The only Panda born in Atlanta--and in the U.S.--this year now has a name! It's Xi Lan (pronounced shee-lan), which means "Atlanta's Joy."
"Xi Lan" was chosen by some 45,000 people around the world who voted from among 12 name suggestions. In keeping with Chinese tradition, the cub was not officially named until today--his 100-day birthday! In many Asian countries, because infant mortality rates were so high in the old days, a baby's reaching the 100-day mark is a big milestone. In Korean culture, a baby's 100-day birthday is a big deal for the same reason. (We celebrated Kate's 100-day birthday in October of last year.)
Kate and I were so excited to attend the big naming ceremony this morning. My sister and her family were supposed to be visiting today, so we hadn't planned on going. But, unfortunately, they had to cancel their plans to be in Atlanta this week because they are still battling some serious sickness. :o( Anyway, with our calendar free, it worked out for us to hit the zoo this morning for the big event.
We got there just in time--there was quite a crowd. I had Kate all decked out in her panda outfit for the occasion, and everyone seemed to just love it. She got quite a few compliments on her attire. :o) The ceremony included a singing performance by a local Chinese adoption group as well as a really cool Chinese dragon. Kate *loved* both! After that, some dignitaries took the stage and soon the name was unveiled.
Afterward, we got some fun refreshments and made our way up to the panda exhibit. What a fun outing! While we hate that we didn't get to see our family today, we were glad to celebrate Xi Lan's 100th day at his big naming ceremony. Happy 100 Days, Xi Lan!
Here's Kate with Lt. Governor Casey Cagle (who, by the way, said she was "adorable"). ;o)
Aren't these panda cookies just the cutest?
Yummy Chinese food from Panda Express
There's the Birthday Boy--Xi Lan is not on exhibit yet, but you can see him via the monitors set up in the zoo's panda exhibit. Zoo officials estimate that he'll be making his way to the exhibit in a matter of weeks.
Just before the unveiling ...
"Xi Lan" it is!
Kate with Zoo Atlanta's panda mascot
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Just for fun, here is a photo of Kate on her 100-day birthday last year:
I love this post - and I love her Panda outfit. I swear I want my Kate to come live in your Kate's closet! I hope you are OK with that :).
ReplyDeleteShe looks adorable and so smiley in that picture too.
I'm so sorry your sister's family is still under the weather. I'll keep them in my prayers!
I miss you, Karen!
How fun! Y'all go to pretty cool events. I love the Panda outfit.She looks super cute in it.
ReplyDeleteremember when I said you guys are always out and about...I meant to say I'm super jealous you get to go to all the cool places.
ReplyDeleteKate's sweater has got to be the CUTEST thing ever. great pic karen!! can we come play next time???
The 100th day celebration is also significant because they count the first day of conception as the first day of "life." Add the 9 months in utero and the 100 days then you've got one calendar year. So many consider the 100th day a celebration of the child's first year of life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lori - Sam would like to come live in Kate's closet! Love the outfit! And it's amazing to see how much she has grown since her 100 days ceremony!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun day! I LOVE the panda outfit. It's so cute, it kind of makes my ovaries hurt. ;)
ReplyDeleteSo cute! Her sweater and hat are just adorable!!!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to walk over, but was in a meeting. Did you see Colin? Our nanny took him.
okay, so here's how out of it I am. First baby panda that was born a few years ago: I was all over it: following the story, going to the zoo...
ReplyDeleteThis time, I didn't know a thing about it until Day 100 after the thing was born! We even went to the zoo in October and saw the thing and heard people talking about it, and I thought they were confused! Talking about the big baby acting like it was just born. What a fool I am.
So did the other baby go back to China or are there two babies now? Help me catch up in my cultural literacy.
JV
Our favorite little panda is Miss Kate- what an adorable outfit! I'm sure she was the star of the ceremony- Xi Lan who? heehee!
ReplyDeletelooks like a lot of fun!
bly!
You just have the cutest outfits for every occasion. I am so impressed with how prepared you are!
ReplyDeletewow tooooooooo cute!!! I would like to take a look of the pandas too!
ReplyDeleteI love Panda... and just bought a Panda Bag from the following Blogshop:
panda.cwahi.net
Nice to meet you.