To the Man.

Who’s the man? He the Man.

On our trip to Bellarocca

It was one of those after dinner talks that I had with my mom that made me beam so proudly because she told me how “different” BDW is from my own dad. Now, I always figured that I married BDW because he kinda reminded me of my own dad — BDW is just as responsible as my Dad is, a good provider, sensible but at the same time he can be silly, funny, corny and senseless. (The man is hooked on Plants Vs Zombies, welcome to 2010 dear husband!). My mom told me that BDW is different in how involved he is with DW. And I see it now. It was always my mom who was the primary caregiver in our family. She stayed home with us when we were sick, gave our allowances,  sent us off to school, prepared our lunches and attended PTA meetings. She was there with us when we needed a parent. Not to diminish the role my dad had though, the man made sure we had a roof over our heads and we had allowances in the first place but in terms of wiping our snots and changing diapers, it was all mommy.

With BDW, my mom said that he is just a parent as I am. To illustrate this, last May, during DW’s birthday, DW made a beeline to our washroom to make “poopoo”. With the door open, DW shouted out that he was finished. I looked at BDW who looked back at me and said “pa-birthday mo na sakin to! ikaw na maghugas kay DW!” of course I laughed and I didn’t argue anymore. BDW is just as involved as I am in taking care of DW. There’s no clear delineation of roles in terms of what he will and will not do. We both change diapers, we both give DW a bath, we both feed DW and most times though, the rough play and harutan falls on BDW’s shoulders. When DW is sick, he sleeps on BDW’s chest.

I am lucky. I am really blessed to have someone like BDW who doesn’t flinch when I ask him to read DW his bedtime story even if it means putting his PS3 game on pause until the little boy  gets his three stories in. I am lucky that when I ask BDW to give DW a shower and brush the squirmy little boy’s chompers he just does and enjoys it.

Doting Dad

He shatters the stereotypical silent Pinoy dad who is always on the background. Yes he is the dad who will take our son to a frozen yogurt shop and share waffles with him while waiting for me finish my Planaforma classes. He is the dad who is so unabashedly affectionate with our young one that’s why DW drops “I Love Yous” everyday and every night. He is the one who will clip DW’s nails because I am just too anxious to do it and my eyesight can’t see DW’s little nails clearly. He is the dad who will kneel down and look DW in his eyes to talk to him why what the little one is doing is wrong and hurtful — in a mall while everyone is staring at us —- he doesn’t care — he’s teaching his son a lesson! When our yaya went on her annual vacation, we took turns taking leaves and when it was his turn with DW, BDW took DW to the dentist! He drove DW there by himself with just a toddler backpack. He did it three times too! Bravo brave warrior!

BDW, happy father’s day. I am happy that DW is growing up in our family with such an awesome role model. You are an endlessly giving, loving and caring parent. To use your favorite sport as an analogy, thank you for all the assists and the rebounds. (I’m sorry that’s all the basketball-ese my brain could handle)

Parenting is insanity wrapped up in a cute bundle of joy we call DW. Thank you for always being there in our challenges and wins. You have always been my yin to my yang (or my yang to my yin). You are THE MAN. I love you. Happy Happy Father’s Day!

happy father's day!

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