Birthday Sushi , with Cake

If you have a child whose birthday is during the holiday season, you know this can be a mixed blessing. My youngest, the Bonus Baby, was born nine years ago on December 23.  While in labor, I breathlessly told my husband where all the gifts and stocking stuffers were hidden, just in case something happened to me. Nothing happened (well nothing too serious) and we came home on Christmas day. My other two children weren't happy about waiting to open presents until we arrived with their baby sister. To them, she was not the joyous gift we believe her to be.

So now, in the midst of holiday baking and shopping, I must come to a screeching halt and wrap my head around the Birthday Party. Party planning, favor creating, cake decorating, invitation making. One evening in early December, while we were eating at our favorite local dining spot, a stroke of genius hit me in the head  ( although it may have been a snowball). Have the party here! At Chopstick! Why not? It's practically a home away from home for us and the people who own it and work there couldn't be nicer. The Bonus Baby agreed it would be a great idea,  Mr. Ma agreed and so the sushi party was on.

 

   

 

  

The girls rolled their own with Mr. Ma's help. They also had edamame, miso soup and spring rolls.

It was a smashing success! And the Bonus Baby's favorite gift? Ironically, it's a live goldfish...

And here's the cake I made, decorated to look like a giant California roll. I am pretty proud of myself and the Bonus Baby declared it "awesome". Mission accomplished.