Happy First Birthday Alexandria Eilleen!!!

Happy Birthday Alexandria! I cannot believe you are already ONE! It seriously seems like just yesterday I was lying in that hospital bed thanking the doctor for injecting me with drugs :) (That is such a nice memory.) How quickly this first year has flown by! There are so many wonderful things to say about you, my baby. You really are the sunshine of my life. I can be having the worse day and all I need to do is look at you and all of my troubles melt away. You always have a giggly grin waiting for me whenever I turn around. Your arms are always outstretched, waiting for that first morning hug. Your laughter is constantly heard and fills the house with such warmth (and usually accompanied by loud, excited screams.) You are such a good baby and nothing ever seems to get you down. Even when you are hurt or sick, that beautiful smile that I love so much still shines through. You love everyone and you love to be held and cuddled by everyone. You have a happiness about you that makes everyone who is around you want to be happy too. I love you through and through. I can't even express to you how grateful I am for you; words could never be enough. Sometimes I think you are too good for me and that I don't deserve you.I love everything you are and everything you will grow to be. I see the light of Christ in your eyes and I know that you are meant to do something special. I am so happy and proud to be your Mommy! Thank you for choosing me to be your mommy!


Here are some things that Alex loves at ONE:

*Sucking her thumb (since the womb!)
*To smile.
*Her big sister.
*To take her socks of and walk/crawl around with them hanging out of her mouth.
*To scream just to hear her voice. (I admit I do encourage this! It is too funny!)
*To blow raspberries (especially if someone else does it first.)
*To cuddle with the cat and dog.
*Running not walking. (She is not the most graceful either! :))
*Be held.
*To watch Baby Mozart and Beethoven. (It is a treat for her.)
*To play peek-a-boo with herself or someone else.
*To bite out of excitement.
*Music and dancing.
*Pushing things around.
*Looking at pictures.
*Splashing in the bathtub.
*Getting her picture taken.
*Anything sweet and chocolately.
*Open the toilet lid and play in the water. (Yuck!)
*To Climb, climb, climb.
*To lay your head on my shoulder.

***My wish for you:
First and foremost, I hope you always remember how much your Savior loves you. Secondly, I hope you always remember how much your family loves you. You have the light of Christ in your eyes and I pray that you never lose that. I hope you learn not to take life for granted and to enjoy each day as it is given to you. I hope you love with your whole heart in all things, even though, you take the risk of getting hurt. It is a risk that is worthwhile. Things will not always be easy, but you will always have the Savior and your family to rely on. I remember that the important things in life are those that you cannot put a price tag on. I want you to be strong, giving, loving, forgiving and non-judgemental. I hope that you will be able to stare adversity in the face and prevail. Remember that it is more important to be yourself and a true friend than to be "cool" and popular. Beauty lies within. Always reach past the stars and achieve all that you want. Find someone to marry that will make a great husband and father. Never settle, it is your partner for eternity that you are seeking. Prayer is the key to God, use it often and pour your heart out. He is always listening and cares about your triumphs just as much as your woes. Attitude is everything and as life comes at you harder and faster, I hope that you will always be able to keep that smile that I love so much bright on your face. Smile all the time. That simple thing can brighten anyones day. Above all, LOVE. We are nothing without it. I love you, my baby, and I look forward to watching you grow, learn, and blossom. Life is not easy, but if you follow the Lord, it will be worth it. I love you!