It's been another 6 months since my last post. You have grown so much. You just turned 2 and you are completing whole sentences now. Your favorite movie is Cars and you love to be outside. You can now tell me when you are hungry or when you hurt. You are a pretty tough kid, when you fall you usually jump right back up and keep going. Sometimes if it is a really hard fall you come for loves but then after a minute you say "It Bedder" and off you go again. You love your books, every night I have to give you a book to read before you go to sleep.

Momma Tahnee and I are so lucky, you are such a good girl you occasionally throw a fit but most of the time when you are being bad and I start to count to 3, I rarely make it past 2 before you are listening and changing you behavior. I love the sound of your laugh and that you are so affectionate. My favorite time of day is in the evening when we make dinner and dance to music or you have to sit on the counter so you can have a good look at what I am doing. It makes me laugh that you try to mimic everything I do right down to putting your hands in your pockets and crossing you feet just like me. Grandma Philly laughs and laughs and calls you a mini me. You love your grandma's, you call Grandma Philly "ma ficky" and Grandma D "Gumma". The cutest thing you say now is "my name Lessi" as you point at your little chest.

For your birthday we had a party in the morning with all your friends you had such a good time. Then in the evening we invited all of our adult friends that love you. At one point I looked accross the living room into the kitchen and realized that our house was completely packed with friends. It was so nice to see that many faces smiling at you as you opened your gifts. You are loved by everyone that knows you and you give so much love back. It warms my heart to think about what a loving soul you have and I pray you continue to be loving of everyone you meet.

Well Mommy has been a bit of a slacker and hasn't posted anything in a while, let's remedy that and catch up a bit.

Since my last post you have had your first birthday and you have learned to walk. You are everywhere and into everything, as soon as I clean something up you are right behind me making another mess. Momma Tahn thinks it's very comical.

You are learning to talk now. You have mastered Hi and I believe you have a quota to meet every time we go out to see how many people you can say "Hi" to. The newest word is cheese and any time anyone points a camera at you, you tell them cheese. You are understanding more and more words everyday. This week Momma Tahn taught you to take things to the garbage and you are doing that regularly now and today I asked you to go get your shoes and you went right in and got one, then when I said good job but you need two you went right back in and grabbed the other one and a second pair for good measure.

You are a very good girl, you usually mind and you are always polite to other people. I am already so proud.

Your favorite food is fruits and veggies (mostly fruit) Momma Tahn calls you a fruititarian. When we go to the store and we buy grapes or any kind of berry you point and squeak and grunt until we give you one right then. After that we have to hide them or I think you would eat the whole package before made our way to the check out.

This week I have noticed that you are becoming more interested in tv. Today I found you dancing with Barney and friends. You sing and dance to any music that is on and you have got a ton more rhythm then I do.

Also right now you are learning to eat with a spoon or a fork, you are doing very well but still get a bit tired of it and end up eating with your hands. I am sure you will master it in about a month or so. You already drink from a straw and enjoy juice and water more then milk.

You are growing up so fast, it's like I blink and you become more independent. Sometimes I want it to slow down, but with each new thing you learn your personality shines through. I realize you are becoming you and I would never want to take that away.

I am so very thankful I have you and I get to see all the new stages in your life.

Learning to walk

Well you are learning to walk. You are pulling yourself up to stand next to everything and you are even attempting to let go now and then. Your biggest obsticle is your balance you are doing very well pulling yourself up but then your little legs start to wobble and down you go. Last night was your first fall that involved blood. You pulled yourself up to play with your learn and groove and lost your balance as you went down you hit your lip on the edge. You cried hard for a few seconds then off you went again.

Today I worked at home and you sayed home with me. You played all day, your favorite thing was the measuring spoons and the pots and pans. It always amazes me how much we spend on toys and then you would rather play with kitchen utinsels or a cardboard box.

For lunch today you had spaghetti I fed you the first part of then I let you finish it by yourself. You got it everywhere, it was in your hair and all over your face it was even on the wall. You had to take a bath just to clean up. It was a fun day, then in the afternoon we took a nap together on the couch watching tv.

Now tonight we had dinner and you had another bath and off to bed. You are in your room singing yourself to sleep. I love that you do that, Granny D says the her brother Roger used to do the same thing and sing himself to sleep everytime he was tired and that her mom called it the wif 'n poo song. It's amazing how even though you weren't able to meet them we can still see them in you. Roger and my Grandma would have loved you, I hope you got to meet them in heaven before you came to bless me and momma Tahn.

Chloe's first birthday

Today we started out just like any other day, you woke up a little late at about 9am and I changed your diaper and dressed you. You played with your toys and crawled around for a while and then you had breakfast. At 11am it was time for your nap, I don't know why you dislike your naps lately but you sit in your crib and talk and cry for about half an hour before you go to sleep, then you only sleep for about an hour. After your nap we had lunch and played for a bit then it was time to get ready to go. Today was your cousin Chloe's first birthday and her party started at 5pm.

We were all ready and off we went. We first stopped at the store and picked up a present, we got her a new outfit and a ernie doll. Once we got there you were greeted by Granny D, Aunt Lydie, and Aunt Rachel they all had to give you love. Chloe got lots of clothes and toys, she is so quiet but it was really cute how she had to touch everything she got. You really liked her toy petting zoo that her older brother and sister got her. Your Uncle Johnny even noticed how much you liked it and said he might have to take a trip back to the store and see if they had another one so he could get it for you for your birthday. They gave Chloe her own birthday cake to eat, she wasn't really interested she is a lot like her mom and doesn't want to be dirty. I sat and thought how if I put a whole cake in front of you there would be cake flying everywhere, you would take handfuls and put them in your mouth and also try to give some to everyone that was close. It makes me laugh how much you and Chloe are like your mommies. Chloe is very serious and tends to be calm, she hates being dirty and is a little bit shy much like her mom (Aunt Amanda). You on the other hand are the life of the party, you like to crawl around and say Hi to everyone, you don't care who is holding you as long as you can see where I am, you want to taste everything anyone is eating and you are not is the slightest affraid to get dirty. You are so much like me. Your Granny D once told me when I was a teenager "I hope you have one just like you." Well I did. Anyway little Chloe finally ate a little bit of her cake and all the guests had cake and ice cream as well. Then people started to clean up and leave. You sat with Grandpa Russ for a bit while we cleaned up the chairs and the presents and then we were ready to go. I put your jacket on and we gave Granny D and Grandpa Russ kisses and we turned to say bye bye to Aunt Amanda, Chloe, and Uncle Johnny. Uncle Johnny waved and you put your hand up it was so cute I told him that was your first attempt at a wave and then you acctually started to wave your hand. Everyone thought is was so cute every person in the room then had to wave at you so you would wave back at them. I think Uncle Johnny felt a little special because he got your very first wave.

On our way home we stopped for dinner with Aunt Rachel and Melissa. You spent more time watching the people then eating, but you were starting to get very tired. We ate and then headed home, You, of course fell asleep in the car it was a busy evening.

We are home now and you are in your bed asleep. As I am sitting here typing this I am thinking how fast this year has gone, we will be celebrating your first birthday in just a couple of months. This has been such an amazing and happy year for all of us and it would not have been possible without you, our little angel.

Momma Tahn asked me to post this for you.

Lexi D,

Anytime I see your big smile and hear your growling giggle it is the best part of my day. Mommy Chris is right, you are an angel. Bringing so much happiness and love to our home and our lives. We are both so grateful for our little bugger.

Love,

Mama Tahn

Playing with Grandma

Today Mommy worked from home so you didn't have to go to daycare. Granny D came over and the two of you played for hours. She brought over a little rocking horse for you. You didn't quite understand the concept of it but you thought it was fun to sit on him and just pet his ears. The fun part was when you were done you would just slide off the back of him on to the floor and off you would crawl.

You are pulling yourself up on things now and grandma says you will be walking any time now. Oh boy I don't think I am ready for that yet. You are growing so fast and you are so determined to be big and do things yourself. It seems like you have wanted to be gown up since the day your were born, you have a mind of your own and have wanted things you way from the beginning.

Another new trick yo have found is you love to take the dirty clothes out of the basket. Today as I was loading up the laundry to take it down stairs I turned my back to get something out of the bathroom and when I came back you had pulled a handful of clothes out of the basket. This isn't such a big deal with the exception that everything you pull out you put on your head. So as you can imagine there are items in the laundry that do not belong on your head, but it is so funny I am laughing so hard I can't even tell you to stop or even take it away from you and mean it. Well now it has become a game.

You have gone to bed for the night, you look so peaceful when you sleep. I look into the crib and rub your back thinking to myself how could I have made something so perfect. You are an angel.

January 10,2009
This week you have learned to take things out of your mouth and shake them onto the floor if you don't like what you are being fed. The dog loves the small droppings that are suddenly appearing for her. You have also learned how to shake your head, clap, and wave. You are crawling everywhere, the animals in the house are not amused at all. The best part is this morning I walked into your room and you were standing in your crib, which means you can now pull yourself up so walking is just around the corner.
Tonight we had dinner with Aunt Sarah, Danika, and Ethan. You played all evening with Danika. You love having an audience and Aunt Sarah is always attentive, watching you and laughing.

Ok so lets try this out

I have never really blogged before but here goes. I figure since I have been a lazy mom and not kept a baby book I will try to make up for it now using a blog.

Ok so lets start at the beginning and summarize the last year and a half.

March 25 2007
We met the doctor and are going to make a baby. I will be tracking my ovulation and I will take a fertility drug to help keep the ovulation regular. The doctor says it can take on average 4 tries so we have some time. First I have got to quit smoking.

April 2007
Well I am now nicotine free but no ovulation in fact no cycle at all. So next month we start the fertility meds.

May 2007
Started the fertility meds now we just wait and test.

June 2007
We had our donor sample shipped and it is waiting on me at the university of Utah. June 11 we got a positive ovulation. June 12 we called the doctor and we make our first attempt that afternoon. We wait a few days and take a pregnancy test. Negative. I cried for an hour, Momma Tahn was so strong she told me to remember the doctor says on average it takes 4 tries. We wait again and start the fertility meds again. They make me mean, I feel bad for those around me.

July 2007
We have the donor sample sent again, they were out of our first choice so we went with out second. July 5 we have a positive ovulation, we call the doctor and Dr Nelson is on vacation so we will need to see his partner. Nothing is going as planned. We go to the doctor and we make our second attempt. Then we wait again. July 10 Momma Tahn tells me to wait until the 12th to take a pregnancy test but I can't wait. I stop at the store, I have $10. I have to buy a cheap test but I am hoping it works. At home I pee on the stick and wait, Slowly the two lines start to appear. They are light in color but there are two lines. Oh god I am pregnant, now how do I tell Momma Tahn I tested without her and it's positive. She got home about 7pm and Karl is with her. I pull the stick out of my back pocket and show her. she say "It's too light, you can't tell by this". So we call reinforcements, The McCardell's come over and Sheri tells Momma Tahn it looks like two lines to her but we should buy another test and try again.
Off to the store I go. This time a buy a 3 pack. I get home and head right to the bathroom to test again. There are two very faint lines. Sheri says they will get darker as the days go by and to test again tomorrow and the next day if the are still light. Mitch swears there are two lines also and they will only get darker.
I test again the next afternoon, still two very faint lines. Then Friday July 12 I test again that afternoon and the lines are darker. We are going to be moms.

Aug 2007
We haven't told too many people about you because we don't want to jinx ourselves. I have made the first doctors appointment and we are just waiting. We are so excited we can't stand it. We have already bought a package of diapers and every where we go we look at baby things.

Sept 2007
Sept 12 our first doctor appointment. The doctor pulls in the old outdated ultra sound machine to look at you for the first time. Wow there you were just a blob of grey on the screen with a little flash in the middle. He tells us that is your heart and that it is very strong. We are both so happy and we realize this is the beginning of the best time in our lives.

Oct 2007
So far so good. No problems things are progressing well. I have morning sickness almost every day now. It's not fun but I try to focus on you and visualize meeting you for the first time. We get to find out if you are a boy or girl this month.
October 26 we have our first official ultra sound they are checking your measurements and we get to see if you are a boy or girl. Everything looks good and you are perfect, unfortunately you won't show us your parts. The McCardell's were in the parking lot waiting for us to come out. They are just as excited as we are and then we tell them you wouldn't let us see if you were a boy or girl. Sheri tells us about fetal photos and that they could tell us. We make the appointment for the next day.
October 27, 9 am we are up and on our way to fetal photos. I am hoping for a boy but either way I want you to be healthy. Momma Tahn wants a girl. Again you are stubborn and are not cooperating, we began poking you and moving you until you finally give up. IT'S A GIRL. We cry, you are so perfect. We have decided to name you Alexis D'Ann.

Nov 2007-Jan 2008
Everything is going well. There are a couple complications but they were caught quickly and I am on meds to help. My blood pressure is high and I have gestational diabetes. The doctor is keeping a close eye on everything and says the only fear is that you will be a large baby and he warns us that a c-section is very possible.
January 2008 the baby showers begin. We have bought the crib and clothes. We have diapers and wipes we are getting ready quickly.

Feb 2008
We are getting very anxious. the baby showers continue and I am getting bigger by the day. I watch my tummy and can see you move often, it's the most amazing feeling I have ever felt. Now that I can see it on the outside, I spend a lot of time trying to make you move.

March 2008
The excitement is building. Momma Tahn comes up with a bright idea for me to drink Castor oil to make you come early. I know it was a dumb idea but I fell for it. We end up at the hospital in the middle of the night. Stephanie and Shanna in tow. We are there for about 4 hours and nothing. Well nothing except that I am sick, it was a dumb idea.
March 21 week 39. We arrive for the doctors appointment at 9am they test my blood pressure and leave the room. The doctor comes in and says "How do you like March 21st for your daughters birthday?" He tells us that my blood pressure is to high and that if we wait any longer toxemia will occur and that can hurt mommy and Lexi. He also advises us on c-section or induction. We opt for the c-section. He tells us to check in to labor and delivery and that our little girl will be born later that afternoon.
We spent the whole day at the hospital and at 5 pm they tell us that the surgery is scheduled for 6pm. It is just me and Momma Tahn, I am scared and I think she is too. We watch tv and we laugh and talk, we are so excited but so nervous. Then the McCardell's arrive, notice while you read this they have been a constant in your life even before you were born. They are good people and will always be there for you. 6:45pm Here we go. I am in the operating room and they are putting the spinal block in my back. Momma Tahn is waiting in the hall. My legs are numb and Momma Tahn is by my side. She watches the doctors in amazement, I can tell by her face she is scared. She remains strong and tells me that everything is ok and she talks to me to keep my mind off of everything that is going on. Then the doctor says "look at all that dark hair" and you were here. They brought you around to where I could see you. You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Then they whisk you away to clean you up. When they bring you over to me again you are wrapped in a blanket with a little hat on your head, they lean you in close and let me kiss you. I cried. You were born March 21 2008 at 7:14 pm, you weighed 8 lbs o.o9oz and you are 20in long.

The next few days are spent getting to know you and healing.



We Finally get to go home after 3 days.


The First few months.

Our first night at home was the beginning of a long few months. You have colic. Every night you cry or actually it is more like screaming until sometimes 2 or 3 in the morning. Thank goodness for maternity leave. I am up all night with you and I sleep all day with you. the doctors say there is nothing they can do for it we just have to let you outgrow it.
All 3 of us at times sit and cry. You seem so miserable and Momma Tahn nor I know what to do. I hold you and rock you and nothing calms you down. Momma Tahn and I argue. We are so tired, but we keep plugging along. Then one day it stopped and you spent more time laughing and playing then you did crying. We made it though colic.


In June 2008 we decide to buy a house. We found our cute little house on San Fernando drive. I tell the doctor we will be moving and she says then it is a perfect time for you to move to your own room in your crib. We moved in on July 29 2008, you spent the first couple of weeks in our room so you could settle into the house. Ok I lie it was more for me then you, right from the beginning it was like you knew the house was yours. So after 2 weeks mommy gave up and you slept in your own room in your crib and you slept the whole night.



The rest of the summer and fall of 2008 was spent just being a family. You were growing and doing new things all the time. You sat up for the first time and started to jibber jabber. You started to eat food in your high chair. You are amazingly smart. You love baths and going for walks. Your favorite food is sweet potatoes, and your best friend is Catcher (he calls you baby Lecus).



You were a pink monster for your first Halloween and even though it was cold you were a trooper and trick or treated the whole night with Ethan, Halley, Aunt Sarah, Aunt Alex, Uncle Juan and mommy. You even fell asleep in the stroller before we were finished but you didn't cry or complain at all.



December 2008
On December 16 we were getting ready to go to Granny D's retirement party and you crawled for the first time. You were a little slow but you did it. Since then you have been on the go. We have to close doors and put up gates to protect you, but you are so cute when you follow me from room to room or how you follow the cat.
Also in December you got pink eye for the first time and double ear infections. Other than that you are health, happy, and loved by many. You are mommy's little bug.

This covers the beginning, stay tuned for daily updates. Now that I have done this much it will be easier to stay on top of the updates and milestones.