Turning Five!

Wow! Time certainly passed by so fast that it seems only yesterday that I've written my last post. It also feels as if  I've just posted about Bean's fourth and now I am writing about her fifth! Her fifth year on this beautiful earth.

I know most mothers can't help but gush about and sing praises about their little ones, and so for me it is something I constantly do. And I really do feel the luckiest being miss Bean's mama. Ever since she could talk I have always made her promise not to grow up too fast and yet here we are. Just last year she was still so dependent on me and I find it surprising and such a blessing that lately our roles have been reversed! Ever since getting pregnant early this year I haven't been myself-- always plagued with nausea and vomiting; headaches and body aches. Normally, it would be me making sure our little girl is feeling okay, if she is well rested, fed, cleaned and okay but now she is the one always asking me how I feel or if I want to rest or take a nap. She'd help me by doing her schoolwork diligently, reminds me of things I forget, fetches things out of my reach (because everything I drop appears to be non-existent these days due to my big pregnant belly.)

We've been reading books ever since and this year I started teaching her how to read and write. And I feel like I've won the lottery because she's already caught up so fast! Bean will patiently finish a book by herself no matter how long it takes her. We'd often find her on a corner sounding of words and trying to write it on her own--thus, the many notes I've collected from her saying: I LUV YOU MOM, THANK YOU or BEAN LOVES MOM AND DAD. Most afternoons we find her drawing, coloring or painting which makes me super happy because it strikes a good balance with play time.

She's all that and more only having turned five!

All we wish for is that she be happy and content with her life and to find her passion. We want her to value experiences more than material things and to brave the world and find her adventures.

We are so proud to be her parents, and we also look forward to Bean's new role of being a big sister soon.

HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS TO MY BEST FRIEND AND MY LOVE.

Mama and Dad love you so very much!

Last weekend we celebrated her birthday in advance and I will share about her mini party on my next post, hopefully soon!

31 (Late Post)

Thirty one. I am thirty one! And, yup I feel it, too, deep to the bones (literally.) I have been avoiding this space since getting myself injured (still probably from yoga and surfing...who knows.) It's just hard to put into words how I feel about not getting to do the things I love. But here I am trying to be a big girl and moving on. Before writing something brief about my birthday last December 18 I would just like to put into record that I am already seeing a Physical Therapist for my aches. And she said that the most I can do for now are some light stretching, walking and swimming. I couldn't even lift heavy objects, jog or overuse the right side of my body.

I have to follow, even when I don't want to. I even begged if I could just get pushed into a wave, without paddling myself, but she said NO. I also asked if I can do a full sequence of yoga and avoid asanas that "I think" causes my aches and she said NO. So I have recently been into my calligraphy practice in order to fill up my time. Mind you, it's something I am coming to love already. It's just heartbreaking for me to stop riding the waves and doing my yoga practice. Adam asked me once how I felt about the situation and I told him, "It's like your first heartache, I guess. It hurts and you don't know how to deal." The drama, I know.

Moving on......

I didn't want to be such a Scrooge to not let Adam surf when I can't, also, I do love the sea so we still went to celebrate my birthday on the beach. The swell was perfect and I am happy that my husband and friends got to surf their hearts out!

As for me, I spent quality time with my daughter, and doing calligraphy drills. Which made me realize the other aspects of my life that I have set aside because of surfing. For one, I miss more playtime with my girl. Another is, having more time for my art...and photography.

It was a relaxed celebration and I'm glad that I agreed to go. It taught me that life isn't just about doing the things you love the most....it's also learning to take what you can get and appreciating the bigger picture.

Happy 4th Birthday Madeleine Bean

And here we are, at four years old. I couldn't believe how time flew by so fast. I still remember vividly the day I first saw our little girl and how she amazed me! Up to this day she continues to amaze us, and I know that this will go on for years to come.

A few months ago I asked Bean what party theme she would like this year and she has stuck with the "Octonauts" for so long that, indeed, we chose it. It's not a popular show here in the country, I just happened to have found it in YouTube when the little miss wanted to watch something about the sea. It is a great show, though. It has valuable life lessons for the kids and the environment.

Anyway, Bean discovered my Pinterest board and happily pinned away with me! She was so helpful up to the last detail. And even when we were setting up her party, she was so eager to help. Actually, I failed to execute most of my plans regarding this year's celebration. I just got so burned out from juggling too many things at once. Well, I have my weaknesses and issues, too! But I will save that for another post. Even the task of printing out free printable party stuff wasn't in the picture.

We have been busy adjusting our schedule to Bean's since it is her first year of school. I have been squeezing in a little bit of party preparations during my free time. And I am glad it was a success! Here are some photos we took last Sunday, Bean's 4th. Enjoy!

 I bake cupcakes yearly for her birthday. I almost didn't! But I couldn't resist since it's her favorite.
I was supposed to provide printable Octonaut characters, but oh well...jellyfish with googly eyes

were a hit with the kids.

       Now this here was a wonderful accident. My mom thought of covering the clutter

with an old shower curtain and I thought why not put some

paper tassels on it to make a photo wall? Pretty, right?

The only printable I was able to print were stickers for the loot bags.

Birthday girl.

The weather wasn't really nice that day, and we have been praying for the rain to stop. Luck has always been on our side since Bean's first birthday. The rain would magically stop an hour before the celebrations...and that luck hasn't run out....yet, thankfully!

We opted to invite fewer people this year because of the menial task of following up with the guest list. Family was the priority and then the regular guests. And I am happy with our decision. I have come to face the truth that letting go of people who do not serve you well anymore is what's best in life. Less stress, honestly.

We opted to set up in the garage this year for a change.

Birthday girl helping in the preparations.

"This is the best birthday ever! Thanks, mom!

Thanks, Dad!"

36" pizza.

Love.

We are so grateful for those who still came in spite of the bad weather.

We appreciate it so much!

It was Adam's great idea to include watercolor in the loot bags!

Not only did it give the kids something to do, but it gave them a chance 

to get creative! :)

Today, Bean had a mini-celebration in school, too. I like that their school asks parents to prepare birthday celebrations for the kids in order to make them feel special on their day. Another thing I like is how they promote healthy eating and practices, too! So fast food is a big N-O! I woke up extra early to prepare ham and cheese egg rolls for the kids with a mini-yogurt drink. I also prepared take home cupcakes for them (made by me, yearly on Bean's birthday...a tradition I wish to stick to). I had a fun but tiring time packing them individually and decorating the boxes with sea creatures. I also personalized the cupcakes by labeling them with the names of the kids. :) We also invited Winter, Bean's cousin to join in. :)

It was nice seeing what Bean does inside the classroom.

Here they are acting out a song.

Winter happily dancing. :)

I also prepared one for Bean.

Not boasting or anything, but she says the cupcakes I bake are the best ever.

Adam and I are very tired after all these; but our hearts are so full. We are forever blessed to have our sweet girl who is pure magic.  We love you so much, Madeleine Bean! Thank you for this great adventure!