My friend has been on my blog since our outdoorsy, beach, hiking, spelunking, canyoneering and mountain climbing days. Our stories revolved around fun and YOLO – the millennial meaning and implication, yes.

Now she’s back in my blog.. tamed. We both are, not because we lost our natural spunk and spirit but instead, we are now overpowered by two highly-spirited, no-rules-allowed, always giggly and curious little humans we call our kids.

So we meet for “lunch and coffee..” and by the end of it, I post a photo of us on my Facebook.. all smiling, beaming and looking fulfilled. What the camera didn’t catch though are the following:

1. Me almost not making it to the meet-up

Not because I don’t want to meet, but since the beginning of the day, I’ve coordinated with furniture shops (aka Carousell lol), delivery guys, thought about pending articles to send, a class to go to (which I ended up canceling), a party to attend all while doing my laundry pile.

The whole morning went by too fast, and I found myself checking on my phone and saying “What? nandito na agad? What? Nandun na sila? What? 2pm na?” 

2. That moms (and dads) have suddenly developed the skill of talking with no eye-contact

Because the eyes are on the littles, who are running around the restaurant like it’s their home; one kid removed his shoes while the other slumped to the floor like he would on a bed. All while the parents discuss essential stuff like childcare and maybe outdoor schools.

Sometimes our trail of thought gets lost somewhere between airing our novela stories only to fade into the background noise because our minds cannot wander out for too long. Presence of mind (towards the kids mostly) is key.

3. Meeting up was more of a workout due to the number of times we stood up to catch our children

…before they open that door to escape at least. Or before they bother other people dining.

4. That moms shushing and shouting their kids’ names over a room filled with people is real.

I used to think it’s not ok, but when I caught myself doing it, I had to forgive the many parents I judged in the past.

5. The food ordered was for decoration only

Either we (well at least for me) were not hungry, or I didn’t have the time to eat at all because “I have work to do.”

But at the end of the day, we realized that parents who meet should have their own community, ya know? Like a group who perfectly understands the situation of “multi-tasking” while moms try to finish their coffee (while it’s hot = major win).

A team that will give one another the support they will need even during busy schedules. People who know exactly what it feels like to try to come to work with the kids or to meet with single friends who don’t know anything about the little heart jumps we get when we try to take our eyes off the small ones even for a second.

A community who will never judge you like everyone else.

I realized that it helps when moms meet up more! Despite our busy schedule, an hour of talking and catching up could do great wonders in life. Because the kids also have fun with that.

Psalms 127:3
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb a reward.