We would like to announce that our dossier has been officially approved by China!!

Red Egg & Ginger

This is a traditional party where the baby's name is officially announced. In Chinese culture, a baby's first month birthday calls for a celebration! Proud parents introduce their latest addition to friends and relatives by holding a red egg and ginger party. Traditionally, the baby's name is also announced at this time.

The guests don't leave empty handed. The parents hand out red-dyed eggs, symbolizing happiness and the renewal of life. Red egg and ginger parties have their origins in ancient Chinese culture. As in other countries, infant mortality rates in China were quite high prior to the medical advances of the twentieth century. A baby who reached one month of age was likely to survive, and so the event was celebrated.

In the past, due to the traditional importance of male children in Chinese culture, red egg and ginger parties were sometimes given for boys only, or the celebration for boys was more elaborate. Today, parties are given for babies of both sexes.

In recent years, some of the traditions surrounding red egg and ginger parties have been modified. Parents may choose to hold the celebration at a fancy restaurant, complete with costumed Chinese performers or even a children's magician. Also, the baby may be anywhere from one to three months old by the time the party is held. But the custom of passing out red-dyed eggs continues. Parents may also use the brightly colored eggs to announce the birth; an odd number of eggs are sent out for a boy, and an even number to announce a baby girl.
In the spirit of this ancient Chinese tradition, My sister took our picture with a paper mache' egg, which we painted red. And, Aunt Camille put her bow making skills to work and created a beautiful gold bow for our red egg! * As in weddings or festivals, the color red represents happiness and good luck.
* Eggs are significant because they symbolize fertility & the renewal of life.
Also, their shape is traditionally associated with harmony and unity. According to some sources, an even number of eggs means a daughter has been born, while an odd number represents a son.
* Ginger is important because in the yin (cold) and yang (warm) balance of
Chinese food, ginger adds a touch of 'hotness' to the nutritional needs of the new mother, who is tired and weak (or too yin) after giving birth.

The Great Reveal
After years of thought consideration (& bickering) we have chosen the following name for our son

Zachary Clark Miller

Birthday: August 2, 2009

Weight: 23.1 pounds
Height: 31.52 inches (2 foot, 7 inches)

To say that we are excited doesn't even to begin to express how we are feeling. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers over the last 6 years. We ask for your continued prayers for God's hand to make the remainder of this part of our journey as smooth as possible. This has been a long road but our journey is only beginning!!