Our baby turns 7! - February 16, 2012

Note: my dates are all out of whack - I am posting as I get time and will make sense of it all later for the book :) ----


Alex Darby, our first born baby turned seven years old today. I have so many thoughts in my head and so many things I want her to know. But first, really, I have a 7 year old??? How old does that make ME sound?!

Yes, I know it's not about me...just had to throw that in because it's unreal telling people I have a seven year old!  The older the kids get, the faster life moves...and I wish it would all slow down because I believe these *are* the best years of our life.  I am still her hero.  I don't want that to change.

Back to what's important, our girl. Alex has made our life worth living every.single.day. I think this year instead of writing a sappy letter, I am going to summarize her amazing life by photos that really capture her spirit and personality. I can tell you for days all of the things that make her who she is (which is an incredible child of God that keeps everyone on their toes)...but I think the pictures will tell a better story than I ever could. Enjoy! 

BU Cheerleader in training at 16 months

BU Cheerleader in training at 21 months

Full of life ballerina (2)

Sunlight in everyone's day (2)

Look at that hiney in the mirror...and that smile! (2)

BU Cheerleader in training...um yes, there's a theme here (2)

B.B's water buddy and best friend (2)

HILARIOUS! (wearing my maternity undies as a wrestling costume?!) 3 years

Love for animals and life (3)

Goof-ball (3)

Adored by three Darby cousins

Angelic (3)

Encourager (3)

Ghetto fabulous princess (3 1/2)

Flirty, flirt, flirt (3 1/2)

Loves to imagine and play make-believe (3)

Drama Queen (3 1/2)

Believes anything is possible - dreamer (4)

Gorgeous inside and out (4)

Diva-sass (4)

Rule Breaker (4)

Passionate about the things she LOVES (4)

Excited to live each day and treats life as a gift (5)

Did I mention she is beautiful? (5)

Amazing sister (6)

A leader to many...(6)

BU Cheerleader in training (6)

Did I say she is a sassy drama queen? (6)

Princess inside and out (6)

Pops' Pretty-Princess (6)

YaYa's Daredevil (6)

YaYa's best friend (6)

DeDe's Kid with Character & girl fix (7)

Daddy's girl through and through

Daddy's best date he's ever had

Mommy's trailblazer

Mommy's cheer up girl

Mommy's GIRL!

Mommy's everything.  And yes I get the most pictures - deal!

Funky, rough and tumble outdoors tomboy

Mud-loving, can hang with the guys kinda chick

Brightest smile I've ever seen (7)

Enjoys the moment (7)

Innocent and tender (7)

Cheerful and giddy (7)

Hottie who has no clue...(7)

The total package

Dear God, Thank you for the most precious daughter any family could ask for. We love her for so many reasons and we know that you gave her to us specifically. Please protect her heart and spirit. Please keep her safe in your grip. Thank you. Thank you, Daddy.