Dear Alexis

age one

 I didn't know how much love my heart was capable of until I had you.  You are the one that blessed your father and I with the journey called parenthood.  You spent your first year as a "challenging" baby with lots to "say" and little sleep to be had but gave us so much more joy and gracing us with the only life I could ever imagine.

age 2

The growth and maturity you have done in 7 years is astounding.  What you have gone through and learned in 7 years took me 20.  When you were 2 and we had your brother, you immediately took to the mother role, changing his diaper helping me burp him and sitting next to me nursing your doll while I nursed him. 

age 3

age 4

 When you were 4 I had a hysterectomy and took awhile to recover.  In the meantime you stepped in and made your brother peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pouring him drinks, and helping him go potty.  I don't know too many 4 year olds capable of doing what you did.  You are quite the superhero.

age 5

When you were 5 I got sick.  You got it.  You understood I couldn't do what I used to be able to do.  So you stepped up again.  You comforted your brother when he didn't get it, you got him whatever he needed, you started helping me do my laundry and you sat and read to me.

age 6

You also started to worry.  A child should not have to worry about anything but you did.  You wouldn't and still don't talk about what upsets you.  You bottle it all up and then something very small will set you off and you finally cry and let it all out.  It breaks my heart that you have fear inside of you.  I want you to know that if you can't turn to me or your dad you can always turn to God.  He will lift you up, He will always be there for you.

age 7

There is something extra special about you.  There is something very deep and magical about you.  God has made you this way to fit into our puzzle perfectly.

You have shown me so much happiness and laughter.  You have taught me how to be carefree and full of life.  I want to be a better person because of you.  I want to fill your memory with happy times, silliness and most of all love.

My birthday wish for you Alexis Grace is that you live your life full of joy and love.  That you have faith and keep God in your heart.  That you always have hope.  That you follow your dreams.  That you live a life that makes you happy.  Make everyday the best day of your life Alexis!

Happy Birthday

I love you more than words could ever express.