"Miss Mama"

"The world is full of women blindsided by the unceasing demands of motherhood, still flabbergasted by how a job can be terrific and tortuous." - Anna Quindlen

Ina-Tay and the love of her life one fine night...

I arrived yesterday afternoon in Davao for my weekend break - tired, hungry and disappointed. When I got home, Leia hasn't waken up from her nap so I took a quick lunch and in between mouthfuls explained to Mum why I haven't received my first paycheck. I was in my nega mode when my daughter showed up in the kitchen and gave me the smile that melted my heart and forgot the fact that my salary has been delayed for two weeks now.

I quickly carried her and gave her butterfly kisses. To any mother who has not seen her child for some time, holding her can easily be the peak of the day. I asked her if she had been good  then she quickly told me how her diaper friend Dylan burned his finger the other day. Leia even went as far as mimicking the way Dylan cried! :) I put her down and asked for a kiss which she willingly planted on my lips. My daughter then looked at me and said "Miss Mama." Translated it meant she missed Mama. It was the first time I heard her say that despite the fact that I always tell her how much I miss her when I phone home or when I arrive for the weekend.

It took a lot of control not to cry when she said those two words. I cupped her face and looked straight in her eyes and told her I love her to the bones then gave her the tightest and safest hug in a week. We spent the afternoon lying in bed, catching up and tickling each other. Come dinner, she sat next to me and fed her Mama. We took a short walk afterwards where we looked at the night sky and I recited twinkle twinkle little star to my heiress. She threw a fit when Lyn told her to take her evening bath. Leia called for me so I told Lyn to just relax and I'll take care of Leia. I bathed, dressed and massaged her for the night then we laid down in bed.

These are moments when everything comes to a standstill and all that matters is that I am beside Leia doing nothing. It took a good 45 minutes before she fell asleep; only then did I take out my laptop. I look forward to hearing more of "Miss Mama" and spending a full weekend in my slippers and house clothes as a true Ina-Tay.

And while we're at this, I'll be signing off for the night to join my daughter in dream land.

I miss you more babe...