you make me laugh

dearest Princess Alexis, 

today is your birthday.  You turned the ripe old age of 6!  Umm...{sniff} why are you growing up so fast?  When did you grow so tall? I love your quick witty answers to questions.  The ones that are unexpected and make me laugh.  I love that you are very giving of your things, and so thoughtful of others especially me.  You are my child that asks me if "I'm ok", or if I need help, you {almost} always say thank you when others forget.  It breaks your heart when you realize you've done wrong and you try so hard to do right.  You bring me such joy.

6 years ago today, I was in labor with you.  I remember there were some pre-med students observing your birth.  One of them started talking to daddy and found out we wanted to come to Jamaica.  She had been to Jamaica on a missions trip.  They stood there casually discussing Jamaica and I became livid at both of them.  Here I was doing "all the work" and there they stood "discussing the beach!"  I forgave them.

6 years ago tonight, I was snuggling you in our hospital room in Missouri.  My {favorite} uncle Shawn knocked on the door and came in to see you and hold you.  He brought his little twin daughters (your cousins) to peek at you, but he wouldn't let them hold you yet.  He was very protective of you.  You probably won't remember him much, he passed away of a sudden heart attack 3 years ago.  But it meant a lot, to this proud mommy, for him to came see you.  He loved babies.

2 years ago we had your party in Spanish Town, Jamaica.  We had only been on the Island 2 or 3 weeks and everything was new and unusual.  I made you cupcakes and we had Papa and Grandma Hutchens over to sing for you.  They brought some visitors from the States and one of the men had a little boy your age and he gave you a package of peanut M&Ms.  Grandma Hutchens gave you some pretty rose cloth and I made a skirt for you and a matching blanket for (your baby doll) Ethel.

Today, you wanted toast and tea for breakfast.  You're so grown-up.  Your sisters wanted Marshmallow Mateys!  You opened presents from Great-Grandma Grace, Uncle Levi, Memaw and Papa Tot, and Grandma Paula and Papa Dennis.  Daddy surprised us all by taking us out to Pizza Hut for supper.  It was a wonderful day.

Thank you, Lord, for letting me be Allie's mommy.

count your blessing

#58 repurposed clothes

#59 a little girl with eyes that match daddy's

#60 the sound of a respectful "yes, sir" without reminding them