Why Sea Turtles?

I have chosen to theme much of the Baby's world around the Hawaiian Sea Turtle, called Honu by native Hawaiians. His room is sea turtle themed, and much of what we asked for in clothing and accessories is turtle related.

People have been asking me why I chose this. Maybe it seems unusual to center a baby's world around such ancient or odd creatures. I thought I'd spend a few minutes talking about why I made this decision.

Alberto and I were lucky to be able to spend a fabulous week together in Maui earlier this year. This trip was a way to rejuvenate ourselves and renew our commitment to starting a family. It's no coincidence that we got pregnant around the same time! It's still up for debate whether we got pregnant on this trip or in the few days after our return, but one thing is certain - the vacation was the catalyst to making it possible!

While we were there, I got to witness these amazing creatures up close and personal. To be frank, it was impossible to avoid them! They are very social creatures and enjoyed swimming near where snorkelers and scuba divers gravitated. I had the personal privilege to swim with two of them (one on each side of me) during one of my snorkel trips to the place dubbed "Secret Cove" in South Maui.

I was completely enchanted with them from the moment I first laid eyes on them. They are graceful and elegant in all that they do, and their beautiful fluid motion carries a sense of high dignity and wisdom. Honu grow to be very old, sometimes as much as 80 years! I believe that their species carry a sense of old word wisdom that is only gained from millenia in close contact with the earth.

For Hawaiians, the honu is a symbol of longevity, peace, humility and the spirit within. I have read that the Hawaiian word for peace comes from the word Honu because of the embodiment of peace that is represented by the Hawaiian Sea Turtle.

In short, I developed a deep sense of respect and wonder for them.

We also learned on the trip that the Hawaiians also consider Honu to be good luck. If you have spent any time with me during the last 8 months, you have probably seen my most cherished momento from our Maui trip - my necklace that has a Honu pendant with a plumeria flower on his shell. I believe it does bring me luck, as my days always seem to go a little better when I am wearing my Honu necklace than when I'm not!

I decided that I wanted our new baby to be surrounded by these characteristics, in the hopes of cultivating them within himself. If my baby becomes a wise and dignified man, surrounded by luck and known for his peaceful ways, then my goal will have been accomplished!

Here's a little more information I found about the honu. I hope you love them as much as I do!

Info links:
http://www.turtles.org/hawgrnd.htm

http://www.hanauma-bay-hawaii.com/marinelife.html

A short video from YouTube:



Photo Gallery:

http://gohawaii.about.com/od/oahuphotos/ig/Hawaiian-Green-Sea-Turtles/