Still in quarantine? No problem. Teacher Mommy got this!
Months before our son’s 7th birthday, Metro Manila was already under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) but here comes the second wave of the pandemic having us back again to Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) meaning, much strict stay-at-home order (nearly to what we say lockdown).
Bearing in mind that we were already in GCQ, I was hoping that we can go for an out-of-town private camping or swimming for our son’s 7th birthday. We already celebrated his quarantine birthday last year with my mom (before she head back to the US) and me only. His dad was still in Singapore. And visitors in our place were not allowed. So I was hoping this time around, we can celebrate with other family members.
Be that as it may, deep within me there’s doubt if we are going to push through with this idea or just do a home quarantine birthday celebration, 2nd edition. There’s danger of getting infected whenever we go out. Moving on, I continue to scout for some possible places that is good for private event where we can breathe fresh air, where kids can run and can be wild and free. It’s been more than a year and we’re missing a lot of things outdoor. Everybody’s wishing for a normal life.
The declaration of ECQ in Metro Manila and some nearby places said it all. Better stay-at-home. Health and safety is way more precious than our own pleasures especially if you have a kid.
When I thought of the birthday theme, I made sure that it is doable for either “out-of-town camping /swimming” party or for a “stay-at-home party”. I chose Safari Camping and Dinosaur theme.
Our son likes to have a real camping experience but it is not possible as of the moment so indoor camping is the answer. We’ve been doing this indoor tent but will make it different this time. He loves dinosaurs so it’s a safari camping in Jurassic Park.
Months before his birthday, I already ordered some decorations online like balloons, foils and table cover. I also ordered his safari costume- safari hat, dinosaur shirt and mustard green short pants. Then the rest were DIY. I made the campfire, safari vest, jungle leaves, etc with some guide found on the Internet.
To make it like we’re in a camp, the choices of food matter. For our breakfast, we had hotdog buns and some fruits. For lunch, we had barbeque on sticks, beef, corn, veggies, canned drinks. For snacks, we had graham biscuits, mallows, and chocolate. For dinner, we had pizza, twister fries, barbeque, and some sweets. Lastly for our midnight snacks, we had chocolate hot drinks.
I set some activities that goes with our theme, too. Since we’re supposed to be in outdoor camping, I also planned to have him experience the tree planting but it didn’t go as planned so I ordered planting and painting kits online and share it with our family members together with the chocolate chip banana bread that I baked. We delivered the kits and breads the day before his birthday so that we can do the activity together on the day of his birthday. It was a fun painting and planting activity while doing it together with family members via video call.
Weeks before, I also asked favor from family, relatives, friends, his former classmates and teachers, sport coaches and godparents to send a short birthday video greetings for Gavin and I was truly overwhelmed to their response. Most of them sent their warm greetings. So there I made two video presentations.
Throughout the day, we had a lot of video calls from family and friends and we are very glad and grateful for their love to our family and to our son.
Moreover, who can say distance is a problem? Even the gifts were delivered to our house coming from Baguio, Batangas and different parts of Metro Manila. God is so good. God bless the hearts of our loving friends and family.
It was a very long day indeed but a fun-filled birthday. Our son was overjoyed and us, too. Sharing good vibes to all. God bless everyone!
To God be the glory!
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
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