Dissection of Noah's Features

Happy Valentine's Day!

Since Noah is a mixed-race baby (officially, he is 1/2 Japanese, 1/4 German, and 1/4 other European mutt), one of the common things people do is comment on whether he looks "more Asian or more White." This is a fun game. Interestingly, Grant's parents seem to think he looks absolutely like me, whereas my parents think he looks entirely like Grant.

Here is what I currently think. Look at the picture of Noah (taken today) and you can play too.

Hair: Currently dark brown, thus an even contribution from both of us. For some reason, in some pictures his hair looks red. I think that it is lighting, because in person it is definitely brown.

Forehead and eyebrows: Definitely Grant. He has adorably dainty little eyebrows just like his dad. Most women, including me, would be jealous.

Eyes: I feel definitely takes after me. I don't know how much white people talk about 'single vs double' eyelids, this might be a uniquely Asian person thing. Anyway, I have one single eyelid and one double eyelid eye. Noah does as well. As an aside, I once tried to explain single vs. double eyelids to Grant, and was trying to compare and contrast his eyes with mine, but interestingly enough, Grant also has single eyelids. We have always said that that is the Asian part of him.

Nose: Hybrid. Nose is interesting because the Grant's family nose is a very strong trait. All of Grant's nieces and nephews had the same nose as infants and to some extent, still do. I think baby noses change quite a bit, so only time will tell on this. But while I see some evidence of a Grant's nose, I also see some evidence of my nose too. I personally hope Noah gets Grant's nose.

Mouth/chin: Undetermined. I think baby mouth and chins change too much to make a call on this quite yet. I will say that both Grant and I have pretty square jaws, so this might be a non-issue.

General head shape: Also a non-issue. Grant and I both have gigantic heads, so I'm guessing Noah will as well. Sorry kid.

Finally, I will end with this. Grant was discussing with his boss what percentage Noah looks like me versus him. This is what she wrote to him in an email:

"Or 100% Noah. You will appreciate that he is his own self when he throws parties at your house while you are gone, crashes the family car or gets really bad grades. That way, you won't have to blame yourselves too much."

Amen.