Meet Yoo-Kyeong!

On Wednesday, July 21, 2010 I visited my friend Jin and her beautiful baby, Yoo-Kyeong. She has got to be one of the most gorgeous babies I've seen. She was so friendly and cute - just look at that face!

Seo-joon learns "Thank you"

On Sunday, July 11 2010 I met my friend Hye-jin and her gorgeous baby (who I've half-adopted!) Seo-joon for lunch. I met Hye-jin on new years eve (2009) and we've maintained a really good friendship ever since. I've known her through the latter part of her pregnancy and have watched her baby boy growing up.

Seo-joon celebrated his first birthday in March. I get to see him every few weeks and he really does bring a smile to my face. On Sunday, I was giving him a piece of cheesecake in a coffee shop and was blown away by how cute he was. His mum has taught him to give/accept items with both hands extended and to bow his head to say "thank you" which is typical in Korean culture.

Look at this video where I'm giving him a piece of cheesecake. His mum is telling him to use both hands. When she says thank you in Korean, look how he bows his head to the side. Adorable!

Waka Waka Baby

My buddy (Ajay) sent me this clip of a baby dancing to Shakira's Waka Waka.

Another Cute Baby!

The Kindergarten teacher at my school (Lee Bong-ae) recently had a baby boy. His name is Kim Woo-seong. The first photo was when he was just a few days old and the second one was sent to me today. He's so cute!

Fly and cry: Babies divide air travelers

Whenever I fly (especially on international flights - mostly 10+ hours), I say a little prayer hoping that there are no crying babies on board. Nowadays we have MP3 players / iPods to block out wailing babies or children throwing tantrums while their parents do one of two things: 1) Hush them or 2) Ignore them.

 

I've just come across this article on the CNN site. It's something I've always said - and hope airlines will implement it ^_* What do you think?

By A. Pawlowski, CNN

March 16, 2010 -- Updated 1310 GMT (2110 HKT)

 

 Many air travelers list crying babies as one of their biggest frustrations in flight.

(CNN) -- You're stuck in a cramped metal tube with hundreds of strangers for hours, when it invariably happens: A baby starts screaming and the passengers' collective blood pressure seems to rise along with the decibel level.

The issue of crying babies and unruly children on flights is a passionate one for air travelers.

Many say they're exasperated by parents who seem to do little to quiet or control their offspring, while others counter that fliers should be more patient and understanding.

The comment section of a recent CNN.com story about a smelly passenger being kicked off a flight soon diverted to a heated discussion about children.

"Babies should be banned from planes, movie theatres, restaurants, and any other public place for that matter.

The rest of the world doesn't think your kid is as cute as you do," wrote one poster.

"How do you expect families to visit relatives overseas without flying?" countered another. "The onboard entertainment is so good these days and headphones are cheap enough that a crying baby could be blocked out."

Some posters suggested that airlines should seat families with children in one section of the plane or offer flights for adults only.

Seo-joon's 1st Birthday Party

My friend, Hye-jin's baby - the gorgeous Seo-joon who I'm crazy about, had his first birthday celebration today: Sunday, March 14 2010.

A child's first birthday is a milestone in Korea. Many years ago, the country had a poor health system and many children died before their first birthday. If a baby lived past 100 days, the family would celebrate. If they lived up to their first birthday, the celebration would be even bigger. This tradition has carried on throughout the years. While the 100 day celebration may not be as big, the real party is when he/she turns one year old.

It was raining when I left home, so I took a cab to Bucheon. Traffic wasn't as bad as I thought, but it did take a bit of a long time to get there. The driver was kind enough to find the exact place I needed to be at.

This was my first time to attend a first birthday celebration. It was so fancy - it reminded me of weddings I'd been to here in Korea. Parent's go way out for this occasion. Here are some photos from the party.

There were three 1st birthday celebrations at the same venue (in different rooms) This was at the elevator so that guests knew exactly where to go.

This screen changes with photos of the different parties. It has information about the parent's names, the starting time and what room the party will be in.

The little man was having his photo taken. The venue has different backdrops for photos - really nice! He was dressed in a little black suit looking too cute!

 There's a table with a display of photos and albums where guests can write a message to the baby. Hye-jin told me to write a long message (which I did ... in English!)

These are party favours - towels in the shape of a cake!

The venue with set tables

Some of the food (buffet)

Hong-il & Hye-jin (Seo-joon's parents)

Seo-joon's grandmothers place silk over Seo-joon's neck wishing him a long and healthy life. This is his maternal grandmother.

Various objects are placed on a tray in front of the baby. Depending on what the baby picks up will be the path he/she will follow in life. Example: If he picks up a stethoscope, he'll go into the medical field. A pencil indicates an academic...and there's money which means he'll be wealthy in life.

To everyone's delight, Seo-joon picked up the cash!

With Hong-il, Hye-jin & Seo-joon

 

Welcome to the World, Baby!

On Sunday morning (March 7 2010) a little blessing finally made his grand appearance into the world. This handsome little boy belongs to my friend, Chetan and his wife Seema in East London, South Africa.

Congratulations to you both. He's just perfect!

     

Babies Trailer

Set for release in April 2010, Babies is a movie that follows four babies around the world (Mongolia, Namibia, San Fransisco & Tokyo) "from first breath to first steps". It has stunning visuals and I can't wait to see it!

Roller Babies

Showed to this to some classes today. They loved it!

Little Baby Seo-jun

Last night, Friday October 30 2009 I met my friend Hye-jin in Juan. Her baby boy, Seo-jun is now 7-months old and is so cute! Don't you agree?! :-)

Hong-il & Hye-jin's baby

After being many days overdue, my friends, Hong-il & Hye-jin's baby FINALLY arrived on Tuesday, March 17 2009. I went to visit the baby on Saturday, March 28 2009. Handsome little guy ~!

Hong-il & Hye-jin

Baby Sung-yeon

On Sunday, March 1 I spent the afternoon with my friend Sun-young & her husband. They had a baby in September ~ Sung-yeon. She is *gorgeous* ...and she loves the camera!

Sun-Young's baby

My friend, Sun-Young (a 5th grade homeroom teacher at my school) had a baby about 3 weeks ago. So, this past Friday (October 10, 2008) my friend, Ki-Young & I went to visit Sun-Young & the newborn.

I have followed Sun-Young's pregnancy since the very beginning, so it's been really special to see her everyday at school and watch her belly grow. We always joked around that I was going to be the first foreigner her baby would meet. During classes, when Sun-Young was lying down on the floor in the teacher's room, we used to sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to Gae-Tong (the name she gave the baby before she was born.

Now, she's been named Sim-Young. Isn't she gorgeous?! Ki-Young and I were pleading with her through the window to open her eyes for us, but she was sound asleep.

(Sun-Young didn't want to be photographed!)



In Korea, they have a special place (almost like a retreat) for new mum's. It's been described to me as a combination of a motel & hospital. For about 2 weeks after giving birth, the new mum can bond with her baby - and get assistance from the nursing staff. They can relax and meet other new mum's. So, this was Sun-Young's room. (Husbands can sleep here, too)