In my childhood days, I had never experienced having a party on my birthday. My parents could not afford all the food and stuff needed for a party. What they earned was enough for our daily needs. I was wondering what it feels like to have a party for yourself. Lots of people giving you a gift, with attractive decorations all over, delicious food, a nice cake, ice cream, and so much more. Is it exciting?
Now that I became a parent, I want my kids to experience those wonderful things I did not experience when I was a child. It is every parent's desire we know that. When my firstborn child, Jewel, turned one, we did have a party for her and so did we on her second birthday. But after that, I realized that she was too young to feel and realize the essence of the party. She may don't even remember what happened at those time. So, for my second-born child, Janneah, we did the different way.
Let me share with you how we celebrated my second-born child's birthday.
Not Until Two
We had never celebrated Janneah's birthday until she was two. But it doesn't mean we were not thankful for her life. She is a blessing to us and I'm so thankful God allowed me to have her in my life. When she turned two, I only bought a birthday cake for her. Since she was too young to appreciate things and we were too busy at that time for an upcoming church event. Her birth date is close to our Church Anniversary date, which would make us busy preparing a party for her.
Stay Home @ Three
Her third birthday was during quarantine because of the Pandemic that struck the world. So, we just sang to her a birthday song and valued the moments spent together at home. I noticed that she started to enjoy the things we did. Even if there was no party done but we enjoyed the day and praise God for adding another year to cherish with our daughter.
Gifts @ Four
An early morning surprise to the birthday girl.
When her fourth birthday came, we still did not have a party for her. But I bought her lots of birthday presents, a doll, an elephant bag, a cooking set toy, and happy birthday shades. We surprised her early morning that day when she woke up with a serenade. She was so very happy with all the gifts we bought for her. This time her emotions were so overwhelmed by all the things we did and continuously told us "Thank you mommy and daddy" which was so heartwarming to hear. She was growing so fast and started to value things more.
A Wish Granted @ Five
Last year, we attended the birthday party of her cousin, Reu. There were balloons, and lots of delicious food, especially the birthday cake. All the family members were there including their other cousins. It was a great experience for the kids. And there was a party popper after we sang the birthday song. Janneah was so amazed at her cousin's birthday party. From that on she started to ask us to do the same on her birthday. She said she wish for a nice birthday ever.
Of course, as a mother you want your child to be happy, especially on that special day of hers. Besides, she never had experienced that since she was born. This is the right time to give her request, a party for her birthday. And it was the right timing since her birthday will be on Wednesday, our midweek prayer meeting. No need to invite our friends and church family since we have to meet that day.
Two months before her birthday, I started to save and set aside some extra money intended for her birthday. It doesn't need to be fancy. A child's standard of happiness is not that too difficult to suffice. I ordered birthday decors from Shopee but wasn't able to use it for I left it at the school's library. Good for me there were available ones at the DIY store. I bought the Unicorn Theme one which was a good combination for her birthday dress that her Auntie-mom gave her.
On Janneah's day, I ordered a small Lechon or Lechon de Leche. I cooked Spaghetti, Humba, and Bam-i which are common dishes during occasions.
I also bought three chiffon cakes and a Purple Yum Cake for birthday greetings. We prepared give aways for kids in the Church.
Happiness Overload
We had the dinner before we started our Midweek Prayer meeting. We began with a Birthday Song to Janneah. As you can see, while we were singing, her smile was unexplainable, and also mine. Lol. Haha, I also felt the excitement and happiness she felt.
From the start of the song until the end, our smile didn't fade a little 🤣. Her birthday wish was granted, and it was so fulfilling to witness my child's unmeasurable happiness.
After we sang the birthday song, her father blessed the food and the dinner followed.
We had all our Churchmates who attended the prayer meeting also. It was a great Thanksgiving Day for we celebrated my child's birthday in the church.
Janneah gave the give-aways we prepared to the kids and all her friends at church.
The kids were so happy when they received it.
After everybody had done eating, we proceeded to our Midweek prayer meeting.
To God Be the Glory
Glory to God for the wonderful things that He gave to me even if I don't deserve it. For enabling us to provide our child's needs and happiness, especially on her birthday.
I forgot to buy a party popper, but Janneah's birthday was still a blast. And for sure it would be another beautiful memory for her to cherish.
That is all for this blog. Thank you so much for dropping by. With love, mommyjane.