalantly. Uhhhhhhh, self-control, although your at your wit's end! Then there's the jumping on the bed; climbing all over the couch; rolling over to get off the couch; opening the glass cabinet or kicking it because he likes the "banging" sound. There are also times when he insists on holding on to something (like a pair of scissors, that he climbs on the table for) and puts up a "fight" before giving it back; "bites" his nanny (for fun) or slams the keyboard and mouse when I can't sit with him on the computer. For every "bad" thing, Orion knows there is a punishment involved. We normally spank his hands or buttocks depending on the "gravity" of the deed while explaining to him why. He's got a way of reciprocating that will just "carry you away" and that's with tearful eyes say, "Sorry Mama. Love" while opening his arms for a hug.

So what's not to love in a child? For "In a child's eyes, there is only joy and laughter and peace." I only hope that all the love Orion is showered with, may he share this love to everyone he will touch during his lifetime too.

See you next week.

From Indonesia,

Aaron, Orion & Kelly

* Filipino Welcome, literally means Long Live.