Not bad, not bad, for an old newspaper hack like yourself.

I bet she's going to love this picture when she turns eighteen, not.

I like the low saturation, but the background is a little distracting.

Agree with Zorba, the background is a bit distracting, but overall, the shot works, and the puffed-up cheeks really adds a lot of charm to it.

I like, but I would like it more with the candles starting to go off.

Agree on the background. 

I'm sorry to say that i agree with the others that the background is pretty distracting! I think its mostly the colourful sleeve against the soft delicate tones of the clothes of your neice. I think it would have been better if you had taken the photo so you could see the cake and all the candles. I still like it the way it is though! She looks very cute!

Well, I always knew that was going to happen.

(Note to self: 'Never submit a sub-standard image to the forum, they will eat you alive.')

It would seem that all has been said and the little girl is quite cute.

hope she enjoyed her birthday 

Oh, she had a blast for about half an hour and then started to cry. Think all the excitement exhausted her.