Our blue eyed girl

I think they are too blue to be changing. 

Favorite Photos Link

We've picked some of our favorite pictures of Alexis; this was not an easy task.  We'll update this album periodically.  Click here to go to the album.

Recent Pictures

Here are some recent pictures of Alexis.  She's growing so fast. 

Whose feet are those???

Its Saturday morning and I'm extactic we get to have a whole day to spend as a family.  We survived the first week of Alexis going to daycare.  I have to admit, it was probably harder for Jason and I than it was for Alexis.  I'd rather have it that way anyway.  Alexis seems to be quite busy going to the park, being outside and having kids play with her all day long.  She's so tired out by the time she gets home, she's gong to bed at 6 and is tired at 5.  Hopefully she settles in and she stays up a bit later so mom and dad have a little more time to spend with her. 

Alexis is changing everyday.  Most recently she found her feet and is enthralled with putting them in her mouth.  I think it's the absolute cutest thing.  She smiles constantly, giggles, talks and is just a really happy baby.  Lucky us!  She's rolling over from back to tummy almost as quick as you can put her on her back.  Between sucking on her feet and rolling over, she's making changing her quite difficult.  We have videos we'll be posting soon.

We have an Amazing Family!

I know there will be several firsts throughout the journey of Alexis' life.  I know some will come with tears and apprehension and some will be filled with joy and excitement.  Most will probably be a little of both.  Tomorrow is a day that will be another difficult first for us; we will be bringing our little girl to an in-home daycare. Though we feel comfortable where we are taking her, there is always the apprehension of leaving her with a stranger.  We've been spoiled for the past 7 weeks as we've had family watch her.  There is nothing better than leaving your daughter with family; knowing she is being loved and cared for like you'd love and care for her.  She was able to stay in her own crib, wake when she was ready to wake and get kisses and hugs all day long.  This time has made me realize that we are incredibly blessed to have such wonderful families.  Alexis is so loved!!

For the month of July, Maria, Jason's youngest sister, watched Alexis.  I was amazed at how mature Maria is for only being 14 years old.  I know I wasn't that mature at her age and I definitely couldn't have watched a 3 month old, like she did.  She was so incredibly good with Alexis and I could see how much she adored our little girl.  When Maria was here, it was a very difficult time for me as I was going back to work for the first time; but having Maria watch Alexis made it a little easier.  I knew Alexis was in such good hands.  We did try to have some fun while Maria was here and did teach her how to bet on the horses at Canterbury (she was pretty good at it too!)

The next week, Jason's mom stayed with us.  I've always said how lucky I am to have such good in-laws but I feel especially lucky to have an amazing mother in law.  I enjoyed our visits at night and her home cooked dumplings, Jason's favorite meal!  It was so nice having our mom's around.  Our house was cleaned, laundry was done and meals were on the table when we came home.  Not only was Alexis spoiled by having her Grandma's around but we were spoiled as well. 

For the past two weeks my mom has been here.  It's always nice for me to have some quality mom and daughter time together.  I appreciate her so much more now that I have a daughter of my own and it never feels like we get enough time together.  Dad also came up for a couple of days. Jason and I were able to get out for a date night at Buffalo Wild Wings and celebrate our Anniversary on a mini get away overnight.  It was the first night we spent away from our little girl but I knew we were leaving her in the best possible hands.   

Blowouts

So they say you know when you have to go to the next level of diapers when your baby continually has blowouts.  Alexis is not a stranger of these by any means but lately it's been an every time occurrence.  Of course this was when Jason decided to stock up on diapers.  We didn't want to waste what we just bought, so we thought we'd get through the ones we just opened then switch to the #2's.  Our little Alexis had a different plan however.  

Church has been an interesting experience for us the past few Sundays.  Alexis has been awake more so is not the sleepy little baby we've been growing accustomed to.  Two Sundays ago, right after the homile and while all was quiet, our precious little girl decided it was the appropriate time to poop.  Those of you who have been lucky enough to witness her little bowel movements would say they aren't so little and often quite loud.    Her loud splat echoed through the church walls and I could hear the little snickers from those around us.  Jason carefully passed her off and I proudly displayed my little daughers blowout to the whole congregation as I walked out of the church to change her.  After that day, we decided it wasn't worth the hassle and put the #1's away.  We are now on to #2 diapers folks!! 

One would think this would solve our little church fiascos.  However, today as Jason was holding Alexis during one of the readings, she again decided to let it rip.  Thank goodness our little girl isn't shy.  We thought we'd solved our blow out problem by changing the diaper size but we were mistaken.  I glance over at Jason and he gives me a look of helplessness as he turns her around to display what had just happend.  Her whole back was covered in poop along with daddy's shirt and pants. Jason carefully handed her to me and I proudly walked out with our little girl in an adorable poop filled outfit.  The only difference to last Sunday is it didn't just happen once, it happened twice!  Thank goodness I packed two extra outfits.  I think next Sunday I'll pack 3 just in case.  You just never know what to expect anymore.

Survival

Well I've survived my first few weeks of work but I wouldn't say it's been easy.  Of course, the first few days I cried at the drop of a hat when I'd think or talk about Alexis.  The next couple of days I enjoyed seeing my co-workers and feeling some independence again.  About the 9th day back, after I was back in the swing of things, I had a horrible day.  I wasn't able to feed Alexis before I went to work so missed her morning smiles and quality mom time I was used to.  As soon as I walked in, I cried to a co-worker.  I felt like I didn't get any time with her.   I realized I really needed that morning mom and daughter time, even if it was only for 15 minutes.  It helped me get though the day.  Some would say it would be easier to leave with their little one sleeping but I need my little Lexi fix to jump start my day.  Wouldn't you if you saw this face! 

My little punkin is sure growing up!!!