This is Sophia’s new baby boy, Alice is holding.  I was able to visit her home and see the baby on Thanksgiving day, what a blessing.  The birth of a baby is quite exciting here.  You are not allowed in the hospital to visit the mother or baby like in America.  The mother and mother-in-law move in with the mom and dad for a month or longer.  They have interesting customs and expect the mother to follow.  Sophia’s mother-in-law is very much a take charge A-type personality.  She won’t let Sophia or the baby bathe for a month, that includes washing hair.  Sophia can not brush her teeth, she can rinse them with a tea and salt combination.  She is not allowed to eat veggies or fruits only meats.  The house is dark and the baby is wrapped in a bundle, not letting the eyes be in the light.  Taking pictures with a flash is not allowed.  I got one on the sly.  Talk about a miserable mother!  She said these are old traditions and must be followed but she doesn’t like it.  The mom’s won’t let her use the computer either.  The baby is darling, with dark pensive eyes, so wise looking.  His nick name is “little rock.”  At this time they still haven’t chosen a real name for him.

These cute little gifts are from different parents to share in the birth of their child.  Eggs are always auspicious.   Some are filled with candy and some are real, dyed red and pickled.

This egg has the married characters on it.  It was given to me from a friend whose niece recently married.  It is fun to get these little gifts from newlyweds and new parents.   You give them gifts too.  Sharing in the joy is the tradition.