Bringing up Preemie Girl

I used to think that bringing up kids wasn't all that hard. My parents raised us their 3 children (1 girl and 2 boys), fairly and without biases. We all had the same privileges and got the same kind of punishment when we did wrong. I never felt any more special than my 2 brothers. But when I became a mother to a 3 month old baby boy in 1991, I realized that it was not easy at all and that parenting is the hardest job in the world where there is no retirement ever. And so when I took home a 5 month old baby girl (who was born severely premature) for Christmas in 2008, it was an act of faith and trust that this too is God's will for me and my family. You see, raising my son was a relatively fun task for me, maybe because as the eldest in my family and the oldest grandchild, I grew up looking out for my brothers and playing with my cousins, majority of whom were male. I have always been partial to boys, even as a child. I remember each time my mom became pregnant, I would always wish for a brother. Being used to boys, I understood them better than girls. I was worried not so much about the fact that she might have special needs, but that I wasn't too sure that I knew how to handle girls! If I just based my capability on the limited interaction I had with female cousins and my family's not too great experience with adopted or fostered daughters, I probably would have gotten cold feet. On the other hand, I love children regardless of gender and this angelic, fragile and helpless child stole my heart forever. Indeed, time flies because Preemie girl will be 4 years old in July. She is so different from her older brother when he was her age...in fact, she is the exact opposite. While my son was an obedient and quiet child, my daughter asserts herself all the time and could hit the right decibel to cause temporary deafness when she does not get her way. She is hyperactive and needs to be entertained, quite unlike her older brother who used to play with his toys for hours all by himself. She is inquisitive and a quick study, but is such a handful that I could not help but compare her to Big Brother who is now 21 and the only one who can make her obey at first try. He adores her, of course and enjoys being called "dada" instead of the usual term of manong (respectful title for older brothers). And thank God, except for a really fast metabolism and hyperactivity, she is as normal as any child her age. She is smart and adorable. And she can be so sweet when she wants to. She is all girl...loves using pink lip gloss and polish. 
 
 

As I write this post, I am inclined to believe that the difference in behavior (aside from genetics, of course) between my 2 kids at that particular age (2-3 years old) is probably because I nurtured each of them a little differently. I had my son when I was a lot younger and with less responsibilities at work, so that I had more energy and time for him. I used to come home for lunch and spend part of the afternoon with him before going back to work. I would put him to sleep and even tutored him. When my daughter came to us, I was at work the whole day, coming home early evening just as she is getting ready for bed. Although she sleeps with me, the time I spent with her is considerably less than the time I used to spend with my son. She spends most of her waking hours with her nanny and since I would bring part of my work home, it was also her nanny who would put her to sleep. Now that I am out of work, I do have more time with her but I have to admit that at my age, an active child is really challenging. We will be putting her in nursery school this summer in preparation for the regular school year this June. I hope by then she learns to sit still, stay quiet and pay attention...otherwise, we are in big trouble.

And Big brother? Well, let me just say that he outgrew the docile behavior by the time he was in grade school...but, that's another story and for another post (big wink).





Comments

  1. Hi there! You must be very young when you had your first child in 1991. CHildren are great blessings from God. I am glad that despite the fact that your younger baby is premature, she has coped and developed well, and sounds like a very smart one at that.
    Your daughter is very pretty too!
    I have a 9 year old and he likes to have siblings. How was your son when he was growing up without a sibling? Did he beg you to make one?:-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hey, we must be on the same wavelength coz I just commented on your blog! Well, I was young but not very young when I had my son. My dad just died from a first and massive heart attack and he was only 58. I was partying almost everyday and when he died, I thought life couln't be that short? A month after, my son came to me and he was part of my life changing experience. When he was 11, he wanted a sibling and he got attached to my cousin's new baby that they made him a godfather during the baby's baptism. I guess, one does not plan these things...our baby girl is meant to be mine.

      Delete
  2. This is such a touching post with lovely pictures. I am a new Follower of your Blog. Thank you very much for your comment on the Pinterest post on my Blog some time ago. I have been offline due to computer problems. I am now going to check your Pinterest Post. Take care and all the best to you and your family.
    Judy - JUDY H-J'S THOUGHTS

    ReplyDelete
  3. Although I have no kid of my own yet, I do believe that I can relate with you somehow. I have seen a child grow before my eyes. She is turning 6 years old this August. I have seen a quiet little girl turned into a tazmanian devil *lol* But her shouting days have lessened and have become more understanding of other people. Kids just simply change and grow up so fast..

    ReplyDelete
  4. Indeed it is hard to be a parent. I remember my 2nd son who was 8 weeks and a day when he came to us. He was so brave. When I saw him with my wife, he was so small and had a mixed emotion. I felt happy and at the same time afraid but all of it was gone now. Seeing my youngest son grow (he's 5 mos old now) fast and gone quite bigger than his older brother when he was the same age.

    I enjoyed taking care of him and felt proud every time I see him develop new ways to get my attention. God bless and take care.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Awww, I love this post. It is full of love and affection.:)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am so proud of all the mothers who really have time for their children even in a busy days. Upon reading your post, I felt the tiredness yet a loving way of raising a child. I wonder how my mother do raised us her 11 children at a time? hehehe. And my foster nephew used to call me "dada" even up to now when he is in grade school. Great post.. I will learn more about family ties, parenting and how to handle life in a daily basis on your blog. God speed!

    from THEHANDRAWN

    ReplyDelete
  7. such a cute kid dear!! i gave birth also with my 4 year old daughter now, and i am so lucky and very happy to her with me and my husband as well. such an inspirational post! xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. very touching..
    you are such a strong woman.:)

    ReplyDelete
  9. My Julian will turn 4 years old this June too. As I was reading carefully and slowly your post in bed with Julian beside me ,he saw your daughter and said' hey, look at the little girl".I am making a post about my son too. You are one lucky mom for having 2 healthy children.

    ReplyDelete
  10. It truly is the HARDEST job in the world! I never liked kids, so when I became a mum it's triple the effort for me. But it's the most rewarding job ever too :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Being a mom is such a noble status. You raise your kids and treat them well. Hope everything will be well for you and your kids. Raising them is a tough job but loving them is effortless.

    ReplyDelete
  12. It's very true that bringing up kids are tiring and may cause
    daily exhaustion, stress and headache...
    but seeing them grow and glow over the years
    is so much rewarding and fulfilling.
    Nothing truly compares to being a mother.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I agree. Parenting is no walk in the park as we have to keep our eyes open even if its closed just to make sure our children are well taken care of. ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  14. This is an inspiring story about motherhood! I am so glad that you are the type of mom who accepted and respected the differences of your kids. I always hear old-aged parents say that there is no graduation day for being a parent. Even if your children get old, you'll never ever stop being a parent.

    Thank you so much for sharing a bit about your life as a mom, Ma'am Maritel. Take care always and God bless! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Well as for me. I find very very hard being a parent. I can relate somehow with my cousin who actually answer her mom back but well the only thing I could do is explain and make her understand everything. I hope I could be like you. Be strong enough and make other inspire by your experience! :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. You are inspiring. At least you are doing what you need to for your children.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Your baby girl is so cute. She is also very lucky to be alive! Imagine she's only 5 month old when you gavee birth to her. My brother and I also have a wide age difference and I am so glad that he always takes care of me up until now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL Cha, she is not my birthchild, although it does not really matter if she isn't. She is God's gift, our little angel and one of the loves of my life.

      Delete
  18. This site was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I
    have found something which helped me. Appreciate it!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello this is kind of of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG
    editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.

    I'm starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted
    to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I got this web page from my friend who informed me about this web page and at the moment this time
    I am browsing this website and reading very informative content
    at this place.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Τhiѕ article is genuinely ɑ pleasant one it
    аssiѕts new web users, who are wishing in favor of bⅼoggіng.

    Visit Your URL : Thе Ninja Guide Ƭo Ηow Tο Password Protect Folder Better

    ReplyDelete
  22. If ʏou desire to obtain a good deal from this piece of writing tһen you have to appⅼy such techniques to
    your won web site.
    top article : Most Noticeable Encryption Software & The Prߋs And Cons Of How To Εncrypt A Password For Freeing

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi to every one, the contents present at this web page
    are actually remarkable for people experience, well,
    keep up the nice work fellows.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks very nice blog!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Ӏ absolutely love your blog and find nearly all
    of үour post's to be just what I'm lοoking for. can you offer gueѕt writers to write content
    for you? Ӏ wouldn't mind publishing a post or elaborating on a feѡ of the subjectѕ you
    write ⅽoncerning here. Agɑin, awesome bⅼog!

    go to tһe ᴡebsite : How To Learn To Password
    Protect Folder In 1 Hour

    ReplyDelete
  26. I would like to thank you for the efforts you've put
    in penning this site. I am hoping to see the same high-grade
    blog posts from you later on as well. In truth, your
    creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own site now ;)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the
    web the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people consider worries that they plainly don't know about.

    You managed to hit the nail upon the top as
    well as defined out the whole thing without having side effect ,
    people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  28. online casino gambling
    slot game
    online gambling casino
    slot online
    casinos online

    ReplyDelete
  29. It might even become somewhat of a weight if you contemplate it.
    Don't' forget to click on the Slide Show and Video to your left.

    This array is approximately 10 feet above ground at the lowest point.

    ReplyDelete
  30. casino slots
    slot online
    best online casino
    online gambling casino
    online casino real money

    ReplyDelete
  31. casino games
    casino games
    casino games
    online casino
    casino

    ReplyDelete
  32. casino list
    casino list
    casino online
    casino online
    casino real money

    ReplyDelete
  33. DakotaHo fodboldtrøjer EddieMil KarriSki magliette
    calcio SolomonS AngeloGu fotballdrakter AlannahS EldonHae fotbollskläder
    barn DawnaBro

    ReplyDelete
  34. wonderful submit, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector
    do not understand this. You must continue your writing.
    I am sure, you've a huge readers' base already!

    ReplyDelete
  35. 27 yrs old Apparel Cutter Amado from Keswick, likes to spend some time vehicles,
    인터넷바카라 and wine making. During the last
    year has made a trip to Historic Town of Grand-Bassam.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I think this is among the most significant information for me.

    And i'm glad reading your article. But should remark on few
    general things, The web site style is great, the articles is really nice : D.
    Good job, cheers

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked
    submit my comment didn't appear. Grrrr... well I'm not writing
    all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say
    excellent blog!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I just couldn't leave your site before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the usual information an individual provide
    to your visitors? Is going to be back ceaselessly to check out new posts

    ReplyDelete
  39. insert your data

    ReplyDelete
  40. best online casino
    online casino
    online casino slots
    best online casino
    play casino games online

    ReplyDelete
  41. By ‘teensy bit' I clearly mean ‘massively'.

    ReplyDelete
  42. casino games
    online casino slots
    cassino
    play casino games online
    online casino gambling

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hello there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group?

    There's a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
    Please let me know. Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  44. best online casino
    cassino
    slot online
    slot game
    play casino games online

    ReplyDelete
  45. On the other hand, there is downside of earth shoe as well.
    Understanding how to place the feet on the floor, and the
    constant repetition of the muscle strengthening ballet movements works on this problem.
    Return to an upright position and repeat on the other side.

    ReplyDelete
  46. A bank exam coaching institute also focuses on pooling in the best faculty
    for various subjects. Though there are almost no neurological and
    physiological differences, there is one critical
    distinction between the conditions of fear and excitement.
    However, my philosophy is simple, if you know what you are
    not, then you can soon figure out what you really are.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Incredible points. Sound arguments. Keep up the amazing spirit.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I like this website very much, Its a real nice berth to read and obtain info.

    ReplyDelete
  49. For most recent information you have to pay a visit the web and on world-wide-web
    I found this website as a best site for most up-to-date updates.

    ReplyDelete
  50. online casino games
    kasino
    online casino games
    slot online
    slot online

    ReplyDelete
  51. best online casino
    play casino games online
    slot online
    play casino games online
    casino games real money

    ReplyDelete
  52. Whats up very cool web site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Superb ..

    I'll bookmark your web site and take the feeds
    additionally? I am satisfied to search out numerous useful information right here within the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard,
    thank you for sharing. . . . . .

    ReplyDelete
  53. online casino real money
    casino games slots
    casino games real money
    slot game
    online gambling casino

    ReplyDelete
  54. casino slots
    casino slots
    casino online
    online casino games
    slot game

    ReplyDelete
  55. online casino games
    online casino slots
    casino online
    casino games
    casinos online

    ReplyDelete
  56. Whilst there are inevitably better soccer tipping
    websites than these the most effective way of practice is usually to garner expert
    reviews, tips and opinions from various tipsters.

    Some punters think they have the gift associated with an acute sixth sense,
    that they can always 'feel and smell' the winners.
    Because the skill in deciding on a winner based on a
    point spread is more difficult we recommend choosing 1X2
    wagers as predicting which team will win without
    giving a perfect quantity of points is a simpler
    task.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Very great post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted
    to say that I have truly loved browsing your blog
    posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write once more soon!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Hey There. I found your blog using msn.
    This is a very well written article. I'll make sure to bookmark it
    and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post.

    I will definitely return.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Internet is great medium containing satisfying information when it
    comes to true and static facts. England are presently third favourites behind
    Spain, have been the deserved champions of Euro 2008 and lastly possibly the world's hottest team Brazil.

    The bankroll may be the quantity of money available to bet on sports, betting an amount of 2 to 3 percent of the bankroll is often a smart idea.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your
    favorite justification appeared to be at the web the easiest thing to
    keep in mind of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed even as people consider worries that they
    plainly don't know about. You controlled to hit
    the nail upon the top and defined out the entire
    thing with no need side-effects , other people could take a
    signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  61. I am really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your weblog.
    Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
    Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it's rare to see a
    great blog like this one nowadays.

    ReplyDelete
  62. A football betting site should give you a safe online environment to its
    users. Some punters think they have got the gift of
    your acute sixth sense, that they'll always 'feel and smell'
    the winners. The hopes of nations are ignited and extinguished inside the blink of a referee's
    eye.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your article seem to be
    running off the screen in Chrome. I'm not sure if this
    is a formatting issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I figured I'd post to let you know.
    The design look great though! Hope you get the problem resolved soon. Many thanks

    ReplyDelete
  64. Wow, marvelous blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website
    is excellent, let alone the content!

    ReplyDelete
  65. casino online
    casino real money
    slot online
    online casino
    online casino

    ReplyDelete
  66. Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed!
    Extremely helpful information specially the last part :) I care for such info
    a lot. I was looking for this particular info for a
    long time. Thank you and best of luck.

    ReplyDelete
  67. excellent put up, very informative. I'm wondering why the other
    experts of this sector don't understand this. You must proceed your writing.
    I'm sure, you've a great readers' base already!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Your method of explaining all in this paragraph is truly fastidious, all
    be capable of without difficulty be aware of it, Thanks a lot.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Very descriptive blog, I enjoyed that a lot.
    Will there be a part 2?

    ReplyDelete
  70. It is attainable. Ought to that matter? So I now not try this.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Heyy there! I've been reading yyour web site for some time now and finally got the bravery
    to go ahead and give you a shout out from New Caney Tx!
    Just wanted to tell yyou keep upp the great job!

    ReplyDelete
  72. I would like to thank you for the efforts you've put in writing this blog.

    I'm hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts by you later on as well.
    In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my very own website now ;)

    ReplyDelete
  73. Have you ever thought about creating an e-book or guest authoring on other sites?
    I have a blog based on the same information you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would enjoy
    your work. If you're even remotely interested, feel free to send
    me an email.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Hi there! I just would like to offer you a big thumbs up
    for the great information you have right here on this post.
    I will be returning to your site for more soon.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

I love reading your comments but please identify yourself. Anonymous comments will not be automatically approved. Thank you!

Popular posts from this blog

The "Pwede Na" Mentality...Mediocrity as a Life Principle

#MakeITsafePH - Online Safety For My Pre-Teen And For My Peace of Mind

Retirement Story: Realizations, A Year And Seven Months After