Today is Alexa’s 10th Birthday!
Happy Birthday to my sweet, amazing hero!
She came into this world 1:58 pm on Wendesday September 29th 1999
Weighing in at 9 lbs, 20 inches.
I was told to expect her to be still born , and if she even made it through my pregnancy she would enter the wolrd limp and lifeless, not breathing on her own, and would need a lot of help to hopefully get her breathing.
Well, she came out fists clenched, kicking and screaming!
A fighter then, a fighter now.
You can read her story –>here (if you never have)
I cannot even tell you how much emotion comes over me each and every year she grows! I could write a book on all that, let me tell you! I cry every year we sing happy birthday, and try to make sure she doesn’t notice. They aren’t sad tears, but she wouldn’t understand that yet.
This person that I was told would never be, is here. This person I was told would burden my life, never has. This person who has overcome more than most people ever will in a lifetime, and has fought hard in her 10 short years.
Everyday-a true gift. Everyday a testament to God’s love and will. Everyday-NOT a burden but the biggest blessing I will ever know.
I look forward to MANY, MANY more decades of not believing how much she has changed, grown, learned and loved or beaten the odds, proving them wrong.
I cannot believe I have a 10 year old. I don’t feel old enough!! I feel like I’m 23, when I’m really 31! LOL! I cannot believe how fast the time has passed since I nourished her inside me, then held her little body in my arms, and now she a decade old, and is giving me attitude! LOL!
I know Alexa has a purpose in this world, even if it was to open my eyes to it, and teach ME new things about life DAILY. Or open my heart in ways I never knew exisisted.
She has, and will continue to touch many hearts, and lives. Through her achievments I pray she opens the minds of MANY and their thoughts, misconceptions, limits and feelings towards people with “special needs”. A term I personally loathe, as I feel she isn’t often the one with the “issue” 😀 If more if us were like her, the world would be an amazing place.
I’m so thankful to be called her mom. I had no idea what this journey would be like, but I wouldn’t change a THING.
I love you Alexa.
You just keep on growing and conquering the world!
Nothing is impossible for you.
———————————————-
Birthday UPDATE: The chance of me getting the Hannah Montana tickets is zero to none, so we are going to see Disney Princesses on Ice in Jan. in lieu of a party, as she decided that would be more fun.
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Now on a stamp related note:
Sorry I have been busier than you can even imagine, so that is why my lack of posting and lack of a million other things! LOL! I will have peeks to share this week though!
Starting today All That Scraps begins revealing their new stamp release!
Check out the blog for you chance to win one—->HERE!
So that being said-Today I celebrate my little miracle. Tomorrow we will get back to stamping.
Thanks for stopping by and letting me share
100 Responses for "Happy 10th Birthday Alexa!"
Happy Birthday, Alexa!!! Hope you have a great birthday!!
Lauren, Lauren…..what a beautiful tribute to Alexa. It made me tear up! You have an incredible child and someday she will understand what a beautiful Mom she has. You two were meant to be together.
Mary
http://www.primitiveseasons.blogspot.com
Joyeux Anniversaire de “France” à Alexa. Félicitation à elle de se battre si fort et félicitation à papa et maman qui sont vaillant et courageux.
Pleins de bonnes choses à tous les 5 (6 pour le chien)
Lili
Lauren – your sweet Alexa and my grandson share the same birthday. What a beautiful tribute to Alexa and to God’s mercy and love for all of us. She is truly a miracle and a blessing. I do so love to read your posts and how you share your family with us all. Thank you for giving of your talent and yourself to the crafting community. You are truly blessed.
Lauren, please tell alexa
Happy 10th Birthday Alexa!! Have the best day ever:-)
she is truly an inspiration:-)
Hugs
Michele spera
Happy Birthday to a special girl, with a very special mom.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEXA!!!!
{{HUGS}} to you AND Mom on this very special day!!!
Thanks for sharing this beautiful picture and thoughts about your tremendously wonderful miracle Lauren.
Lots of love,
Me 🙂
Lauren,
That was so well written & made me cry (happy tears) for you! Alexa is so lucky to have you as a mom & I hope she proves ’em all wrong for MANY many years to come! Happy Birthday to your 10-year old miracle child! 🙂
And yes, the world would be a better place if we all learned a little something from Alexa 🙂
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALEXA!
I hope you always know how much you are loved…not just by your family but by all of us and how you’ve made an inpact on my life as well.
I just love you! Enjoy your day!
Birthday {{{hugs}}} to you and your mom!
Love, Renee
Happy Birthday Alexa!! Lauren you are a great mom! What a sweet birthday post for your little girl.
Happy birthday, Alexa! All your mom’s PSFs love you too!
Alexa, I hope you have a fabulous birthday!!
Lauren,
Tell Alexa Happy Happy Birthday. I have a son with Down Syndrome and “they” also told me of the burdens and hardships. But you know, if this is being burdened, bring it on. I didn’t expect this journey in life but I sure am glad I am one of the lucky ones that was choosen. I’m loving it. My son gives me so much more than I could have even imagined. So you tell Alexa that we said HAPPY BIRTHDAY and I hope you are still making papercrafts 10, 20, 30 years from now so I can see her grow into a wonderful lady. I too, wish people would accept them for their ability not their disabilty. We partcipate in the Down Syndrome Buddy Walk, is there one in your area? Every night I thank God for letting me have part in this wonderful journey.
HAPPY Birthday to you Alexa. Hope it will be a smashing one.
To you Lauren. Big hugs from me. I came to this blog some time ago looking for cute crafting ideas – little did I know I would bump into such a lovely person as you too.
My “baby” will be 32 this December. When she was born everything seemed to be perfect as my pregnancy had also been. 2 minutes after I gave birth all the problems started. Some said she would not make it – others that she would but would never have a normal life – and I just looked at her and thought – she is mine – just leave us alone… Like your little miracle our daughter showed the world otherwise and I understand you 100% when you say what a blessing she is. Our DD moved into her own appartment when she turned 25 and works part time as a cooks assistant. She manages on her own with a lady coming in to help her with the housework once a week, partly because she can do with the help – partly because she can think of better things to do with her time than housework – and WHO BLAMES her. Just you and Alexa keep up the good work and show the world that “stupid is who stupid does” as Forrest Gump said (gee – did I love that movie). Best wishes a mum in Denmark
Happy 10th Birthday girl!!!
Congrats Lauren on having a wonderful child to celebrate! Enjoy every second – good and bad – with all your children. I know I look back and smile everytime.
happy birthday Alexa!!!! What a blessing!
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEXA!!! Enjoy your day.. and how FUN the disney princesses on ice! I would LOVE to see that show!! Enjoy your day!!!
Happy Birthday! Beautifu Alexa!! What an adorable photo and SUCH a geat smile.
Lauren: I found your blog last year but haven’t been by in months since we’ve just made a major cross country move from a big city to a small town and it’s required all my spare time. But what an amazingly wonderful post to come back to!!! What a wonderfully, beautiful sentiment to your amazing daughter…thank you for sharing about true love and commitment and the loving bound between a mother and her child, which I am also fortunate to experience first-hand. Again, Happy birthday to beautiful, Alexa!
Lauren, I think both you and Alexa are 2 amazing girls.
HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY ALEXA !!!
Happy Happy 10th Birthday, Alexa!!! You are beautiful!
Hugs from Germany,
Vanessa
Awww, what a beautiful blog entry in honor of Alexa’s 10th birthday! What a gorgeous girl she is! HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY ALEXA and many more to come!!! =)
Best wishes for a wonderful day.
You have written about your feelings so eleoquently – it is so good that you are willing to share them with all of us.
Sometimes the medical profession does not know best – at age 4 I was told by doctors that my son would either die or be brain damaged for the rest of his life ( he had encephalitis). When he did not die they said we should put him in a home and just get on with our lives. But he was our son – good or bad.
Fast forward to July this year and he graduated aged 21 with a 1st Class Honours degree in Divinity. In 2 days time he goes off to start his Master’s Degree.
Sometimes it can be easy to dismiss a life but as you have said, with love and God’s blessing, every day can be a celebration.
Best wishes to you all.
beautiful daughter…beautiful mother xxx
Happy Birthday Alexa! You are a beautiful girl inside and out. Hope you have a wonderful day!
Lauren, what a beautiful tribute to Alexa!! What a wonderful mom and person you are.
Happy Birthday, Alexa!! You are such an inspiration and a testiment to life!! Enjoy your day and have fun when you see your show.
OMG, Lauren
I’m crying it’s for happiness.
beautiful story, beautiful girl, beautiful mom.
Happy Birthday Alexa, you are the best!!!
Hugs,
Karina
Happy birthday dear Alexa! Many blessing for you on your special day. You have the most wonderful mom!
Hugs,
I love your posts about your children – and the way you share your fierce Mom love for beautiful Alexa. You are both beautiful -and lucky to have each other. Happy Birthday darling Alexa.
What a beautiful little girl! Thank you for sharing your story, it just proves that God has a purpose for everyone! I wish everyone realized that all children are such a blessing in this dark world! Happy Birthday Alexa!!1
Lauren, please deliver this message to Alexa. “Happy Birthday Alexa. I love your picture. You look so beautiful in that dress. You are growing up so fast. You look like a young lady. I hope you enjoy your special day!” Lauren, What beautiful words your wrote. I hope you keep them to pass onto her when she is older and will enjoy reading them. Have a great day. Cheryl
Sorry, I meant to say sometimes dark world.
Happy birthday, Alexa!! How beautiful you look in that dress :0) Have a wonderful day!
Happy 10th b-day little one… You have your mommies smile and a sweet spark in your eyes…
reflections:0)
Happy Birthday Alexa! Congrats on turning 10!!
Lauren, you make me proud to be a “special needs” mother! It’s fantastic to see another mother who sheds tears of joy & happiness and is in constant awe of their child. I have a son with Down Syndrome who amazes me everyday & makes me overjoyed to be his mother. Enjoy Alexa’s wonderful milestone!!
Lauren,
I cried when I read your post. Your children are very lucky to have a mom like you. You seem like such a strong person and I’m sure that they will all inherit that trait from you. Keep up the good work!
Happy Birthday Alexa!
I hope you have a FANTASTIC birthday Alexa!
Alexa, Happy Birthday! Sending Birthday Hugs!
Lauren, thanks for sharing Alexa’s fantastic story.
Happy Birthday Alexa! wow, Lauren, you made me cry, but like you it was tears of happiness. You made me feel so proud for Alexa. I have never met you or your daughter but you both have opened my eyes and heart in ways I never would have had I not read your story. She’s beautiful, inside and out! congrats to both of you 🙂
Happy birthday Alexa
Happy Birthday Alexa! You keep kickin’ butt girl (not your Mommy’s though).
What a beautiful picture of your baby girl and what a wonderful story from a mother who loves her. Happy 10th Birthday, Alexa and Many More 🙂
How blessed you both are to have each other….God’s love shines through both of you
Happy birthday to your beautiful girl!
Happy birthday Alexa!
I home schooled a friends daughter for two years who was “special needs.” I loved it. We learned so much together. Every day was an adventure. Sometimes it was regular school work and some days it was life skills…but every day was a treasure. Even though that was a few years ago and we are no longer living in the area of the country that my friend lives in, I love her daughter like she was my own. So many people didn’t understand her, but I found it simple. Love and she loves back.
Have a wonderful day.
pscole3467 at gmail dot com
Go Alexa! May she continue to be spunky and odd defying throughout her many more years. I wish her the happiest of birthdays!
Happy Birthday Alexa!! She is just so beautiful, inside and out!
Happy Birthday Alexa. My husband saw your photo and thought you were a real cutie!
Happy 10th Birthday Alexa!
Enjoy your special day and all days to come in your wonderful life with your wonderful family!
Lauren…you know how much adore you and how you deal with Alexa. You also know about Nadine and as I told you in one of our latest mails, she is proofing them all wrong and I am so so enjoying it. It’s hard for a mom to carry the burden that is put on us, not by the children we have, oh no the burden comes from the outsiders, from lots of doctors that tell us that this or that will never be, that tell us that we have to accept and stop ignoring (their) facts. That’s the real burden, having to fight to show them that with love and passion those children ARE achieving the most amazing things. Just because they’re different from what the rest calls “normal”…I often ask myself if the “normal” ones actually can be considered normal? Is it really normal to be self-centred and only do things to gain in a material way, or to be famous? What about unconditional Love, what about being open to give and receive, what about showing happiness about the smallest things, what about showing sadness?….that’s what “normal” people can learn from “special needs” ones.
Big hugs to your whole family!
Heidi
Lauren…OMGosh! How I can so relate with you and Alexa. Although my sister never went through what Alexa did but she is Mentally Challenged (term which I hate also. It use to be called RETARDED which I loathe!). I have a few people in my area who use the later term in their everyday vocabulary and I just cringe. That word was never allowed in my home growing up or in my own family. My parents are both gone now for almost 15 years and I am her legal guardian. She is the most loving, caring person on this earth and like you said if more people were like her this world would be a better place.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEXA and know my thoughts and prayers are with you EVERYDAY!!!
Inky Hugs,
Terry~~
Happy Birthday sweet Alexa!! I hope you enjoy your day out with mom and hope you had a great day yesterday!!!
What a beautiful post today; it brought tears to my eyes. As a mother I know the love that we possess for our children. You have such a special bond with yours and I wish you much happiness, love, and laughter. Happy 10th, Alexa.
Lauren,
You have amazed me with your talent, and I am more amazed every time I see pix or read about your children.
I look forward to seeing your new posts everyday-whether about stamping or not.
You are an inspiration! I’m so glad I found your blog!
Thanks!
Janice
Happy Birthday to Alexa!!!!
I think you are both equally blessed!!
Happy Birthday Alexa! Thank you fo making our world a brighter place : )
Sometimes I think that people who have never been where we have been with such a “blessing” in our lives, well, they just will never know. I know my brother touched many, many lives in his 48 years of life. He was my baby as far as I am concerned and when the doctors told us that he would never walk…My sister and I taught him how to walk…And when the doctors said he would be physically twisted, only in his mischevious, fun loving little brain. They said he would never eat from a spoon…I taught him to eat from a spoon. He never could speak, but he knew more than anyone in any room what was truly going on. Most of all, my brother taught me that there is a wonderful God and there “is” complete and total “unconditional love.”
Happy Birthday Alexa!!!! And many, many more!
Happy Birthday Alexa!! 😀
Happy Birthday Alexa
you are a Miracle Child and such a Beauty Queen
all rolled into one. Wishing you the best birthday
ever………………….
Happy Birthday Alexa! A wonderful celebration for both of you. Enjoy! Enjoy!
First – happy belated birthday Alexa! Second to Lauren, as a mother of a ‘special needs’ child (17 years old) – our girls will forever being amazing. They just need the special love and care we special moms give. I remember Shannon’s tenth birthday like yesterday – in December she will be 18…the years have flown!!!
Happy Birthday to a sweet, sweet girl!
Happy Birthday Alexa! You are a living miracle and a testament to what it right in this world! ~Tori
Happy birthday, Alexa. I am just a random stranger who had been drawn to your unbelievable story. 🙂
Lauren, your strength and love for her is amazing. Congratulations for your baby’s birthday, and for making it through. 🙂
Thank you for you beautiful message. I, too, am a mother of a miracle child. My David was a shaken baby and we adopted him. The doctor’s told us he would never walk, interact, etc. Well, I chase him and he is the best tease in the world! He can write his name, he is signing more everyday, he is pure delight! I fully understand the tears at signing, “Happy Birthday!”
Thank you for your tribute and enjoy your day…for this IS the day the Lord has made, we will REJOICE and be glad in it!
Happy Birthday Alexa!!!! Wow double digits, an OFFICIAL pre-teen! I’m blown away by how beautiful her head of hair is. She looks SO HEALTHY now. You’ve come a long way baby!
Here’s wishing this very special girl MANY more!
Lauren,
How beautiful to be able to express your joy about Alexa. Happy big 10th to her. I bet you will have more fun at the show! Hugs from Michigan
Happy Birthday to Alexa.
She certainly got the right mother! I am always touched by the way you write about your family and your photos of smiling children. You are blessed with a wonderful family, and your writing will mean a lot to them in older years.
Happy, happy Birthday Alexa! I, too, am a mom of a “non-typical” child! It brought tears to my eyes to read your feelings about her because it’s the same thing I feel everyday. It’s not always easy, and I definitely have my “poor me” days, but I wouldn’t change her or anything about her for the world. Thanks for sharing her and her amazing accomplishments with us!
Happy 10th Birthday, Alexa!!!
Hoping Alexa has a very happy birthday.
Also, I found out in NYC Disney is holding a fun Princess and the Frog thing…You get to see the movie and then they are having another place set up like the bayou where the kids can meet ALL of the princesses and play and do arts and crafts etc..It is in Nov… Maybe they will hold something like that in your area…Thought I would give you the heads up since you have 2 princess loving girls.. I am taking my princess loving 5 year old neice…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR ALEXA. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!
I hope your birthday wishes come true and cheers to many more wonderful years of blessings and growth.
Lauren,
Happy birthday to your perfect little miracle! She’s SOOOO cute! I’m not an overly religious person by any means, but it seems fitting to say, God bless you and your family. You are an amazing mother and an inspiration to us all. Not to mention a FANTASTIC stamper!
Stamping hugs,
Amy from CT
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALEXA!!! WHAT A SWEET 10 YEAR OLD GIRL! WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL YEAR AHEAD AND A WONDERFUL TIME AT DISNEY PRINCESSES ON ICE IN JANUARY!! By the way my birthday is in January. Sure wish I could go to see Disney Princesses on Ice with you.
Lauren, I have tears in my eyes with your beautiful tribute to your daughter. Thank you so much for being such a witness to nurturing this precious life and sharing your story! May God continue to bless you and your family abundantly!
What a wonderful picture of Alexa and a great tribute to her too 😀 I am always blown away at the depth of love a mother can have for her child. My DD just turned 11 and I too well up with tears at happy birthday because they grow up soooo quickly!! I sometimes wish I could stop time for a little while so I can enjoy a stage a bit longer. Blessings to you for being such a wonderful mom to Alexa and may she continue to touch the lives of many through who she is 😀
Happy Birthday Alexa!!!! What a stunning looking girl you have grown to be- what a great picture!
I hope you have a wonderful day, and enjoy the Disney show later!!!!
Diane
Happy Birthday Alexa- you are a beautiful girl and I love your smile. I read your story and you are amazing! May God continue to bless you and keep you healthy! Kelli
Happy Birthday Alexa!!! You are a very special miracle angel.
Many Happy returns Alexa, you look like a true little princess xx
Lauren you have managed to put into words how i feel about my own special little 11 yr old girl. The biggest blessing of my life, who teaches me more every day than i will ever be able to teach her. Bless you all. claire xx
My friend pointed me to your blog because she knew I would be touched by you/your daughter’s story. We found out that my son had down syndrome during my pregnancy as well as a bunch of swelling. We, too were told he would never make the pregnancy and encouraged us to terminate. It was not an option for us. He had heart surgery at three months and now he is four and doing amazing! They are truly miracles.
Lauren, God certainly knew who to give Alexa to. You are a wonderful mom and God knew you would be. Happy 10th Birthday Alexa and many more. Hugs, Beda Stoner, [email protected]
Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!!!
Happy Birthday Alexa! – What a wonderful story and such a sweet picture.
Happy 10th Birthday, Alexa!!! Have a great birthday.
I just had to say your words brought tears to my eyes! How wonderful, I am so happy for you and Alexa and your family. Your attitude and love are outstanding 🙂 I struggle so much with my son’s issues, no one will help me as there is no official diagnosis like Autism but he is such a mess. I need to be more focused and thankful like you, God bless you!
Lori
Lauren, How beautifully spoken. Happy Birthday Alexa, you are an inspiration to me, and your story has blessed my life!
Thank You!
Happy Birthday Alexa! Truly beautiful words x
Alexa, you look beautiful in your pretty dress and bow. And your hair is so nice, love it. Happy birthday sweetheart, have a terrific day. Reading about you every day all the way up here in Saskatchewan, Canada. That is a very long way from you. But I enjoy reading about you and your family everyday.
Happy 10th Birthday Alexa! Wow you look beautiful in that dress. Hope your day was fabulous.
Oh Lauren how fabulous! She looks amazing!!! I had tears in my eyes reading your post! I hope she had a great birthday!!!
All the best!!!!
Happy Birthday, Alexa! Lauren – your blog post was an amazing tribute to your little miracle! Your love and pride oozes out in every word – very nicely articulated. Happy day to you and Alexa 🙂
Belated happy birthday to Alexa – you look so pretty in your dress. My DD Kirsten was also 10 on Tuesday.
Such a beautiful post. A very belated happy birthday to the birthday girl, too!!
Such a beautiful post. A very belated happy birthday to the
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