I'm not ready...

In just three days, my baby girl turns two. Two!

And I'm not ready.

I'm not ready to say good bye to the baby years, chunky legs, and naps in the stroller. I absolutely adore the frequent rocks in the chair, humming of lullaby's, cuddles in the afternoon, repeated books, morning snuggles, sloppy eating, unexplained giggles, random tickles, constant snacking, new milestones, and the happy-go-lucky freedom of being a baby. (sigh)

I don't want her to grow up.

Learning Chinese Culture

We've finally wrapped up from a month long celebration of Chinese New Year, which means a lot of red here in Shanghai, and huge cultural lessons happening all the time. From the unit studies at school to field trips, social media and even the local expat parenting magazine are covered with information. I've spent time talking to our driver and Ayi to learn about their traditions as well, and it's fascinating the hear the superstitions that are so vivid still today. The Nian which is a ferocious half bull/half lion creature, and known to be scared away by the color red, noise and fire, creates a booming array of firecrackers every night! Sweeping before New Year pushes away bad luck from the home and later eating dumplings and rice balls bring wealth. There are also strong understandings about the expectation of hangboa and the representation of the New Year animal. 2015 is the Year of the 'yang,' which means sheep, ram or goat, and is truly not well noted as a strong animal. Therefore, it's not the year that families wish to have babies because it resembles much about the child's personality and fate - in this case, the weakest of the 12 zodiac animals. Learning all of this tradition is fascinating, and makes you appreciate the many families that abide so carefully to pattern - something that you often see become minimized in the US.