Saturday, January 28, 2012

Russell's first birthday



My son, Russell, turned one on January 28, 2012. My husband and I threw a traditional Korean first-birthday party for him the week before. It happened to be the snowiest day of this winter, but many friends came bearing good wishes and wonderful gifts.





Traditional Korean first-birthday table. Birthday boy in traditional costume for the occasion. Korean rice cakes symbolizing health, happiness, and character adorn the table. To Russell's right are various objects symbolizing his future career choice. Which will he pick among them: water celery (character and perseverance), stethoscope (self-explanatory), book, brush and ink, rice (wealth), cotton thread (longevity), toy bow and arrow, etc.? Well, Russell first touched the stethoscope with his left hand, then shifted his weight to the left and picked up the water celery with his right hand! So he will grow up to be a man of integrity, character, and strength--or perhaps an herbal doctor with such characteristics!

Happy Birthday Russell!!!