"I love you, daddy!"

What a beautiful feeling a father could have to hear his children say these words, "I love you, daddy!" These words become an automatic reply of Ardi when I embrace him and say, "I...love...you...Ardi!" 

At age 2, I consider it the most adorable stage to lavish him with kisses and hugs, just like what I have experienced with Dana. This is the moment of my fatherhood that I feel so much delighted gazing at his enthusiastic movements & an ever smiling face. I so much love his responses. So cute! So adorable! 

At this stage, Ardi learns to read the alphabet, distinguish the sounds of the letters, some colors, shapes, objects and imitate his dad's snores. He is a servant boy. Whenever I'm about to leave the house, he would hand me my shoes and return my pair of slippers to its place. He is into organizing and arranging his toys. He also loves to play cooking with his Ate Dana. Our bonding is through his building blocks and puzzles. He is so excited every time he climbs at my back and sit on my shoulder with his hands around my forehead. 

Today, as a family, we met a ministry partner in SM Aura. We had a surprise gift from her buy buying anything we need at the National Bookstore. What a treat! We got those items we wanted so far. Ardi had his Funny Bricks and was so excited to assemble them with the help of mommy.

When we took a taxi going home, he preferred to sit on my lap until he was able to sleep. He was so clingy to me. Maybe because he knows that I am leaving on the following day and be away for about a week. I will surely miss them but I'm looking forward to be back soon and feel their tight, welcoming embrace.