Yes, FINALLY!

I told someone when I created this blog that I would not be very good at keeping this up, and, true to my word, I am not!  I apologize!  I am including a little video of Miss Alexis singing her favorite little song (the only one she currently knows): Row, Row, Row Your Boat.  Enjoy!  Sorry it is sideways - I can't figure out how to turn it and get it saved that way! :}

First day of school (for boys)

In Chris' size 9s

Now on to some updates!  We have had quite the summer starting with the flooding and then trying to get that mess fixed.  The boys are still sleeping in the living room now 3 months later and they are sooooo anxious for their rooms.  Besides sleeping on the sofa or bed (we put a twin in the living room and they alternate), I think they just want their own space.  Chris and Zach have been awesome about this "living arrangement" and I know it can't be easy with a new sister in the mix!  Lexi, I think, has loved having them at her disposal for the summer and she misses them while they are at school.  What a day that was!  The boys disappear for the better part of the day and she's stuck home with mom!  Just after the boys started back to the Middle School, I quit one of my jobs.  As hard as it was, I know it will be great for both Lexi and me.  I quit the paint store and am now just working at the library.  I am able to work more evenings and less daytime hours to be home with her and so far I am really enjoying it.  By the time I reach my actual goal of stay-at-home mom she'll be starting school and the boys will be graduating!  UGH!  Oh well, baby steps.  Lexi and I have gotten into somewhat of a routine and that is good.  I love having my laundry and dishes done and she is quite the helper!  She is a total girl and LOVES shoes.  We change them at least 4 times a morning and they get placed EVERYWHERE around the house.  And if she's bored looking at her shoes, on she goes to the pile of the boys' shoes or she'll tackle my closet and out come my and Tim's shoes.  According to Lexi, shoes look great on the dining room chairs, in the boys bed, and on the shelves in the living room.  I even found one in the pantry!  What a decorator!!

In July we had Lexi dedicated on July 25 which would have been her sister's 10th birthday. It was kind of bittersweet as we dedicated Lexi in person and in our hearts were dedicating Danielle, too.  We hadn't had her dedicated before she died and even though we know she's been in our Lord's care all this time - it seemed fitting to do both girls. 

Alexis has been growing in size and speed these past few months, learning to "dance", sing (as you heard), and speak some words.  She now says "Up!" all the time as well as "Hi", will occasionally say "dadda", "Bye", and "no".  We are still trying to get her to say the boys' names and they come out sounding quite interesting!  I guess "Chris" and "Zach" will come later.  I am still not hearing "mom" or "momma", but am trying to be patient as many other words may make themselves heard before them.  Lexi has cut more teeth which were not a lot of fun for any of us, is eating a variety of food and shares her mom's sweet tooth.  This picture shows her in a rocking chair I was given about her age.  It has seen many years - and is in better shape than its owner! I wanted to put this in for my grandma to see as she and my grandpa gave it to me.

As you can see, Lexi doesn't have her glasses on in all the pics - they are off more than on and whoever came up the idea of having a 1+ year old in glasses is truly crazy!  We fight (and fight and fight) about having them on and I inwardly groan every time I hear someone exclaim, "she seems to be keeping them on good!"  Not the case at all, as I and the boys can attest, as well as the dear women at Family Eye Care who adjust Lexi's glasses on a near weekly basis! :)  Oh, well, we go to see the eye specialist in Oct. to get an update on her vision and any next steps to take.  

I don't know what else to report.  The basement should be finished in the next couple of weeks, Chris starts hockey on Oct 12, and Chris marches this weekend in a parade for band.  Everyone seems to be staying healthy, jobs are good, and school has started well for the boys.  Lexi seems to wear us out daily with all her energy, but her smiles, laughs, and funny little quirks are all worth it!!  Enjoy the fall everyone!