Christopher's Korean First Birthday :: Doljanchi

"My Baby Boy Turns One" by: Sunny Pi (Christopher's Mom)

Bittersweet would be the perfect word to describe exactly how I felt the day my baby boy turned one. I have been super excited in terms of planning Christopher's dohl celebration.

As crazy as it may sound, I was not feeling stressed nor overwhelmed the least bit. I don't know, perhaps it was because it was my second baby? All in all, I told myself whether it's your first, your second.. third, or fourth, each child deserves a special celebration honoring their first year. :)

As I was putting him to bed in his room, there was a socky monkey right above his dresser. There you have it. The Sock Monkey it is! I thought the Sock Monkey theme would be so fitting for Christopher's party. Christopher reminded me what the Sock Monkey is all about: silly, playful, and fun!

Since Christopher's theme was so easy to play along with, I relied on a couple close friends to do their 'magic.' Heesook Carrano from Dohl Posters and More created Christopher's colorful dohljabi board along with his wonderful dohljabi raffle tickets. I wanted to keep his party simple, colorful and fun for the kids.

Dohl-goims, candy bar, and flowers were all done by myself. Favors for adults included dduck. The kids always deserve something special, so I thought why not a Sock Monkey lunch box filled with a pb & j sandwich, banana, goldfish crackers and juice?

All throughout Christopher's dohl, I started fast-forwarding to a few years down the road when he won't just come up to me and give me kisses. To the time when I drop him off at school and he shies away from hugging me because he's too embarrassed. To the time when I won't be his whole world and he'll choose playing with his friends more than me. I fully realize how crazy I am when thoughts of my little boy getting married flashes in my head. Call me an emotional wreck..I am the biggest sap you'll ever know! I hid my tears from my husband. I don't know, I think mom's just think about so many things differently than dads do. Or maybe I'm just crazy. :)

I now realize that I can't hold onto my baby forever, but Christopher is just growing up so fast. Sure, there are times when I get frustrated or feel like I could sleep for 3 more hours in the morning, but I'm not taking anything for granted. Babies aren't babies forever and I'm so blessed that I was chosen to be both Christopher's and Kelsey's mom. I love my kids more than anything and in the 'harder' times I remind myself of this. I'm cherishing the times, good and bad, because I know that they will pass so fast. Gone within a blink of an eye really.

I am just so happy and proud that my baby boy is thriving and surpassed his first year! Do Cherish your babies and enjoy the time together. It goes by so quickly and before you know it, your baby will be all grown up and you will wonder where the time went.

Thank you so much Sunny for sharing your son Christopher's First Year party with us. We are especially blessed to have heard your mother's heart and wish you and your family a healthy and happy long life with many blessings!!

Comments

[sooki]

sunny! you did an amazing job!!! :)

[Kelly]

I can totally relate to you. As I read through, you described exactly what I'm going through. My baby boy is now a little over one and I find myself with tears rolling down my face whenever I think about those things. How can I learn to handle those things when he's the love of my life? Sigh...

[Cheap Louis Vuitton]

Glad to know friends like you.