Happy Birthday Alexandra!

Today my baby girl turns 5! It is hard to believe that at this exact moment, 5 years ago, I was sitting in a hospital minutes away from giving birth to this beautiful little girl. Lexi came into this world 10 days early, with a head full of black hair, weighing 7lbs 14oz and was 21 in. long.

Since that day, she has been a constant bright light in our lives. Sure, she can be the most frustrating child at times. Her ability is listen depends on her mood and we often tease her that she's must be visiting "Lexi's world" because she isn't here with us. When I first suggested that to her, expecting her to get mad at me like her big sister would, she looked at me dead pan and said "it is really cool here, there is 102 roller coasters!". That's our girl :)

But she is also the most caring, compassionate, loving child I have ever met. She truly cares about others, is always willing to share her time and her things and is never one to back away from a hug or a kiss from us. Her laugh is contagious and you can truly tell she's happy when you see the giant dimple form on her cheek.

A 5th birthday are a milestone for a child and it's no different in this case. Maybe it's because she was my baby for so long or because she already seems so grown up, but this is a hard one for me. She's already started kindergarten and thriving, she's already started living in a world that doesn't always include me and she is definitely becoming her own little person. But she is one who absolutely knows home is where your story begins.

Lexi, you are a bright, shining star in our lives. You amaze us each and every day and we are so proud to be your parents. You have a unique job of being both a younger and older sister and you excel at both. May being 5 be all that you want it to be. We love you with everything we are.