Opinions
Life with Maki
Right smack in the middle of my Zen-inspired living room sits a red, white and blue playpen. On top of the antique black camphor chest which serves as a coffee table are littered diapers, vitamins, a milk can ( a Nan can, if you will) and colorful baby bottles. Instead of soft music playing in the background with the sound of water from the indoor fountain, you hear the oft-played music from the “Baby Einstein” DVD, and standing inside the playpen, watching intently her favorite DVD for the nth time is the family’s MOST WANTED — Maki.
What was life like before she arrived? Well, we had fallen into a comfortable routine far from quiet because with 8 grown-up kids, our house can never, ever be quiet. Gabby was in Manila working as a musician, Mao and Nana were working in their respective jobs outside the home, Manna was working with her dad from the house and the 4 teenagers — Josh, Savie, Sarah and Luigi– were studying and being, well, normal teenagers. Em had just retired and we were also adjusting to having him home more often, though meetings kept him busy throughout the day. I, as usual, was busy running my household. This, of course, is not totally true because my household practically runs on its own, like a well-oiled machine.
My housekeeper of 16 years steers the course with one laundrywoman and one all-around maid, making sure that my house is spotless, all meals are prepared and set at the right times, our clothes and linens are perfectly laundered. Then, we have Boyet, Em’s cousin who has worked with us for over 20 years. He supervises the work of the male staff, which includes one driver, one security guard and 2 carpenters/gardeners. I am therefore assured that the garden is well-maintained, maintenance work on the house is done and my dogs are bathed and healthy. Life was good and comfortable. Little did we know that one 5 lb. bundle would make it more interesting, more challenging… more wonderful.
The day she first raised her head, when she was 4 months old, there was a slew of cameras whipped out to record the national event for posterity. I believe she is one of the most photographed babies in the country…nay, the world! When her pictures are posted on Facebook, we can be sure to receive comments from the people who know her personally or who know her story and are following her progress. No matter how busy Em is, whether he is texting his business partner or crouched over his laptop, the moment he hears Maki squeal, he rushes out of his room to check on what is happening to her. His usually stern expression immediately softens when she beams at her “daddy”.
It’s been 10 months since Maki was given to us by God, wrapped in a torn blue cloth and inside a plastic bag. She became part of the family totally unexpectedly and we scrambled to fit her in. In the first month, the kids, except Gabby of course, made a schedule as to who would take care of Maki at night, while I took care of her during the day with the help of Rose, the laundry woman. They learned how to make her milk, sterilize the bottles and change her diapers. They learned how to burp her and lull her to sleep. They discovered her moods and learned to discern her cries — Is she hungry? Is she wet? Or did she just poo? They all got an intensive on-the-job training which made Josh tell me one late night, “Mom, it’s hard pala to raise a baby!” And, expensive too! But, God, in His infinite wisdom, has been providing us so that we can provide for Maki.
Up to this day, we are amazed that God has seen us fit to be the family to raise this little bundle of energy that gives us so much joy. The past 10 months with Maki have required all of us to adjust our schedules and even our priorities. She has turned our lives upside down and right side up once again. Life with Maki is interesting, yes. Fun, of course! Challenging, certainly! She came to us totally unexpected but, in just a short time, she has won all our hearts and is positively MOST WANTED.
