The 2 Month Old's Name Giving Party

To those who weren't there for Christian's epic stand-up comedy stint/speech, the reason why we had a name giving party (last Sunday, June 23) instead of a regular baptism is because we're giving the boy the opportunity to choose which religion he wishes to subscribe to when he's older (even if he might not choose one).

The boy has both Islam (from me) and Christianity (from... err... Christian) in his heritage, so it doesn't seem fair to "bless" the boy under either exclusively.

Sorry Mike, no Godchild por juu this time.

But we recognize that Baptisms are about communities coming together to welcome the neonate, so we had to think of another water-ritual for people to munch on, so Christian proposed a toast to the boy, where we all collectively said his name.

Malaya,

We gave you the name Freedom, because we hope you have it. We hope you always have freedom: the freedom to be; the freedom to stand for what you believe in; the freedom to express yourself; the freedom not to express yourself if you so choose; etc etc. Your parents come from a time where Freedom is a luxury, and to have it in your name might open doors for you that not many have access to. But we hope this isn't going to always be the case.

Sign by Tito Tom

We'll tell you more about how it went someday, but highlights included:

Tito Pangs' awesome sci-fi story excerpt, about a man named "Mal"

Tita Gani's multicolored mobile!!!

Tito Alex's touching introduction to a poster he made for you about how the project made him look to his perceived flaws/handicaps and want to transcend them.

Spontaneous group singing of the song "Someone's Waiting For You" led by Auntie Jean

Tito Karl's instrumental guitar piece.

Tita Alphecca's acapella rendition of her song, "Historias"

Lola Diana's speech about her wishes for you to grow up in a more accepting world, and how had Jesus been alive today, he would've been one of the perceived wild children of the world. (You cried when she started singing though, much to her despair.)

Tito Mark's speech on how the differences that might spring up from our age gaps won't get in the way of our love for you as your family. And his singing of "My Wish" (by Rascal Flatts).

Tito Janjan's pastel sketch of St Michael (the archangel with the awesome flaming sword!) to protect you from un-freedom.

Tita Mina's pledge to give you archery lessons when you're old enough (5 years old) to protect yourself from zombies.

Tito Rem's anecdote about how Daddy told him about you.

Tito Fardo's better-late-than-never reading of the poem "The Brave Little Sperm That Could".

Tito Tom's drunken semi-admission to be your real mom (!). It's a pity we weren't able to arrange for proper video documentation. See People Who Want To Get Us Pro Bono? We're so expensive, we can't even afford ourselves! Haha. Oh, turns out Tita Mayan did.

Despite the tears shed, it was a very happy event, which wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for an envelope of birthday money Lolo Eli sent you. We had a pizza buffet, augmented by cupcakes via me and Tito Mark (he taught me how to bake them!) a cake via Daddy Christian (his first ever!), a strawberry+mango pie from Tito Luke and Tita Tam, and a lot of saliva from all the guests who managed to kiss you. The gifts and well wishes overflowed. "How can you not love him?" and "He's lucky to have you as parents" were phrases often repeated throughout the night.

While the latter remains  to be seen, the former surprises me for its truth. It overwhelms and humbles me, how much love there is for you, and all you've done so far is exist, and grow.

And you, the toast of the evening, seemed mighty confused at why mommy wasn't the one holding you all night, and kept rooting and asking for milk. The only time anyone held your attention was when Tom took the stage.

And like Tito Tom, I hope you felt the love too.

For photos and posts on social media, look for the hashtag #mlinaban

~~~

As for turning another month old,

OOTD (lol): barong via Mamita; shoes via Tita Connet.

Where did my tiny newborn go? This little big boy just started with the social smiles. It slays us every time we see it. People around him turn into circus monkeys for his smiles.

It also seems he's trained me to rock him to sleep while singing, and won't let anyone else do it at night.

His 0-3 month onesies barely fit too. I think we're also in the middle of a growth spurt, as he went back to feeding nearly every 30 minutes during his party til today.

I've always began my encounters with him with a sing-songy "hello". It's either he knows hello is a greeting now, or he just hears it often enough to mimic, because he says "e-o" back at me now. :3