DAY 229: November 21, 2010; SUNDAY

240 (and then some)
Days of "Strawberry Jam" without "J"

Dear Jam,

It was hot on our way back home from Kauswagan but we had to brave the heat because it was worse hanging out where ventilation is not conducive for your present health. Besides, we had a long day ahead of us, visitors arriving and a basket -full of laundry. So it was a little early when we went home, we took the time to take in the feeling of morning that contrary to Mamilou's advice of hailing a taxi for us, we took a jeep. It was only through this communal transportation that we get to appreciate reality at its finest.

We rode the front passengers seat and saw
people bustling in their Sunday's best amongst a crowd of parked vehicles. We passed by the Sacred Heart Parish at RER and saw the improvisation they've had since the Sunday we last drove past, they now have a stall that sells Philippine rice cakes we aptly call "kakanin". That would be a lovely thing to welcome church goers early morning, come the Simbang Gabi this December. There is this one church that we also passed by, one I have been hoping to bring you where its park boasts the grandiose fountain in this city, that should be the Cathedral. I tried to take a shot of it but the jeep was moving and everything else wasn't cooperating but I had to try anyway. I wanted to show you the fountain, being a great fan of anything aqueous and knowing that it has been a source of joy for kids of all ages since before my time, I bet it will be a source of yours, too.

Your cough is a little bit better but then again not better altogether so it's still a travail. So when we got home, I made sure I tucked you for an early siesta before proceeding to do my chores. However, checking back on you one time, I found that you were in an unlikely position. You were sleeping folded over but when I pulled you out of it, I found streaks of expelled milk mixed with mucous. I had deduced that you may have been crying as you are wont when I am out of sight and as you are wont for such wont, you cried until you disgorged your innards. This is where I shook my head and thought that you really weren't getting any better. I took your favorite Hello Kitty now spew-stained comforter to the washing, which I am sure would involve your inquiry later on.

We took a little time to wait for our guests as it may have taken them a little time to get to us.
So while biding our time, we played and cuddled and I listened to you say the word "tose" for close to tell me that I needed to do just that to the bathroom door after bathing. Then there you were with the table towel, doing with it just as it was intended for, to wipe the table. We then headed out to take on the challenge of what the sunset left for us and took lots of pictures that though you looked
exhausted by cough, you didn't fall short of a pose for the camera. You were quite the model, following my every instruction. When I said 'look up' you did so just as you did with 'look straight at the camera' and then'cute eyes'. *sigh* You are precious.

But what fun it was when your godsister Angel visited with Ninang Mayang, Tita Sheena and their Mamilola, too. The two of you were just nonstop with each other and I had thought that you were one for all the mischief in the world until I saw Angel's antics. Amongst numerous books that I gave the two of you, you argued on one; amongst the many stuffed animals, you war-tugged on Bucky and among everything else to do, neither one of you would warm up to each other. To Ninang Mayang's prodding however, Angel made the effort to hug and kiss you but being the reluctant and suspicious cat that you are, the bait didn't reel you in. She tried to offer you every pair of shoe she found in your collection but you still gave her the cold reception that's why she went ahead and tried one for size. I think that was a good idea for me though so I could see if you and Angel have the same shoe size, you know? I'm just thinking of Christmas gift options, Angel is my goddaughter after all. When it came down to being the alpha child, it was Angel and you, the observant one took one blow from the book that she accidentally threw to your direction. It was because of this the photo opportunity with their family had you right on Tita Sheena's lap bawling like there's no tomorrow.

I took all of these in and didn't complain or fuss because I know that it was all child's play and I trusted your Ninang Mayang's preaching on her daughter. We just kept telling the two of you quite jokingly that your Moms have been great friends since college and that shouldn't change even down with the both of you. I just had a bit of fun watching you really from the misbehaved Kitten I always saw you to be, here you were, helpless and shaken in your own little house. Hahaha! It was all good. The siomai from their Mamilola was the best though. We had a little sampling from the business that they have and I was chosen to help advertise it via blog and photography. we also went through the important details for Tita Sheena's upcoming debut, which I will be organizing. Weeh! The first time since the last! This should be exciting! ;)

Later, as it rained harder from when it started late afternoon, Ninang Hazel arrived with all the hush after I warned her that you were sick and asleep. She brought in a couple of friends from her church and had a prayer over us. Too bad, you know? It was supposed to be a bible study. It has been a pending activity we have agreed to do but time was running out for her since she they had to proceed to hear mass after that. I am so happy that they did though. I felt even more blessed as they prayed for all of us there in the room, for you and me, and then for Daddy. Aww*** That's so sweet that the pastor included Daddy. The pastor is by the way an schoolmate from college. The world is small, indeed!

Speaking of Daddy, he texted earlier and said that he had copied some of our new pictures so he can view it on board. He said that he only got to chat with Nohnong Van - I would have loved to chat with him! *sigh*

In the evening as there was only you and I, we huddled in bed and looked at your Hello Kitty comforter dry indoors. I was wondering what you were referring to as you said "yawers" (flowers), "fy" (butterfly or fly), and "Meemeen". Then here, I saw the big pink blanket in front of us, which you insisted to be taken down saying it was "ooh-dah" or "uga" as the correct Visayan for dry. I did take it down for you and thank God it really was "ooh-dah" because you snuggled in it as soon as you had it.

I was a bit thrown off when I saw that you grew one white hair. Upon close inspection, I realized that
it was nothing more than a gold strand. It's only safe to say that you got it from me as I have this huge spread of light brown to natural blonde over at my right temple. Heeheehee

JAMantic of the Day:
You have this thing going on and I don't know where you got it but before you want to say something, you tease me with "Uhmm uhmm uhmm..." and then the word. It's as if you are thinking of what to say or else teasing me so I would wait for what you would say.

I am also proud that you have today, composed your very first song with the clear lyrics of "I gotta Mommy Mommy Mommy." It was only that line but as it finished, you continued to hum the tune and wriggled to it. Aww*** thank you Baby.

Your MAYmah,