Lil’ Mr. GJG is now one year and six months old. I can’t believe he’s entering toddler stage already! And like his sister lil’ Ms. GJG, he’s also early for terrible terrific twos. Most of the time, I can’t help but compare my kids as both of them have different personalities. So opposite in fact, that I am still learning taking care of a boy. With lil’ Ms. GJG, we never baby proofed our home, despite having a flight of stairs that leads to our bathroom, not one single baby proofing was done when she was younger. She was such a good baby who’s very easy to take care of. The way she shows her curiosity is far from her baby brother, which kinda makes it challenging for me.
But this post isn’t about comparing my kids, it is about Juro and how I have come to realize that I have so much more to learn. This post is about my thoughts as well as the moments I’ve witnessed as I watch him grow up. Medyo senti but I guarantee it will make you smile as it is filled with lil’ Mr. GJG’s antics and whatnot.
My lil’ Mr. GJG so cute and well behaved in this photo.
As months pass by, his clever ways have started to show.
Here he is hiding under my work table with his stash of food. He’s not even a year old in this photo.
I get it that boys are really more active & spirited as they exude more enthusiasm than most girls, but sometimes I am still at awe with my Juro. How a tiny, adorable and handsome lil’ creature that’s a ball of energy can wreck and turn our house upside down.
But can you resist this?
He’s about six or seven months old here, “trying” to get off from his crib. I tell you, that smile can really get anyone.
One thing’s for sure, he’s a curious cow like me. He would really insists on trying everything and anything that his hands can grasp.
So curious that our decors and furnitures get rearranged and mostly “marked” by our lil’ Mr. GJG. All things circle, he would assume as a type of ball. Well, valid nga naman di ba? Our glass balls were one by one smashed against the floor. As he would quickly grab them just seconds while I wasn’t looking, with an expression of happiness as his eyes lit up, exclaiming, “Mommy, ball!” sabay throw on the floor!
How can you stay mad when he gives you his puppy eyes that speaks I’m-sorry-mommy-I-never-meant-to-make-a-mess-nor-destroy-everything-like-I’m-Godzilla look. Sabay pout.
Whenever he knows he has done something that would make me, his dad and Achi mad, he would immediately throw his pointy finger in the air and move his head sideways with matching tsk, tsk,tsk.
Even when he’s down with flu or fever, this never stopped our lil’ Mr. GJG from being charming. He’s still active and hyper even when he’s sick. He’s extra malambing and would hug and kiss more, spreading not only his virus but also his love to all the members of the family.
He’s more bewildered and amazed with the usual household items such as clothes hangers, remote controls, boxes and any other knick knacks more than his actual toys.
Like any other kid, lil’ Mr. GJG likes to try everything and I mean everything. Climbing chairs, beds, tables and other furnitures that he thinks are part of an obstacle course, he’ll try to conquer.
I’m surprised that whenever he achieves a milestone, he would show happiness, as if he’s trying to exude a sense of fulfillment. Like this photo when he managed to stand and walk a few steps all by himself.
His wistful ways come naturally, engaging everyone to adore him, effortlessly.
You know you have a naughty child when you caught him doing one too many duck faces!
Pointless activities bring so much joy to him. And by pointless, I mean doing more duck faces 😉
Even when he was detained at the ER, he was trying to charm his way out!
Whenever he gets a chance, he would immediately jump into the driver’s seat and pretend like he’s driving as he grabs a hold of the steering wheel, simultaneously mimicking the sound of a powerful engine but fails, and instead gives cute fart sounds, while his saliva drizzles all over the dashboard. Heehee.
Pausing to take a breath, I captured. Nonstop running, nonstop laughing. I know kids get contentment and happiness over life’s simple pleasures. This I am relearning from him, from my kids.
You barely see him wear a poker face and seldom sport a sad face, as he would always greet you with a smile, even when he’s not in the mood, a wave of ‘hi’ is never misunderstood.
He’s a great imitator and would copy what we do, here he is giving me a few seconds, as I capture him imitating his dad. Mimicking playing a game that the latter hopes would bring his son fame.
Our lil’ big boss, oh yes he is. He would climb, he wouldn’t mind. All I’m actually trying to do is make a rhyme!
Chillin’ like a villain.
All we know is that he’s brave and bold (in this case, he literally is) heehee. Nope that’s not poop but a scoop of goop!
Jumping, running, walking, turning upside down, these are the ways he shows he’s having heaps of fun.
Dipping hands in the potty.
Removing his nappy and touching his poopy.
Running through glass doors.
Bumping his head on floors.
They may seem like the lowlights but they’re actually the highlights, as I know soon enough, he’ll grow and go out! With these I don’t know, if they’re going to be a delight.
As I always say, despite you being kulit, I will always love you my bulilit!
So here I am now, writing at midnight, to tell you that I am learning with you everyday. It may be hard, it may be rough. But seeing you grow is quite enough. Here’s a quick letter I dedicate, for me to remember and you not to forget.
Dear Juro,
I am so not used to taking care of a boy. I have taken care of two wonderful girls before your sister, they’re your cousins Achi R & Dichi L. So I’m really used to taking care of girls and being one myself, I find it easier. All we do is cuddle, play cooking and dolls, we sit properly and still, we barely play rough. Keep in mind that I am still trying to figure out what it is that I need (to do) in order for us to enjoy each other’s company. For me to understand, that getting bumps and bruises are part of your training. You’re tough and brave and you’ve proven just that- when Daddy yanked your then hanging left toenail, which I hope grows back! How many can say that they once lost their toenail because they’re a man of adventure? You can brag about that one my son, and I won’t mind.
I know things like these can be avoided and I know I can earnestly guard and protect you from such incidents, but you know what, I won’t. These incidents always turn into moments that can hurt you but at the same time can also challenge you. Because seeing you grow for the past year and a half, my gut and my heart tell me that what I’m doing is right. I’m letting you enjoy, I’m letting you be you. I’m letting you discover what you’re capable of and letting you learn how to rise after each fall. Keep in mind that you have a mom who loves you oh so dearly. A dad you can ask for advice and sister you can rely on. I trust that you would make good decisions in your life and if along the way, you stumble and make mistakes, I hope you don’t make the same one twice and I hope that you’ll learn from them. Keep your head high and move forward, after all that’s what life is all about. As for me, please forgive me. For all I know is that I’m still learning, as it feels like all is new. But I am so lucky, I get to take care of you.
Love,
Mom.
Ending this post with a video of lil’ Mr. GJG that I hope will make your hump day!
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Our mischievous lil’ man, we’ll forever be your fan!
Mommas and Dadas, Ates & Kuyas with baby boys, what’s the funniest thing your boy has ever done? Can you confirm or deny how accurately true- that boys will be boys and there’s nothing we can do? 🙂
What a touching and heartfelt post dedicated to Lil Mr. GJG. Such a cutie! Those puppy dog eyes are the best! You’re right. No one could resist a face like that. 😀
Thank you Nix! So hard to get mad at him talaga kasi he uses his charm! 🙂
Juro’s such a charming little man!
this post made me smile (and the video made me laugh). I’m a mom of a boy – and yes he is so makulit and malikot. but we (my husband and me) learn with him along the way. very wonderful post, Jackie. 🙂
Aaaah. So it is proven! Boys really are rowdy but so malambing no? 🙂
He is so cute! Naku, i agree! Boys will be boys! My son has a lot of kapilyuhan but he is very sweet!