Happy 18th Birthday Lexie Lou!!

On this day, 18 years ago, I gave birth to one of God's most favorite! Alexandra Lillian was born!

She was a darling girl from day one and I was in love!

Here she is at 3 years old. Such a doll!

I honestly do not know where the time has gone. It has gone by much too quickly. Much. Much. Much. too quickly. This will probably be her last birthday at home. {weep}. I don't like that much. 

I know that as part of my role as her mother, I'm to teach her the ways of life, so that she can be released to the world, whole and complete, and ready to tackle the world. But, sometimes I feel that I have learned so much more from her. I've seen what true selflessness looks like. And how to be a friend to all at all times. And to love all unconditionally. How to have a ready smile no matter the circumstances and a gentle word of reassurance when things may not be going as planned.

Oh, my girl Lexie. What a gift and a blessing the Lord gave to me this day, 18 years ago. 

Lexie is ready to tackle the world. 

And when she talks about her dreams of her future, I start singing this song. But half way through the song, I'm the one crying and I realize how much I'm going to miss right where we are today. 

So bittersweet watching your children grow up. But I always remember my great grandmother, Bess, telling me, "It's exactly what you want your children to do. You wouldn't want them to not grow up!" 

I'm still going to miss this though. :)

I love you, Lexie!!! Hope your day is as beautiful as YOU!!