Mileskiii's Binyag

Thanksgiving was one busy holiday! We spent it in Vallejo, grubbing on mom's delicious cooking. Deng-deng & Miles got to try some garlic mash & turkey. That whole week was pretty busy and it hasn't slowed down since! Justin had just got back from his Seattle Out For Fame gig, and we both were recovering from being sick. Miles was doing good until getting the runny nose on the day before his binyag, Saturday November 25th. But despite the busy holiday, we were happy to see Grandma & Grandpa! Miles got to spend more quality time with his Pilipino-Hawaiian grandparents, laughing with Grandma and learning new things from Grandpa.

Picking them up at the airport was such a treat. Miles immediately smiled at Grandma. And he just eyed Grandpa, figuring out just who he was. Later that evening, Miles stayed in with Grandpa at the hotel in Chinatown while mom & I went off gallibanting. We came back to a screaming Miles and a very calm papa! Miles' screams did not even faze grandpa (or did they?!) They definitely hit those nerves with Jus and I. But the following day, he warmed up to his grandpa more and started smiling at him, showing how comfortable he was with him.

Miles was so lucky to have visitors from all over to attend his first spiritual (& institutional) celebrasyon. Grandma & grandpa, Aunty Rosie, Aunty Lisa came from HI. Aunty Marilyn came from San Diego. Oh and his Aunty Trisha and Uncle Mikey also flew out from Hi. It was great to be around family that whole week! We pretty much camped at the Hilton with grandma & grandpa.

Miles caught our cold that weekend but was pretty good despite his discomforts. He was very playful and friendly with everyone, welcoming new family to carga him. He would get excited with grandpa and try to show him that he could do close -open. And grandpa would wave, Bye Bye to him and Miles learned how to wave back. After learning that from grandpa, he hasn't stopped waving at people! It's so cute to see him greet people. He even waves Bye Bye at the tv screen at the end of Teletubbies when they each wave and say Bye. I love seeing him communicate more and more.

Miles' binyag was great! First of all, on our way to the church, early Sunday afternoon, Justin tells me the story of how Ruben, Jerr, Rohawn and him were late from Ro's binyag. Everyone was at the church waiting except for them! "What a story!" I thought. On this special day of Mileskiii's, it was pouring hard and we were in a crunch, transporting everyone from the hotel to the church, across the city. Miles ended up napping on our way to the church so we decide to let him sleep in while Jus makes another trip back to the hotel to pick up Aunties. Anyway, mom & I are at the church waiting for guests. It turns out there is another family sharing the baptism with us. About 20 minutes later, mostly everyone is there ready to get the prayers started.....except for Miles, Justin, and grandpa! It was kinda funny but also a moment of feeling hiya for the other family, patiently waiting with their sleeping baby. Oh, our guests outnumbered the other family--about 40 to 5!

But as soon as Miles arrived everything eased up. I wanted to laugh, standing in this big circle, with all eyes. And I'm there without my baby....my babies! :) What a story to tell Miles later. Well, the actual ceremony was nice. Miles' nap did him good and he behaved like a good catholic boy. He didn't cry with the priest pouring water on his head. He did, however, push the priests hands away when annointing him with holy oil! Oh that was a funny sight, seeing him dodge the priests hand and shoving it away from him.

Jus and I were happy that everyone made it, including Miles' 1 million godparents; Aunties Lea, Jen, Maritess, Erica, and Diane, and Uncles Ruben, Bob, Paulskeee, Dre, and grandpa/uncle Cesar. After taking 123, 34129387 pictures, we all headed to PPQ's for the good stuff. And yes, it was goooood. Mmmm, mmmm. Oh I'd love some right about now. Miles' grandparents really hooked it up! Grandma made cute and very creative favors! Everyone got a couple to take home, even the Pinoy valet at the Hilton. But back to PPQ reception grubbery--it was delicious. We were all rockin' our "Let's get it crackin'" bibs, getting down on purst class:

Deep Fried Calamari & Prawns
Papaya Salad with Shrimp
2 Roasted Crabs
Peppercorn Crab
Sizzling Pork
Steamed Shitake Sea Bass
Beef Steak Cube
Braised String Beans
House Garlic Noodles
Deep Fried Banana with Ice Cream

Yes, I just googled the menu to relive the delicious moment. And while we were all there, stuffing our faces and talking stories at each table, I realized how important binyags are not just for the religious sacarament that it is--but for the cultural aspect of this occassion. It is one day, a new beginning, and one of the first of many feasts--for our Pilipno families and friends to get together to celebrate life, Mile's new life. He was just about 11 months and his binyag was the first celebration in his honor. Next month, will be his 2nd celebration in Hawaii for his 1st birthday and I hear it will be big.

Speakin of the first year of his life, I can't believe it has simply passed just like that! It's amazing to see how much a little being can grow in a year's worth of time. And a year really does not feel like a long period of time anymore. One minute, he was stationary, lying on the bed, swaddled, and the next minute he is waving his hand Bye Bye, climbing up the staircase!

Miles has definitely brought a lot more sunshine in to our lives! Mommy loves you Mileskiii....