Yuan's mixed portrait made by my friend Jandy
Thanks, Jandy!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
KAWASAKI DISEASE
My baby was diagnosed to have Kawasaki Disease last November 28, 2009. Since then, he has undergone treatment and medication. By January, he'll have another set of tests to check if the infection is gone. We're hopeful that he'll be completely ok by then. I promise to share our family's story, the whole KD experience so that other parents like me will be able to handle it better.
REDISCOVERY
Below is an article I wrote for Philippine Daily Inquirer's Youngblood column. It was published last November 20, 2008.
Rediscovery
By Sheryl de la Rama-Baltazar
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:59:00 11/20/2008
It’s like seeing the world again with fresh eyes. Being a first-time mom, that is. Ever since my baby boy Yuan turned a year old three months ago, it’s like I’ve been seeing the world for the first time.
Initially it was just about teaching him what birds are, what trees are like, and what colors the flowers have. But as I was teaching him, I myself did some learning. I learned to go back to basic and began to once again appreciate the things I didn’t notice when I was engrossed with work, finance and love troubles.
Seeing Yuan get amazed with animals, laughing with him as he finds clapping hands and stomping feet fun, and learning body parts an exciting challenge—all led me to rediscovery. It made me go back and realize that, yes, simple is fun.
Mornings have become special anew. Before, waking up to rush to work was the norm. But since Yuan wakes me up at least an hour before I should prepare for work, it has become a relaxing time for us to bond.
We stay at our balcony, watch the sun rise while looking at people do their jogging or brisk-walking exercises. We go down the house out towards the swing and ride for thrill as Yuan looks at the roosters settled on the grass and the flowers blooming in the garden. Most days, his “lolo” [grandfather] and “lola” [grandmother] are nearby watching this morning routine.
When my husband is off from work, he joins us as we sit on the bench near the gates and look at the babies in strollers and the kids riding their bikes. Yuan gets excited as he watches his dad play ball on the street as if he, too, could do it. After which, he enjoys his favorite “taho” [tofu] while his dad and me settle for a “pan de sal” bun and coffee.
It is like walking down memory lane as I remember my own childhood of outdoor games, hide and seek, and the pleasures of eating taho and fish balls on the street. It reminds me of the simplicity that I once had. And no shopping trips, no gimmicks, no career highs give this kind of happiness. “I’m at peace” is how I describe the feeling to friends.
Evenings are predictable but fun. After dinner, we play and watch some DVDs. Then he sleeps following some down time filled with reading books, giggling and hugging. The best moment however is how his face brightens up as soon as I arrive home from work.
Sundays are also good days for Yuan and me. Although he has lots of toys to play with, he noticeably spends the day practically clinging to me, as if he doesn’t want to let go of my hand.
He loves showing off new tricks. At times, he tests my limits. Among his favorites is holding my cell phone and slowly throwing it to the floor and then looking at me to check if I’m angry. Then he’d do peek-a-boo to make me forget his little devious stunt.
After joining him in his long nap, we spend the afternoon looking at the swaying tree branches and the cars passing by. Then, we wait for his daddy to come home, looking forward to sharing a hearty dinner.
It never fails to astound me every time Yuan hears the car’s beeping horn to signal that his dad’s home. He immediately stops what he’s doing and asks for my hand so I can take him downstairs to welcome his daddy.
At bedtime, good time follows as Yuan sits on my tummy and then moves on to climb on his daddy’s back for a ride. Then when he is ready for slumber, he clings to his dad and falls asleep on his chest. We can’t help but marvel at the peacefulness of his face.
Times like these make me feel that Yuan treasures these moments as much as his daddy and I do. Because, as far as he knows, our presence is enough. No toys, no presents, no Barney DVDs make him feel important as much as his parents’ presence does. After all, that is what truly matters.
When you’re nearing your 30s and getting consumed with dreams and ambition, pessimism and disappointments, you tend to overlook what you already have. Yuan’s fascination with simple things is what’s keeping me grounded. His optimism that one day he will reach his goal—of climbing on the sofa, of running without tripping, of drawing a circle—kills the Cassandra in me.
When friends talk about night life and freedom, I tell them that despite the lack of time for myself, I am contented and happy with where I am. Right now, seeing Yuan’s sweet, innocent smile as I wake up early in the morning is the closest to heaven for me. No plans, no worries.
Then I wait for yet another rediscovery.
Sheryl de la Rama-Baltazar, 27, is a public relations officer at SM City Marilao mall.
Rediscovery
By Sheryl de la Rama-Baltazar
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:59:00 11/20/2008
It’s like seeing the world again with fresh eyes. Being a first-time mom, that is. Ever since my baby boy Yuan turned a year old three months ago, it’s like I’ve been seeing the world for the first time.
Initially it was just about teaching him what birds are, what trees are like, and what colors the flowers have. But as I was teaching him, I myself did some learning. I learned to go back to basic and began to once again appreciate the things I didn’t notice when I was engrossed with work, finance and love troubles.
Seeing Yuan get amazed with animals, laughing with him as he finds clapping hands and stomping feet fun, and learning body parts an exciting challenge—all led me to rediscovery. It made me go back and realize that, yes, simple is fun.
Mornings have become special anew. Before, waking up to rush to work was the norm. But since Yuan wakes me up at least an hour before I should prepare for work, it has become a relaxing time for us to bond.
We stay at our balcony, watch the sun rise while looking at people do their jogging or brisk-walking exercises. We go down the house out towards the swing and ride for thrill as Yuan looks at the roosters settled on the grass and the flowers blooming in the garden. Most days, his “lolo” [grandfather] and “lola” [grandmother] are nearby watching this morning routine.
When my husband is off from work, he joins us as we sit on the bench near the gates and look at the babies in strollers and the kids riding their bikes. Yuan gets excited as he watches his dad play ball on the street as if he, too, could do it. After which, he enjoys his favorite “taho” [tofu] while his dad and me settle for a “pan de sal” bun and coffee.
It is like walking down memory lane as I remember my own childhood of outdoor games, hide and seek, and the pleasures of eating taho and fish balls on the street. It reminds me of the simplicity that I once had. And no shopping trips, no gimmicks, no career highs give this kind of happiness. “I’m at peace” is how I describe the feeling to friends.
Evenings are predictable but fun. After dinner, we play and watch some DVDs. Then he sleeps following some down time filled with reading books, giggling and hugging. The best moment however is how his face brightens up as soon as I arrive home from work.
Sundays are also good days for Yuan and me. Although he has lots of toys to play with, he noticeably spends the day practically clinging to me, as if he doesn’t want to let go of my hand.
He loves showing off new tricks. At times, he tests my limits. Among his favorites is holding my cell phone and slowly throwing it to the floor and then looking at me to check if I’m angry. Then he’d do peek-a-boo to make me forget his little devious stunt.
After joining him in his long nap, we spend the afternoon looking at the swaying tree branches and the cars passing by. Then, we wait for his daddy to come home, looking forward to sharing a hearty dinner.
It never fails to astound me every time Yuan hears the car’s beeping horn to signal that his dad’s home. He immediately stops what he’s doing and asks for my hand so I can take him downstairs to welcome his daddy.
At bedtime, good time follows as Yuan sits on my tummy and then moves on to climb on his daddy’s back for a ride. Then when he is ready for slumber, he clings to his dad and falls asleep on his chest. We can’t help but marvel at the peacefulness of his face.
Times like these make me feel that Yuan treasures these moments as much as his daddy and I do. Because, as far as he knows, our presence is enough. No toys, no presents, no Barney DVDs make him feel important as much as his parents’ presence does. After all, that is what truly matters.
When you’re nearing your 30s and getting consumed with dreams and ambition, pessimism and disappointments, you tend to overlook what you already have. Yuan’s fascination with simple things is what’s keeping me grounded. His optimism that one day he will reach his goal—of climbing on the sofa, of running without tripping, of drawing a circle—kills the Cassandra in me.
When friends talk about night life and freedom, I tell them that despite the lack of time for myself, I am contented and happy with where I am. Right now, seeing Yuan’s sweet, innocent smile as I wake up early in the morning is the closest to heaven for me. No plans, no worries.
Then I wait for yet another rediscovery.
Sheryl de la Rama-Baltazar, 27, is a public relations officer at SM City Marilao mall.
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