Ode to Alech & lil Mama

This is Alegra, aka Alechi.

 She is 13 years old and finishing up her 8th grade year. I can't believe she starts high school next year. She loves gymnastics, but when I ask her if she will want to be a cheerleader in high school she adamantly responds, "No!"

She loves clothes and rummaging my closet. I find myself buying her Vans at every birthday and holiday, the crazier the color the better. Her foot is rapidly growing though and pretty soon I will be loaning out shoes. We both have gray Toms.

She is a great student and just won an award from school for achieving high honors.

She loves to sleep and is a night owl! During summer break she stays up til the wee hours and then sleeps until 12 or 1pm!

She is my "go-to-gal" for a date to see the latest Twilight movie. She's Team Edward, I'm Team Jacob.

She once described herself to me as; "People who don't know me think I'm quiet, people who do know me wish I was." Pretty spot on. She was painfully shy when I first met her and barely spoke to me, now I can't get her to shut up!! (That's said with love).

She is a fabulous cousin and spends a ton of time with Avery. She says that she can't wait to meet her next cousin and has called dibs on holding him first!

You're a wonderful, intelligent and goofy young woman. I feel so lucky to say that you are my niece.

This is Skyler, aka: Sky, or Little Mommy.

 I think it was love at first sight for Skyler and Avery. They are inseparable. From changing diapers to giving bottles, Skyler does it all. If I announce that Avery has poop, Skyler comes running to handle the job. Avery has mastered her name and walks around the house yelling for her.  Skyler is responsible for the first ever, Avery giggle.

Skyler loves to play soccer and has a great foot. She is patient on the field and watches for opportunities to make amazing plays. We try to go to all of her games, and I love cheering her on.

She is 10 years old and in 4th grade. Also, a great student, who likes to be on time! She goes to bed early and wakes up well before her big sister.

It took her a little longer to let me in, but now we call and text one another almost daily.

She loves horses, clothes and wearing my lipstick. I am desperately trying to get her to watch Harry Potter with me, but she refuses.

Avery is so lucky to have her for a cousin. They are joined at the hip. Avery follows her around when ever they are together and screams if Skyler tries to set her down. Skyler is definitely going to be my "go-to-gal" for babysitting in a few years. She is an intelligent, kind and punctual little lady.

Alegra and Skyler are wonderful people, and I have enjoyed watching as they become young women. I used to refer to them as Jay's nieces, but now claim them as my own. One of the best things about marrying Jay was these two special little girls!!!
We love you SOOOO much!!
xxoo