it takes a village

there is an old african saying that says "to raise a child, it takes a village ..."

recently our friends arthur and jessica mok introduced us to a most excellent couple on new years, eugenia and bennet.  turns out eugenia was working on her own publication for international families in shanghai, and she and her husband moved from the bay area.  they have 2 little boys, who i instantly fell in love with.

eugenia introduced me to her best friend, mae-ling, and both have been endlessly supportive about the pregnancy, and preparing me for motherhood.  it has made me feel a lot better about having the baby here in shanghai, and seeing how moms really enjoy spending time with their kids with the extra affordable help.  they both shared their birth experiences with me, advice about post-partum, and really helped me feel equipped with resources here should i have any questions about breastfeeding, yuetse (the month after a woman gives birth, in china you eat certain things, avoid certain activities), or just apprehension about motherhood.

i'm beginning to feel hopeful that there is a community of moms here who are really sweet, genuinely helpful, and truly involved in their kids lives here.