Happy 31st to me!

Today, I am celebrating my birthday in the most unusual way. Instead of being out or at the office, I am at home —nursing my little boy back to health. All throughout the long weekend. the little one is battling with the common cough and cold virus and I reckon, teething. It seems that one of his molars is just about ready to make itself visible. So in addition to sore arms (from carrying him) and puffy eyes (due to lack of sleep), I am “celebrating” my birthday in the company of my cranky son.

But let me make myself clear: while this is far from what I would call an ideal celebration of a birthday, it is also something poignant at the same time. I don’t recall any other time when Anton was this clingy to me. It’s like all of a sudden, I am the center of his universe —-that without me, life might just come to an end. It seems I am the only person he wants to be with, the only person who mattered to him. In short, i am the only one who can soothe his pain. All this time, there was his Nanay, his Tatay, Nanay Ema, Mama, and daddy to cuddle him and play with me but these past few days, he only wanted me. Mommy. No one else.

Today, on my birthday, I learned first hand what motherhood is all about. It’s about finding the energy to stay awake througout the day despite 2-3 hours of sleep. It’s about finding the strength to carry the little one despite lack of sufficient rest. It’s about finding the right words to soothe the ails of the little one. It’s about staying strong despite seeing your precious little one cry and cry and cry througout the night.

Sure, I have had more extravagant celebrations before but this year will be the most memorable birthday of all. Because this year, I finally learned what it takes to be a mommy. And still love everything that goes with it.

Happy 31st to me! =)

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