"Tane tu" (Thank you)

While Auntie Jenn was holding Alexa, Alexa dropped her stuffed animal cat. Sweet Robert then picked it up and gave it to Alexa.
Alexa the said said "Tane Tu" (thank you) to Robert!
No way, right?! I'm amazed, too!

Happy 3rd birthday, Nolan!!

You make us smile and chuckle every day, bringing a new sparkle to each day. But you have given us something so much more, something we never expected; you have given us an even brighter future to look forward to. You are an such an amazing son, and the perfect big brother. We are so thankful to have you in our lives and love you more than life. HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY, NOLAN!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Sharing the new ride!

Nolan and Alexa love the new car Alexa got for her birthday! Thank you Auntie Jenn & Uncle Jarrod!!

Happy 1st birthday, Alexa!!!

I can't believe it, but my PRINCESS is 1 today!!  She has honestly been the perfect addition to our family, and I am so incredibly thankful to have this beautiful little girl to complete our lives.

Alexa is such a sweet, smart, loving, and easy-going baby.  When I come to pick her up from my mom's after work, she immediately reaches for me than gives me her signature open-mouth kisses over and over (she generally only does that for me :).  That just puts me on cloud nine!  She such a daddy's girl, too!  Unlike Nolan (who didn't really warm up to Francis until around 1 year old), Alexa has always adored Francis.  She will immediately start giggling and smiling in excitement when she sees him, and then reach for him to hold her.  She will then smack his chest in excitement and say "dada dada!".  She rarely says "Mama", but says "dada" and "nana" all the time.  She often calls me "dada", so I'm working with her to say "mama" more...I'm getting a little jealous ;)

What's funny about Alexa is that she's really not a cuddler.  Nolan would lay on you and cuddle when sleepy, but Alexa doesn't like that at all.  She will hug and smother you with kisses, but doesn't like just cuddling - when's she's tired, she just wants to be put down into her crib.  It's actually really nice, though, because bedtime is pretty damn easy with her! (crossing fingers that this continues).  I just breastfeed her at night and then simply put her in her crib, generally without a peep from her.  This is completely the OPPOSITE of Nolan.  So I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate that!

Alexa is an extremely playful little girl.  She ABSOLUTELY ADORES her big brother and can play with him for hours!  Of course, the only issue is that she wants whatever he's playing with - so that can annoy Nolan many times.  Luckily, Nolan still thinks that Alexa is the most amazing little thing.  I think it helps that Alexa laughs at all his goofy charades - she is Nolan's best audience!

So let's see, what are some of Alexa's 1 year milestones:

• says "dada", 
• says "nana"
• says "mama", although this is rare :(
• says "go" (when she wants you to push her on the swing or walk with her)
• say "gup" (which is 'get up'), 
• says "ahh duh" (which is 'all done'..but only said a few times in the past), 
• "tane tu" (which is 'thank you', although she just said this once for Jennifer)
• "dah" (dog)
• "kee cah" (kitty cat)
• "cuh" (cup)
• Has taken 7-8 steps on her own.  She actually walks pretty well when holding your hand, but doesn't quite have the confidence to go for it on her own (you have to stay steps in front of her to get her to try taking steps
• feeds herself with a spoon and fork
• Alexa has really done most things ahead of the curve. Such a smart girl!!
• There are a million other things, but all I can say is that I am AMAZED and PROUD of everything she does - whether it be a simple smile, or saying new words.

I truly love this little girl more than life, and so thankful that she is my daughter.  I could not have asked for a more perfect little girl - beautiful, smart, sweet, outgoing, and fun.  She's simply amazing!!!

Fun in a Lego box

"I'm not tired!"

Two minutes prior, this guy was screaming, "I'm not tired!"

QOTD - by Robert Jodoin

Today, while the Smiths, Jodoins, and Nana were all out to dinner, Robert said the funniest thing that just had me cackling so hard.

QOTD (by Robert Jodoin)
Robert: "Wow, Alexa's hair is getting so long.  I want to grow my hair long too, but only enough to cover one eye."
Me:  "Bwahahahaha!  Wow....bwhahaha....you going....bwahahaha...for the emo look?"

Goofing around with Daddy

Bro & Sis hanging out

Cutest pic!! (Not even posed!)

Oh the burdens of being cute

Alexa's first drawing!

Swinging

Alexa, Nolan, and Bear-Bear swinging. Fun times on a Friday night!

"I love you, woof woof."

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My gorgeous sweet pea