Gab vs Running: 1-0

Since Gab was born, I never had a run in Manila.  I sleep late and wake up late.  I think scheduling a run in the morning might be hopeless.  So last night, I decided to take a quick run when I get home.

When I arrived, Quennie was nursing Gab at the sofa bed.  Gab was awake and was so calm and quiet.  He has grown big.  His cheeks are getting puffy and his body is getting heavy.  He keeps on moving his eyes around try to survey the scene.  He loves to punch with his hand and kick with his feet.

I told Quennie I would like to run tonight but I will take a 15 minute break before going out.  The ride from the office was tiring, I need a little time to recover before I change to my running clothes.  I lay down beside them at the sofa bed to rest.

My fifteen minutes was not over yet when Gab started to cry.  I always carry him at least once a day so I thought this will be the best time to cuddle him and keep him calm.  I got him from Quennie and carried him.  Gab doesn’t stay long in my arms.  Usually, he gets fuzzy after 10-15 minutes then I will return him to Quennie.

As expected, Gab calmed down after rocking him a little.  I keep on looking at the clock so I would know when I will return him to Quennie so I can change to my clothes and have a quick run.

Time check:  8:00 pm.

More than fifteen minutes have passed and Gab is still in my arms.  He was having a good time sleeping.  His eyes are shut close and his thin lips are crescent as if to smile.

Time Check: 8:10 pm.

Turned to Quennie to tell her that its time for me to run and she needs to pick up Gab.  But Quennie was sleeping as well.  Unlike Gab, her eyes are half open and her mouth are wide open.  I can tell that she had another exhausting day nursing our adorable baby.  I know she is tired so I did not wake her up.  I guess, I have to continue carrying Gab until he wakes up.

Time Check: 8:15 pm.

I have been carrying Gab for 30 minutes now.  He is almost 4 kilos and my arms are getting tired.  I motioned a little to lay him down in bed so I can rest my arms. Maybe, he would even remain asleep on the bed and I can get off to finally run.

Wrong.  The slight movement turned Gab’s face into red.  The next thing I know, Gab is starting to cry.  Before he can let out a loud wail, I got back into position and rocked him steadily.  He is still making faces of discomfort.  I checked on Quennie and she is still asleep.  I don’t want to wake her up.  She needs rest more than I need to run.

Gabs face is very red now.  I stood up and continued to rock him gently.  I hummed a few tunes I can think of.  The humming is still like magic as long as I don’t sing.  Now Gab is starting to relax.  His face is back to normal.  He opened his mouth to yawn.  He closed his eyes again and then, he smiled.

Time Check:  8:45 pm.

For another 30 minutes, Gab is here in my arms sleeping.  From time to time, he will be restless.  I would just try my tricks to calm him down.

A few minutes later, I know my task is finished.  Gab is looking for food.  No amount of rocking or humming can fix this.  I woke Quennie up.  She was surprised to sleep that long.  She immediately moved to her nursing position and I handed Gab over.

Time Check: 9:00 pm

Running is taking a back seat again.  I could hardly find time to run.  I missed the roads I used to cross in the morning.  I missed the sound of traffic and my feet pounding the ground.

I turned towards Quennie and Gab.  I missed my run but I don’t want to miss this moment as well.

I could run another day.