Today is our niece, Kara’s birthday. I can’t believe that she’s 2. I still remember Joe taking maternity pictures for our sister-in-law, Sharon. As I was thumbing through some of our pictures, I realized I never posted about Kara’s 1st birthday, which is a big deal in Korean culture. The celebration for the baby’s first birthday is called a “dohl.” We flew out to Chicago this time last year to see our little tater tot and rejoice with the family.
All the amazing details and decorations were provided by just the little things, a Chicago based event planning company, including the cute cupcake toppers. But the vanilla buttermilk cupcakes themselves were baked and decorated by yours truly. I made sure that the frosting was fluffy, light and not too sweet, since I knew there would be a lot of older Koreans there. Usually that generation prefers treats that aren’t too sweet. They ended up being a hit with young and old alike.
And although there was a beautiful cake from Whole Foods there, Joel and Sharon ended up using my cupcake as Kara’s “smash cake,” or the very first bite of cake she ever had. What an honor!
After smashing the cake, Kara had to have a quick wardrobe change into a “hambok” or a traditional Korean costume, and then she had to participate in a game. Several different items, representing different occupations or personality traits are placed in front of the baby. Whatever the baby ends up grabbing and picking up first is supposed to be what he or she will become or grow up to be.
Kara ended up grabbing the ball, which means that she’s supposed to be athletic. And you know what? Now at age 2, she loves playing with golf balls and clubs the most. Maybe she really will one day have a Nike contract!
And on top of this reminiscing, the family recently received some news that Joel, Sharon and Kara will soon be moving to Korea for at least a couple years. Joe’s brother, Joel is a Pastor and just got a job at Onnuri church, an English speaking mega church in Korea. We wish them well and we’ll miss them so much!
