3 Years Old and Counting

Here are a few pictures of the party festivities. The cake, sideways...
Wendi was so kind to help me throw this together.

Alexandra was very surprised when these special guests arrived.

Partying like rockstars with Cinderella.

Spoiled by so many wonderful gifts.

Birthday party hang over!

Our pretty princess on her official birthday day.

It is truly amazing to see my little baby boo boo go from this tiny thing to the vibrant toddler she is today. Today at this time Alexandra was only a few hours old and I had no idea what I had gotten myself into. Each day brought new challenges, like how write a paper or work while entertaining an infant, but more importantly it also brought an increased depth of love for my baby girl, my amazing husband and my Father in Heaven. I think that the only hope for a selfish person like me is become a mother and learn to put the needs of beautiful child before my own. Despite my fears and anxiety in becoming a mom, it was the best and most inspired decision of my life (next to marrying my handsome hubby).

I pray that Alexandra knows how much I love her. I hope to teach her to be strong, faithful, independent and kind. She keeps me in check as she often repeats what I say to her. I hope that good sinks in as quickly as the not so good! Here are a few highlights about my little Ali right now.

1. Alexandra loves to share whatever invisible concoction she has cooked up. Here favorite right now are ice cream cones.

2. When all hope lost in having her potty trained by 3 she pulled out a miraculous change of heart 3 weeks before her birthday. She is pretty much potty trained during the day and we are gearing up to take on the nights.

3. Alexandra is all girl...all the time. Whether she is getting ready for bed or just jumping out, she insists on wearing a crown, headbead or tutu. She loves wearing dresses and in her opinion, the poofier, the better.

4. Despite my inclinations when she was an infant, Ali is rather shy. When she is in a new situation she hides behind me and doesn't say a peep. After a few minutes she will warm up and jump in but takes a bit.

5. My little Boo is quite the book worm. Lately I will often find her reading books in her room for good periods of time by herself. She will get stuck on a book and ask you to read it over and over again. A few of her favorites are the paint book, the 3 little aligators, the big mouth frog and the swamp book.
6. I fear she is a tad OCD. She is very particular when playing with her toys and ensures that they are all lined up correctly. She does not like when her Barbie's hais is in her face or things aren't just right.

7. She is trained pretty well to put her clothes in the hamper and her shoes and coat away.

8. I am so grateful that she is not a destructive, messy or sneaky child. I have never worried about taking nap or stepping into another room for fear that she will leave a path of destruction in her wake.

9. Alexandra loves to dance. One of her favorite things to say is "Come dance with my hands" - she will twirl you around until you can't stand any more.

10. Ali is so full of love. She gives the best loves and kisses and is very concerned about everyone's well being.

There is no way to encapsulate everything Alexandra is. The best way to know is to spend a day with her and join in her world. Each time I actively try to play in her world I am blessed with increased love and peace in my life. Oh how I love this little girl!