Ever since our son came into our lives, I knew I had to resort to more contemporary means of helping my hubby with our household income. This is a particular dilemma being that I don’t want to compromise quality time with my son yet I also need to work. However, it’s not really a decision, for I have set my mind on being a present mother to my son, because it is a real loss not to witness him grow up (because I doubt if you can find time enough to do so if you have a nine-to-five dayjob) and be around for all his needs and wants.

Another thing is, I find it scary to have a nanny sit in my stead. True, other mothers find it a convenience, but, well, I grew up with nannies and so I know how it was to be cheated of a real mother.

Motherhood is more than bringing home the bacon, more than reprimanding for discipline.

It is cooking mean meals and breastfeeding the baby. It is finding time to play soccer with my two-year-old. It is reading books to him. It is recalling and singing “puff the magic dragon” even if I’m off-key. It is sprinting after my hyperactive son.

Motherhood is playing swordfights and boxing and blowing bubbles. It is watching “shark tale” over and over and over again because he is fascinated with everything fishy – fish animation, fish for dinner, fish in his picture books, the fishpond at gramp’s place. It is hyperventilating upon the appearance of a rash. It is resorting to “hilot” to remedy fever, chills, cough, colds and shortness of breath. It is superstition and love combined. It is bravery to clean up all grossness that make my hubby cringe.

All in all, motherhood is growing up with my son.

This is what is in exchange of the nine-to-five workshift.