Tooth and ENT Doctor

The kids and I often call my wife before we go to sleep when she's on hospital duty. Monty and Sam would say their usual 'baby talk' and ask silly questions like 'what are you doing mommy?", etc. It's always fun to hear their naive statements and queries. Last night, Monty was telling my wife that how she wishes her mom would just stay home and leave the 'working for the money' with daddy. She said, " working is for the fathers". It was an innocent but a strong statement. It may seem that kids don't understand how adults do things but their childish views are significant too. Monty just wanted to spend more time with her mom and dad. Period. The holidays are fast approaching and it's a wonderful opportunity for us to spend more time with the kids.

Our eldest, Monty, finished on top of her class the past school year. No, it is not because of the milk ("Enfa" series), it must be the genes! As seen in the picture above, we felt extremely proud. Considering that the standards of the school is not that easy, it was indeed a feat to finish first in class. Reminiscent of my younger years. As a treat, we are now here in Baguio, billeted at the posh Manor hotel, for a vacation. This is the first for both Monty and Sam. So far, they're enjoying it!

I love my kids! They are my joy My inspiration, My life... If all else goes wrong, I look at them and their smiles, It changes my perspectives, Bringing freshness to my dreams. These are my kids, the daughters I am blessed with, Though small and fragile, What they are is what I am.

Monty was on high spirits last Wednesday, June 13, 2007. She woke up early and excitedly ate her breakfast. The smile on her face expressed all the feelings she can't verbally articulate. It was all that I wished for to see, as a father, from a daughter on her first day of school! I was also two years old when I first stepped on school ground. I can't remember the details except for the name of my teacher who had a long hair, Miss Gloria Diego. I think I had a good time because I spent the next 22 years after that, in school! Monty's school was in a festive mood when we arrived. All the teachers were in attendance and flashing wide smiles. The parents and guardians were also there, all tensed up and more excited than their kids. Rot and I, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law were frantic as well, attending to Monty's things. She was so happy and keyed up that she wasn't minding us at all. She was on her new world and she was so thrilled to start. That was...

I don't have much memories of how my father and I bonded when I was young. Due to illness, he passed away when I was just 7 years old. I practically grew up without a 'father image' that could have guided me through my 35 years of existence. Fortunately, I have a Father in heaven who took very good care of me. But, many times I wondered what my life would have been if my biological father was still alive. What would have he felt when I finished my studies with honors? How proud would have he been for all my achievements thus far? Would have he pompously said over and over again that I looked like him? If what I feel now as a father to two beautiful daughters is a generic feeling to all fathers, then I could safely assume that my dad would have felt the same way. Excited as I was when my first daughter, Monty, said her first word and took her first step. Proud as I am because my daughter, at the age of 2, can already name the rainbow colors, and identify the alphabet...