We grabbed some ice cream in between walks and I found Vito so adorable as he held on to his own ice cream cone. Like any mother, there is a mixture of worry and happiness – worry that his ice cream might mess him up and happy that he’s learning to be independent. I promised Vito that we’ll have lunch at Jollibee. We did. Sadly, Vito became too tired that he dozed off even before we got our orders.

After a quick stroll and having our photo taken at a studio, we went to the UPLB grounds to watch the graduation. Witnessing so many people finally getting their hard-earned diploma was bliss to me. I’ve been there before and I know how it feels to be on that stage. My five seconds of fame. It did not matter how short the time was but it was mine. Mine. Hubby, who was then bf, missed my grad. It’s okay. At least, he didn’t miss our wedding. Office friends, L, J, and A were there too and Vito munched on the fries that they brought. L took this photo.

It’s funny how we sometimes think that graduation is the end. The feeling of “This is it” engulfs our humanity at that point. Truth is, it is just the start of something new. It’s where life really starts. I know it. Been there before. One thing’s for sure, in mommyhood, graduation is an unknown word. But I worry not, there’s a daddyhood that teams up with me. And I will be forever grateful for the blessing that he is in my life. I love you lots, partner. No graduating.

That’s what I usually ask myself each time I look at my little boy, Vito. He means the world to me. At two, he has a number of words already but not as advanced as other kids. He even barely calls me “mommy.” He is a daddy’s boy. Whenever he feels unwell or uncomfy, he calls his dad, saying “Diddy, diddy.”

He has a lot of antics that make him so endearing but it’s his smile and laughter that are so infectious and addicting. He made me believe in love at first sight. I still remember it the first time I saw his face. I was still spaced out because of the anesthesia but I noticed his not-so-straight hair and his innocence. Such a cutie, I said to myself. Looks just like his dad, my partner in life.

It has, so far, been a very amazing journey for me. Being a mom at 22 was definitely not an easy ordeal. I had to sacrifice a big chunk of my career plans for my family. I moved from one job to another in search of my true calling. Had more than three jobs in a year and my shortest stint is a day. But I don’t regret a single thing that happened to me. I trust in God’s plan for me.

Soon, I’ll be entering graduate school and it will be another adjustment in my life. How do I shuffle my roles? How do I make time for everything? I just take comfort in the fact that God gives us 24 hours in a day. It’s up to us to make the most of each day.

I worry about a lot of things. From minute details such as what to wear the next day to relevant ones like why Vito is not progressing as what my baby books tell me. I thank God for having a mother who comforts my every concern. She’s the best mom one could ever have. I love her completely… And I have a husband who makes each step in motherhood fun and challenging.

I am learning “motherhood”. And my teacher is a little boy who moves beside me each night wanting to be cuddled.

Link to my old blog