My mom, brother and his wife came over today to celebrate Cianna's one-month birthday with a traditional Chinese Red Eggs and Ginger party. The passing of a baby's first month was significant in ancient Chinese culture because infant mortality rates were high and it was a good sign the child would survive if it was still healthy. We ate red eggs, hardboiled eggs dipped in red food coloring to symbolize good luck, and ginger, to ward off evil spirits. Red envelopes of money are given to the baby, as well as a name. My mom gave Cianna the name Ya Ling, which I think means "kind and delicate." So much for the new name because about ten minutes after our guests left, the "kind and delicate" child exploded bodily fluids from every oriface, drenching mommy, and sending daddy running for the heavy-duty baby wipes.

- mike lee - baltimore