Alexa turns 11! YIKES!

My little Alexa is now 11. I can hardly believe it. It just

seems like yesterday when she looked like this:

Alexa wasn't one that wanted to come when we wanted her to. She had her own agenda. She was late and we were worried because Tim had to start his new job up in WA and we had to move. He already was going to go up and start without us. After ALOT of convincing the dr. agreed to induce me. I was 5 days late and we only had a few days before Tim had to leave. So after the longest 27 hours of labor, Alexa was born. She was absolutely beautiful and BIG. She weighed 9 lbs. 14 oz. No one would guess that now by looking at her. I can not explain the emotions that we felt at that time. If you are a parent, than you know exactly what I mean. To all of a sudden be responsible for such a tiny helpless soul makes you realize the unconditional love you have for that child. It was a glimpse into how our Heavenly Father must feel for us.

Alexa was born late Friday night on October 24, 1997. We came home from the hospital on Saturday, moved out of our apt. on Monday, and Tim left Tuesday to go to WA. I stayed back with my parents to get a handle on being a new parent, recover, and wait for Alexa to get old enough to travel. She was so healthy and such a good baby. There was only one concern. She didn't know how to nurse. She didn't even know how to suck on a binky. Which is actually pretty scary if you think about it. If she can't suck, she can't eat. My mom and I spent many hours trying to get her to eat. She kept losing weight which actually wasn't too bad because she started off so big it wasn't as drastic as if she were only a 6 lb. baby. Finally after 10 days of struggling and trying to keep her awake (by this time she was so lethargic from not eating enough she didn't have enough energy to stay awake and suck.) she finally figured it out and from then on ate like a pro.

Here are a few pictures of her from years past. Here she is trying out her new roller skates she got for her birthday.

Goofy as always.

"Cheese"

Ever since I can remember Alexa has loved books. The girl can not get enough. I have found books hidden in the cupboards in the bathroom because she was sneaking them in while she was supposed to be cleaning it. She takes a book where ever she goes. Even if we are going to the store that is 5 minutes away, she still brings a book. Here is a picture of her at 7 months looking at her books. She would sit there for probably an hour just looking through them. My mom would tell me to be careful because at that age she might rip the pages. I don't ever remember ripping any pages out. She just loves books.

One day she asked if she could walk on the treadmill. I came back into the room and here she was on the treadmill reading a book, of course.

Ever since Alexa was little she always wanted a brother. Poor thing, she never got one. In spite of that, I think she really loves her sisters. I know they love her. She is such a good big sister. She plays so well with them and takes such good care of them. She is turning into a very good babysitter. The other night we had to go to Stake Conference so I let Alexa babysit. I told her that they could all have an ice cream sandwich after their baths were done and they were ready for bed. Maya wanted to watch TV instead and so when it came time to go to bed, she told Alexa that she wanted her ice cream. Alexa responded, "No, I asked you if you wanted one earlier and you said no, now it's too late and you need to go to bed." Poor Maya will kow now not to mess with Alexa. And I know that she is getting more and more responsible.

We love Alexa. She is such a joy to have in our family. She makes us laugh and smile when she's around. She loves to pretend with her sisters and little kids. She loves the color purple. She is a great student. She is always coming up with new ideas - like writing her own newspaper, or wanting to teach an art class to little kids. She enjoys drawing and likes to bake and learn how to do things in the kitchen. She is taking piano lessons now and is excelling so well. (I think it's in her genes - many a pianist in our families.) She enjoys sports but mostly she enjoys playing them with her dad. She loves playing with her cousins and loves their dog, Molly. She knows that I won't get them a dog so now she's asking if she can get one if she pays for it herself. She is very tender and compassionate to those around her. She is such a good example to everyone and always has a desire to do what's right. She has always been a little on the tomboy side but the older she gets, I think the more she is turning into a young lady. She is so beautiful on the inside and out. I can't wait to watch her grow and how much more we will grow to love her these next 11 years.

A few weeks ago Alexa had a birthday party with her friend, Ashley from our ward. Their birthdays are so close they decided to do it together. It was great for me. They did all the planning. We had it at Ashley's house. I just had to help with the invitations, buy some pizza, and bring a few prizes. (I highly recommend parties like this for everyone.) Since it was close to Halloween they dressed up in their costumes. They had a haunted trail in Ashley's woods in her back yard, had a scavenger hunt and played a few more games. The plans had to change slightly because it rained the entire day but we made it work. They all had a great time. Here are some pictures from the evening.

The birthday girl, Alexa

The other birthday girl, Ashley

The Party Goer's. They are all fun girls from her Achievement Day class. I was there leader up until a week ago. I am sure going to miss them.

McKenna, the cutest baby at the party.

The relaxed moms at the party. They sure get easier when the kids get older (and you only have to help with 1/2 of it.)

McKenna and me at the party. Tim took this picture of us outside. The few moments when it wasn't raining.

WE LOVE YOU, ALEXA