Shots of First Birthday Party

We could not have asked for a better first birthday for Susannah. First of all, in the last two weeks it is apparent that she is feeling better than she has in months. Her appetite, energy level, physical strength and mood have all improved dramatically. She is even crawling a tiny bit though her favorite thing to do (as documented in these photos) is to walk while some poor sucker of an adult holds her under the arms.

We celebrated this big milestone in Chattanooga with nearly 40 (!) family members and a few friends. We gathered at her great aunt Corinne's new house on Lookout Mountain and toasted our big girl, whom we all obviously love to pieces.




















Here's lil S watching Emma blow bubbles, another favorite activity.















Our friend Christie took all these gorgeous photos! Thanks Christie for giving us something does not require suitcase space!




















Greeting guests with help from Grandma Moonpie




















In the arms of great grandmother Mimi.















These next shots will give you some indication of the breadth and depth of Susannah's family. Here she is with Ben's mom's side of the family, the McDonalds and the Hennens.















These are some of my mom's family, the Collins.















And we have the Aplins, all Ben's dad side.














A cute pic with my dad and Shay Shay. (She was remarkably good-natured during these arrangements! Better than I was during photos for our wedding.)
















Getting a kiss from my brother, her uncle Dakin.













First bite of a birthday cake, aka a chocolate vegan cupcake that Grandma Jill made especially for this no egg, milk, peanut or sesame girl.



















Susannah gave a little speech before everyone sang Happy Birthday. It went a little something like this: aaaa hahaha eeeee!!!! Then she clapped for herself, and we joined her.