Hong Kong celebrity couple Benjamin Yuen (袁偉豪) and Bowie Cheung (張寶兒) celebrated a major family milestone this week, honoring their eldest son’s second birthday just two weeks after welcoming their second child. Despite being in mandatory postnatal recovery (zuo yue zi) following the birth of their baby boy, affectionately nicknamed “Yuen Tam Tam,” Cheung orchestrated a heartfelt, intimate home celebration for their two-year-old, “Yuen Goo Luk.”
The actress and former Miss Hong Kong shared a series of warm family portraits on social media yesterday, capturing the essence of the low-key festivities. Newborn Tam Tam was cradled snugly in his mother’s arms throughout the shared pictures, while Cheung, still physically recuperating from childbirth, beamed alongside her husband and toddler.
A Low-Key but Meaningful Celebration
Cheung emphasized the special nature of this year’s birthday, noting the recent addition to the family and her current state of confinement. “Yuen Goo Luk is two! Your birthday is somewhat special this year because Mommy is still observing postnatal confinement, and your little brother is still tiny,” she wrote in a poignant message accompanying the photos.
The couple chose a uniquely familial approach to mark the occasion, focusing purely on closeness and affection. “We opted for the coziest way—celebrating with the family we love most,” she explained. The simple gathering was enhanced by a homemade, healthy treat, with Cheung personally baking an apple and banana cake for her son’s birthday dessert.
Embracing Toddlerhood and New Adventures
Cheung reflected on the profound changes in her eldest son over the past year. As children move from infancy into toddlerhood, development accelerates rapidly, something the family has clearly witnessed.
“Although it was simple, the love was no less,” she stated. “In this past year, you’ve begun to develop your own personality, moods, social connections, and ideas. You still bring us many life ‘surprises’ daily.”
The actress expressed her hopes for the next phase of her son’s life, which officially begins with his second birthday. The transition to two years old marks a period of fierce independence, curiosity, and rapid linguistic growth. Cheung concluded her message by wishing her son persistence in his natural development: “The two-year journey officially begins! May you forever maintain this moment’s curiosity and innocence to explore this interesting world.”
Family Dynamics and Postpartum Recovery
The photos offered a rare glimpse into the complex dynamics of a growing celebrity family, balancing public life with the intense private demands of new parenthood. Cheung’s decision to celebrate while still under postpartum confinement underscores the significance of family milestones, even during a demanding recovery period. Traditional Chinese postpartum confinement is a critical 30- to 40-day recovery phase focused entirely on rest, warmth, and specialized nutrition to aid the mother’s recovery.
Benjamin Yuen and Bowie Cheung, who frequently share updates on their family life and careers, celebrated the birth of their first son, Goo Luk (Yuen Ching Yiu), in November 2021. Their second son, Tam Tam, was born on November 6, completing the family. Their public display of affection and dedication to making these moments special for their children resonates with many parents navigating the joys and challenges of raising multiple young children in quick succession.