will & t +1

백일 is “100 days” in Korean.

Today, October 20, 2011, is Mercedes’s 100 day birthday.

If we had time and Korean friends and family near, this is what today might have looked like:

In Korean culture 100 days after a baby’s birth is marked as a major milestone. It is considered a big turn around for baby and mother. Will’s mom wrote: “The mother would finally be regaining her physical strength and the child would finally overcome an unpredictable infant mortality stage, while also showing signs of becoming a little human being by responding with smiles, muscle control, and baby sounds.” 

Friends and family are usually gathered and the grandmother is specifically honored in more traditional ceremonies. Rice cakes are eaten, as well as other Korean food. 

So how did we celebrate Mercedes’s 백일?

Well, first, mom sang her happy birthday in Korean when she woke up.

Second, Adrienne and Cedar gave her a special card and gift.

Third, we opened a HUGE package of gifts from the Barkley grandparents and the Edwards family! (Thank you, thank you!)

Fourth, we took some pictures with the handmade card from A & C.

Fifth, we put her down early for bed. Ha!

And finally, we ate Thai food with our pastor.

Not exactly your typical 백일 celebration, but a celebration nonetheless.

We thank God for you, our Mercedes Ari, and think the past 100 days have been the sweetest of our lives.

In fact, we can’t quite remember what we did before you.

You are such a delight, and a gift from our gracious God.