NEW UPDATE

It's been an exciting month of milestones for Kalvis. Three or four weeks ago he was excited to practice walking. He would do a step here and a step there, then suddenly he took FOUR big steps into his Aunt Velta's arms. NOTHING since then. He has no interest in even trying. We encourage him while he is standing but he laughs at us and sits down. I give him push toys, but he ultimately flips them over, in true boy fashion, and concentrates on how the wheels are assembled. Oh well. Not rushing this little baby to grow up to fast.
Kalvis has two more top teeth poking through. These didn't seem to bother him as much as the top front teeth. Thank Goodness.
The BIG news is that he calls me Mama. I hear his little hands slap slap slapping along as he enters each room, "Mama? Mama?" and "MAMA!!!", when he finally finds me. His little arms reach up and he tilts his face to me making little kissy noises, until I lean in for "kissy lips".

The only bad news is that my camera is in the shop. Biggest snowstorm of the century (so far) and not one picture to show. :( Trust me though, it was a big one! We have 3 foot drifts outside.

PANCAKES!

Kalvis is always a happy boy on a Pancake Breakfast Day! Look how excited he is waiting in his highchair!

I WEAR MY SUNGLASSES

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, PAPA

Imants came home from his business trip just in time to celebrate Valentine's Day. He missed the big snow storm of 2010, but we had a surprise waiting for him when he stepped out into the back yard to assess the snowfall.

GETTING TO KNOW UNCLE MARK

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO EVERYONE!

All this talk about Kalvis' Birthday, almost made me forget to wish all those other January/February Birthday babies a happy Birthday. The night before Kalvis Tol we celebrated Vecmamina, Vecpaps, Aunt Sarma, Aunt Laila, Uncle Mark, Uncle Brock and yes Kalvis AGAIN.

SNOW DAY!

I thought a January Birthday would be difficult for parties. Stuck in the house...cold... crowded... NOT THIS YEAR!!! We had a gorgeous snowy, sunny day. While the birthday boy napped we got out the sleds. Everyone from age 2 to 70 joined in on the fun!









SCROLL DOWN TO SEE OUR BOY IN HIS HANBOK AND THE BEAUTIFUL TRADITIONAL TOL CELEBRATION

THE TOL

In early Korean times, many babies did not survive to their first birthday. When the baby did survive this became a reason for great celebration. The tradition continues in modern day society with the Tol or First Birthday party. As you know, our boy just turned one so it was time to celebrate! Kalvis was decked out in his traditional Korean Hanbok, which was a gift from his foster mother.


Everyone gathered around to watch the Toljabee. On the table we placed a spool of thread, a violin, a paintbrush, money, a book, and a knife (in the case of course). Guided by his Papa, Kalvis sat at the table and chose the thread and the paintbrush. The thread symbolizes a long life and the paintbrush represents a life of creativity and an artisitc future for Kalvis.


After the Toljabee, we had a delicious Korean feast. I have to admit, Imants and I are getting better with each Korean meal we make! The kids opened their party favors, which included training chopsticks, and used them to eat their whole meal (minus some spicy stuff)!


Finally came the cake. We had the traditional Korean cake and sang an American Happy Birthday followed by the traditional Latvian Birthday song. A little bit of everything that has made our family what it is today.

Aunt Corey and family was sadly, not able to attend. They were buried under snow. :( They did join us in the singing... Thank God for Skype!!


At this point our little Birthday Boy was all partied out. One last picture with the Godparents and he was ready for a nap. He practically dove from my arms into his soft pillow.


This is not where the party ended though! I have more of our day to post. Hopefully I'll get a minute later in the day to type again. Tune in later....

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY