"Nanay ka nga" Era said as I told her what happened during Andy's class yesterday.
Andy moved up in his Gymboree class. From Level 6, he's now attending Science Fun. Unlike his previous classes, parent participation is only during the first half of the class (or probably even less). The second part of the class is held in a mini-room. Adults stay outside.
At first I worried that he might cry and look for me. After all, it's his first time to attend the class. You see, for the past few months, he attends his previous class with me and Raisha around... yes, it's a family affair. But this time it's different.
I tried to look for signs of separation anxiety. Would he cry? Would he act up? The moment the teacher closed the door, I wondered whether he would check if we would go inside with him. But no, he handled it well, and even managed to consume a couple of slices of orange.
Flashbacks suddenly rushed in my mind... my first ultrasound... those moments when i felt him kick while he was still in my tummy... the way his lips used to shiver whenever he cries... the first time i heard him say, "I love you mommy" and "You're beautiful mommy."... Then it came to my realization that the 5 lbs. infant is now a 3 year old toddler who manage to captivate hearts with his wit and naughtiness.
Three years have passed and a lot of things have changed. But amidst everything, just seeing my kids enjoying each other's company is enough for me to realize how blessed I really am. With that I remembered what my mother would used to tell me, "For every milestone that a child achieves, it's the mother who feels most victorious."
And yes, what they say is true. On first days, if the child doesn't cry, it's the mother who does.
