On April 14, our baby boy turned one! Where has this year gone? Before he was born, I felt like we were waiting for him to join our family for ages. But since his arrival, it seems like life has been in fast-forward. James and I wish we could freeze time so we could enjoy these moments forever, yet we can't wait for each new day with this kiddo.
We celebrated in a typical American fashion by filling his crib with orange balloons, throwing him a polkadot-themed party, presenting him with a sprinkles-covered smash cake, plopping him in a homemade ball pit, and smothering him with even more kisses than usual.
Owen in a crib full of balloons.
The first birthday in China is traditionally celebrated at one month with a naming party. The parents hold a feast, a patriarch or village elder announces the child's official name, and friends and family come with gifts of money in red envelopes. Or, many Chinese families celebrate on their baby's 100th day.
For Owen's American-style party, our house was full of friends, both local and foreign. Our Chinese guests were especially entertained by all the decorations, our menu of pizza and salad, and the games we played. Recognizable western traditions like singing "Happy Birthday," and not so recognizable ones like blowing out candles and a smash cake were an absolute fascination. Many of our friends were experiencing "firsts" alongside Owen! It was just too much fun.
NaiNai and Grandpa with the birthday boy.
His grands (James' folks, Dave and Joy) were in town too, which made the festivities even more special. They came bearing a suitcase full of gifts, helped hang steamers and blow up balloons, and Dave engineered the ball pit from old cardboard boxes. They had questions about the Chinese practices that punctuated Owen's birthday too.
He wore silver bangles on each wrist that were given to him at his birth by one of our old Chinese language teachers. We explained that bracelets like Owen's are worn every day by minority babies in our area and believed to protect them from harm. Though James and I do not believe the bracelets have any power and trust God for Owen's safety, we wanted him to wear them to show our appreciation for the costly gift and to display our desire to be parents who care for our child's welfare. Another deviation they noticed was that we saved the presents guests brought Owen and didn't open them until after the party. It is considered poor manners in Chinese culture to open a gift in front of the giver and even worse to have gifts "compared" by opening them in front of a crowd. Living cross-culturally frequently means accepting new ideas and adapting our own!
Looking dapper in his blue polkadot bow tie.
Owen having a ball.
Smash cake!
Owen shares a handful of cake with Daddy.
Owen and Mommy on their way to the sink.
We missed our family and friends back home, but felt so blessed by all the sweet birthday wishes you sent! Wish you all could've been here with us.
