Mood swings NASA cafeteria kami ng mga kaibigan 'kong doctor, kakakuha lang namin ng pagkain sa buffet. Dahil gutom na gutom ako dahil sa sunod-sunod na pagdating ng mga pasyente, marami akong kinuhang pagkain. I took Sweet & Sour Chicken, brown rice, Double-Baked Mashed Potatoes, and Sweet Potato Waffle Fries. For dessert, I had pecan tart. Nakapag-usap na kami Reeve kaya magaan na ang pakiramdam 'ko. After we talked and set aside our issues, we ended up having a mindblowing make-love. I could say that our cortisol, a steroid hormone, also known as the primary stress hormone in our body, released into our bloodstream and riled us up while we were both stressed during our talk. Now, my mood came back from the devils dens to cloud nine. They didn't kiss. My husband didn't cheat on me. I already watched the footage of CCTV from yesterday, which made our first fight as a married couple escalates to a truce. Mabuti na lang at mabilis kaming nagka-ayos ni Reeve. Now I've learne
Sick THE next morning I woke up naked under the sheets with Reeve. We had our make-up make love last night, and it was so deliciously spicy. We slept very late because we did several rounds. He became rough yestreen, but I like it. My face crumpled because I was feeling sick. Medyo masakit ang ulo at mabigat ang pakiramdam 'ko. Wala tuloy akong nagawa kung hindi manatili sa bahay buong araw dahil ayaw ni Reeve na pumasok ako sa hospital dahil baka mas lumala lang ang nararamdaman 'ko. I just informed Nurse Eva and Mom about my absence for today. Nagpumilit pa nga si Reeve na hindi rin papasok sa trabaho but I pushed him away. Hindi pwedeng kaming dalawa ang hindi papasok sa trabaho. Ilang pang-uuto ang ginawa 'ko para mapapayag siyang pumasok na. When he went to work, I just stayed in bed all day. Natulog lang ako at hindi kumain dahil wala akong gana. I just wanted to rest. But in the middle of the day, I was awaken by a warm hand on my forehead. When I opened my eyes, bumungad
Rainbow THE moment I set foot in our house, I saw my husband in his usual spot on the sofa. He was watching a documentary film with Beau and Scout who were sitting beside him. My heart melted when our eyes met. He quickly stood up and walked towards me with a warm smile on his face. Mabilis 'kong pinalibot ang mga braso ko sa beywang niya, nanlalambing. "You're home," he says with a smile on his face. "I love you," I mumble while staring back at him. His eyes sparkled. "Oh, mukhang nanlalambing ang misis 'ko, 'ah? You missed me? Hmm?" Tumango ako at mabilis na ibinaon ang mukha sa dibdib niya. I don't know what happened but I just find myself sobbing. Pregnancy hormones, damn it! I felt him stiffen. Mabilis na hinawi ni Reeve ang buhok 'ko upang makita ang aking mukha. "Hey, what's the matter, wife? Why are you crying? Do you feel sick again? Hmm?" he says. I stared at him and shook my head. "I-I just miss you," my voice cracked. Reeve was too stunned to speak. His mouth fe
Pregnant Ngumiti ako at hinaplos ang magkabilang pisngi niya. Basa 'to dahil sa luha kaya pinunasan 'ko ito nang marahan kahit patuloy lamang sa pagtulo ang luha sa mga mata niya. He smiled and brushed my tears, too. "Let's go to the OB this weekend," he muttered, caressing my tummy with his warm hand. My lips frowned. "I work inside the hospital, Reeve. I can always go to OB every time I want. Ikaw lang ang inaalala 'ko." I pouted my lips and cupped his face. "I can schedule an appointment tomorrow if you aren't busy that much," I suggest. "Tomorrow, then," he says, smiling wider this time. Mabilis nanlaki ang mga mata 'ko nang maalala ang mangga at bagoong na pinabili 'ko. Hinampas 'ko siya sa braso. "Teka! Ipagbalat mo muna ako ng mangga!" He chuckled and grabbed the plastic bag he was holding a while ago. "Sure, wife! Let's go in the kitchen, or do you want your mangoes in our bedroom?" "I want to eat them in the kitchen, hubby!" I responded. Kinabukasan, halos ayaw a
Our Little One THE moment Reeve find out I was pregnant, he turned ultra mega clingy to me. Palagi niya akong sinasamahan sa kahit saan; Kusina, sa hadgan, sa living room, kahit sa banyo dahil baka madulas daw ako. He's always caring and understanding to my mood wings and out of this world cravings. Hindi niya ako pinapabayaan na ultimo pagsubo ng pagkain ay siya pa talaga ang susubo sa akin dahil baka mapagod ako. Yes, he's overacting! "I placed the vitamins and calciums in here, wife, so you can always see them and not forget taking them," he says. I watched as he carefully arranged them on his mini working table. Nakikinig lang ako sa kaniya habang nakangiti. I love listening to him talk. Pinapangaralan niya ako na akala mo bata ang kausap at hindi isang doktor. "I set an alarm on my phone for the schedule of your vitamins-" Hindi na ako nakatiis, I cut him off by kissing his lips. Napahagikgik ako nang makitang nagulat siya sa ginawa 'ko. But then, he encircled my wais
Misunderstanding Kinabukasan, it's time for me to go to work when Reeve and I had a silly quarrel. I'm wearing a dark cocoa button-down blouse that I paired with my coral trousers. On my feet were my favorite dior white heels. "Don't wear heels, wife. Baka matapilok ka," nag-aalalang sabi niya at mabilis na kumilos para kumuha ng flat sandals sa lagayan 'ko. Humaba ang nguso ko nang lumuhod siya upang isuot sa akin ang flats. "I don't like wearing flats at work, hubby!" He shook his head. "No, wife. Paano kung madulas o matapilok ka?" Paranoid niyang tanong. Napasimangot ako at huminga ng malalim saka siya nginitian, inuuto siya. "I'll be careful naman. Saka hindi pa naman malaki ang tiyan 'ko. I can still wear whatever I want," nakasungong sabi 'ko. Sumimangot siya at umiling. "Again, it's a no, wife. Wear this, please?" I stomped my feet as a sign of dissapproval. Then, I crossed my arms over my chest. "Sino ba ang doktor sa ating dalawa?! Diba ako? I'm a general pediatr
'Cravings ONE week passed, and the Altamirano already find out my pregnancy. They were all shocked, bewildered, and excited that I was carrying the first third generation Altamirano. The moment they found out I was pregnant, Dad had the room next to mine renovated for the nursery room. My Tita Hannah and Tito Marcus, her husband, immediately got a crib and rocking chair for our baby. Then, Uncle DC, my senator uncle and Tita Sofia, his wife who won Miss Universe way back and used to be an actress, got us other things that the baby might need. Hindi 'ko maiwasan ang hindi mapangiti dahil hindi pa man lumalabas ang anak namin ni Reeve, marami na kaagad ang nagmamahal sa kaniya. In addition, Harper and Rejie visited our house, and finally, they met Reeve. I still remember their reaction when I introduced my husband, their jaw dropped. We catch up on some things that we haven't talked about after a very long time, and that includes some details about my marriage life with Reeve
Date Night Days went on, and the most awaited holiday in 365 days came. Nang sumapit ang dapit-hapon ay magkatulong kami ni Reeve na magluto ng noche buena. Reeve cooked foods that are prepared in France at Christmas; Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup, baked scallops, and magret de canard or duck breast that looks like steak. Niluto 'ko naman ang specialty 'kong carbona. For dessert, he made eggnog crème Brûlée and Bûche de Noël, a traditional French Christmas dessert shaped and decorated like a log. Napasimangot ako nang dumako ang paningin 'ko sa inumin. I wanted to drink wine, pero dahil buntis ako, Reeve insisted that we replace the wine to red iced tea. "No wine for you, wife," he says before pouring a red iced tea into the wine glass. "Here, just think that is wine and not juice," he says, inuuto ako. I huffed an air and accepted the drink. "Cheers," I voice, a little unhappy, and quickly raise my wine glass to clink to his. He held my chin, gazing at me. "Wife, don't be
Unseen chapter: The Honeymoon We had fun in the night market and so did the bonfire party with the other guests. Nakainom din kami ng authentic Mexican foods at alcohol. Nauna na akong maligo sa asawa ko't nag-aayos pa 'yon ng mga pagkain na pinauwi sa amin ng mga mababait na staffs. I was patting my damp, long hair when I caught a glimpse of the thin, vulgar, red lingerie that Khrizanta had gifted me. She told me to wear it on our honeymoon. I don't know what got to me, and I brought it with me. The chills the lingerie gives me make my blood rush in my veins quicker. I shut my eyes, and the moment my eyes opened, I found myself bravely wearing the lingerie. Tinignan ko ang sarili sa salamin. From the boobs down to my thighs and bottoms, it fitted me so well. My confidence increased rapidly the longer I stared at myself. I took my make-up kit and looked for a bold colour of lipstick. I picked the one with a red shade and spread it on my lips. "This must make him drool, rig
Unseen chapter: The HoneymoonI woke up the next day without my husband on the bed. Bumangon ako sa kama at napangiti nang maamoy ang mabangong amoy na nanggagaling sa niluluto niya.I stretched up my sore muscles before tidying up the bed. After that, I marched towards the bathroom and took my time doing my morning rituals.I grabbed my phone and walked towards the glass door of the balcony, pulling it open. Tumapak ako palabas at pinagmasdan ang tanawin. I took a sigh of amazement as the view in front of me took my breath away. The immaculate cerulean blue water of the sea is screaming tranquillity. Hindi masyadong malakas ang alon sa dagat. I can see people enjoying their day at the beach.I sat on the rattan couch while holding my phone. Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang makitang may update na si Mommy tungkol kay Killian. Apat na messages 'yon at may kasama pang attachments.Mommy sent me pictures and a short clip of Killian's day without us. They went to church this morning and a
Unseen chapter: The Honeymoon For my first outfit, I wore a ruffled sleeves white dress that reached above my calves. I turned my dark hair into a low bun with a few thin hairs dangling on both sides of my face. I applied light make-up as it suits me very much. Hindi na ako nagsuot ng mga alahas at tanging wedding ring namin ni Reeve at ang hikaw ko ang suot ko. Reeve was wearing a black button-down short sleeve and white trousers. The first four buttons of his shirt were opened, revealing his hard chest. Kumakapal na rin ang buhok ni Reeve. Simula noong mag retired siya bilang lieutenant-colonel, nagpapahaba na siya ng buhok. But hubby continued getting faded haircut as I told him I love seeing him with faded hairstyle. Reeve and I entered the highly recommended Mexican restaurant near our hotel called Riviera Maya restaurant. The restaurant itself has a modern Mexican interior and an overlooking ocean view. A server immediately introduced himself and guided us to our tabl
Unseen chapter: The Honeymoon "Hubby, do you think it's really okay to leave Killian? What if he cried because we weren't there for him? What if something bad happened to him while we were away? What if the breast milk I prepared ain't enough?" I asked worriedly. "Do you want us to bring him? We can go back and get him," he asked back. We are now in the car, travelling to the airport. Hindi na namin sinama si Killian at baka magdalawang-isip pa ako na hindi tumuloy. I don't want to leave our son. I am too worried about him, but at the same time, I want to be with Reeve, just the two of us, on our honeymoon vacation. I sighed and shook my head. "I want to, but this is our vacation as husband and wife. I just can't stop thinking and worrying about our son. Ito ang unang beses na iiwan natin siya sa loob ng apat na araw," He reached for my elbow and tugged me so I could face him. "Wife, don't worry too much about Killian, okay? He's in the good hands. Your parents want to ha
Unseen chapter: The Honeymoon "Hubby, do you think the 20 million we donated to the kids and families in Palestine is enough, or should we add at least 10 million more?" Reeve's strong arms immediately caught my waist. He pulled me and let me use his lap as my chair. My heart instantly leapt with his move. "Wife, 20 million is enough. We still have Ukraine and another country to send our donations, remember?" "Yes..." "So, we have to save..." I felt his hand squeeze my waist. "Baka mamulubi naman tayo niyan," My lips parted before I chuckled. "Hindi naman siguro, hubby." He bowed his head in silence before he burst into laughed. "You are not sure, wife." I felt his lips on my cheek. "Have you told Killian about our plans?" I sighed upon remembering that. Reeve and I will fly to Mexico this week for our honeymoon for our second wedding. Today is our real honeymoon because when we first got married and had our honeymoon, we were both drunk. Last month, our wedding
Time flies so fast because Killian is growing so fast. Killian is now ten months old, and in two months, he will turn 1. He can now crawl and stand on his own. He also have two primary teeth in front of his gums. He likes to explore and be mobile the reason why we've put up safety barriers in his nursery room. Killian giggled as I tickled him gently on his chubby neck. His little chuckles are sound to my ears. I can't help but chuckle while watching him. May dalawang ngipin na siya sa harapan, making him more adorable. "You like it when Mama tickles you, huh?" I gently said and kissed him on his forehead. "Mama and Papa loves you so much, baby. Don't grow up so fast, please?" Killian made a random sounds as if he was talking back at me. Napangiti ako pinunasan ang namumuong laway sa gilid ng labi niya. Saktong lumabas si Reeve galing bathroom nang magsalita si Killian sa unang pagkakataon. It wasn't the first time, but it was the first he uttered clear words. Most of the time,
ON our second day, we went to the French Aquarium in Le Bon Marche. Kirsten and Killian enjoyed their time there since they had some activity regarding sea creatures. We also went to some high-end brand shops to buy pasalubong. Then, we went to the Eiffel Tower. Tomorrow, we decided to visit the Disneyland Paris. I was staring at the magnificent view of the sunset when I suddenly craved steak. I wanted to eat steak, but not the usual steak that was cooked by a normal chef. I want it to be exceptional! I pulled the hem of Reeve's jacket. I looked at him in doe when he glanced at me in confusion, yet his aura looked radiant. Palibhasa, natuloy kami sa pagdidilig kagabi. And I swear it was so good that we had four rounds! "Hmm? What does my wife want?" he asked while grinning. "I want steak for dinner." He looked dazed. "Steak? I knew a steak restaurant in the corner," he says. I shook my head in disagreement. "No! Gusto 'ko luto ni Gordon Ramsay! I want him to cook the steak
After over 16 hours of non-stop flight, the airplane safely landed at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Reeve got our luggage on the carry-on while I readied the kids to disembark the plane. But before we leave, lumabas si Dad mula sa cockpit para batiin kami. I was mesmerized seeing him wearing a pilot uniform. May mga ibang crew ang napatingin sa paglapit ni Dad sa amin. Dad gave me a peck on my cheeks before he tapped Reeve's shoulder. "Lolo, you're here! You are amazing, Lolo! You navigate this big aircraft by yourself!" Killian jaunty says. "Thank you, buddy," sagot ni Dad at bahagyang ginulo ang buhok ni Killian. "Lolo is a pilot?" Kirsten innocently says. Dad nodded, chuckling. "I am, sweetheart. How's the flight?" he asked cooly. "The flight was fine, Dad. Thank you for landing us safe," sagot 'ko. "Of course, sweetheart. That's my job, to make you all safe in the air and to make sure the plane will safely land on the runaway," he answered. "You're so cool, Lolo!
DAYS and weeks went in the blink of an eye. Last two months, we celebrated Killian and Kirsten's birthday. And now Reeve and I will celebrate our 7th anniversary as a husband and wife. We've been married for 17 years, but we are celebrating the anniversary of our second marriage. . . "So. . . You'll be back next month?" Mom asked in curiosity. I nodded with a subtle smile. "Yes, mom." "Ingat kayo doon, okay? Message me after the airplane lands at the airport," she said, making me nod. "Don't worry about us, Mom, we will be fine," I assured her. "I'll miss you and these two adorable children," she says and proceeds on hugging Killian and Kirsten. "I'll miss you both, sweetie pie," she says. "I will miss you too, Lola pretty!" Killian muttered. "Love you, Lola," Kirsten says, kissing mom on the cheeks. Nakangiti ako habang nakatingin sa kanila. When the boarding was announced, we knew we needed to let our feet walk until we reached the inside of the plane. I was pulling o