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"Doc, please take care of my family ha."

I had to interrupt the doctor while he explained to me what was going to happen in the next few minutes. Everyone was hoping for a normal delivery for Therese, but due to unforeseen circumstances, a Caesarian section had to be done. We were prepared for this, Therese and I. We talked about the possibility of being in that situation and that the baby's safety is our priority. Therese teared up a bit, but I knew she was ready. It's baby time.

While Therese' was getting prepped for the procedure, I was asked to wait in the recovery room until it was time. I don't know if it was extremely cold inside the room or it was just me, but boy was I jittery. I did multiple test shots on the camera hanging on my neck. I readjusted the surgical mask I had on more than I had to. I was singing to that faint new wave song blasting from down the hall. I was alone for maybe 20 minutes, and I tell you, those were the longest 20 minutes of my life.

I could hear what was happening from the other room and reckoned they started the procedure without me. One of the nurses called me and told me that I could go inside already. I pulled myself together, said a little prayer and walked in to this:

"Baby out! 8:59!"

It was so surreal. I wasn't crying, my eyes were just a little sweaty that day (word to Flight of the Conchords). My baby was screaming out loud and it was music to my ears. I had to muster enough strength to look at my baby with blood all over his body. He was ok, he's perfect. The wait for Nate is over.

I looked back to check on my wife, to see how she was doing.

She was a picture of strength (pun intended). I know she was wiping the tears from her eyes in this picture, but I'd like to think she was flexing her muscles, showing me how she kicked Caesar's behind. That has to be the most heroic moment of my wife's life. I can never thank her enough for all the pain she endured for our baby. I am eternally grateful.

We are naming our baby, Nathan Thaddeus. Nathan means "God has given" and Thaddeus means "Courageous heart". God has given us a baby with a courageous heart, and he's great! Nate the great! 

After 41 weeks, our baby is here, healthy and alive. Everything in God's time. The pregnancy has been a journey for the both of us and it came to a beautiful end. Our adventure as a family of three has just begun. 

On cameras and fatherhood

It used to be so simple. You see what you want; you get what you want with just a press of a finger. It was easy as 1-2-3. Click.

Yes, I was talking about a camera.

2 weekends ago, Me and my wife purchased a new camera. It's not a DSLR though, but a much more complex one than a point-and-shoot. The new camera is in preparation for the arrival of our baby boy. I wanted to invest on a camera so I can take better pictures of our first born. Some people may argue that you don't need an expensive and complex camera to take better pictures, but I felt the need to get a better one to not only take better pictures, but also to force myself to learn photography as well. For the longest time, I only used a point-and-shoot. I point, I shoot. I went through a lomography phase and constantly use my iPhone for instagram. I didn't need to learn them though, I just needed to "shoot from the hip". It was easy, convenient and fun. It's fairly easy to take pictures, but the challenge is to take good pictures.

I needed to learn how to adjust to the changes. Yes, I'm still talking about a camera.

I need to learn how to adjust the aperture, to learn how much light I need to let in. I need to learn about the shutter speed, to make it easier for me to capture that split second. I need to learn about the ISO, to know how bright it should be when I'm in a dark place. I need to know how to focus, to make memories sharper and on point.

It may sound as if I'm still talking only about a camera, but the truth is, I was also talking about fatherhood.

Life as a father will be much much more complex than a "point-and-shoot". I need to learn how to adjust to the changes. To remember details better, to learn from every second, to know what to do in the dark and to let God's light shine on me. I need to focus, to realize that it's not just about me and Therese now. We will be raising a child. It's fairly easy to be a father, but the challenge is to be a good father.

I am excited and elated for fatherhood. My father has been the best teacher throughout my whole life and it would be a disservice to my child if he doesn't get the same love and guidance I got growing up. I may not be good at it yet, but I will learn how to be the best.

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Last weekend, I got to play around with the camera. We went out with our best buddies to get together and celebrate Illa's birthday in advance. Here are a couple of test shots (and shot!) from that night.  

New beginnings

How do you even try to start writing about yourself? I struggled to come up with a short description of this blog while I was setting it all up. I was trying too hard to think of a witty way of explaining the reason I will be blogging. Then I asked myself, "Bakit nga ba?"

I want to share a piece of my life to the world. Now that big things are about to happen in my life, I fear that time will be moving too fast and that I won't be able to keep track of the memories I will be collecting along the way. This blog is my attempt to record the awesome happenings and moments that will come my way. 

Please bear with my writing and photography skills. I will improve as time goes by. I'm so used to Twitter & Instagram that I think in 140 characters only and visualize my pictures with IG's preset filters. Maybe it's time I got back to how it really should be. 

Exciting times ahead. I want to thank you in advance for the time you will be spending on this site. Thank you very much and God bless.