Dear Alexis

Dear Alexis,

We sat the other day and looked through your scrapbook. You said to me, "Mom, I will always be your first baby you had, right?" I am so glad you are understanding that. I think there is something special about the bond you form with your first child. Then things you do and have done are new to me and Dad. You are full of surprises and we learn and grow so much from being your parents.

I can hardly believe you are already six. I guess what really amazes me is  how fast that time has flown by. You, however, are growing up like it is the thing to do! You want so much to be older, to have all the answers and to be on your own. Sometimes, I get a reminder of the little girl you once were. Most of the time you want to just be free and independent and able to explore and learn on your own.

 





You love to learn. You love the world around you, especially animals. You watch documentaries on animals and dinosaurs for fun. You remember so many facts, especially about the animals you love most. You are almost always pretending to be an animal.  You will say things like, "I am a super fast runner because I am a cheetah!" Your favorite animals to become are horses, guanacos, allosauruses, and Quetzelcoatlas. When you are not pretending to be an animal you like to create cakes or doll houses and furniture from blocks. You always love to do crafts and draw. You have also developed a strong love for reading and you easily go through a chapter book just about every week.

Alexis, you are a wonderful big sister. You and Emily are the best of friends. You are often willing to compromise what you want to make her happy (like letting her go first when taking turns). You take care of Nater and now that he is big enough, you like to play with him. You area  good example to your siblings. You are quick to be obedient and you are very kind.

You love people! You are so social and you will talk to anybody that is willing to listen. You seem to especially like to talk to grown ups at grocery stores. You work hard to make new friends. If you are in a situation where others are playing you like to join in with them. The other day when we went swimming with Cherish you worked hard to make friends with other girls at the pool. At first they weren't playing with you, but you kept at it and soon  you were all playing and having fun together. I love the way you trust people and want to include everyone. I love that you are comfortable being friends with people of all ages. I don't think there is a person you have encountered that you haven't loved instantly.

Alexis, I am so happy to be your mom. I love to watch you grow and to be a part of your discovering the world. I love your curiousity and I am grateful you allow me to see things from a new perspective. Thank you for being my first baby. Thank you for helping me to become a better mom. I love you with all of my heart!

Love,
Mom