Alex's Tol (First Birthday) Celebration

It's hard to believe that Alex is now a year old. He turned one on June 11, 2005 and we celebrated with a party on June 12.

On his birthday, we went into Toronto to have a special Korean lunch to celebrate, and also to pick up some items for the party such as Kimchi, yummy walnut cakes (addictive little treats) and the rice cakes and decorations for the Toljabee table.

We’d already decorate the room we were using for the party, so it was just some last minute running around before we got Alex settled for bed before his big day. We were so lucky to have been offered the use of a party room by our cousin, Patti as it would have been impossible to have the party in our home. Not only is our place pretty small, but with one of our niece’s allergy to cats and her asthma, we didn’t want to take a chance of having the party here. The place was perfect for our group, and we are so grateful for Patti’s help in making the party possible for us.

The party was lots of fun and some family and friends joined us for the big day. It was great to see everyone and celebrate Alex's special day with so many people that had come from places like London, Kingston, Toronto, Whitby and Mississauga to celebrate with us.

In Korean tradition, a child's first birthday is of special significance, so we tried to honour that with our plans for Alex's party. We performed a small ceremony called the Toljabee that is supposed to foretell a child's destiny. In this ceremony, items with special significance are placed on a table before the child and his father then leads him around so he can select a couple of items. As each item has a specific meaning, the first two items he picks up (not just touches) are said to foretell his future.

For Alex, we included some items that are traditional items, including a bow and arrow (he'll have much courage/be a warrior), Korean money (he will be wealthy), rice cakes and dried dates (many descendents). We also included items of personal significance to us such as a stethoscope (he'll be a vet or doctor), a computer mouse (he'll work with technology), a globe (for a love of travel) and an artist's paint brush (for being an artist or creative).

Alex chose the paint brush first and then the computer mouse, so we assume he'll be both creative and technically minded... perhaps a graphic designer?

We then opened some presents and shared a nice lunch with everyone before having some cake. When we ordered the cake from our local grocery store, they gave us a small free one to use if we wanted Alex to be able to stick his hands in it. We thought that would be fun, and we've included some pictures in the "Birthday Celebrations" photo album.

After the party, we cleaned up the room and took Alex home. He was asleep before the car was even out of the parking lot and he slept all the way home. Chris decided to let him sleep in the car while he emptied it out, so we just kept the doors open and Chris stayed outside putting together some of his toys while he dozed peacefully in the car seat.

After he woke up, we decided to let him play outside for a bit with his new toys and he really had fun running around naked (Chris’ idea *grins*) and playing with the new water table his Aunt Jenny gave him and playing in the pool that his Grandma and Grandpa gave him.

Soon after that, it was time for dinner and then it was off to bed for the whole family as we were all pretty exhausted from the long, but very fun, day.