We now have two apos, and they’re growing so fast. Theo is already three years old, and Dylan just turned two months. Bago natin malaman, tumatakbo na rin ‘yan!
Theo at 2 months old.
We all have our own ideas of what it means to be a lolo or lola — but we never truly understand its depth until we become one.
Being a grandparent is one of life’s most special and rewarding experiences — a mix of joy, nostalgia, and a new kind of love.
1. Pure Joy and Love
There’s a deep, almost magical joy in holding Dylan and Theo for the first time. It’s “love multiplied,” especially when you see your own child now in the role of a parent.
2. A Sense of Continuity
Minsan pakiramdam ko, pwede na kaming mawala sa mundo — meron nang magtutuloy ng buhay namin. We get to see the past, present, and future all at once. We notice little traits, habits, or smiles passed down through generations — sino ba ang kamukha, kahawig ng lola, kuhang-kuha ang wowa, ang lakas ng boses, namana sa wowo, and so on. It’s deeply moving to see pieces of ourselves and our family living on in them.
3. More Fun, Less Stress
We get to enjoy the fun parts — playing, storytelling, and, of course, spoiling Theo a lot. Bahala na ang parents niya to discipline him, hahahaha! There’s real freedom in being loving and supportive without the full-time responsibility.
4. A Second Chance
It feels like getting to re-experience parenthood, but this time with more patience and perspective. You now know what truly matters — love, time, and presence — and you worry less about the small stuff.
I’ve also noticed I’ve become more compassionate toward children. Naaawa ako lalo sa mga batang abused, napapabayaan, or uncared for. It breaks my heart more easily now because I see every child through the eyes of a grandparent.
5. We’re less involved now with Dylan, but with Theo, we dropped practically everything just to babysit him — to help the first-time parents. We thought we were making things easier, but there were moments of friction. Akala nila, inaalisan na sila ng pwesto bilang parents. Kami naman ni Edmund, akala namin, nakakatulong kami — yun pala, nakakaistorbo kami.
We were more than willing to lose sleep just to take care of Theo, kahit mapuyat kami gabi-gabi. But that wasn’t always appreciated. Sometimes, they would rather let their son cry for an hour in the middle of the night, calling out for me, than let me put him to sleep. That hurt — because our intentions came purely from love.
But as grandparents, we learn that loving also means letting go a little — allowing the parents to grow into their roles, even when our hearts want to step in.
I knew those days would eventually be over once Theo turned three and started school. And true enough, he’s now more independent and closer to his parents. He calls for his mommy now — no longer “Wowa.”
Still, with just one hug from Theo, all the challenges feel worth it. The happiness truly outweighs the hard parts.
With Dylan, things are different. His parents are already experienced in baby care, so they don’t need as much extra help. Dylan has a midwife who comes at night, and Theo’s nanny helps during the day. But we still need to find a good daytime nanny. I’m also busier now, so I can’t stay home as much as I used to. Even when I’m home, I’m usually working or attending to other things.
Edmund does his best to be home around noon so he could help Oyen with Dylan. And since he is semi-retired and doesn’t play golf anymore due to his back condition, he spends more time at home. He has always been helpful and mindful of his daughter’s well being. Gusto nya makapahinga yung anak nya kaya he is more than willing to take care of his grandsons.
One of the things that give Edmund and I happiness is bringing Theo to school. Basta happy kami doing that. I get to hug him kasi he sits on my lap and we get to interact with him even for about 10 to 15 minutes before we drop him off at school. Ang sarap ng feeling. These are short-lived precious moments. Sooner or later, these moments would be memories. Mabilis ang panahon.
I consider myself and Edmund deeply privileged to be grandparents. Whenever I look at my daughter and her two sons, I can only pray in silence — thanking the Lord for these incredible blessings.
Wowa and Dylan at 2 months old
Wowa and Theo at 2 months old
Wowo and Theo at two months old
