Tiny Iron Fists

Eye Spy 2010

Even with the loss of Silvio's grandfather Marco Rea, my father Lieutenant Colonel Chuong G. Hong and our beloved cat-dog Godzuki, 2010 was the year of love. So many people surrounded us. And so many people openly loved Lulu.

THANK YOU to our extended family (born-into and adopted) for your friendship. 2011's going to be the best yet!

Happy First Birthday Lulu!

Dear Lulu,

Today is your birthday and we celebrated it in a hospice in Orlando, Florida. It's not exactly the first birthday party I had envisioned for you, but it is the gathering you deserve -- one with your dearest family present. You are fortunate to get to celebrate once with your dad in town and another time with  your extended family.

When you were born, your Ong Ngoai and Ba Ngoai came to visit for a month. Ong Ngoai kept saying how cute he thought you were. And a year later, he keeps saying the same thing! He really loves looking at you and smiles every time you pass in front of him. He of course also worries a little about what troubles you are getting into. While I am excited to celebrate your special day, I am sorrowful that Ong Ngoai's circle of life is closing. Your Ong Ngoai is changing cosmic addresses soon and instead of us all only being incredibly sad, we are incredibly happy to celebrate you. 

Your Tatie Kiki made you a very special Totoro birthday cake and cupcakes. She asked me what theme you might want and you know how much I love Miyazaki's movies. Get this... Tatie Kiki, who is mother to your cousins Emil and Ethan, had no idea who Totoro was! How are we related?! Nevermind that, she made you a beautiful and memorable first birthday cake. When you're old enough, remember to thank her, okay? Because with everything going on, she worked really hard to make sure you had a special day.

Also your Ba Khue brought fresh fruit, flowers and food to celebrate your birth anniversary. I wasn't sure what to do for the ceremony because I've never done this before and we were alone, so I winged it and thanked all the good fairies for teaching you everything you learned this year -- to smile, laugh, roll over, babble, sit up, crawl, walk, love, and so much more. I hope your fairies aren't too disappointed in my offering and continue to help shape you into the incredible little person you continue to grow to be.

Lulu, you are so much fun right now. You're learning to walk and you look like you are practicing a pigeon-toed drunken master form of martial arts. You're energetic, have found your voice and aren't afraid to use it, and your stubbornness is beginning to show. You are fiercely independent, a great eater (you've yet to reject or be allergic to anything and you like spicy foods already), and are interested in hanging out in the kitchen. Everything you find on the floor is inspected by your mouth. You wear your heart on your sleeve and show everyone exactly what you feel about them and yourself. You love hanging out with your cousins. You especially love all their toys.

You won't remember the last month you spent in Florida except from the photos and stories we'll share with you someday, but you should know that you are the best thing to have ever happened to me, your dad, and our family. Everybody gives you big hugs and kisses. You are an incredible life force and we live to love you the way your Ong Ngoai lives to love us. Happy First Birthday, Lulu! 

Love,

Maman