My Empathetic Hadrien

Sometime June of this year, I read "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" to Hadrien. In the story, the bus driver asks the audience to make sure the determined little pigeon doesn't drive the bus. I'd read each line to him and ask him if he would let the pigeon drive the bus. At first, Hadrien decidedly said "no"! Until the clever little pigeon promised to be his best friend or give him 5 bucks and complained that he never got to do anything. I guess the pigeon pushed the right buttons it didn't take long until Hadrien's lips quivered, his eyes swelled with tears and he asked me "But why mommy? Why can't he drive the bus?" Needless to say, by the end of the story, my sweet compassionate 3 year old cried and was inconsolable - even if by then, the crafty little pigeon had his eyes set on driving a truck!

As we read the book over and over and over in the days, weeks and months that followed, Hadrien memorized each page and could read the book by himself. But instead of saying "don't let the pigeon drive the bus", he'd say "yes, let the pigeon drive the bus!"

Last night, I read the sequel "Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!" to Baz and Hadrien. Anticipating that Hadrien would take the side of the pigeon, I solicited Baz's help. As expected, Hadrien quickly succumbed to the pigeon's attempts at conversation so that he could stay up late. Even as Baz warned Hadrien not to answer the pigeon's questions, there was no stopping Hadrien :)

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Here's a picture of my little mokong. I was working on the computer yesterday when he came up to me excitedly - and .... lo and behold!!!!

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

It was Chinese New Year last Monday, which was celebrated in most parts of the cities with the usual dragon dance and fire works. When we told the kids that it was Chinese New Year, Baz took the information in, pondered for a few seconds and asked - "why, what date is it in China today?"

Two New Prayers Tonight

Hmmmm, maybe I shouldn't have let them watch "Transformers," because during prayer time Hadrien the Mokong goes,

"And please don't watch over Megatron."

Then after we finished:

"Now it's time for a Pajama Party!!!!!"

Baz, of course, never forgets to pray for "the baby in Ethiopia," and that the Good Lord "give Ethiopia clean water."

Sunrise, Sunset

Looking at the kids' pictures over the years always makes me nostalgic. But there's something about barongs, weddings, and watching your kids walk down the aisle (even if they're only ring or coin or bible bearers) that just brings tears to my eyes.

This song now seems so real --

Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?

I don't remember growing older
When did they?


When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?

Wasn't it yesterday
When they were small?





Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze

Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears

What words of wisdom can I give them?
How can I help to ease their way?

What the ?!&%$#@

What makes them think they have the right to tell you how to wipe their asses? Ok, I guess it's because it's their butts in the first place :)

Several times now, Hadrien warns me not to smear his poop around his precious bottom. "This is how you should wipe me. Wait! I'll show you - don't wipe upwards, ok?" Not satisfied, he seriously tells me, "you know, the creatures in the Pasig River will die if you use too much toilet paper!"