Chapter 4: Early Years of Motherhood

The first visitors of Catherine were my parents, and they were so delighted to see the tiny, cute face of their first grandchild. Then came my coworkers in the school, and then Carlos’ coworkers. However, Carlos’ parents had come a little bit later, as they had to travel all the way from Pagudpud.

Then, the moment came when mother and daughter are both discharged from the hospital. Catherine has now seen the outside world from her own little eyes. We went home, and had dinner in the house together, the first time we did in a few days.

Knowing that I would miss a school year of teaching and work, I became sad for myself and for Carlos, as he had to work double-time to raise our family. However, I can’t be sad because I had to raise Catherine at home. Fortunately, our family and friends had become very supportive, and our family had made it through a year.

Raising Catherine was quite a challenge for me. She sleeps all day, but cries all night. Fortunately, I caught up with her, and I slept all day and tend her at night. During that time, I appreciate how Carlos is of big help in raising Catherine, and I let him sleep at night after a weary day.

I love how Catherine learns, day by day. I always let her watch educational shows on television, and I read her stories every night. And then came the time, when Catherine said her first word during a time my parents visited us. It was the word “Mama”.

However, I soon realize that another school year has ended. Shall I come back the next year? Shall I stop for a while, so my children can grow well? What will be my future? The closer and closer another school year begins, the more these questions bug me in everyday life.

Finally, I told Carlos of my problem, and he is willing for me to stop teaching for a while. I was just worried that he will continue working harder, as I am not working anymore, but he agreed to do so. Well, what could I do, and I only want the best for my daughter. I had then decided to rest for a while taking care of my daughter.

Days turn into months, and months turned into years. Caring for Catherine was quite a pleasure, and I can see that she learns very quickly, maybe from watching educational shows.

One time, while I was sleeping, memories of my childhood played by, and then I remembered what my family does every other Saturday. I remembered how we made graham cakes, and enjoyed its delectable taste. “Why not make a business out of it?” asked myself. And that will change my life for the next decade.

I then decided to continue with the business, as it would help anyways. Well, I started the week after, as I need to buy some containers and ingredients. Finally, now I can help Carlos earn money! Also, I can see that Catherine tries to help me in making the graham cakes. Oh, how I wish to live those silly moments again.

Now, the first batch of graham cakes were made, and I went around our neighborhood to sell them. Carrying Catherine in my arms, I can hear my neighbors telling me how cute she is. And the cakes sold out, thanks to my daughter’s cuteness.

This cycle of making and selling cakes continued for a while, and fortunately, it had turned in some profits. I was so happy that even though I can’t work as a teacher for while, I can help ease Carlos’ workload. And Catherine is enjoying the business with me.

But then another blessing came. Sensing some familiar feelings, I took another pregnancy test. And it came out positive. How should I tell Carlos, yet again?