"10"

Last week we celebrated Lexi's tenth birthday. The last girly to enter the double digits. It's kind of a big deal around here.

 Our Alexis has been the funniest little creature to figure out than all of our other children. From infancy, she was an absolute delight. An easy baby, for sure. Content most of the time, and an definitely Mama's cuddle girl. With her curly black locks of hair and those deep brown eyes, she caught many an eye wherever we went. Which in her little opinion was never a good thing; she really, really disliked being spoken to. Or given any attention, for that matter. She's always been painfully shy. It's no wonder, with two big sisters ahead of her. (And a Mama that was willing to carry her on her hip until she was five....)
Until the past few years. We all noticed the change. As did those whom spend any time around her. Our shy baby girl blossomed into a more confident, often quick-whitted, mature young lady. And while she still is crazy tenderhearted and emotional at times (which is most definitely not a bad thing), she had adapted more of an outgoing, friendly nature.
For her tenth birthday, her big sisters made it special. They bought numerous snacks and planned out a picnic tea party on the front lawn for just the three of them. It was incredibly sweet. And made this Mama's heart overly happy to see that her daughters do, in fact, still posses compassion and love for one another.

Afternoon plans consisted of a take-home McDonald's lunch, followed by ice-cream cake and presents. And since it was a gorgeously hot day, the girlies all had a swim. Followed up by dinner of her choice (curried chicken broccoli casserole, of all things....), more ice cream cake, and a girls only movie night sleepover. To which she replied, "This is the BEST birthday ever!" Every year they say this. And every year I'm amazed. And overflowing with joy....that it doesn't take big fan-fare, boat-loads of money, or over-dramatic events...to let a child know she's loved, appreciated and special. Because she is.

Happy 10th, Lexi-Loo-Hoo. You've come a long ways, Baby Girl.