Katie's First Birthday

Katie turned 1 on Mother's Day, May 14 and we celebrated with a party on Saturday, May 13. Lots of family and friends gathered to mark this milestone in Katie's life. To see her on her birthday, it is hard to imagine that just 3 months ago, she was living in the orphanage in Suichuan, China. She's an all-American girl now, crawling like a bullet and into everything. She enjoyed her party, even with the mass of people! She wasn't in mom or dad's arms much all day and she was fine with that. She actively participated in present opening (along with Alex and toddler friends) and particularly enjoyed her first real taste of dessert. Until now, she thought fruit was as good as is gets.

I've been slow to post these pictures because every time I tried, blogger was having problems. But, the wait has given Katie time to complete her 1 year check up at the pediatrician. She is now 18-1/4 lbs. (up 3 lbs. since coming home) and has grown an inch since stepping food on American soil, now standing (literally, since she like being upright) at 28 inches high. She was pronounced to be doing great and perfectly healthy. We have been truly blessed. Enjoy the pictures!
Katie meet sugar. Sugar meet Katie. Though it is a little hard to tell from her expression here, Katie really enjoyed her own mini birthday cake!

Katie, Alex and cousin Woody. Woody and Alex both showed Katie how to eat the icing!
Katie opening presents. Around mom and Katie are Alex, cousin Muriel, and friends Sydney and Eve who all helped out with gift-opening. Chaotic but fun!
More present opening. Katie stayed in the thick of things the entire time.

Grandma Bowen found special 1st birthday decorations made for high chairs, so Katie was all decked out. Unfortunately, she tried to eat them, too!

Alex and cousin Muriel (one of his best friends) waiting patiently for cake!

We have found it impossible to get everyone looking at the camera at once, so this is about as good as it got for a family photo. Happy Birthday Katie!