Diego Turns One Year Old

Ricco Diego turned one year old last 21st of November, but since it fell on a working day, we just had an apple cake on that night and scheduled the real party on the 24th, a Saturday. We held it at Al Mamzar Beach Park in one of the chalets for rent on the picnic grounds by the beach. The guests had fun swimming at the beach, playing with the park swings and slides and devouring the food al fresco.

Our flat neighbors and some old friends were their to celebrate with us. My high school classmate, Evaline, who is based in Sharjah, U.A.E. came with her husband and daughter. It was my first time to see her after graduation. Our ninong Sotirios came all the way from Abu Dhabi. Bubot's officemates, Rex and Eric helped us in food preparation and also physical arrangement and transport ( although the venue is a good 5 minute drive from our house ). The food preparation committee was of course headed by Bubot with niece Tracy and cousin Jacq as members.

Deric and his friend Didi must have sensed that there were more adult guests than children that they have invited the foreigner kids they met at the beach and playgrounds.

Some former colleagues from Mindanao, brothers Andy and Antoine ( Diego's ninong ) did not make it to the beach but came to our flat instead where some other guests stayed for some time, too, to have beer by our balcony. The weather was getting cooler so it was very ideal to stay and drink outdoors.

Derico's School Parade

The other Thursday, I had to take a day off from work to watch Derico's whole KG-2 class perform some ground exercises. He went to school by bus as usual on that day so it came as a pleasant surprise for him to see me on the school grounds before, during and after their parade and other activities. We went home together but as a treat to a well done performance, we passed by a nearby McDonalds for him to get a Sponge Bob toy that came with a kiddie meal.

12 Months of Ricco Diego

Last 21st of November, Diego completed his first 12 months of existence. It has been a great delight to watch him grow and nurture him in the process. Those 12 months were fleeting and now we have a lovely little boy cute in his naughtiness, awesome during his happy moods and a bit annoying when in his loud crying bout, he he he.

Me & My Ricolitos

Ricolito was a term coined by a friend when he saw my first son, Derico, for very obvious reasons, he he he. When Diego was born, I saw another ricolito in the offing. True enough, as he grows bigger, our likeness shows all the more.

Below is some prayer I have found while surfing the internet which is worth sharing in this post.

A PARENT'S PRAYER

They're only little once.
Grant me the wisdom to guide them down the path that their feet should take.
For I know that they can never turn back and walk those paths with me again.
Give me the wisdom to guide their feet so that someday they'll be able to walk alone.

They're only little once.
Give me the time I need to enjoy them.
For I know that after they're grown, I'll never have another chance
to tell stories and pretend at those tea parties.
I'll never have another chance
to watch them in a school play or sing in church, or to see them catch that first fish or score that first goal or hit that first home run ball.
Give me the time in life's busy schedule to have fun with my children.

They're only little once.
Let me be a loving parent.
Let me correct and not just punish, explain and not merely scold.
Let me know when to correct, and how often, and when it's best to just look the other way.
Help me be patient and give me a gentle hand to mould them into better people.

They're only little once.
Let me be a good teacher and an even better example.
Give me the right words and deeds to teach them.
Help me to teach them about You and how to walk in Your ways
so that when they are old they will not depart from Your ways.
For they're only little one time,
only innocent and trusting and pliable for a space of time, one minute in an eternity.
Let me do my best for them while I have the chance.
Amen
~~ Author Unknown ~~