Ann's first birthday

For some reason, this post has just not wanted to be published. First it was an issue with uploading the photos, then I lost a draft somewhere, then the kidney stones happened. Anyway, here is Ann's first birthday in review:


My goal for Ann's birthday was to have her baby book finished. I almost made it. I didn't consider how Chinese New Year would affect the photo printing shops to be closed. All the writing in the book is complete, the pictures are chosen, and all that I already had printed are in. The rest are on the flash drive ready to be printed and inserted.

 

Some of our closest local friends also have two kids. Their daughter's birthday is on Feb 9th, their son on Jan 20th, and Ann's was on Feb 3rd. We decided to celebrate together a few days before Ann's actual birthday.

The birthday meal: quail eggs, eggs and tomatoes, leeks and lamb, greens and mushrooms, shredded potatoes, broccoli, and sausage. The other mom prepared the meal, I prepared the cakes.

The cakes: the 4 year old decorated her own and the one year old's have their name. The one on the right is the boy's name in the local minority language.

 

The four year old birthday girl changed into this outfit because she wanted to match Catherine, who also has a pink fluffy coat.

The paternal grandpa with Ann.

The birthday boy

The big birthday girl and her mom

 Ann trying her cake

Catherine and friend saying good-bye until next time. Sweet, isn't it?

 On the day after her birthday, which was still her birthday in the States, we had a small "party" via skype so the grandparents could see her.

 

Opening her presents

  

from Uncle Lee and Aunt Traci

from Grandma and Granpa

The red chair was from us. Catherine had one and both girls love it so we got Ann her very own.

As closely as we could figure it will all time zone considerations, this picture is taken as Ann completely one year of life and moved into her second. Don't worry, I moved her arm after we took the picture.

Ann is a sweet, smiling, happy girl. She likes to snuggle and give kisses, but also likes to wrestle with her sister. Somehow, I don't think I got a single picture of her great smile the whole day. We'll try to improve our photography before next year!