Today is an extraordinary day. Jason and I wanted to share with you a glimpse into our sweet daughter Olivia’s birth story and Red Egg and Ginger party!
Olivia Janet was born on Monday, October 9, 2017, at 9:54 pm, 7.9 pounds, 17.5 inches. She arrived about one week early on one of the craziest fire events we have experienced near our home in Orange County, CA.
We call Olivia our fire baby, and how appropriate that she was born in the year of the fire rooster in the Chinese lunar calendar. We chose her American name to signify peace and strength, and her middle name is after my beloved mother, Janet.
I had been feeling contractions since the weekend and learned from my first experience that once they started coming, it wasn’t too far from arrival. With our son James, we waited a little too long and didn’t want such an epic experience. But the way our luck goes, we happened to get evacuated from our home that afternoon because of a raging fire.
Luckily my dad was in town to help, and I had my hospital bag already packed in the car. We got our family to safety and eventually to the hospital with plenty of time. We like to think that she saved us, giving us a place to take refuge. Olivia was the ray of light and peace to an unsettling day.
During the pregnancy, we didn’t find out the gender because we love the surprise. On my side of the family we have eight fun and fearless boys, so we thought we were destined to keep the streak going. When Dr. Candace Howe announced, “Are you ready for your little princess?” Jason and I were in disbelief. We both had tears of joy as we got our first glimpse of our baby girl.
Olivia’s cheeks were big and rosy (still are), just like a little cherub. When she was placed in my arms, there was a sense of calm and contentment, she was made for us, and I was so happy she was finally here.
My favorite moment was when Jason was holding here for the first time and softly spoke to her, she already had him wrapped around her finger!
James has taken well to his essential role as big brother. He lets us know when she cries, needs to be fed, and sometimes allows her to play with his toys. He is protective of her, making sure that all of his friends know that it’s “his baby sister Ho-lib-ia” (he’s still learning how to say O-liv-ia).
Olivia loves to watch James like a hawk and is quite entertained by his shenanigans. Her laugh is pretty priceless to see and hear. Her personality is already budding. She has the biggest smile that melts your heart, only cries when she’s hungry or tired, has a sweet demeanor with an underlying strength.
We couldn’t wait to introduce Olivia to our family and friends in the Bay Area. My dad Rick and stepmom Lynne hosted a Red Egg and Ginger party at there beautiful home. It’s a tradition that has been passed on to each child in my Chinese family.
We honor the first 100 days of the life of a newborn with a celebration with our dearest family and friends. We had a similar party for my son James a few years ago, if you want to learn more about the traditions during the ceremony. My favorite part is always when the baby gets carried on the backs of the youngest children in the family with a red carrier that has been used for all of the kids in our family. It signifies them taking Olivia to “play” for the first time.
We were also honored to have my dad spend a lot of time and thought into selecting Olivia’s Chinese name. After some fun conversations and important consideration, my dad crafted the beautiful name that fits her perfectly; Waih Tìhng 慧婷
Waih (Cantonese) or Huì (Mandarin): Intelligent, bright and wise.
Tìhng (Cantonese) or Tíng (Mandarin): Pretty, attractive and graceful.
Olivia is 4 months old now and is thriving! She is working on tummy time and rolling over, recently found her feet and hands, and has the most adorable laugh and a smile that is infectious even to strangers. She’s been cooing a ton, and we just saw two bottom teeth start to surface.
The fun thing about having a girl is all of the cute clothes and explosion of unicorn, heart and rainbow decor. Her grandma’s and aunties have already spoiled her with a closet full of adorable clothes, and have even gotten fun tutu’s passed down.
We can’t wait to see what the future has in store for her and sharing those experiences together as a family. I’ve been dreaming of having a little girl, and I must admit, I was scared at first knowing the challenges that she may endure in the future. However, we are ready to guide her, and give her all of the love and support she needs and more.
Olivia, remember to be fearless, brave, strong, follow your passions, and show kindness to others. You have so many incredible role models who love you, especially strong women to be your compass on life’s adventures. We will always be here to root for you and cheer you on! Nothing is impossible, with hard work and determination you will find the answers you need to live your dreams. Keep shining baby girl.
Martha Porter says
Congratulations Jessica! She is beautiful. I’m so happy for you all and what a story of her birth day!
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Martha, it’s so good to hear from you! Thank you 🙂
Trang says
Such a beautiful story, and a beautiful baby girl! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you Trang! You will have to meet her sometime 🙂
Jesuiga says
Congratulations, Jessica.
Maureen Bond says
Welcome to Olivia and congratulations to all the family members. It is such a joy to have babies and small children in the home and watch them grow.
May you all have a peaceful and most enjoyable life together,
Paula says
Congratulations. WHAT a beautiful family and heart-warming post about your family and traditions. Little Olivia is amazing. Wishing you and yours a lifetime of health, happiness & wonderful memories.
Jessica Gavin says
We are so overjoyed with the sweet and lovely comments from all of you! Thank you for being part of my food and life journey. Cheers!
Victoria Howard says
MAZEL TOV on 2 beautiful children!
Richa says
This is such a lovely read. Loved the pictures and it’s obvious that Olivia has such a loving family. She’s gorgeous Jessica!
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you my dear friend!
Mary says
Congratulations to all of you ! She’s beautiful ! This is the 3rd baby in our family in the last six months, all girls, (that I know of) all great, great grandchildren of Nana and Dader Walsh.
Jessica Gavin says
How exciting! The more babies, the better!
Keisha - Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams says
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! How exciting for you and your family! Olivia is beautiful!
Carolyn says
What a beautiful story!! I’m in Southern California also and those fires were too scary for lots of people. So glad everything turned out well for you and your precious family!! She is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your story!
Jessica Gavin says
I hope you and your friends/families home are okay! Thank you 🙂
Marina Rapisarda says
Congrats Jessica to you and your beautiful family.
Ellen says
Thanks for sharing your story. I too have both a boy and a girl, although they are both almost grown now.
And it’s a great time to be a girl! She will be possibility personified!
All the best to your beautiful and loving family.
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you so much Ellen!
Christine Markwart says
She’s beautiful!!! Love seeing pics of your fam (and now that I’ve met Jason, too). Congrats!
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you Christine! Hope to see you again soon, and try your cookies 🙂
MeiMei Silverman says
Congratulations to you and your beautiful family, Jessica! And thank you for sharing 🙂
Jan Maiolatesi says
Congragrats!!Oh she is beautiful and seeing the two together is so much fun. Your Dad did a great job of picking out her Cantonese name & I am sure she will live up to everything her name means. She already has a good start. You have a lovely family her Dad can’t seem to get enough of her. She is the apple of Daddy’s eye. I wish blessing & good fortune to u & all you family & God bless.
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you so much Jan! Jason sure loves her, daddy’s little girl 🙂
Mickie says
Congratulations Jessica! Beautiful baby girl, just like her Momma! Wishing you and yours all the best!
Peg says
Your little girl is beautiful! And what a handsome son you have as well. Congratulations!!
Geok Cheng Lim says
Lovely story and heartwarming photos!! Thanks and Congrats Jessica!
GRACE ZISCHKAU BAUMEISTER says
~~~Your lovely pictures and sweet story made my day. Thank you for sharing such insightful, thoughtful words with us.
Jessica Gavin says
Awww, thank you Grace! You are so welcome 🙂
Cheryl Collins says
I enjoyed the sweet story of your beautiful family. Thank you for sharing. I wish you many amazing moments with James and Olivia.
Sarah Nixon says
How delightful of you to share your joy Jessica. Thank you!
Lori says
You have a beautiful family! Congratulations and best wishes for health and happiness to you all.
Linda says
This was exactly the beautiful story I needed to read this morning. Thank-you and congratulations.
Mark C Swauger says
Congratulations Jessica!
Pat Conlon says
Thank you for sharing Olivia with us! That picture of James holding his baby sister melted my heart. Many blessings!
patricia says
Congratulation to you both.
And what a lovely name, may she always be happy and contented, As I am sure
she will be, with such loving Parents and loving Brother James.
Miblet says
Thank you for sharing. Such a beautiful story of love. She is a very lucky girl. Congratulations!
Judy says
So happy to see this Jessica. What a beauty and you can see a lot going on in those eyes. I know James will be her friend and protector. Thank you for sharing your story. I have been waiting and watching for this.
Excited for your first cookbook to come out too. It won’t be long now.
Hugs and wishing you all blessings
Judy
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you, Judy! Yes, she has this deep stare, I always wonder what she is thinking. An old soul of sorts. I just got my author copy of the cookbook and can’t wait until it gets to you!
Judy says
I was going over your blogs that I responded to on my iPad while I was in WA state and saw your reply. When home I check each day. She does have that old soul look in her eyes. I recognized that on her photos.
I just sent you an e-mail Jessica. My husband said the cookbook was at the mail on Saturday when he picked it up and when I saw it after I got home from the airport today – well – lets just say all else stopped and I went through each page. It is now almost 9 pm and I just went through it for the 3rd time. I cannot wait to sit down and reach each page. I want to try every recipe in there and I will. Tomorrow we are going shopping for protein sources and then let the cooking and cooking science begin. There is nothing else like this cookbook you have and I know it is going to be a huge success. You are an amazing woman! Thank you so much!
Jessica Gavin says
Yay! I am so excited for you Judy. It’s going to be a delicious cooking adventure at your house. I can’t wait to hear what you think about each recipe and what you learn in the process. Happy cooking!