Lexi Girl is One

Lexi is officially a year old as of Saturday.   I can't believe she isn't a tiny baby anymore.   She is still tiny, but you know what I mean.   She will be walking any day, and she is full of personality.   Anyone and everyone she meets comments on her smile.   It is so cute.   And still totally toothless.   I can't believe how much I love this little girl.   She is a bright spot in a tough year.   Since we are living community style with my sister in a small house, we decided not to have a huge birthday party for her.   We just did a little family BBQ at my mom and dad's house.   I decorated in pink and pumpkin, and it turned out really cute.  

Since it was just family at the party I set out this little table where everyone could write Lexi a note that she would open on her 18th birthday.  

I saw the idea on pinterest (where else?) and loved it.

I try to think about ways to make my kids birthdays meaningful.

I know when I turned 18 I would have loved to have gotten special notes from my family about me at a year old.

Now I just have to remember where I put them for the next 17 years.

I sanded (and by I, I mean my husband) and painted a wooden high chair I found on Craig's List for 5 bucks.

I also made the little "1" banner attached to the chair.

One other decoration that made the party really special was her pictures over the last 12 months in a frame my brother in law made for Lexi's baby shower when I was pregnant.

I love reusing things like this.

It is so fun to see how much she has changed over the course of the year.

I ended up making her a pumpkin muffin as her "smash cake" because it was the only recipe that seemed easy and tasty without eggs.

One last little piece of her party was this adorable tutu outfit I ordered on Etsy.

It was exactly what I wanted for her.

She looked so precious in the whole get-up.

It was a really special day to celebrate our precious gift from God.

She is such a joy.

I try to write my kids a letter every year around their birthday just to recap some of the small details I know I will forget as they grow.

I am not sure when I will give them their "book" of letters . . . maybe at 18, maybe on their wedding day, maybe to find when I am gone (probably not since I am really looking forward to watching them cry as they read . . .haha) . . . but I love writing the way I feel right at that stage.

I hope and pray they can feel it too as they read these letters.

Here is a portion of Lexi's from this year.

Dearest Lexi Girl,

               You were quite the surprise to our family, but I know that God picked exactly you to fit right in.  This past year has been the hardest in my life thus far.  I know it wasn’t the worst I could imagine, but it was hard and looked hopeless on multiple occasions.  You were such a bright spot.  You were something I could always look to as a picture of God’s grace and love for me.  Your sweet smile is such a gift.

                The day before you were born I wrote you a short note on my blog to ask you to come quickly and as painlessly as possible.  You delivered then and you continue to be an extremely easy baby.  Your daddy always says that he prayed and prayed that God would give us a “go with the flow” kid while our life was so crazy.  He answered our prayers and so much more with you.   

                Lexi, you are such a gift.  I literally thank my God everyday for placing exactly you in my arms 12 months ago.  I hope and pray that I cherish every moment with you.  I know the years will fly by, but I want to make happy memories for you to remember.  You are such a special little girl who brings so much joy to so many people.  Your smile is a light.  I pray you always use it to shine for your Savior.  He blessed you with such a sweet spirit.  I am learning from you already.  I want people to react to me the way they do to you.  It is impossible to be unhappy when I am around you.  You are a blessing to your father, your brothers and me.  We can’t get enough of you.  We celebrate your life.  We love you so very much, precious one.

 I love you, my sweet, sweet smile,
Mommy