Hello Hivers! Sending you love and hugs from the Philippines!
I became a mom to a wonderful God-given daughter when I was 26 years old. Back then, I was a paranoid and a worrier mom because obviously as a first-time mom, I didn't know what to do. I'm sure many first-time moms can relate.
Funny, but even a simple cold would make me panic causing me to go to the pediatrician right away. See? Silly right? Yeah, I was like that. 😅
I was always asking other moms how to do things and gladly, I got the sufficient support I needed from my mother and my friends as well. They are the best! They have guided me through, especially my mom. She stood by me and never left me from the day I gave birth till now.
Thanks, mom! I know you can't read this but I will take this opportunity to tell all Hivers how grateful I am for having you. You are extraordinary!
With the guidance of the Almighty Father and the strong support system around me, I was able to get through that phase of motherhood. I am gradually learning; taking one step at a time. Soon enough, from the tiny peanut inside my womb; she has grown into a bubbly kid by God's grace.
In fact, she just celebrated her 7th birthday last October 31, 2022. Let me share with you a glimpse of what happened on that important day.
(October 31, 2022)
On the morning of her birthday, my daughter woke up so early. I bet she was so excited. Upon seeing her at the edge of the bed, sitting down, I slowly got out of bed and went to her. I greeted her with a happy birthday with a kiss on the lips. She was so delighted with the gesture. Her father did the same thing, and she was all the more became joyous. She gladly replied to us with a big smile while uttering the word "Thank you, mama and papa".
I believe she was extra happy because her father was around. She is used to celebrating her birthday without her papa because her father is an oversea Filipino worker. Fortunately, this time around, my husband has not returned to work yet, so he was able to celebrate with us. This is a very rare and significant moment for our small family.
We thank the Lord that we could celebrate our daughter's birthday this year, together. We do not intend to hold a big celebration because we do not have extra money for that. We only intend to prepare a little intimate dinner with family. Thankfully, our daughter is just as content as we are, thanks be to the Lord! Since then, she has not given any demands when it comes to celebrating her birthday. In fact, she would just gladly appreciate whatever it is that we can afford and provide. With that, we are beyond grateful.
I and my husband woke up early to buy everything we needed. There were many people in the market during that time because the celebration of "All Saints and All Souls Day" was fast approaching.
Yeah, the market was a bit congested, but we never mind it at all because, at the back of our minds, we were thinking about the happiness we could give our daughter once she sees that we are celebrating the precious moment she was born.
In this picture, she can be seen tremendously happy with her cousins as her guests. These cuties are her best friends too. They love to play and do fun things together. I personally admire the bond they share. Growing up, I was silently jealous when I saw kids who had a close relationship with their cousins because honestly, I don't experience having one. Sad, but that's true. That is why I always instill the importance of good family ties in my daughter as early as now.
These are the humble gifts she received on her birthday. The tumbler was given by her auntie Mary, the cake was given by her cousins Jewel and Jade; and of course, the toys which are shaped like eggs were given from us, her parents.
These gifts were not expensive but the joy that radiated to her face when she received them was so remarkable. I know that this is one of the moments that she will hold dear to her mind and heart forever. Thanks to the people who have generously shown love to my daughter. You are amazing!
We shared a simple dinner with the family. My mom and I worked together in the kitchen. From buying everything that was needed to cooking each recipe was tiring; yet, the feeling of happiness I would feel seeing that my family enjoyed the food is fulfilling. It is so touching to the heart when they will say, " thanks for the food".
We cooked Filipino staple dishes such as pancit, caldereta, lumpia, fried chicken and Filipino sweet style spaghetti. My daughter's favorite is pancit. She immediately ate when it was cooked. In fact, she had eaten two rounds of pancit. Such a favorite! And oh! We had mango tapioca and cake as dessert. Mouthwatering right? Soon, when any of you would visit the Philippines, try to have these on your list of foods to try. Promise, you won't regret it!
The dinner was so filling; we shared chitchats and pleasantries over the table. Adults and kids enjoyed the food being served and honestly everyone had a great time. I know my daughter was pleased with everything that was happening during the celebration of her birthday. I could literally see the glow of happiness on her face. And as a mom, my heart is touched knowing that she was happy at the moment. It was an intimate dinner with family, but it was the BEST!
Raising a child is tough. It takes a lot of courage and patience to carefully guide a child in becoming a responsible adult in the not-so-distant future. Also, I believe that there is a necessity to continuously grow and become a better version of myself; just so, I could impact the same desire in my child. The desire to be a role model worthy of emulation.
I have learned that teaching a baby to walk and talk is nothing compared to instilling values and character in them. These could be their ultimate weapons in facing life challenges, fallouts, and breaks. So, as a mother, I feel that this is a huge task I need to uphold. It is not a walk in the park, I know, yet with God's help I will strive hard; to commit myself to the wonderful world of MOTHERHOOD.
