One year update!

Alexis celebrated her first birthday today! Mommy took the day off of work so the whole family could go down to the mall and have pictures made. Check them out at Alexis' Photo Site. The day was quite fun and successful despite the fact that Alexis has her first cold and Mommy has a sinus infection. The poor child has a runny, stopped up nose, a cough, and a bit of a fever. We are lucky in one aspect; Alexis has not been in a rotten mood due to her cold. She's has just been very clingy. She wants to sit in someone's lap and cuddle. If you know Alexis, then you know that is totally unlike her. Generally speaking, Alexis is all over the place and refuses to be held for more than a few minutes. The cuddling was the only positive thing that came from the cold. Tim and I have often commented that we'd like to cuddle with her, but she doesn't allow it!

Other than our busy day today, Alexis has been reaching some new development. She has learned how to clap. I must say this is probably one of my favorite things that Alexis has done! Also, Alexis is attempting to say various words. She makes the same sound repeatedly for a specific item like juice is "jucz" and dog is "daa." We're hoping that she'll start saying real words soon. Alexis picked up a negative skill at daycare. The other night, Timothy was trying to take away something from her that she didn't need to have. Alexis promptly screamed "Mi Mi Mi" (which sounded an awfully a lot like "Mine Mine Mine") and ran away. We were both flabbergasted. She did that a few more times that night, but has not repeated it in the days since. I asked her teacher if she noticed this at school. She said that it is common, but also the other kids were trying to take away her stuffed cow that she brings to sleep with, so Alexis has been protecting her cow. Hopefully, she'll learn more about sharing via school. Finally, due to her exposure at daycare, Alexis has been improving with her climbing skills. This is not a skill that we're ecstatic about. We just keep trying to teach her about what is dangerous.

Alexis is also gearing up for her birthday party this weekend. We have some family that live nearby and some close friends coming to the house. We'll be sure to post some pictures as soon as we can this weekend!