AXIOO

I believe that I am one of the few lucky princesses who not only got to marry a sweet cuddly polar bear, but also get to live the fairy tale life filled with enchanting creatures. Our world became sweeter when a little Fairy Ballerina came into our lives, four years ago. And just when we thought that it could not get any sweeter, it did, when we welcomed our little Wonder Boy less than two years later. And… by the looks of it, our world is about to get even more beautiful as we look forward to embracing the newest addition to our little clan in January. (Here is also when we started to give birth control some extra serious thought!) So there we became… the Giant and his Queen (drumroll please). Of course, none of the fairy tales we read about or watched ever told us about the domestic life behind all the big white doors of the beautiful castle. In reality, I, the Queen, and he, The Giant, are challenged every day by our children’s tantrums, never-ending curiousity and unstoppable growth. We wake up on most mornings to a thousand cuddles and on other mornings to spin kicks and punches to the face. We try our best to follow their explosive energy that never seem to run out. We run the hectic morning routines and pat each other on the back when we do leave the house on time to begin our day. The children’s arrival into the world will challenge every fairy tale dream every married couple have. And just when we think we have it all figured out, there they go outdoing us yet again (believe me, it gets weirder every time!). Children test our patience and challenge our self control, but at the same time, they surprise us with their little feet’s pitter-patter on puddles, mischievous tricks and toothless grins. Children are an erratic mixture of immense joy and complete frustrations all rolled into one. They come into our lives to stay… forever! But isn’t it amazing how these small creatures can bring out the worst in us, wrap us completely around their fingers, leave us emotionally and physically drained and yet, at the same time, our love for them can only grow bigger even as the tensions roll by and surprises keep coming in? This is the joy of parenthood that my Giant and I have discovered. That such love exists in this world – this came as a surprise to us too! No amount of bad behavior, yelling contest during moments of stubbornness or even demonic traits can make us love them any less. Parents, remember that it is this love that fuels our children to be courageous and boost their confidence to win in life. This is the love that shifts our goals, shapes our priorities, and helps us weave the dreams for our children. If you are a parent today, remind your children that no matter how small they may feel to the world, in their parents’ hearts, they will always be celebrated as princes and princesses. My fairy tale dream world may not be the same as what it was when I first weaved it. But to find myself today, living in a world filled with such love and surrounded by these magical creatures, you can say I’m a pretty lucky girl! Love, Maya Photograph is courtesy of Donny & Firca with Sean & Ryan by Ivan Mario.