Hellobee

A baby’s first birthday (dohl) is traditionally a big event in Korean culture. In the past many children didn’t live until their first birthday, so the milestone was an important one marked with a big celebration; it’s a tradition that has carried on to current day. The 1-year birthday party is often similar to a wedding, with a venue, flowers, decor, photographers, food, and favors. I have seen magicians, professional bubble makers, balloon artists, face painters and the most elaborate dessert and candy spreads. But when Baby Pencil was about 8 months old, I decided to plan a party that was more my style. More of an anti-party party!

The beach. No games, no decorations, no agenda. Just come whenever and leave whenever. I rented a beach house on VRBO and got catered food to be delivered to the house. That’s all! The end!

We did have another mini photoshoot just to get the most important stuff. I wanted at least one good family photo on the beach, and some shots of his doljanchi to foretell his future. I honestly am not really in touch with my original roots, but I think these traditions can be fun and make great moments! Plus, I absolutely love my traditional hanbok dress, which I wore for my wedding. I love any chance to wear it again!

There’s a hat that goes with his little outfit, but who can keep shoes and hat on this kid?!

During the doljanchi, babies usually tend to either start crying immediately under the pressure of all the people staring at them, or grab the first thing they see. I was surprised that Baby Pencil seemed to really take his time and look at all his options. (A trait that is very similar to the hubs!) The view from behind was even funnier because all I saw was his little head going back and forth thinking about all his options.

So glad he didn’t cry!

In the end, he chose the ball and stethoscope at the same time, so we all joke that he will either be in sports medicine or study medicine on a sports scholarship!

Love candid moments like this.

After his little ceremony, I rushed out of my hanbok and grabbed my hoodie, boyfriend jeans and Uggs. Yep, that is what I wore for the rest of the day! I love comfort more than anything. Baby Pencil probably enjoyed getting out of his getup too! He was actually in a great mood and was held by a dozen people, and I was so glad I was able to pass him around to meet and greet his guests.

I kept up with his personal Instagram from day 1 at the hospital, so I laid out all of his Instagram photos in books made through Chatbooks. I loved how they came out!

I didn’t want to worry about space and decorations, so what better backdrop than the ocean? Endless miles of sand for the kids to play in? I had a couple of big tents up and bought a bunch of giant bubble makers. The party started at 11am and went until “whenever.” We had everything delivered and ate the catered food all weekend.

Here we are blowing out his birthday candle. We got his cake and treats delivered by Portos Bakery, which is a very popular bakery in the LA area.

As the sun set, people went home and we were able to just relax.

Not too shabby of a view!

Here’s the view of the master bedroom, which overlooked the ocean. Loved waking up to this!

It’s funny how a lot of Southern Californians don’t actually go to the beach that often. But after living in the east coast, I swore I would try taking advantage of living by a free, beautiful beach. I would love Baby Pencil to enjoy the ocean as he grows up!

In the end I would say it was successful in being a more chill type of party. I do regret using VRBO which I had damage issues with, even though I’m a very neat and responsible person who likes to leave the place better than when I came. I’ve never once had an issue with Airbnb. But I am glad that I was able to experience living on the sand on a quieter and more private beach (Dockweiler Beach). My parents were able to do things like take Baby Pencil for walks at the crack of dawn and we all got to listen to the sound of the waves before we slept. At night we made a little fire and hung outside the deck.

I’m just so glad that Baby Pencil was not sick, didn’t have a meltdown and was able to show how funny and happy he can be!