Grandma's 98th Bday.

Cheap Vancouver's leaky condos... was the death of this gingerbread man.


Persephanie is the 11th great-grandchild here!

New car! (sorta)

This is truly a momentous day...

1) I did something I said I would never do. Buy a mini-van. I bought the 2008 Mazda5 GT at a really great deal though. It's Lina's Xmas present. (Too bad it doesn't look like the one above. At least ours is top-o-the-line still.. with heated leather seats!!)

2) Break the streak (18 straight) where I blog exclusively about Persephanie.


EDIT: Woops.. mentioned her, didn't I. Oh well.. the streak continues...

Merry Christmas!

Chico there in the red is a pretty cool guy. And yes, Persephanie was constipated in that pic, cause Chico rudely awakened her. She wasn't happy about that.

Another milestone for Persephanie

It's her 2nd month on Earth. Still kickin hard. Got her immunizations so she can kick harder. Took it pretty well. (for the exception of a bit of crankiness after the shots)

Specs:
- Weighin in at 11lbs 11oz. (almost twice her size of when she was born)
- 49.5cm tall.
- can sing now.

EDIT: Persephanie reacted to the immunization with a fever. 100.4 degrees! Made her sad. Made mom and dad sad.

Red Egg and Ginger Celebration pics

Someone asked me what exactly is the red egg and ginger mean... and you know what.. I have no idea. Someone tell me please!

EDIT: Got off my ass and did some extensive research on the topic (Googled it...)

" In Chinese culture, a baby's first month birthday calls for a celebration. Proud parents introduce their latest addition to friends and relatives by holding a red egg and ginger party. Traditionally, the baby's name is also announced at this time.

Guests attending red egg and ginger parties bring gifts. Lysee or "lucky money" in red envelopes is often given to baby boys, while girls may receive expensive jewelry. The guests don't leave empty handed, either. The parents hand out red-dyed eggs, symbolizing happiness and the renewal of life.

Red egg and ginger parties have their origins in ancient Chinese culture. As in other countries, infant mortality rates in China were quite high prior to the medical advances of the twentieth century. A baby who reached one month of age was likely to survive, and so the event was celebrated.

Traditionally, this was also a time to reintroduce the mother to the world. The Chinese believe mothers are in a highly weakened state in the period immediately following birth. Just as English custom calls for new mothers to enjoy a brief period of confinement, Chinese mothers have traditionally been expected to rest indoors for one full month after giving birth. This helped ensure they didn't become overtired, or contract any germs or illnesses from the outside world that could prove dangerous in their weakened state. Besides resting, they drank a nutritious broth made with pig's feet, eggs, vinegar and ginger. Many new mothers still follow this ritual today.

In the past, due to the traditional importance of male children in Chinese culture, red egg and ginger parties were sometimes given for boys only, or the celebration for boys was more elaborate. Today, parties are given for babies of both sexes.

In recent years, some of the traditions surrounding red egg and ginger parties have been modified. Parents may choose to hold the celebration at a fancy restaurant, complete with costumed Chinese performers or even a children's magician. Also, the baby may be anywhere from one to three months old by the time the party is held. But the custom of passing out red-dyed eggs continues. Parents may also use the brightly colored eggs to announce the birth; an even number of eggs are sent out for a boy, and an odd number to announce a baby girl."

STRONGER

There is one song that Persephanie has heard everyday of her life. Even before she was born... these tunes sent sonic vibes through her every fabric of life.

From conception to her first month birthday, she had overcome odds. She is stronger because of it.

Red Egg and Ginger celebration!

Despite a winter snow storm, 150 members of family and friends still managed to show up at Persephanie's full month celebration. Not too shabby. That night.. I think she got a little cold.. wasn't surprised.. so many people gettin so close to Persephanie.

Daddy broke his toe. Boohoo.

24hrs later.. all the snows gone. Woohoo for Vancouver.