This little piggy came home!!!

I was a little curious of what the attributes of our child are supposed to be based on Chinese folklore. I know it's not science, but it's fun to read about. Come on who doesn't look at that little paper place mat at EVERY single Chinese restaurant. It's the first thing you do when you sit down. You search and search for the year that you were born, then revel in the fact that you are a leader, or a loyal spouse. Then tease your dinner mate for being a moron. For example I am a tiger. Need I say more. Jon is an ox. Explains so much about us, don't you think?

I was rejoicing in the fact that our child was going to be born in the year of the dog....honest..loyal..dedicated......come on folks we're dog people. So it was perfect. What better child for our family then one based on a DOG!! He would be THE perfect fit. So when our referral didn't come, I had to look to see what the Chinese culture says is the animal represented in the new year to come...Imagine my horror when I learned that it was the year of the PIG. I thought to myself , that couldn't be good. Now really...the pig...all sorts of negativity swirled through my brain. And since so many of us will be getting our children this year, or our children will be born this year(even though we may not be home with them) I thought I'd school us on some attributes we can look forward to. Here's some of what I learned:

1. In China, the Pig ( 亥 ) (a more correct form would be the Boar) is associated with fertility and virility. To bear children in the year of the pig is considered very fortunate, for they will be happy and honest.(yippeeeee!!) (And yes we will be "bearing" our children....through countless hours, months of waiting, 20plus hours of international flight, piles of paperwork!!)
2. Contrary to its rather negative connotation the Pig of Chinese Astrology can be the most generous and honorable Signs of the Zodiac.
3. Pigs are nice to a fault and possess impeccable manners and taste. They believe in the best qualities of mankind.
4. Pigs also care a great deal about friends and family and work hard to keep everyone in their life happy. Helping others is a true pleasure for the Pig, who feels best when everyone else is smiling.
5. A Pig with no one around to appreciate its giving nature is a sad sight.
6. Pigs make great companions in part because of their refusal to see the more negative or base qualities in a partner
7. Pigs are highly intelligent creatures.
8. Pigs tend to make wonderful life partners due to their hearts of gold and their love of family..

All sounds good to me!!! Let's bring our piggy home!!