Two weeks ago, my wife gave birth to our much awaited child, a healthy, and cute baby boy. Everyone in our family and friends are excited as this is our first child, and the first grand children to both sides. We were supposed to have a child last year but we lost her on my wife’s third month pregnancy. We were down and disappointed but we kept our faith and remain patient. And our patience has been rewarded.

We named our son Nio which means “gift from God”. We were hoping for a baby girl but we are satisfied to have a boy especially that he’s healthy, and cute.

As first-time parents, we were adjusting on parenthood. We learned that parenthood for a newborn is both fun and tedious task. You change your schedule especially your sleeping schedule. This is the time that you learn to be unselfish and devote your time (and life) to your child. If you think you already experienced the unselfish love through the love of your girlfriend/boyfriend, try having a child¹ and independently raise her².

While taking care is tiring, seeing your child takes away the exhaustion. Our love for him gives us patience and a new energy to survive another day.

I’ll never get tired of looking at him and for me, all the day’s work is worth it.

Taking care of a newborn might be tiring but I’m aware that more work has to be done while he’s growing up. I’m also aware that feeding, dressing, and especially, victoriously putting him to sleep after a long battle, is not enough and not all there is.

I’m more concerned with how to raise a child. I was more concern with being a good parent, not just a provider. I’m scared that he would grow to be problem to the society. I’m scared of creating a monster.

But I’m also aware that my child, as a person, will grow and will have his own thinking. I’m aware of his own free will. I’m also aware that I can’t control everything and that some things (many things) are beyond my control.

Because of this, my best and only option is to leave everything to God. I will raise my son in God’s word. I will be a model to him by following God’s commandment. And if after this he still walk in the wrong path, I will never have regrets. Because I know that I raised him beyond my power and capability.

For now, I will try not to worry about the future. I will cherish this moment while he’s young, dependent, and delicate.

More of his pictures here: My Adventures

1. I’m not encouraging premarital sex and early pregnancy.
2. It is a common trend here in the Philippines (not always) for married couples to stay on an in law’s house and let the in laws take care of their children.