LONG OVERDUE: SAGE’S 1st BEAR-Y SPECIAL BIRTHDAY BASH

It seems like the days in this part of the planet went by so fast that I lost track of the things that I needed to check off my to-do list – which includes blogging about my son’s first birthday bash. Oh wow! It’s how busy I was for the past five months? No time to blog? And so it’s true that when your child enters the world of toddlerhood, having a “me” moment becomes a luxury – let alone blogging.Thus, I feel like being engulfed with this euphoric feeling for finally finding time to blog again.  Hurray!

A few months before Sage’s special day, 17 December 2012, I already made the necessary preparation to avoid stress. And all I did on the very event was just relished each moment!

THEME

Who doesn’t love that soft, huggable, stuffed toy that is known to us as “BEAR or teddy BEAR”? Since Sage is equally lovable, huggable and adorable as a Bear, we did choose it as the theme for his first birthday celebration.

COSTUME/OUTFIT

Photo by Caloi Balane

A lot of people were asking me if where did we buy our bear outfits… I ordered them on EBAY!

INVITES

 

 My awesome and talented friend, Roi Pallones, did Sage’s pictorial and lay-out for his invitation.

http://www.coolest.com  (It’s where I got the bear pattern which I used for most of the DIY stuff)

Roi and Ghie helped me out in cutting the circle with my son’s name on it as well as the ribbons for the envelopes. The rest of the dirty jobs, I personally did! Yes, DIY baby!

 TARPAULIN

 

Layout by Roi P and printed by Hoven V. (Photo by Jon Guzman)

The huge tarp was given as a gift . Thank you Josephine and Ricardo (my generous co-workers)

VENUE

Sage’s first birthday bash was held in one of the hotels in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. I wasn’t really satisfied with how the staff of the hotel decorated the venue and so; my husband, Andrea and yours truly redecorated it. I put more balloons on the ceiling with my son’s cute face on them and placed a DIY photo booth near the entrance. 

DIY photo booth

This was made by Eduard Valle

FOOD

Most of our guests said that the food was really scrumptious – even a British attendee commented the same. Thank you FLAMINGO restaurant!

Buffet area

CENTER PIECE and PARTY HATS

 

I’m glad to have a very artistic friend. Thank you Bonn Laino Alvarez for your awesome skill and creativity. Yes, she made all these!

LOOT BAGS

 

What’s inside???

CAKE/ CUPCAKES/ COOKIES

 

Mini cake

Bear Cakes by Teacher ANNA

Bear cookies and cupcakes by Ate Cris Ramos

They’re both amazing! They’re doing business within Al Khobar area.

HOSTS

Anna Francia Roxas

The charming and beautiful host for the first part of the program

Kuya Joey and friends

These kindhearted and happy clowns made the party more fun. Let me know if you need their service!

PRIZES

This painting was made by my husband, Rowel Elvin Bien

PARTY FAVORS

 

SPECIAL AWARDS

 

 DIY trophies

 

Greetings from friends and families all over the world

 Khris Cruz, you are amazing! Thank you for making this!!!

My family and I are really grateful for all those people who made my son’s first birthday celebration a memorable one. Your help, support, attendance and presents are highly appreciated. We don’t know how to thank you all enough for everything! We love you all….

I would like to end this by re-posting  the message I published on Facebook last 17^th of December 2012:

Photo by Arlon Articona

‘Twas a year ago today when Rowel and I felt that the veil between Heaven and earth was so thin. How could it not be when we literally received an angel fresh from the pre-existence? It was truly a spiritual experience for both of us.

 On the night of the 17^th of December 2011, we first carried our first born, Sage, in our trembling arms. We didn’t take our eyes off him. He was so precious. Angelic. Heavenly. He’s indeed our little miracle.

 He came at the time that we didn’t expect, but we knew that it was the perfect moment. We didn’t know how to thank our Heavenly Father for giving Sage to us. He’s truly one of God’s amazing blessings. Thus, his birth is truly worthy of celebration and thanksgiving.

 Happy Birthday, REMALIAH RVNZYL “Sage” MIRAS BIEN!!!!!!

 Mommy and Daddy feel like Heaven is so close to us because we have you. We love you our precious little one! A wonderful gift you truly are to us…

SAGE TURNED SEVEN-MONTH OLD

Yesterday, 17 July 2012, marked another milestones in my infant son’s life. Sage’s first (lower right front) tooth peeked through early that morning – exactly the same day that he turned seven-month old. Also, just before we went to bed last night, he showed me an awesome trick. He tried to pull his body up to a stand while holding onto my thigh, then released his both hands and stood for a couple of seconds until he lost his balance. I saw his delicate body bounced on the bed, but he didn’t mind it. He proudly looked at me and then smiled for doing such a stunt. And as a first time mother, there’s no way that I wouldn’t get ecstatic about his developments. Call it an exaggeration – if you want – to take to heart the overwhelming joy that comes from witnessing my child’s amazing progress! It’s maybe a shallow happiness to some, but it’s a significant achievement for me as a mom. I just can’t wait to see Sage with his gleaming smile and to catch him when his feet are strong enough to run. *sigh*

Within the seven months journey of being a parent, I sensibly learned the extreme importance of relying on this tool known as “mother’s intuition.” Most of the time, it’s more accurate than what’s written on a book or published on the internet or even told by other known “expert mothers.” In my viewpoint, it is because each child is unique; thus, each parent’s approach on how they should be raised varies depending on the baby’s level of developments and needs. We know our kids better- their demeanor, conditions, etc.- so it is safe to say that we can be the  astute judge(s) when it comes to their changes and what not.  However, once in a while, I turn to those sources, get some brilliant ideas on parenthood and just do some modifications before executing them. It has truly been a wonderful and exciting seven months of learning. I just love being a mom!

I still couldn’t imagine – until now – if how I was able to get through the grueling first three months of being a mother to a 2.02 kilogram baby then. I was so glad that the succeeding months wasn’t as exhausting because Sage turned from a fusser to a calm and happy baby! I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for giving me a good child and for helping me to become easily accustomed with this whole motherhood thing. Otherwise, juggling my responsibilities at home and the demands of my full-time job would be more arduous – if not impossible- to do.

Indeed, witnessing Sage’s remarkable developments makes me proud as a parent and it feels like  every single sacrifice that Rowel and I did, do, and will do for him were, are, and will be so worth it! It is our prayer that our son will continue to grow not only physically but also spiritually strong!

Here are some snapshots of Sage  on his seven-month birthday:

He untied his shoes…

Checked if how I would react…

Gave me that “can’t-figure-out-how-to-remove” look…

So, I laughed and he laughed with me….

He tried another position and then continued to figure out on how to remove his shoe after untying it…

Taking the challenge seriously…

Staying  optimistic…

After multiple failed attempts, he got tired and gave up… LOL

I pitied the fat guy… So, I removed the shoes for him and in an instant, he was enthusiastic again….

A MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL: A MOTHER’S MUSING

My thoughts carried me back to the moment I was in the delivery room of Almana Hospital, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia more than four months ago; and found myself still in great awe for every thing that I went through. Truly, the whole experience did not only capture the essence of my womanhood but also fulfill the design of my existence. After that remarkable event, my appreciation became more heartfelt, respect and admiration grew stronger, and love only got deeper for all the mothers I know. I now fully understand why motherhood is divine.

Considering the unwanted nausea, severe lower back ache, abrupt weight gain and low self-esteem, carrying a baby for nine long months inside one’s body is not a trivial one. And when it’s time to pop, it even gets tough as there are a lot of things that need to be put into consideration including handling the excruciating pain. Frankly, I could not clearly expound how women are able to endure the discomfort of pregnancy and bear the pain of childbirth. The miracle of life is indeed unfathomable yet glorious!

While I was gazing at my son when he was asleep one evening, the seriousness of my responsibility as a parent suddenly came up to me. Heavenly Father has entrusted unto us this child to be brought up in the way that will allow him to grow spiritually, fulfill his purpose on this earth and eventually return to His presence one day. We are aware that we will be held accountable if we’ll fail to teach Sage the principles of the Gospel and guide him to “the straight and narrow path” that will lead him to God’s kingdom. I’ve realized that our duties are not only limited to loving, feeding and clothing him, but also nourishing his spiritual well-being. Indeed, a woman’s sacrifice does not end when the baby is born after 40 weeks of pregnancy. The moment she enters the world of motherhood, the sacred responsibilities that come from this noble calling are bestowed upon her head. Thus, motherhood requires not only physical but also emotional and spiritual preparedness.  

I’m still amazed how Sage has grown from a tiny 2.05kg baby to nearly 7 kg infant in just four months. I could still recall those days that I was so scared to carry him in my arms because I thought he was so fragile and precious. How could I forget the sleepless nights and untimely meals during the first three months of being an inexperienced mom to our sweet little angel? There were nights that I cried when he cried. Also, there were moments that I almost succumbed to fatigue and exhaustion. However, because of my love for my son and the help of my Heavenly Father, the urge to overcome weariness and incessantly perform my responsibilities as a mother won through. 

Sage has taught me to find happiness even in simple things in life. Looking at him while he is asleep, playing with him when he is awake and talking to him before he goes to sleep define bliss. Now that I am a mother, a five-minute shower is already a luxury and a shopping spree means buying big quantities of diapers, milk and clothing for our baby. I love being a mom, more so to a handsome and witty little one!  My only prayer is that I will remain healthy so that I can continuously fulfill my motherly duties.

Mother’s day is truly worthy of celebration. To all the awesome moms, especially to my mother, sister, sisters-in-law and friends, around the world – happy mother’s day! To all the moms-to-be and moms-wanna-be, the same greeting is extended to you!  Cheers!

 Sage with his aunt/2nd mom/generous fairy godmom hahahaha