One Year Old!!!

Evann is one year old and had a big party to celebrate! In Korean culture, the first birthday("dol") is very important. In fact, the first birthday is probably the biggest celebration next to the 60th birthday ("haang-gap").

Historically, due to a lack of medical information, Korea's seasonal temperature differences, and many childhood related diseases, the death rate for children was extremely high. Many children died before their first birthday. After the age of one year, the survival rate steeply increased, making this milestone a very happy one for the child's parents. In modern times, due to the improvements in medicine, the influence of Western culture, and modern industrialization, the Shamanistic reasons for the Tol celebration have been reduced. However, the event is still celebrated as a time of congratulations for the parents and family.

Evann wore the traditional Korean outfit ("han-bok" - literal translation is "Korean dress") and was so great for the entire day. It was a LONG day since we started off at church then to his party. He fell asleep on the way to the party which probably helped his mood.

Evann was placed at a table to perform the "tol-ja-bee" event. In this event, Evann picks up items that attract him and his future is predicted according to the what he grabs. The first and second items the child grabs are considered the most important. Evann's future is predicted according to the items: bundle of thread (long life); book or pencil (successful scholar); $100 or money (rich); scissors (talented with his hands); and paint brush (artist). Evann chose the book followed by paint brush. There's also knife (good cook), but I didn't want to risk an accident. No matter how hard I tried, he wouldn't take the money. Looks like Freedom 55 is out for me.

Of course, we had lots of food and as usual, Evann was showered with wonderful gifts from our incredibly generous friends and family. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your kindness. I feel that Evann (as well as Mommy L and I) are truly blessed to have such an incredible support network.

Peace and blessings to all of you!

Almost One Year

What's transpired in the past couple of months seems improbable. So much has happened (developmentally for Evann and events for Mommy L and I).

As far as Evann goes, he started walking at 10 1/2 months. Very slowly and awkwardly at first and now he's faster than his feet (which means he gains a lot of momentum and then falls down). Mommy L. purchased some sandals and runners for him which he's getting used to...much more bulky and awkward than his baby slippers.

Evann is starting to babble a lot more and interact. He's signs regularly (okay, he mainly signs for "milk"), but he does it several times a day. Even that one sign makes it easier for us to understand his needs. He's onto solid foods and whole milk which should keep formula costs down. He seems to be a good eater (obvious by his size), but he also gets pretty bored with food quickly.

I can't believe that he'll be one year old soon. This year has been the quickest slowest year ever. What I mean is that the year has passed by so quickly, but on an average of 4-6 hours of sleep per night seems like it's been going on forever. As far as Mommy L. and I are concerned, it's been a good year, but it's time for Mommy L. to go back to work. I've recently accepted a management position which will be a new challenge for me, but should allow me to spend more time at home too.

We've sponsored a nanny from overseas and she'll be coming soon. We've been hectically preparing her quarters downstairs and I must say that things are looking pretty good (that is, if you like the Ikea showroom). We're so excited to have some help and I pray that everything works out.

Next weekend we'll be having Evann's first birthday party at my sister's house again. It should be another small, intimate family-type gathering of a few hundred people. Hopefully, it'll go off without a hitch. I'll keep you in the loop!