I Suck At Red Egg And Ginger Parties

To start off Saturday, Karen and I had a surprise visit from our friends (Kristine and Rick). Kristine and Rick happened to be in the neighborhood and they asked if they could stop by to see our newborn baby daughter (Briana). Of course, no one ever wants to stop by to see Karen or I anymore... it's always about Briana. (No, I'm not jealous. It's just how it is now.)

For Kristine and Rick, it was their first time meeting Briana. And although they did not have to, they also brought a little baked good with them. They brought a loaf of blueberry bread from Mann Orchards with them. (Cue Rachael Ray's "Yum-O" sound.) The blueberry bread was delicious! I could probably have eaten the whole loaf at one sitting.

Needless to say, it was a nice visit. Shortly after Kristine and Rick's visit, my parents and my mother's friend (Jane) came over. In fact, some of my in-laws also came over as well. Karen's parents, my favorite brother-in-law (PJ), my niece (Kaleigh), my nephew (PJ), and the Lowell contingent consisting of Karen's aunt (Denise), uncle (Paul), cousin (Karlene) and her cousin's husband (Tommy) also arrived. The reason for the gathering: the infamous red egg and ginger party.

Now I suck at red egg and ginger parties. The red egg and ginger party, however, is customary in Chinese tradition. Essentially, the party is held one month after a child is born and is to bring good luck and fortune... and all of that. If it seems like most (if not all) of the Chinese traditions involve good luck... you're probably right. To this day, my lack of luck has been evident from my non-existent lottery winnings. So it makes sense that we keep wishing for good luck and fortune.

Regardless, most red egg and ginger parties these days are held at Chinese restaurants and involve 10 course meals and all of that. Unfortunately, Karen and I could not have a party like that just yet for Briana as she was born prematurely. Due to her prematurity, the doctors advised us against going out into public places for a while because of the risk of catching something viral could be life threatening. Truth be told, I bet Briana right now is still healthier than my friend (Hot Amy) who is always sick. Just kidding.

Anyway, my mom was more than happy to provide the food for the red egg and ginger party involving Karen's family. Of course, to make the party more palatable for the non-Asian folk, she did away with some of the things... like the ginger. So in essence, it was a "red egg" party... no ginger.

As usual, my parents made a ton of food. I think Karen's family enjoyed the food, and that always brings a smile to my parents' faces. My parents could lose a limb in a freak wok accident, but as long as everyone else enjoyed the food they're happy. Actually, I think my mom would have been all smiles anyway especially since she got to hold and feed Briana.

All in all, it was a good night. I hope everyone had a great time. Interestingly enough, Briana was asleep for most of the party. Sure, she was wide awake when everyone left... keeping her mommy and daddy up till the wee hours of night. For anyone curious, Briana is very good whenever company is over. It's when they leave she starts to fuss. It's like she knows.