We made it a month!

There's a Chinese tradition of holding a Red Egg Party, alternatively known as the Full Moon Party (but not the type you'd find on a Thai beach). It marks the end of mom's confinement, baby's debut to the world, and the announcement of her name. Instead of waiting for a full moon, it's now celebrated more often on the baby's first month birthday.
So, we put on such a bash, hosted by generous grandparents and Chopsticks Chinese Restaurant in Vancouver, WA. We put together some dandy invites for friends and family, but omitted a menu, instead, just telling folks that there would be traditional appetizers and then plenty of food for the main course. Well, things started off slowly, with our round-eyed guests picking cautiously at the cold boiled chicken, marinated jellyfish, pickled seaweed, and thin broth that was initially offered. Several sated themselves on these meager offerings, only to be greatly chagrined when the twelve courses of fish, fowl, beast and more commonly-consumed invertebrates started coming out rapid-fire as the kitchen got up to speed. The duck was to die for, the dungeness was delicious, the braised beef was never more beautiful, and the scallops were simply stupendous. Followed up by several exotic desserts and the old standby of mango pudding in goldfish molds, there wasn't a soul who didn't find a dish to delight in, and leave stuffed better than a thanksgiving turkey. The neighborhood kids all seemed to have a fun time, and Ruthie is developing quite a fan club, with future baby sitters even jockeying for first dibs.