Sarah Lahbati Gets Nostalgic On Her Baby Kai's First Birthday
"It seems like just yesterday, you were in my tummy...," wrote Sarah Lahbati on Instagram as part of a sweet birthday message to her second son, Kai.
The sentiment is one that many mothers share when they celebrate a milestone as special as a first birthday. "Has it really been a year?," they often ask, marveling at how much growing, bonding, laughing, and memory-making they've experienced with their family over the last 12 months.
EXCLUSIVE: Sarah Lahbati Shares How Motherhood Has Transformed Her Life
Sharing what she and her fiance, Richard Gutierrez, and five-year-old son Zion had planned for the special occasion, the stylish mom didn't hold back with all the love she had for her baby boy.
"I would sing to you songs that would now be your favorites... I had doubts if I could do it all over again... being 'a new mom' again seemed daunting. You made your presence known when we would talk and sing to you while you were still in my tummy. You always responded to Mama, Dada, and Zion. From that moment, in those early days before you were born, I already knew how much I loved you. From that moment, I knew I wasn't scared," she continued.
"That I had to protect you no matter what. That I had to do my best for you. That we all had so much love and care to give you. My Kai, you are so resilient, so happy and so joyful. Nothing compares to your smile (bungisngis baby). I love that we are now a “family of four.” I promise to always bring you to the ocean. ?? I love you, bubba Kai!!! Happy birthday, my little one!" Sarah ended.
Her online greeting was likewise accompanied by an intimate birthday party celebrated with family. Three birthday cakes and adorable Polaroids of Kai enjoying generous slices of his cakes showed everyone just how much Sarah has grown to be a family-oriented woman.
READ: Metro.Style's Year-Ender List: Celebrating The New Pregnancies And Babies Of 2018
Although the day might seem to be all about Kai, his birthday celebration is as much about Sarah's experiences of motherhood, too. Having had to postpone her wedding to Richard to focus on her first pregnancy, Sarah had a totally different experience with Kai, and it's one that she openly describes as a life-changing milestone.
READ: Andi Eigenmann Is Expecting Another Daughter! Here's What Her Second Pregnancy Has Taught Her
For one thing, she remembers how she was more relaxed and much more confident about handling all the changes that childbearing brings; worried as she was about welcoming the newest member of their family, she was more capable of overcoming all doubts and embracing all the good things about expecting baby number two.
READ: Here's What Miriam Quiambao Has Been Up To In Her First Month With Baby Elijah!
Now that Kai has settled in and is the bubbly bunso of this beautiful family, Sarah's felt nothing but happiness about having him in her life. She's even taken the time and effort to set up his own Instagram account for him to document his growing up years—something we're sure will make a thoughtful walk down memory lane when he's all grown up.
As we share all of Sarah's joy in celebrating Kai's first birthday, we rounded up 12 of our favorite photos of Kai from his first year of life—as cute as he is now, we can't wait to watch him grow up!
Happy birthday, Kai!
[photos]
Photos from @sarahlahbati @richardgutz @kaigutz
