Five.

On April 27, 2004, Lexie was the sunshine I needed in my life; she was a bright spot that helped erase so much sadness, trial, and heartache in our lives.  She's the one who turned my world into a happier, more joyous place.  I fell in love with Alexandra Shay immediately and knew she was special and sent just for me.  Curt picked her middle name because the instant bond we had was intense and unique...I fell in love with my little Lexie the moment I laid eyes on her.

Five means Kindergarten is around the corner.  Five means my baby is growing up.  Five means I need to brace myself!  I always tell my Lexie to stop growing up.  If I could just freeze my little girls in time!

In honor of FIVE years old...here's five things we all adore about our Lexie Lu-Lu:

• Her super intelligent and meaningful questions and deep thoughts like, "If Daddy's Monson's cubmaster, then why is Daddy's shirt the same color as Brayden's and not blue like Monson's?"

• The way she insists on cuddles and loves every night and her general sweetness when she tells me how much she's going to miss me when she grows up to be a mommy and moves away.  

• Her intense feelings of right and wrong...and always being concerned about pleasing her Heavenly Father by choosing the right. (She recently memorized the first four Articles of Faith...yes, I'm bragging on Lexie a little...how many adults even know them?!)

• The way she always asks to help me bake and cook.  She's always ready to assist me in the kitchen!

• The way she mothers Viviana--she has always adored her baby sister and had to see her, hold her...be with her when she was in the hospital. She will be a fantastic and nurturing mother one day!
  

Oh, how I absolutely ADORE you, Alexandra!  You are my dream come true...

Happy Happy Big FIFTH!