To say April was a busy month would be an understatement. To catch you up, we packed up and moved out of 348 Juniper Ridge. It took a physical and emotional toll on me and I was more than looking forward to our trip to Florida to visit Aunt Carrie and hopefully get in some R & R! Who was I kidding...I have a 3 year old to entertain! We boarded a flight out of Newark on April 12th. By boarded, I mean, nearly missed our flight. I could not locate the long term parking lot in Elizabeth because the printed directions named a hotel that no longer existed (so much for technology) and the TomTom just sent me in circles. When I finally arrived, the van driver looked at me as though I had six heads because I mentioned the need for a car seat to transport Alexa to the airport. It became clear to me that we were going to need to use ours, so as I was already out of breathe and sweating, I fought with the carseat to put it into the van and we were off. But, seriously, things couldn't have been that easy. As I searched for my cash to tip the driver, I realized that during my 20 odd minutes of sightseeing in Elizabeth, NJ, I had managed to hit the brakes rather abruptly and all of the belongs on my passenger seat had made their way to the floor, including my wallet, cash, credit cards and ID! The driver, who was just pulling up to the departures deck, quickly made his way back to the lot and right back to the airport, using his finely honed Jersey driving skills, that at one point sent Alexa and her car seat sideways! Once we arrived in sunny Florida the fun continued. As it turned out Carrie had left home without a car seat and she called to tell me that she was at Sam's Club buying one and would be at the airport to get us shortly! After putting together and installing the seat, we were on our way. We made it about 5 miles when I was suddenly surprised to see Alexa climbing into my lap, grinning and saying, "I did it!" She had successfully escaped from the new car seat and was rather pleased with herself. Coincidentally, as we quickly got out of the roadway, we pulled into a Toys 'R Us parking lot. In we went to purchase ANOTHER seat. This one with 5 point harness straps! It seemed only natural that we would also have to stop on the side of a major interstate to let Alexa go potty before we could call it a night! That was day 1 in Florida!

As for the rest of the trip, we hit up many of the big tourist attractions, Bok Tower Sanctuary...

Busch Gardens...

Sea World...

Aquatica...

We took our first airboat ride in the Everglades...

And we even took a mini vacation-within-a-vacation to Miami's South Beach!

One of the highlights of the trip was getting to visit with Joseph, Aunt Carrie's nephew. Alexa has always enjoyed the company of children just a bit older than she is. She was fascinated with Joseph's story telling abilities. They often consisted of "poop, diarrhea and barfing" tales, each of which would receive high praise from Alexa in the form of "Tell it again!" The two kept Carrie and I laughing in the front seatof the car, and I will admit we even participated in some of the silly (and gross) stories! Joseph's new baby sister, Jillian, also garnered some attention from Alexa, though Joseph is the clear favorite!

There were many firsts on out trip as well. Alexa picked her first orange off an orange tree. She took a dog, Kota, for a walk...this really is a first, as she held the leash all by herself! She made her first visit to Sea World and was in awe of the killer whales! We took an airboat ride in the Everglades, a first for me as well! We even saw a gator, or a "crackalator" as Alexa became fond of calling them! As an added bonus, we saw our first Alligator Wrestler in action! It was creepy and weird...just as we had expected it would be! We spent a morning at the local antique car show in Lake Wales and Alexa was allowed through the bouncy maze, something she has been too little to do until now! She was all smiles and laughter. She was so proud of herself! Along with Joseph and Leanna, she saw her first 3D movie, "How to Train Your Dragon," which I highly recommend to all ages! The 3D glasses were not a complete success, and although she never covered her eyes or asked to leave, she told me afterward, "That was not a movie for girls," and added, "That movie was all smoke and fire." And since we are not natives of Florida, we put the kids in the Hurricane Wind simulator booth at the local mall! They laughed hysterically for the full 2 minutes as the winds reached 70-something MPH! And on our last night in Miami, Alexa had her first celebrity sighting when we stumbled upon a fundraising event for Olivia Newton-John's charity!

We spent some quality time in and by the water, both beaches and pools! Alexa had an opportunity to spend some time with Kaytie and Lily, twin daughter's of an old friend from high school, Angie. She and the girls, as well as her son Nic and her mom, joined us in Miami for a day at the beach and had us over to their house for an afternoon, allowing the girls some down time to play kitchen, watch cartoons and swim in the pool. Angie, Carrie and I had fun catching up on old times and things we've missed out on in one another's lives as the years have gone by.

One might think Florida was exciting enough...one would be wrong! Alexa decided to make one night exceptionally exciting, or maybe frightening would be a better word to describe it! After a quiet day in town, Alexa, Carrie and I were sitting down to watch "Glee," when in a split second, Alexa has inhaled a bead that she was playing with. Stuck entirely too far up her nose, Carrie and I had no choice but to bring her to the Lake Wales Medical Center ER to have it removed by a professional! Turns out the doctor didn't do much. Alexa was scared after his initial exam and, after he had left the room to presumably find an alternative way to remove the bead, she began to cry. Carrie noticed that the bead had become dislodged and I was able to push it out of her nostril! I was so excited that I placed Alexa on the bed and ran out to tell the doctor that it was out. Carrie remained with Alexa and tells me that she began to laugh as soon as I left the room and said, "I'm the silliest!" Since then , when the incident has been mentioned, Alexa insists that it "tickled." I hoping she understands from our repeated warnings, that it would not be wise to do such a thing again!

We spent one of our last day in Florida at Busch Gardens. We tried to see more of the animals on this trip. But we made sure to find a few rides just as the park was closing! A favorite for Alexa was the rollercoaster, which she rode 2 times in a row! This child is fearless! And if a rollercoaster that lasts half a minute and doesn't even go upside down can still manage to make my stomache do flips, who is going to ride the big ones with Alexa in 10 years?!? I am such a wimp!

We were gone for a long time! Although we made the most of our time in Florida, Alexa often asked about those things that are familiar to her, family members, friends, our house, daycare. I reminded her that we would return to Vermont a.k.a. "mont" and that we would see everyone again. I explained that some new people live in our old house. I explained that we would get a new house. These were emotional moments for me. The days and weeks leading up to our trip to Florida were stressful to say the least. I'm grateful to have had a few weeks to spend with Alexa just trying to have fun and do new things. I'm grateful for an amazing friend, who through the ups and downs of life, has been here for me unconditionally!

Here are a few more random photos from or trip. I took far too many to post them all here. For those of you who may not have figured it out, just click on one of the photos below and it will open larger. You will then be able to scroll through the pics in larger format. Oh, and I think we have finally reached a point in Alexa's development where it is important to document her quotes, so I've added another page for this.

Alexa and I paid a visit to the Young's home this week. We were eager to see Baby Zoe again and I thought it might be nice for Jailee and Alexa to have a play date. I brought eggs to dye for Easter, hoping Lisa wouldn't want to kll me for bringing such a messy activity with us! I know Alexa has enjoyed her Easter baskets in years past, but I think this is the first year Alexa has dyed Easter eggs.

Alexa's first Easter was celebrated only days after she was born (April 8th)! She actually had 2 Easter's that first year of life, as Easter 2008 fell on the 23rd of March.

Last year, Alexa was far less comfortable about the idea of sitting on the Easter Bunny's lap...so I joined her, somewhat reluctant myself! Santa pictures have gone much along these same lines, lots of tears and looks of terror!

This year, in lieu of an Easter Bunny picture, here are some shots of Alexa twirling this morning in the Spring sunshine! A few days back, I asked Alexa if she would like to get her picture taken with the Easter Bunny. She replied, "No. I don't like rabbits." As it turns out, she really doesn't like the Easter Bunny. Today, in my final attempt to pursuade her, she clung to Mike and cried intensly. So, no photo this year!

Happy Easter to all!

March was a busy month for us...lots of birthdays to celebrate! Not only did we enjoy a wonderful party for Alexa (March 24) and Anna (March 6), but we celebrated Bridget's first birthday on the 27th (where we also had a chance to sing to Lisa whose birthday was the 28th and Rachel, whose birthday was the 25th!) and met baby Zoe only days after she arrived on the 14th! Ptah had a birthday this month too (9th)!

The girls had a great time at Bridget's party. Alexa not only stayed dry eyed during the "Birthday Song," she actually proudly joins in now that she knows the words!

Now we await the arrival of Baby Villeneuve and Jailee's 3rd birthday in June!

Three years ago today, we welcomed you into the world! Three weeks early, you weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. You were beautiful! I remember that I never thought you could be so beautiful and you were! I remember being in awe of your perfection! What a wonderful day it was. Three years have passed and you have grown in so many ways. From crawling to walking (at only ten months!), "goo goo's" and "gaa gaa's" to "you know what I mean, jellybean?" (something you said to me just the other morning!). From ride on toys to "Rocket Babe" on your tricycle, to riding the big girl bike with training wheels that we put together yesterday! From diapers to Easy Ups to potty trained! From "Twinkle, Twinlkle Little Star," to "Five Little Monkeys," to your current fave, "Row, Row, Row your Boat." Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Dora, Diego, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo and Horseland! You have many likes and dislikes ( and I still seem to understand your words best! You are really your own person...curious, creative, stubborn, silly, smart, sassy, inquisitive and brave. You have seen difficult times that many little girls haven't and shouldn't and you have such resiliency and courage! I am proud of you each and every day.

This year we celebrated your third birthday with friends and family at Lee Zachary's Pizzeria on Saturday, March 20th. We shared the special day with our friend Anna who turned three earlier this month. The carousel theme was adorable and I worked really hard on making a delicious cake for the two of you! It wasn't easy, but it was enjoyed by everyone. You didn't seem to stop the entire afternoon, running around and thoroughly enjoying the ball pit and slide! You ended the day with rosy cheeks, a good sign that you played hard!

I have enourmous dreams and hopes for you. I can't wait to continue sharing them with you, and even more so, seeing them through with you! I knew I would love you immensely, but even I am sometimes surprised by the weight of that love. I have been blessed to have you in my life and to watch you grow. Happy Birthday, Baby! I love you always and forever! ~Mommy

Although I did not accompany her, Alexa appeared to enjoy a day of skiing (her first time ever!) at Bolton Valley, on February 28, with Daddy! From what I've been told and from the evidence on video, Alexa had tons of fun! Here are some photos of the day...

We gave ice skating another try as well. Alexa showed improvement from her first time and managed to get around the ice at an impressive speed. She was motivated by the need to collect as many rubber duckies and/or tennis balls as she could before the other children had a chance to snatch them up! Once again we were joined by Jailee, only this time her Mommy, Lisa, bravely took to the ice at nearly 38 weeks PREGNANT!!!

Note the pretty cool helmet...Mommy didn't come prepared and this was a loaner!!!

The girls ended the morning by showing me some of their best funny faces...

It's not all fun and games though. When we aren't out having fun with friends, we've been home packing for our upcoming move from 348 Juniper Ridge. Although most of the work has been mine, Alexa lends a helping hand from time to time...

But before long, we get back to the fun! The weather has been ever so slightly warmer and we have taken advantage of it by getting outside. This past weekend, Alexa took her bike down by the lake and rode with Minna before going to the Flynn Theater to catch a show. We watched "Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar." It was a puppet show using black lights and telling three of Eric Carle's stories. We sat up in the balcony and peered out over a full house. Unfortunately, Alexa wasn't that interested, often telling me, "Mommy, I no like this movie" or "I want to go home." Oh well, I tried! So we left and spent a little while longer in the park where Alexa slid down the granite stairs of City Hall.

This past Sunday, I turned 33! Hard to believe another year has come and gone! Alexa and I enjoyed dinner at Sarducci's in Montpelier on Saturday evening in the company of Minna and Ptah, as well as some new friends (well, an old friend for Minna!), Sandy and her husband. Sandy and my mom went to high school together in Fair Lawn, NJ and Sandy's family have made their home in Plainfield, VT for nearly 40 years!

Following dinner, the staff brought out cake and sang "Happy Birthday" to me. Alexa began to cry and held tight to Minna until the singing came to an end. Fortunately, the cake made everything better!

Before we left for dinner, Alexa made sure to grab the candles for Mommy's cake...

Sara and Rachel treated Alexa and I to lunch on Sunday. The girls, Anna, Alexa and Charlotte played with Silly Putty and Alexa taught the others about her favorite restaurant activity...shaking the salt and pepper into a napkin/plate to make "pizza." I don't recall exactly when this began, but Alexa seeks out the salt and pepper shakers almost immediately after we are seated and inevitably she sneezes about 3 minutes into her creation!

On Wednesday, Mother Nature decided to remind us it actually is still Winter in Vermont! She did so with upwards of a foot of very wet snow! Alexa, along with her pony, ventured outdoors with me to shovel, eat snow (A LOT of it), and make a snow angel or two with the kids next door.

Take note of the fists full of snow. Alexa seems to enjoy eating lots of it. Too bad there is no nutritional value in it...I'd feed her snow morning, noon and night!

I managed to keep a smile on my face, despite shoveling several inches of heavy, wet snow. Snow that actually had a hint of blue to it because of the water content in it. I really should have taken a minute to put a hat on....

After a long day, sometimes I want to do this too!!

No day would be complete without a bit of silliness...

It's been a while since we've visited the farm. The winter keeps us indoors mostly and we figure the animals are indoors keeping warm too. We took a ride to the farm to see about advertised horse drawn sleigh rides this past Saturday. Unfortunately, Mother Nature hasn't provided us with much of the white stuff and the horses were busy doing errands in the fields. So instead we took a ride to the Children's Farm Yard and enjoyed a brief visit with some of the resident sheep, a rogue goat and some chickens!

During the winter the sheep take over the farm yard and eventually have their lambs (in a few weeks the first will arrive). The area is filled with hay and, this year, a goat was wandering the area snacking on a large mountain of hay! Apparently, the staff were unable to train this particular goat and he has had freedom the others only dream of! Here he is practicing yoga out near the chicken coup!

Ashleigh, her baby brother Blake, and her Mommy and Daddy (Heather & Matt) came along for the visit. Ashleigh, or the The Great Chicken Catcher as we can now call her, demonstrated her chicken catching skills! She makes it look so easy!

We saw some familiar faces...

and as the weather began to grow colder, it seemed only appropriate to work up a sweat...

We are hoping that this week's snow storm will have the horses busy pulling the sled at the Farm this Saturday...that is if we don't get rained on for the next 2 days! Ahhh, winter in Vermont!

Alexa and I decided to go ice skating! We met up with Jailee and her dad, Doug and we were pleasantly surprised to see some old friends, Milissa and her daughter Stella. Minna and Ptah came to take some pictures and cheer us on.

Leddy Park Ice Arena offers a drop in program called "Itty Bitty Ice Skating" for kids of all ages. I never imagined there would be so many little ones on skates! I was actually impressed with how well some of these little guys could move around the ice! Alexa, in typical Alexa fashion, showed no fear and was eager to get going. The program offers these stacked milk crates as a support for first timers and beginners. This was incredibly helpful although I have a stiff back from crouching over to assist Alexa over the course of the hour!

Alexa took a break to use the potty...(have I mentioned she's COMPLETELY POTTY TRAINED! WOO-HOO!!) and when we returned all of the children were coming off of the ice. Needless to say, Alexa was slightly disappointed! She was ready to get going again. Jailee was not thrilled when the hour came to an end either. This picture says it all. Two girls who cannot wait to get back on the ice!.

What a personality this little girl has got! We haven't been up to anything exceptionally exciting in the past few weeks. Keeping busy with our regular routine: daycare, ballet class, swimming class and playdates with good friends from time to time. Alexa is really continuing to demonstrate the indepedent and intelligent little person that she is. She insists on helping in almost all circumstances, from preparing meals, to cleaning up a spill, brushing her own teeth and even driving the car (see previous post, she's not really driving)!

She really has a way with words too! This week as we were finishing up our evening routine, washing hands and face and brushing our teeth, Alexa snuck one last pump of the soap dispenser. I looked at her and firmly said, "No! That's enough soap for tonight." Alexa vehemently stated, "You can't say no to me. I Alexa Paige!" It was hard not to crack a smile. Where did this sassiness come from?

According to Alexa's daycare provider, Tammy, she has been using her words to express herself very effectively "at school." Tammy recently commented on the significant growth in her vocabulary over the few months that she has been attending daycare. Tonight she told me that her friend Rowan had "1,2,3,4,5 blueberries." I said, "Oh yeah. Then what?" She said, "He had a blue poop." I'm not sure that what Tammy meant when she said Alexa's been using her words!

This afternoon, Minna and I were tickling Alexa's belly button and she said, "You gonna poke holes in my belly." We then explored each other's belly buttons and had a really good giggle! We hid from dragons (a.k.a. Riley and Emma) and we got very nexcited over a game of Peek-a-Boo! We spent the evening swimming and had a great time playing horsies in the pool. Alexa likes topretend that we go na-night in the corner of the pool, a.k.a. the barn and then she shouts, "It's sunshine" which means we all wake up!

Alexa continues to develop confidence in the swimming pool. At the start of a recent class, I had just barely gotten the words of warning out of my mouth, "Alexa, you don't have your wings on..." when she dove right in, only to find she was less bouyant than she had anticipated. Needless to say, I was quickly pulling her back to the surface, fully anticipating choking and tears. To my surprise, she emerged just fine. In fact, she didn't appear all that phased by what had just happened. We finished class sans wings and afterward I put them on and we enjoyed about 45 minutes of swimming and playing together.

Alexa is already anticipating her 3rd birthday. It's hard to believe it's only 2 months away! She has been practicing holding three fingers up to indicate her new age. She's also very excited to light candles on her birthday cake! I'm not sure that she understands that I am having a birthday before hers, but I have a good feeling she's going to be really excited about it!

I found some old photos of Brian and I when we were really little. I often have difficulty seeing any resemblence between Alexa and I despite some that have been pointed out by friends and family. Then I found this picture...

and I thought "That little girl looks familiar!"

Don't know exactly how old I am in this one, maybe 5. Again, I can really see similarities between Alexa and I here!