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Saturday, March 17, 2012

Hey world . . . I’m TWO!

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Yep – it’s official. Alexa turned two on Tuesday, March 13th at 11:59pm. I celebrated but let our mature two-year-old hoop-n-holla in her dreams. Random but Chris surprised me with a DSLR camera for our anniversary. I already LOVE this camera. I don’t know why we waited so long to get one – oh yeah – it costs money. I’m looking forward to my official tutorial from my ridiculously talented friend (and professional photographer) Shannon. (Please don’t set your expectations too high). Here’s a pictorial rundown of how Alexa celebrated her first day at two.

BREAKFAST WITH MICKEY & “SPRINKLERS”

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PLAYDATE WITH EVA (and Liberty)

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DADDY TIME

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ADVENTURES AT PLAYGROND #2

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Two-year-olds jump . . .

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and climb . . .

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and hang . . .

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and hang some more. . .

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and descend . . .

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and lounge . . .

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and eat, “Want some?” . . .

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and explore.

BATH TIME & ALEXA EXPRESSIONS
--oops, some are with a flash and some aren’t (pardon the amateurs . . . we’re learning)
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. . . and that’s a wrap!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Happy 2nd Birthday Sweetie!

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The Lord knew our daughter before the creation of time but it was only two short years ago we were introduced to her sweet face and beautiful spirit. It was a life-changing moment, and we’ll cherish it always. 

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Fast forward two years and here we are. I know we’ve only begun to lament how time flies. Whoosh! It really does, doesn’t it!? But no sadness today – this was a celebration. A celebration of life, of growth, of hope – Miss Alexa Hope. We thank God for the joy, the laughter and the indelible moments we’ve shared with our undeserved gift from the Father. Shine, sweetie, shine! That is, after all, what you’ve been doing in our lives, and many others, the past 24 months. As my dear friend, Brooke, said about being a mother, “It’s been the best two years of my life.” I couldn’t agree with her more. Thank for you for this privilege Father. We are rich indeed!!

This post is all about Alexa’s 2nd birthday party (which took place on Sunday, March 11th). I’ll follow up with some fun “the actual day” birthday pics in a later post. I was overwhelmed by the amount of pics (which means someone who isn’t Alexa’s mommy would definitely feel overwhelmed). Enjoy the party! We sure did.

THE DETAILS
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It all starts with an invite. This one invited guests to “pop on over” for a birthday party.

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I created bookmarks to include with the invitation asking Alexa’s immediate family to pray for her in this 2nd year of life. I asked them to pray for Alexa’s salvation and for her eagerness to learn about and follow Jesus. Finally, I asked them to pray for a specific Fruit of the Spirit to be manifested in her life. For example, this bookmark is for “self control.”  At the bottom, I included Romans 15:13 which is Alexa’s life verse. We also invite you to join us in praying these over our daughter and your children.

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A festive “Waldo” and treat bags for our guests.

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I wanted to make a banner for Lil’ A last year but ran out of time. Without a Cricut, it took a bit more time than I anticipated, but I loved putting it together.

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It says, “Alexa’s 2!” Thank goodness we didn’t name her Alexandria!

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Alexa’s life verse – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13

THE FOOD
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Every little girl needs a pink cupcake to celebrate #2. Thank you Gigi’s Cupcakes!

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. . . and every guest needs a slice of cookie cake to help Alexa celebrate!

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I heard if you add sprinkles to anything, it makes it taste better. Yummmm . . .

THE BIRTHDAY SONG
Alexa woke up singing, “Happy Birthday to me!” on Sunday morning. This was unprovoked but she had been told we were celebrating her birthday the night before. Here was her reaction “real time.”

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THE GUESTS

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Ama & Opa (Chris’s parents) joined us for the celebration via Skype.

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My parents – Pop & Mimi.

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Our precious three musketeers – Layton, Rylen & Alexa.

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Aunt Hol & Uncle Mark (Hol, so sorry you got whopped in the head by Lil’ A!)

THE GIFTS

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Alexa received a “Huggums” doll by Madame Alexander. Thank you sis! My mom, my sis, my niece and I all had the same doll growing up. It’s a family tradition. She loves feeding her in her highchair. We’ll need to get a stroller for walks. 

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Alexa’s showing Ama and Opa via Skype the glammed out sunglasses she received from “Aunt Brooke.” She asks to wear them anytime we go outside. Our little rockstar.

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Give Alexa a card that plays music and open the door to endless delight. The precious tee Alexa is wearing is courtesy of my very talented friend, Martisha.

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The birthday dress from Mimi & Pop.

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I don’t know why we bothered with a party. All we needed was balloons!

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Tickle time with Pop is a pretty great gift too. We love to hear those giggles.

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My greatest gift? Those brown eyes, those chubby cheeks . . . yep, I’m holding her!