Two Birthdays In One Day

Happy Sweet 16th Birthday Alexa Rae

Happy 5th Birthday Addi Grace

Mommy is going to explain how August 23 is one of my most favorite days of the whole year!
16 years ago I had my very first baby girl....Alexa Rae! She weighed 8lbs 10oz and an absolute blessing! Mommy was only 18 when I had Alexa but the road that we both have traveled has been a blessing only my Savior could have led! When Alexa was 5 years old I started trying to have another baby while losing two. That process was very long and we tried for over 5 years!
We started a tradition years ago to eat at a Japanese restaurant to celebrate Alexa's birthday every year! When we were celebrating Alexa's 11th birthday I was pregnant with Addi. It was Wednesday, August 23, 2006 and I thought that was cool because Alexa was born on WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23, 1995...We got dressed to go eat that evening and I was calm and relaxed because I had a scheduled c-section scheduled for that coming Monday. As we were walking out the door I had my first contraction. I just couldn't believe that I could be going into labor. I had a long list of to do's before baby and pedicure was at the bottom to reward myself for getting all the to do's accomplished! I was in shock and kept the contractions a secret for about half the way to the restaurant that was 30 min away from home and my hospital! My contractions were 5 min. a part so I decided to share my little secret! I was still in denial so we carried on to the the restaurant. While waiting on a table I took a little walk around the shopping area....(9 months pregnant in wedged heels!!)....I wanted to make sure this wasn't false labor pains! When I arrived back to my seat the contractions went to 3 minutes a part! When I began to feel "pressure" I finally gave in and went to the hospital! Alexa was my only baby for 11 years and the thought of leaving her birthday dinner and not be with her was tearing my heart in two but I did decide to leave to make sure the baby wanting to tell her big sister happy birthday was going to be OK! When we left the restaurant (and canceled our order) we arrived at the hospital to meet the rest of our family and I was dilated to 4 and ready to go!! We had our beautiful Addi Grace at 11:10pm on Wednesday August 23, 2006!! Alexa was thrilled to share her birthday with her baby sister we have all been praying for, for many years!!

We celebrated your birthday at Mims and Pop Paw's during our traditional "Sunday Dinner" the Sunday before school! Your birthdays was the second day of school this year!
Alexa Rae, your Aunt Madeline gave you her pair of Christian Louboutin shoes! She only wore them one time and now that she is going to be a new mommy she wanted to pass them to you! I only wish I could have been recording your face when you saw the box!! Thank you Aunt Maddie, I think she's the happiest 16 year old in town!!

Addi Grace, my 5 year old Kindergartner!! You were so excited to go to school on your birthday!! After I dropped you off, your mommy had another emotional moment because this was the first birthday I didn't get to spend every second with you! Every day we ask you how old you are because you are so proud to say FIVE..... a whole hand!! Your mommy, daddy, and sisters love you so much and couldn't be any more proud of our 5 year old! You are learning so much it scares me! You are so interested in church more and you are beginning to ask questions on how to get to our Kingdom in Heaven! You are so precious and silly at the same time with all of your friends...I hate to say it but you are acting just like a 5 year old!! Mommy wishes we could just slow it down a little but I know that's impossible so I will chose to cherish every minute of my beautiful 5 year old brown eyed girl! I love you my angel and I'm  looking forward to seeing what all you bring to us!

Alexa Rae, my beautiful 16 year old! I can't express enough how I can't believe how fast the time has gone. Any parent that has a 16 year old knows what I'm talking about! Although your sisters bring back the precious memories I have of you at that age, everything that is going on with drill team, friends, your amazing spiritual growth, and laughs we share that completely hurt, is something that I never thought could be this amazing! You have grown to be such a beautiful young lady on the inside and out! It's so awesome to learn from your daughter and such an honor to have laid eyes on you during your first breath of life and walk beside you guiding you as the years pass! Thank you my angel for all the memories and thank you for everything you bring to our beautiful family! I love you!!



Addi & Pariegn (uncle sean)



We didn't go to our traditional Tokyo dinner this year due to school and drill team practice so we chose to celebrate with Dee Dee, Paw Paw, and Pariegn at a local Mexican restaurant! Because we have been so busy and crazy from back to school we decided to have your parties in a few weeks! Mommy is beginning to plan all the fun that your parties bring!! I love you both my beautiful birthday girls and may God bless you this next year with all that you do~