A Real Chinese New Year

Lately we have been surrounded by thousands of people celebrating the Lunar New Year. I'm no expert on Chinese New Year, but we've picked up on a few things while being in the middle of it:

Our China girl!

• Try to avoid traveling. 

Everyone wants to get home before New Years Eve for a big family reunion dinner. Going to Shanghai with two babies (two weeks before the holiday even) was crazy! Being packed like sardines in subway cars, buses, and train stations is not as much of an adventure as you would think.

• Invest in some earplugs. 

The fireworks begin on the eve of the new year and don't. stop. This is to remember a man who--instead of running to the mountains like everyone else--used "bamboo fireworks" to scare off a sea monster (Nian) that came to eat crops, livestock, and people every year.

This awesome photo was taken by a friend from the 9th floor of our building.

• Get your shopping done early. 

Stores are crazy right before the holiday and then the whole town shuts down. We found our fresh market closed twice before we could finally get some decent produce. We were also bread-less for a week because the big grocery store was open, but the bakery workers were off.

• Load up on gifts for your friends. 

Cooked duck, eggs, and fruit are some favorites--but you can find almost anything in convenient gift boxes.

• The holiday is all about family and tradition--the food, customs, and decorations have meaning.

• Food is chosen for its homophones: fish=surplus, mandarin oranges=luck, seeds=fertility
• Red decorations are placed on the sides and top of doors to scare away the Nian.
• Fake paper money is burnt to honor ancestors.
• Red envelopes (with money) are given to children for luck in the new year.

Lastly, try to get some sleep. With all of the fireworks and busy streets it is a tiring and exciting time in China!

Out With a Bang

That's what you get when millions of people come together to celebrate Chinese New Year.

We have had less sleep than usual this past week thanks to nonstop fireworks. That's ok though--we've had lots to celebrate too:

Getting older!

Grandma and Grandpa coming all the way to China for Brother's baby blessing.

It was a wonderful day and we're so glad we had family there with us!

Mister and Grandpa being adventurous with Chinese cuisine. (They even tried stinky tofu...)

Aunt J and Grandma at the Confucius Temple. We had lots of adventures with them on their short stay with us.

Brother growing a lot (here he is at 1 month!)

Being married for 3 wonderful years!

This is what flower arrangements look like in Nanjing.

Getting new clothes from grandparents! 

Brother getting really strong...

and rolling over twice! (accidentally) 

A New Year gift! (They put stickers on apples while they're growing to get the characters.)

Getting comments that our daughter IS actually warm enough (even if she can barely move her arms).

Having our own firework show! (Miss A was not impressed.)

Eating Valentine's day brunch with our loves!

Goodbye year of the Dragon! 

Xin Nian Kuai Le

(Happy New Year)