When Willa grows up, she will be a...?

We did some more celebrating on Willa's actual birthday. Jia wanted a photo taken of us that morning, and Joe obliged.

Then Jia decided to liven it up as usual.


That evening we celebrated with another cake. This time a traditional Chinese one with whipped cream frosting and fruit in and on it.


We then prepared for Willa's "first grab." I was advised by a Taiwanese friend about a first birthday custom, and laid out various items for Willa to peruse. The belief is that whatever she grabs may indicate her future. We included a doll (mother), pen (writer), book (scholar) and a number of other items. For Joe's sake, I laid out a golf ball as well. Joe had saved some golf balls from memorable outings and I decided to take the one which said "79" and not the one that said "accidentally killed mallard." (Didn't want to inadvertently encourage a little hunter.)


What did she instantly grab? The spatula! And she refused to let it go. She hung onto it while playing the rest of the time. Will she be a chef?

She grabbed the pen later and chewed on it for a moment too (while hanging onto the spatula for dear life). Perhaps she'll pen a cookbook or two?