One Week to go . . .

or is it only one week left? I don't know what to make of this last week before Alexis turns one. Should I be excited for all that is yet to come in her toddler years or sad that my little girl is growing up and will no longer be considered a baby/infant? As I have been preparing for her birthday party over the last month, there have been a few tears shed~mostly tears of happiness as I reflect back on where we were a year ago, how our lives have changed so much, and how incredibly happy this one child has made my life. It's something that no one could have ever prepared me for, I once heard someone say it is like going from living life in black and white to living life in color. I'd have to say I agree with that and it kind of sums it up in a nutshell. I feel that I have been so blessed to have been given Alexis and have her brought into my life. Of course, we have had our challenges with her as every parent does with any child, but she has such an amazing personality that it is so easy to forget the hard times and days. She loves to smile, laugh, and lately she has even enjoyed snuggling with me! My favorite moments with her are laughing and playing and looking into her eyes and seeing how incredibly happy she is. For a little girl who has been thru so much, you would never know it because she is always shining like the sun! Putting all this down on paper (or the world wide web) makes me want to thank a few people. . . thank you lord for blessing me with the miracle of life and thank you to my husband for making me a mother to such a beautiful and happy baby girl, named Alexis, who is about to no longer be a BABY!
Pictures to follow - we got a new camera and I haven't uploaded them to the computer yet.

Playing with Trains

Celebrating Olivia's 1st birthday with her since we missed it because we were in Iowa.Sophia, Olivia, and Alexis

Using our Imagination

Today, we went to Imagination Avenue to play with some friends. It's an indoor play area for kids that we just discovered and had a great time. We will definitely be going back.Driving the big yellow School Bus!Our friends Sophie and Melissa"Get in Jadyn, I will take you for a ride in the Fire Truck!"

Only in Phoenix, Arizona . . .

do they have a Snowball Event in the middle of August! This happens to be a pretty popular thing to do here in the summer. They bring in snow to a park and the kids come to play in the snow in their shorts, snow boots, and mittens! Lexi ate her first snow ball.Beach Balls and Snowbuckets!?!?!?!

This snow tastes pretty good.And of course, Frosty made an appearance.Bubbles, bubbles, and more bubbles!

Trip to IOWA!

I know you have all been waiting to see and hear about the fun adventures we had on our trip to Iowa so I will let the pictures tell the story!

Cousin Trevor hanging on tight to Lexi so that she doesn't fall out

Three little monkeys going on a wagon ride (Cousins: Trystin, Lexi, Trevor)

Trystin and Alexis hanging out on Trystin's pink sofa

Trevor, Trystin, and Alexis at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines.

Going for a train ride at the zoo (Mommy, Lexi, Aunt Jenny, Cousin Trystin).

Trystin and Lexi sitting by the flowers at the exit to the zoo.After the zoo, we went to meet Joey and Maddox. We had a nice walk with the kids and enjoyed some ice cream! Joey and Maddox are my friend Holly's two boys. Wish we were closer and could do that more often.Alexis and Great Grandma Laurel.Lexi's birthday party with Mommy's family. She enjoyed playing with Trystin's cool karaoke machine.Corn Fed Baby! Lexi had a lot of fun eating her first ear of sweet corn.Here is the birthday girl ready to rip into her presents!We didn't have to encourage her to eat this blue cupcake - she knew exactly what to do.
Making sure she doesn't miss any of the frosting!Nana Sandra and Grandpa Larry come to take me to lunch.On Monday, we went to Ames to visit my friend Andrea and her son Kevin. We had a nice visit and a great time at their park.Saying our goodbyes to Trevor and Trystin.Grandma Cindy rocking me to sleep my last night in Iowa.
Four Generations - Great Grandma Laurel, Grandma Cindy, Mommy, and Lexi
(This was taken at the airport before we left - wish we would have got a nicer picture of the 4 of us but I didn't think of it earlier).
Waiting to board our plane - snuggled up with her Iowa pig.

Alexis and I had a wonderful trip to visit my family and friends. She was a great passenger on the plane. She got to meet and play with her cousins for the first time. Trevor and Trystin showed her all their fun little tricks. She even warmed up to Papa Tom 3 days before we left (so sorry I don't have a picture of the two of them playing). My family threw Alexis a birthday party and as you can tell she really enjoyed her cupcake.

Eleven Months Old

We are practicing our animals and their sounds as we prepare to visit the farm in Iowa!
Only 1 more month to go until the Big 1!. Alexis has become Miss Independent the last month. Ever since she has learned how to get around by herself, she suddenly doesn't need us anymore. It is so great to see how far she has come in 11 months but also so sad to see our little baby girl growing up into a toddler. Her favorite thing to do is to cruise around the living room from sofa to chair to gate to loveseat. Her new language that she is speaking is quite cute to listen to. I would have to say her favorite food is cheese! She can even say it. Alexis is no longer a big fan of jarred baby food she would much rather eat what is on your plate. I am a little distracted today because we are supposed to be packing for our trip to Iowa. Lexi's first plane ride and trip out of Arizona will be to Iowa to meet my family and friends. We should have lots of new pictures to add next week when we get home.Taking a ride with Bert and Ernie in their fire truck!The Fab Four celebrating Giavanna's birthday - She's the 1st to turn one!Taking a ride in Gia's cool set of wheels.
And here are a couple of videos of Alexis walking with her little assistant. She is so proud of herself!