Alexa's Dedication

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Deuteronomy 31:6

This last weekend, we had the joy of celebrating Alexa's Dedication at church with our families. It was a beautiful day and a really wonderful time together. We are SO thankful for everyone who was able to make it to celebrate. Everyone who came was from 'out of town' and some of our family even canceled plans to be there...many many thanks! It was a very special day in Alexa's life that held much meaning, and I bet, one day relatively soon, she will look back at these pictures and smile... :) The verse above is a verse Doug & I chose for Alexa to be read during her dedication. It's our hope that that she will be a strong and courageous woman who chooses not to live in fear, but chooses to trust God and knows and lives in HIS love. And, there is no fear in love...perfect love (God's love) casts out all fear.

Thank you, family!

Love & Hugs,

Doug, Katie & Alexa

At Church before the ceremony with Daddy, Jenna & Liam.

Praying for Alexa during her dedication.

Doug, myself & Alexa with Godmother, Kelly, and the Godfather, Steve.

We put Alexa down for a nap right after the dedication service and when she awoke...instant joy! Here she is enjoying Godmom, Aunt Kelly.

If I could have one photo that would 'describe' our Alexa's personality...well, this one might be a candidate :) Here she is with her cousins, Chloe, Jenna, & Liam

sweet.

Alexa with her two younger cousins on both sides and two great Aunties.

Aunt Allison and Emerson & Aunt Erica and Chloe.

A family photo that Steve took at the end of the day (thank you, Steve!)

"Come here, lil' cousin, let me help you with your hairbow. "

I am love my Godmother SOOOOOO much that I must pull her hair and kiss her!

Grandma & Aunt Valerie enjoying some cupcakes & coffee later in the afternoon.

Godfather, Uncle Steve, Uncle Daniel & Grandpa John

Back from a (Photo) Blogging Hiatus!

Hey Everyone!! I'm back... and ready to do more photo-blogging. :) It's been a busy few months for sure! And, here's some recent photos from Mother's Day that Doug took of Alexa & I and a few extras. Alexa is now 7.5 months! She LOVES to walk (she holds our fingers and will walk for hours a day), still dislikes being on our tummy (we wonder if she will want to crawl!) and has said a couple words "Mom" (pronounced ...'MAAHHMMM') and "Hi" (pronounced as 'Hi-ah'). I honestly can't believe she hasn't said "Dadda" yet....she loves her Daddy! She has lots of personality and is very strong (and strong-willed!). We love her so much, and as Doug said recently "Alexa's default state of being is JOY...that's a good example for all of us."

Enjoy the pics!

Kate & Alexa (blogging buddy)

personality?!

Aaron (Doug's old roommate in Chicago) & Alexa

Papa (Doug's Dad) & Alexa this past Sunday

One of my favorites taken at 7 months :)

PHOTOS! Pine Island, Sanibel, Family, First Food!

Here's a snapshot of our February :0) Happy Sunday to you! Enjoy :)

Family Photo in Florida this past week

Alexa's first stroller ride in shorts :)

One handsome Daddy and one fashionista beauty baby

Alexa and I in Sanibel

Another Mommy & Daughter photo at the Garlands

Family Dinner on the Smith side

Four generations on my Mom's side...definitely treasure this

Grandma & Alexa

Doug & I in Florida last week...out to eat with Alexa, Gram & Papa (Doug's parents)

Alexa loving Sanibel beach

My sister, Erica's new daughter, Chloe Christina...just 3 days old and smiling.

Papa & Alexa at the house in Florida this past week

Gram & Alexa on the dock :-)

Three days ago, after Alexa's first food (rice cereal)....she was a happy camper!

Alexa is 4 months old!

Four months ago today, I was at the hospital with Doug ...in labor and anxiously awaiting to meet Alexa. It was truly one of the most exciting and wonderful days of my life-- I loved the entire journey of that day from start to finish :) And...the last four months have been hard and wonderful all at once....and a huge learning process in so many ways. We just can't believe our little girl is four months old!

And today, Alexa had her four month appointment, and she is the picture of health...here's her stats:

Head Size: 95%, Height: 95% (surprise surprise...she has a 5'11 Mom & a 6'5 Dad), Weight: 90% (Here's to the wonder of breastmilk!).

Our pediatrician and, of course, Doug & I are so pleased with her growth and how healthy she is...we are so thankful to God and do not take this for granted.

Things overheard today at her 4 month appointment by the nurse and doctor:

*"She is so aware, wide-eyed and observant." (yep, that's what everyone's said since Day 1!)

* "Hmm...She must look like her Dad and his side of the family..." (LOL--I have also heard this one quite a few times!)

* "She is such a happy easy going baby...look at her...always smiling and entertaining herself !!!" (I think she was just showing off for the doctor, but I'll take it ((wink)).

* "Your buying her the next size up car seat soon (the convertible car seat), right? She's almost too long (tall) for the infant seat!" (We know...and we are...thanks. :)~

Happy Thursday!

Kate

It's been a long time... :)

It has been a long time since my last post (Alexa is now 3.5 months!!), and as I am typing this while Alexa is in her 'baby gym' talking (AHHH!!!, EEEoooo!, etc.) and playing with (or should I say, 'putting in her mouth') all of her hanging toys. I've said it before, but she is one aware and alert babycakes!

Here's some of what I am learning about our Alexa...

-Loves when people sing to her and often sings along with "Awwhhhww" (Disney songs and Musicals...namely, "Sound of Music" tunes)

-Truly enjoys breastfeeding and is a fantastic eater (which makes me very happy--it's my POLISH side!)

-She and her Daddy are best buds and no one makes her smile as big as he does (yay Daddy!).

-Diaper changes are one of her favorite activities (instant smile when we hit the changing pad and often lots of cooing!)

-Bathtime is another favorite time of hers...She LOVES the water!

-Doesn't cry that often, but hummm/grunts loudly instead (it's slightly amusing...a complaining sound)

-Does not like her car seat for long periods of time (She does cry a lot in this seat...tears and all)

-Loves being held and smiles often at others!

Hope you enjoyed the pics!

Kate & Alexa (blogging buddy)

Any Given Sunday... :)

Doug and I had a great outing with Alexa on Sunday...lots of walking downtown, brunch and even the mall. She was a trooper, loved seeing all the people and sites and also slept quite a bit. Isn't she a little sleeping beauty (biased Mom talking--hehe)?

A tired babycakes after a long day :)

Alexa & I on State Street for a casual stroll (obviously Doug snapped this photo while we were walking).

Doug holding Alexa as she takes in the sounds and sites of our favorite casual restaurant the "Old Fashioned"

One bundled baby girl :)

Hope you are having a great week!

Kate & Alexa (my blogging buddy)