백일

100 Days. That is what, if your computer can show Korean fonts, my title says. 100 Days. That is how long my son has been out of my womb. 100 Days. I cannot believe it. How does that many days go by so quickly? How?

We celebrated Jude's 백일 (Baek-Il or 100 Days) today Korean style. In Korea, on the 100th day after a child's birth, the family has a small celebration for the baby's health and the mother's recovery from delivery. On that day, people make Korean rice cakes called Baek-seol-gi or Su-su-pat-deok, and pass them around to neighbors, believing that sharing the cakes with 100 people will lead to the baby's healthy growth. Those who receive the rice cake return the plates with threads, rice, or money on them. Threads represent a wish for a long healthy life, and rice and money mean a wish for wealth for the baby.

It was important for me to celebrate this with my son because I want him to know his Korean heritage. Although he looks...completely...American...there is a lil' Korean in him! :) Derrick and I (I should really say my "mom and I"!) invited our families over to celebrate with us. My parents, aunt, cousins, Derrick's parents, grandparents, brother, sister, and cousin Ary all came. It was such a fun day. Jude was the cutest thing in his 한복 (Hanbok). Although he only wore it for like a half hour- he was a champ! We all feasted on the most delicious 갈비 (Galbi- ribs) and 불고기 (Bulgogi- bbq beef). Other 반찬 (Banchan- sides) consisted of 짜장면(Jajangmyeong- noodles), 새우 (Saeu- shrimp), and some fish/egg thing and veggies/fruit for the white folk! It was topped off with 떡(Tteok- sweet cake made w/ rice). Yum. Everyone had full tummys...and mommy/daddy have TONS of left overs! Jude was SUCH a good little guy! (even though he hardly napped at ALL!!! He has to be awake to not miss a thing!)

Dear Jude,
100 Days ago, God blessed your daddy and I with a beautiful boy. We cannot possibly remember life without you. You bring your dad and I so much joy. We love you and we're proud of you!
-Mommy




Lord-
Why have you blessed me so much? I haven't deserved it...I love Jude more than I could ever imagine. Thank you for trusting Derrick and I with him... Please guide us in raising him...give us patience...help us to be more like You so that he will want to be more like You....God- I just thank you for answering our prayers....