Wednesday, November 30, 2016

A Baby in Asia


Since being back, Owen has been the talk of the town. He draws a crowd wherever we go. Folks will literally stop in their tracks and gasp in admiration at our "foreign baby." In laughable and often cringe-worthy predictability, everyone admires his white skin and big blue eyes. (Read on for why.) Owen has taken all the attention in stride, and happily goes to the strangers who want to meet, hold, and photograph him. 


It's no surprise to James and I that raising a baby in a cross-cultural setting would be good for some laughs and headaches both! Here are some of our favorite observations so far:

1.) Grandparents know best. (I know, I know! Debatable about whether this is true in the States as well! Nai Nai and Nana are the best resources we have, undoubtably!) Traditionally, grandparents are the baby's primary caregiver since households are multi-generational and both parents usually work. Because of this, the older generation not only raises the children, but also instructs parents on how to parent. As foreigners without the luxury of grandparents to help, locals (often total strangers) here are quick to offer James and I unsolicited advice, direction, and even correction.


2.) Babies should be bundled up. Our first few days back in China, James took Owen out for a walk to show him off. A little while later he came back feeling discouraged. He said he got several scowls from passersby. After reflecting that the disapproval may have been directed at Owen's summery attire (temperatures that day were in the 80s F), James changed Owen into a long-sleeved onesie and went back outside. It was all smiles and exclamations of admiration from then on. I have also been chided for not putting shoes on Owen. When I've responded that he doesn't crawl yet, much less walk, folks insist his feet are cold (again, despite warm temperatures). This winter we've learned to never leave the house until Owen looks prepared to weather a blizzard in my arms.

3.) Owen is beautiful by comparison. Let me give some background. In Asia, white skin is idolized--so much so that lotions often contain bleach or other skin-whitening agents. There is a theory that beauty is linked to wealth. In Asia, the rich have secure desk jobs that do not require physical labor, while the poor must work out in the fields. Thus, white skin is desirable and dark skin is not. In America, the well-off have the means to pursue leisure activities outdoors, hence the popularity of the tan. Well, Owen is as pastie-white as can be, which is always everyone's first observation. It is meant as a compliment, but always makes me grind my teeth in dismay. Worse, people frequently compare Owen's skin color to the other children's at hand! "He's so white! Look how dark you look next to him!" It has made for countless awkward interactions.


4.) No such thing as stranger-danger. It is completely normal for a random person on the street to come up to Owen and touch him without first asking permission. When I am wearing him, people will pull back his hood or peak under his blanket in curiosity. Once when I cautioned an older man that Owen was sleeping, he stroked Owen's cheek to wake him up! When James or I allow others to hold Owen, we have to be careful to watch that they don't disappear with him. It is not considered untoward to rush off to show friends someone else's baby. There are circumstances when this is quite helpful, rather than being a nuisance. In both China and Thailand, wait staff at restaurants have been eager to hold and entertain Owen while James and I eat our meal!

5.) Parents do not accept compliments for their own children. If given a compliment here, the appropriate response is to say, "No no no," or "Not at all." I almost kicked James when he, remembering this, insisted to local friends that Owen is ugly and naughty.

This is just the beginning. May we still be able to laugh in the years to come!


Friday, September 30, 2016

Owen's Nursery

Thank you to so many who showered Owen with love. Here is a look at his nursery here:

Owen's crib.

Dresser, artwork, toy cubbies, and book rack.
Window seat.

Wardrobe and storage.

It's adorable, no? Our sweet boy hasn't spent much time in his crib, however, because he continues to struggle with acid reflux. We continue to hope he will soon outgrow the discomfort so he can fully enjoy his own room!

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Back with Baby Owen

This September we returned to East Asia with our four-month-old, Owen, and my mom, Susan, in tow. What joy we experienced bringing our baby boy back to our apartment here and showing my mom around our "home away from home!"

Laura, Owen, and Susan explore a village called Baisha
on a rainy afternoon.

In Baisha, Owen and James attract some love and attention
from Naxi grandmas.

Susan, Laura, and Owen posing in front of the water wheels
in Old Town.

James and Susan stop for a photo in the streets
of Old Town.

James and Susan enjoy a glorious rooftop view of Old Town.

James shows Susan the market.

Owen, James, and Susan enjoying the springs in Shuhe.

She was the first of our relatives to visit. We are so proud of her adventurous spirit and very grateful for her help getting us settled here as a new family of three. James, Owen, and I look forward to welcoming more of you, our family and friends, soon!

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Family Time

Owen isn't the only new baby in the family! James' brother, Jacob, and Laura's sister, Kimberly, also recently added kiddos to the mix. We are excited to think about Owen growing up with cousins similar in age. It has been a blast seeing our parents as grandparents (several times over), and our siblings as parents, aunts, and uncles!

The Chapmans, June 2016

The Rosenbergs, July 2016

Monday, April 18, 2016

Babyberg becomes Owen Graham!

Laura and I are ecstatic to announce the arrival of Owen Graham Rosenberg, coming in at 7.7lbs, 19inches, and two weeks early! He was born at 11:54 PM on Thursday, April 14th (2016). We are absolutely in love with this little guy and can't wait to watch him grow up. Owen is nursing well, sleeping well, and pooping well. What else can we ask for?!

Laura is recovering excellently! She is still in pain as expected, but taking the necessary rest to recover. We are grateful for Laura's parents for opening up their home to us as we learn to do life together as a new family of 3. We are so in love with our little guy!