In Tonga, a baby competition for the king's birthday

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In Tonga, a baby competition for the king's birthday
By Mandy Pederson
Feb. 20, 2015

I'm here to provide you with your daily dose of cute.

Maybe you didn't even know that you were lacking Vitamin C (Cute), but I'm here to make sure you get your daily dose. It's like nutrients for the heart.

Today I determined that heaven must be full of Polynesian babies because you can't help but feel the love and leave with a huge cheesy grin on your face after spending time with these littles.

Just look.

This little peanut's mom dressed her up in traditional Tongan clothing.
This little peanut's mom dressed her up in traditional Tongan clothing.
These twins took turns sleeping throughout the judging.
These twins took turns sleeping throughout the judging.

Part of the birthday celebration for the king included a baby competition. It was held at a hotel in Neiafu and the babies were judged based on four categories. I bet you're curious what they were. The amount of root crop consumed? Nah. The number of baby pigs they can successfully pick up? Think again.

They were as follows:

1. Weight: Are they in their weight range for how old they are?

2. Immunizations: Do they have all needed immunizations? Are they up to date?

3. Cuteness: Self explanatory.

4. Health: Were they solely breastfed their first year of life?

Weighing the babies. This little one wasn't a fan.
Weighing the babies. This little one wasn't a fan.

I really loved what they chose to judge on and I bet my mom is super excited about number 4. (She teaches people about fakahuhu – breastfeeding.)

I yelled "Mali mali!" ("Smile!") and this is what I got. Every time.
I yelled "Mali mali!" ("Smile!") and this is what I got. Every time.
Look at his cute little tupenu (man's skirt).
Look at his cute little tupenu (man's skirt).
All the babies and judges.
All the babies and judges.

It was a great morning hanging out with moms, aunties, grannies and some of the cutest babies this Wisconsin girl has ever seen.

Mandy Pederson
Mandy Pederson was a PCV in the Kingdom of Tonga from 2012-2014 where she was an English Language Facilitator. While serving in the South Pacific she taught English at a local primary school, held professional development sessions with her fellow co-workers, volunteered at the local public library, helped create assessment tools with the Ministry of Education and was the director of Camp GLOW Tonga (Girls Leading Our World).
Category: Pacific Islands, Tonga, From the Field, Current Volunteers, Peace Corps Volunteer

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