Let's Go Around the World for Euen

Here are some preparations made for Euen's party.  First, the invitation with Mamaninang's final edit who insisted into putting a picture of the baby.  I made it look like a boarding pass.

Second, she had a photoshoot for her photobooth design and her tarpauline.   She was just in her pigtails, naked in a basket.  The artist made to look like she was in a hot-air balloon effect.

Third, her lootbag courtesy of Angkong's tindahan.  We collected all goodies from there and placed in a bag.

Fourth, the different flags hanged on the windows of venue and the centertables of globes with air planes. Thanks to Shashing, KS, Mamacherub and Kuya Ikoy.

Fifth, I requested for fifty balloons with helium.  It been a while since I've been to party with balloons that really fly.  I had them tied up in a basket for the same hot-air balloon effect.

Sixth, aside from the normal food from a catering service.  I also got an ice cream cart, with the classic dirty ice cream.

Next, I looked for a host for the party that will also do balloon twisting, puppet and magic show.

Next, I "customized" games for the party, i.e. E is for Euen, bring me game for babies, and prepared prizes for the games.

Next, we got a cake artist, courtesy of the sister of Shashing's bestfriend. Thus, the perfect little cake for the party.

Next, cupcakes especially baked by Mamaninang for tokens.

And lastly, the souvenirs.  Ikea cups and finger puppets with a few goodies inside.

Yes, it's a party!  Preparations made were almost the same as my wedding's.  And the number of guests?  MORE than the number of guests at my wedding.

After seven years

I couldn't believe it! Ikoy  is now seven years old!  It means I've been writing in this blog for almost seven years now! And it means, I'm really getting older! Haha.

I look back on his previous birthdays posted here.  Especially his cars party!  This year, we asked what he wanted, to ride an airplane or a party.  He opted for the airplane ride, thus the Boracay trip to which he was indeed very happy. On the plane ride, boat ride and the swimming on the beach where he wanted to live in.

On the other had, his family gave him a Woody-themed party as well, so both his wishes were granted.  We had a Woody cake for him too.

Really a BIG boy now, he has grown to be a good kuya to Euen.  And  he never fails to give us reasons to still pick him up on Saturdays and spend the weekends with him.

We will always love you Ikoy.  To infinity and beyond.

Happy Six Months

Half a year has passed!!  Comparing Euen's monthsary pictures, she has really grown.

Exactly 16 lbs. this month, she hasn't gained much.  I have increased the amount of servings in her food and she continues to explore different tastes: veggies, some fruits and a little introduction on proteins.

She's learned to balance herself when sitting down. And spends a little more time playing.  I have started to hear more and more syllables from her: ma, da, na.

Also, she's begun to be attached, mostly to me.  She cries when she realizes it isn't me, or her Papa, carrying her.  She recognizes faces: she always gives a big smile when she sees her Papa for the first time when he comes home from work, or Lolo during weekends when he hears his voice.

This is Euen's first monthsary celebration with Kuya Ikoy and Lolo.  With mommy's homemade cupcakes for her monthsary cake.

A Year Older

 About the same time last year, I was on house arrest because of my risky pregnancy.  I was happy and sad at the same time.  Happy because I had long wished for a baby.  Sad because I was very worried for her.  A year has gone by and she's right here, now, beside me. I thank God for everything.  I couldn't wish for anything more. 

A lot has happened: pregnancy, giving birth, going back to work, permanently leaving work, changing my career to motherhood.  Everyday I continue to learn to be a mother.  

My prayer now is for Euen to be safe, healthy and happy always.

Having a sister...

Happiness. One of my all time favorite songs by Lea Salonga that goes, "Happiness is two kinds of ice cream..."

During a concert, Lea's brother edited it and added,
"Happiness is.. having a SISTER..
Sharing a sandwich
Getting along
Happiness is singing together when day is through
And happiness is those who sing with you."

Me, I have two of those. Two sisters. That means, twice the happiness.

Today, one of my sisters is celebrating her birthday. Eventhough she's far away and we can't hug her in person, something to look forward to is the thought that on her next birthday, she's going to be back here with us.

This line is especially for her...
"...And happiness is coming home again."

We love you Shashing.

Happy Birthday to my Bestest Bestfriend in the Whole World

Not everybody finds their soulmate.
But I am one of the lucky ones to have been given the privilege.
I found you.
Tried and tested.
Gravity defied.
Time challenged.
Space ignored.
Distance defeated.

The only thing that have always kept us and will always keep us in this sisterhood of friendship: L-O-V-E.

I look forward to the day when Annika becomes baby's bestest best friend. While Alfons becomes baby's boyfriend. As you said, like Monica-Rachel-Ross in Friends.

Yoquito Turns 1

Yoquito turned one. I had to let baby sister adopt him for a few months now, because my pregnancy. It was hard maintaning him the most, of all the dogs in the house. I'm sure baby sister takes care of him, more than how we could, given the current situation.
Last weekend, we celebrated his birthday by giving him a treat and a new a toy. We played with him for a while and he seemed very happy. Eventhough he's happy with baby sister in his temporary home, he missed us and we miss him a lot as well.

Birthday, birthday, what a happy day.

This year, the typhoon and rains were on our side. No "Pedring" or "Milenyo" stopped us from giving a surprise birthday greeting to our dear friend, Bubbles. The rain stopped we when went out of the house and it just started raining again when we got home. We chose to surprise her at the stroke of midnight. We brought midnight snacks for the soon-to-be-mommy birthday celebrator.

I know your wish has been granted already. On your next birthday, there will be one more person, a little person, who'll be surprising you, with us. I pray for you and your baby's health and safety.
Happy birthday Bubbles!

Happy Birthday Papogs

We celebrated Papa's 59th birthday with three birthday cakes: a small ube mamon, a junior Dulce De Leche cake and our ulam, torta. Ikoy got fond of asking papa to blow the candle. With Shashing and KS on Facetime, we sang three times, with Ikoy's version on the very last line, "Happy Birthday to you, you, you, you!"

Of course the little boy won't settle for not having a gift. What he did, he took the banana from the countertop and gave it to papa, "Papa, ito ang gift ko sa iyo, banana!" And he drew his own greeting card.

I do look forward to the day when baby comes and Ikoy will have a baby brother/sister. And Papa will have a grandchild. I can't wait for that.

My only wish for Papa is for him to be always safe, healthy and happy.

Certainty.

I know my life would be so much easier and so much better if you were here. Just a wishful thinking. Most days I will just put a smile on my face, being contented knowing, and keeping you here inside my heart. But give me just some days out of the almost ten years, to tell how much much I wanted you to be with me, with us.

Then, I will be fine again.

Your love is a certainty, that will always keep me going.

Off the Calendar

Yes, it's my 31st birthday. The last day on the calendar. Eventhough I am getting older, this year, is the best! Here 31 reasons why:
1. Tons of birthday wishes from friends and family through text and Facebook.
2. Sister from Singapore is here for the weekend.
3. With Kuya Shosh. Last month, they just went here on a weekday and we didn't get to spend time together.
4. Friday night dinner with papogs, two sisters and ikoy.
5. Free overnight stay at the hotel.

6. Pre-Saturday night dinner celebration with the family.
7. Ikoy's specially selected and wrapped gift: Wall-E Lego, Toy Story Ball and Mrs. Potatohead's bag. He was even more excited than me and he wanted to open it right away.
8. Bestest bestfriend
9. With my "first" baby gift and a book which, I am forced to read.
10 . With her family to join us for dinner.
11. Habi who drove more than 2 hours of traffic just to be there.
12. Little baby girl to sing happy birthday for miminuni.
13. With "bouncy" baby Alfons, even with him just looking at you would make you smile.
14. My first of my three cakes, blew the candle with Ikoy and Annika.
15. Sunday night, Papogs cooked my request dinner: fish in "Pesa."

16. Woke up on my birthday morning, with my friends on the other side of my bedroom door.
17. Yummy and healthy breakfast prepared by Kuting.
18. With her betterhalf.
19. Pregnant friend Bubbles who didn't bother going up and down the stairs for the surrpise. Of course with her hubby.
20. Marge, for waking up early to be on time for the early surprise.
21. My second birthday cake, with my dear friends.
22. A two part birthday surprise. Aside from the breakfast surprise, there was still a dinner surprise!
23. Baby sister who brought me salad for dinner.
24. With Bamba.
25. And my third birthday cake.
26. Hubby's family had their share of birthday greetings and wishes.
27. A husband who's willing to do anything I ask of him.
28. Last month, I received an advanced birthday gift, a positive pregnancy test.
29. Doctor confirmed that yes, I am indeed pregnant. But we need to wait a few weeks for the ultrasound.
30. We saw baby's heart, beating, on the first ultrasound.
31. I get to share with the whole world my bestest birthday gift ever.

The Cars Party

1. Cars Cake
2. Balloons
3. Banner
4. Pabitin
5. Pinata
6. Games
7. Lootbags
8. The Cars costumes
9. Playmates
10. Friends
11. Family
12. Jollibee chicken and spaghetti
13. More food
14. Ice cream and fondue

All for the love of Iko, the happiest Lightning McQueen, still and always our baby.

Lightning McQueen’s request

IKO: Pwede ba ako magbirthday party sa bahay ganda nuni?
NUNI: Anong bang gusto mo sa birthday mo?
IKO: Cars na cake.

For his fourth birthday, we wanted to give him more than the Cars cake. A birthday party with our very own CARS costume. Made from cardboard and poster paint, each us of had our own character. Of course, Iko is Lightning McQueen, Papa is Doc Hudson, MamaCherub is Sally while Bamba is The King. Denden and Kuya Shosh are the front and back of Mack. Shashing is Mater and I was Guido.

We spent the last three weekends designing, cutting and taping. And the painting. And here is our finished product. Iko had his share of making the Cars. And we were all excited for his birthday.

Nanay Norma

My sisters and I, especially me, got the high-pitched tone of our voice from our mom. And where else would Mommy Rose get her high-pitched tone? Of course from her mom, Nanay Norma. Nanay was a pianist and a singer when she was young. We are always in awe when she plays the piano and sings in her Soprano voice. Our ever sweet, caring and loving lola. When I talk to her on the phone, she will never forget to say I love you very much before hanging up.

When she prays, it would usually take a while because she won’t forget to name each and every member of the family, even up to the children of her grandsons and granddaughters, cousins in the third and fourth degrees. But then, I've always admired her faith in God, and I always think that God listens to her prayers more.

Nanay Norma loves all her sons and daughters very very very much. That's how she'd say it. And even up to now, with her age, she will still try to provide for them with whatever can give, not saving for herself. And so this time, it's our turn: "Happy Birthday Nanay Norma. We love you very very very much!"

Happy Birthday Shashing

Exerpts from the surprise AVP to Shashing.
Mga tanong:
1. Bilib ako kay Elijah dahil sya ay:
2. Ang natatanging karanasan ko kasama si Elijah ay nung:
3. Dahil 27 taon na si Elijah, dapat lang ay:


Mga sagot ni Bamba:
1. mayroong parlor sa Marikina na ang ipangalan sa kanya, "Elijah Gaganda Ka!" Salon.

Mga sagot ni Mama Cherub:
1. magaling sya sa lahat ng bagay na gusto niyang gawin. Sinisigurado niyang buong puso ang ibubuhos niya sa mga ginagawa niya kaya't maganda ang kinalalabasan ng mga ginagawa niya. "Magis" ba.
2. nung bata pa kami at tinulak nya ako sa kalsada sa lubak lubak na bahagi. Hindi naman ako nasagasaan, nasugat lang. Pinatawad ko na siya sapagkaat habang tumatanda kami, ilang beses na niya akong pinagtangool, inalagaan at tinulungan at bawat sandali, pinapakita niyang mahal niya ako. Kaya't pinagtatawanan na lang namin ang kwentong yon dahil hinid pa rin namin alam kung bakit niya ako tinulak.
3. matuto na siyang magsaing at magluto bukod sa pansit canton, pancake, hotdog, itlog at iba pang mga prito. Dapat ay aralin na niya ang sinigang ni papa at ang spaghetti ni mommy para hindi niya ito mamiss kung malayo siya sa amin.

Mga sagot ni Nuni:
1. magaling sa lahat ng kanyang mga narating at nagawa sa buhay, matapang sa mga pagkakataong kailangan, nakakapagpakita ng kanyang pagmamahal sa sarili nyang paraan.
2. nung magkasabay kaming nagpu-pupu sa isang toilet bowl nung bata kami. Back to back.
3. sagutin ka na nya!

Mga sagot ni Papa:
1. dalawang kutsarang kanin at isang saging ay busog na busog na siya.
2. yung araw na hanap ako nang hanap ng patay na daga sa bahay... yun pala, paa lang niya yung naaamoy ko.
3. matuto na siyang magligpit ng kama pagkagising.

Happy birthday Shashing.

Mamalilub

Happy birthday to the sweet, caring and loving sister who is a constant reminder of mommy to me. I love you always. and Justin.

Always Our Baby

Iko had a party at their house. He was very happy with his Cars Birthday cake. He wanted to get the cars and play with them even if he hasn’t blown the candle yet. He kept on tasting the icing, dipping his fingers on the cake, we had to cover it with cookies.


His advanced birthday gift was a bike. Bought the week earlier when Chalo was here. He was so excited when we told him we’re buying him a bike. When we reached the toy store and he eventually tried to ride a bike. He discovered he doesn’t know how to ride it, as if changing his mind, he said it was too big for him. “Laki Bike!” But the next day, he realized he really wanted a bike, so we got him one.


Bought him a fish also. We asked him what will be the name and he thought for a while and said, “Fish!” He was so amazed and kept on watching the red fighting fish in its little aquarium.

We brought him to the zoo the next day. So fascinated with the animals especially with the white tiger. We all laughed when he said he wanted to buy the tiger, “Bili, Tiger!”

At dinner, he was so happy when we asked the restaurant crew to sing to him the birthday song. He blew his birthday candle with all smiles on his face.

People often see us with him in different places, or see our pictures with him and they ask, who's baby is he, is he ours? my sisters'? Avoiding too many explanations that he isn't blood relative, I just smile and say, he's our baby. Honestly, I am glad that he grew a year older and we haven’t lost him. He will always be our baby.

Balloon-Head

Three years have passed.
For you, we are the ones who pick you up on Saturday mornings, to go to Papa’s house and play with your set of toys there. We have lunch and eat Papa's Sinigang. Then you take a bath and sleep. You’re excited to wake up because you know you’ll ride the car and we’ll go to the mall.

For you, this is us:
Laloy - the black Labrador in the cage.
Sam-sam - the brown Retriever that made you fear dogs.
Yoki - the Shih-tzu that loves to kiss.
Denden - the one with eyeglasses that you like to borrow; drives the black car to take you to malls.
Nuni - the one that you ask for milk, candies and chocolates; lets you play with her toys.
Chalo - the one you look forward to seeing because she’s always in Cebu.
Shashing - the one that you always wake up in her bed; gives you nice gifts even if it isn’t your birthday.
Bamba - the one with same haircut as yours; plays with you, sings and dances when you ask him to.

Mamalilub - the one you fear and love the most, at the same time.
Papa - the one and only father you know.

For us, you are still and always will be, an angel in our lives. We make you happy but you make us happier. You’re growing up so fast, learning more each weekend that we see you. Even if many things change as years pass, our love for you will always be there.

Happy third Birthday, Ballon-head Baby.

Birthdays..

Dear Mommy,
If a person dies, do people still celebrate this person’s birthday? She doesn’t grow a year older, right? Maybe, people just don’t want to forget, like us.

We remember your past birthdays. The surprise birthday where Papa was just wearing house-clothes. It was like your 18th birthday. You even had the 18-roses-dance with the different men in your lives.

Your last birthday, we need not invite people. Visitors filled our house with party food and gifts. That, in exchange for seeing and being with you in your special day. Even if you were tired and weary, you still faced everybody with the classic smile in your face. This was the last time I heard your voice.

Years have passed. Now, Papogs is busy with his dogs at home. He needs to be careful with his health though. We bought Sustagen Premium for him. He’s happy when Ikoy’s around. And Lij, will you allow her to work far from home? Cherub and I do not want to let her. We think she’s performing well in her work now. She was even featured in a magazine lately. So pretty. And Cherub, did you see Justin? Looks like he loves our bunso. Anyway, she really followed your footsteps. An excellent med rep that will be a “legend” in the future, just like ate rose.



I know I need not tell you, because I’m sure you’re still watching us from up there. And even if you’re not growing a year older, we will never get tired of celebrating your special day.
Happy birthday, Mommy.
I love you.

Pre-July 11 Blues

It isn’t July 11 yet but I received a couple of “birthday” blessings already. First: Since Kuting is leaving again and won’t be back until August, they “planned” for a birthday surprise for me. I felt it when I told my dear hubby that I wasn’t feeling well and just wanted to go home. First, he insisted on going out and somebody wanted to give me medicine. I thought, "If this is a surprise, I don’t want to mess up their plans," and so I just agreed.

At the parking lot, I saw two familiar cars, but pretended not to see. But I couldn’t act surprised so I just texted them where they were to give them an idea the I smell something fishy. At the resto, we sat, ordered and waited. Then the pianoman started playing the happy birthday song. I didn’t want to assume so I just kept quiet and when I turned on the other side, there they were, with the
complete package! I confessed after that. The surprise was a bit spoiled but I was happy. This was a happy day. Even though we couldn’t be together on the eleventh, I felt special because they still made effort to celebrate my birthday. I especially like my Secret Recipe yummy, yummy cheesecake.
Thank you, Bubbles & Francis, Djay & Kuting.

Second: I got my newest baby. More details on my next entry. Thanks Mommy and Daddy, taking the time to bring it to the airport, waiting and meeting a stranger to hand it over. I so love you both. Thanks also to Jenny.
July 11 is a few days more to go. Getting more and more excited for Hongkong.