Brandon's first 1st birthday!

My mom and sister, Helen, came last week to attend Alex's white coat ceremony (he gets his medical school white coat) so lucky for us, we were able to see them, as well! Since they were here, we did a family celebration for Brandon's 1st birthday - a week early. The day started off with his 2nd haircut. We wanted to be able to see his eyes for the pictures. Will someone tell the parents that scissors and babies = unsafe? ha ha

We did it Korean style with a traditional outfit, food and a traditional Korean "game." We set several things in front of Brandon to see what he picks. Each item represents something. For example: Pen represents scholar; Ball represents Athlete; Bowl of Rice - never go hungry; Compass - Traveler; Thread - Long life; Money - Rich; Stethoscope - Doctor (this one for my mom). So guess what Brandon picked? Take a look at the pictures below. My sister, Helen, was so nice to set up a board for friends to cast their vote on what they thought Brandon would pick. Little Jane Brunson won a pinkberry giftcard with her vote.

The spread - mom, sister and brother all helped out!

The polling center - where you can cast your vote!

Brandon picked the bowl of rice.

It looked liked he was going for the ball, but bypassed it for the compass.

Posing with the winning items. After it was all done, Brandon went back for the ball, afterall!

Obviously, Brandon was not happy with his traditional outfit or the pictures we made him take. The table was loaded with fruit and food. We were just going to have it be family, but decided to fit in two families - the Nelsons and Brunsons. We would have liked to have had a big party, but due to limited space it was kept small. ( On his actual birthday, we'll have a playdate in the park with his friends. Luckily, the weather should be good.)

Putting on the traditional outfit. Look at his expression.

Trying to make him pose on the table. Not happening. Grandma tried to distract him, but even funny faces didn't work!

A little distacted by the honeydew that looks like a ball.

The best one we got.

He stopped crying for a second, while mom held him close and let him play with his special "pouch" that grandma put some money in. Mom surprised him with a soccer ball in it too!

Getting angry again!!


Photo Op with the rest of the family...happier when we took off the top half of the outfit.

THE CAKE



Dad is quickly blowing out the candle before Brandon grabs the flame!

Sucking the frosting off the candle or so we thought. He was just sucking the candle.
Thinking he liked the frosting, we stuck some frosting into his mouth. He was NOT impressed.

Letting him play with the first slice of cake...


beggin us to clean his hands.

The Nelsons and Brunsons

After our guests left, we decided to take a walk in the park to enjoy the rest of Brandon's birthday party in the park. It was a beautiful fall evening as we checked out the rollerskaters and Bethesda Fountain.

Using dad's ears as reins

The Mall - we try to get photos with all our visitors here.


Bethesda Fountain


Looking out at the Lake


Ending his "week early" birthday in a perfect way, dribbling a ball.