Happy Chinese New Year!
This year, Chinese New Year falls on Robby's birthday, which also falls on Valentine's Day. He has been talking non-stop about the possibility of our baby being born on his birthday day. As much as this coincidence might impact our future child's identity, Robby is absolutely thrilled by the chance of sharing his birthday.
Yesterday afternoon, we were invited by Jingfang to a Chinese New Year dumpling-making feast. She had invited lots of Chinese graduate students from USC to her home in the lovely Redondo Beach. We got there early, grabbed a volleyball, and headed out to the beach, two blocks away.
Then we returned to her apartment & began wrapping dumplings (chives+shrimp, beef). Robby got to make his first dumpling. After awhile, he gave up & volunteered to chop vegetables. 
By 8pm, everyone had arrived with food & as the Chinese people chattered away by the dining table, the non-speakers of Chinese sat in front of the T.V. & watched the opening of the Olympics in Vancouver. This was followed by a chocolate birthday cake, tiramisu, & a trip up to the roof to see the dark ocean. 
It was a fun night full of Chinese people, Chinese food, and Chinese language. Being one of two non-speaking Chinese guests, Robby handled himself well. He always impresses me with his ability to immerse himself in a foreign culture & foreign language. He owes that to his mom, who traveled with him around the world when he was young, & by being around his loving & affectionate Russian family.
What a way to start the new year!
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