Alexa and her Grandpa

After school the other day, on our way to get Oliver:

Alexa: "Mommy, how old was Grandpa when he died."
Me: "Grandpa was 57. And I was 30."
Alexa: "Oh. So you weren't a kid when he died."
Me: "No, I wasn't. But you weren't born yet. I wish he could have met you."
Alexa: "Well, I know I didn't know him. But I feel sad for you, Mommy."

At this point, I'm trying to not break down in tears, especially while driving.

Alexa: "If I met him, I would say 'Hi.'"
Me: "If he saw you, I think he would say [insert gruff voice here] 'Get over here and give me a hug.'"
Alexa (after short pause): "I think he is up in Heaven, with Mama's Nana. Not my Nana, but Mama's Nana. You know, the one I knew when I was a baby."
Me (thinking, how the hell does she know about Heaven): "Yes honey, I think for sure that they are together looking down on us. And they are so proud of you and Oliver." 

Alexa and Marriage

While brushing our teeth this morning,

Alexa: "When I grow up, I'm going to fall in love with you and marry you."
Me: "Well, aren't I lucky."
Alexa: "For real, Mommy. I am."

Alexa and Pre-School Graduation

Me: "Alexa, Friday is your graduation and Friday is my last day at my job before I start my new one."
Alexa (throwing her arms around me): "Mommy, it's like we are BOTH graduating on Friday!"

Alexa and the Soccer Coaches

I am one of the many coaches of this team of 4 year olds, most of whom Alexa has known since she was a few weeks old. Most of the coaches, specifically the dads, are exceptionally funny with the kids. I usually pride myself on being quite humorous, but for some reason, lose all wit in this setting.

Conversation on the way to soccer this past Saturday:

Alexa: "Mommy, are you one of my soccer coachers?"
Me: "Yup, I sure am."
Alexa: "But not the funny one, right?"
Me (slightly dejected): "Nope, I guess not. Who is a funny coach?"
Alexa: "Umm, John. And what are their names..."
Me: "Murray and Nate?"
Alexa: "YES! But don't worry, Mommy. I still love you. I still like you as my coach."

And at 4 years old, she already knows how to go right for the jugular.

Alexa and the Car

Yesterday, I picked the kids up from school in Jennifer's car. Alexa pointed to the ceiling in the car, forgetting we were the car without a sunroof.

Me: "Oh, did you forget we were in Mama's car and not mine, which has the sunroof?"
Alexa: laughing "I did forget, Mommy. Mama drove us to school in your car this morning. She struggled with your car."
Me: "She struggled? How did she struggle?"
Alexa: "She struggled with your steering wheel. She asked how you can drive that car every day."

Alexa vs. Birthday Presents

Me: "Alexa, your 4th birthday is coming. If you were to get presents, what would you like? I know you want binoculars."
Alexa: "Yeah. You can just surprise me."
Me: "But what should we tell Nana and Papa, or Grandma or Uncle Ricky to get you?"
Alexa: "Whatever they want to get me. I will like that."

Famous last words, until the day before her birthday...

Alexa vs. the Food Thrower

Oliver has taken to throwing his food at the table at dinner sometimes. Not just dropping it on the ground (which drives me crazy) but deliberately throwing pieces across the table. Boy has a good arm and great form for an 18 month old, which I'm quite proud of, but the food throwing is so not cool. 

Me: "Oliver, no throwing food. We do not throw food at the dinner table."

Oliver: "No." [threw another piece]

Alexa: "Oliver, we do not throw food. UN-A-CCEPT-ABLE. That is unacceptable."

Apparently, Jennifer and I no longer need to parent. Alexa will do it for us. :)

Alexa vs. Vacation

On our way home from school this evening,  Alexa says to me,

Alexa: "Mommy, right before we go on vacation, I need to do something."
Me: "What do you need to do, Alexa?"
Alexa: "I need to take a lot of naps."
Me: "Why do you need to take a lot of naps."
Alexa: "So I have all my energy for vacation and the beach."

Sounds like a plan, kid, sounds like a great plan to me.

                                         The family in Puerto Rico. Drawn 3/12/14 by Alexa (3.75yrs)

Alexa vs. Lunch

Jennifer: "Alexa, I wanted to know why you didn't finish your sandwich, or your green beans or blueberries, at lunch today."
Alexa: "Well, uh, I have a small mouth, so I can't eat a lot, or fast. It's not because I'm chatting."