OFF! To A Tea Party With My Little Big Girl

TOP MOM Speakers and Writers Dr. Anna Vazquez and Dr. Empress Carlos-Villapando

I thought it was high time for Oona and me to have some time to ourselves. So it was a real blessing when Nuffnang invited me and other moms to the TOP MOM’S Tea Party with the kids, courtesy of OFF! Lotion last November 22 at Lemuria Restaurant. Not only were we able to have our bonding time, I also learned that there was an upcoming Mommy resource website called OFF’s TOP MOM LAUNCHING SOON!

While I was listening to the program hosted by supermom Suzi Entrata-Bediones, Oona was whisked away to the kids’ activity area thoughtfully provided for by the organizers. I was relieved as I was worried Oona might get bored with all the grown-up talk going on. Later, over tea, cookies and cupcakes, Oona would tell me all about their storytime and various activities, including making a little yarn pet with googly eyes (posting pictures later!). She was even given a coloring book of animals to take home and some extra yarn to finish her yarn project (“One for me and I want to make one for Olly, Mom!”)

I was able to enjoy the speakers’ talk and question-and-answer portion of the program. I was especially affirmed in my stance that good old-fashioned activities to spark up my child’s innate creativity and intelligence takes precedence over electronic gadgetry. I’m also happy to know that I wasn’t alone in letting my child be a kid. It was gratifying to know that I really don’t have to hurry her along the school path, regardless of what other people may say about delaying her formal education.

The contributing doctor-bloggers on the Top Moms website were also introduced. Apart from sharing stories as moms, they would also be available to answer questions and give advice about how to be a Top Mom with our varied concerns about our kids. Just a little bit of information about  the good doctoras, btw: Dr. Anna Vazquez is a child psychiatrist and Dr. Empress Carlos-Villapando is a pediatrician who also hosts ABC5′s Alagang Kapatid.

Every so often I’d peek in the kids’ area and check Oona out. After the talk and while everyone was milling about in Lemuria’s garden, I immediately went and got Oona. The other kids and moms were already leaving so the place was fast emptying. PERFECT for our very own tea party time together, just Oona and myself

The TOP MOMS Launch

Earlier, at the  photobooth outside the venue, there was a tea party set-up complete with linen, flowers, a tea service, cupcakes and garden hats. After posing for a few pictures with Oona, she was a little disappointed because I told her it was just for the picture.

So to make up for it, I scored two cupcakes for her (one is for Dad daw and she was going to ask one for Olly but I said baby sister is to young for it) and the server at the venue very generously gave us four divine cream puffs (Oona alloted one for me, herself, Daddy and Olly).

We found ourselves a nice, empty table with flowers. I got a flickering tea light in a little glass turtle holder to complete our own set-up and with a cup of tea each (ice tea in tea cups), Oona and I had a lovely time. She told me all about what the Ate and Kuya taught her in the activity room, about the other kids and how to make her yarn pet.

Anecdote: A few minutes into our tea party, the organizers who were packing up nearby dropped a canister of pencils. Oona immediately went to help without my prompting and earned praises from the happy organizer. Oh, my proud mommy’s fluttering heart!

Happily munching on her cupcake and enjoying her “perfect” tea, Oona turned to me, smiling with her chinky eyes wide (it’s possible!), “It’s a REAL tea party after all, Mom!” And that TOTALLY made my day.

It was truly a memorable day for both Oona and me! She even got to take home flowers she politely asked the organizers for. She said it was her surprise for Dad and Olly who were going to pick us up. I was only to happy to see her behaving like a little lady without my intervention at all (she’s growing up! *sigh*).

A Real Tea Party with Oona!

At home, I was able to visit the working site and I was so excited! Check out what TOP MOMS is all about!

YOU are a TOP MOM!