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I was sitting in my rocking chair, putting you to sleep tonight, thinking about this same night one year ago, where I was sitting in that same chair, holding you, but in a different way.  You were coming and we were going to meet for the first time.  Although I didn't know who you were yet, I always believed you were going to be my little girl.  Tomorrow we celebrate YOU.

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Is it ET?  No.  It's Tessa riding in her iBert.

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6 months, and sitting by herself for the first time.

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Month 3 - Two favorites from our trip to Kansas City.

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Sleeping in her crib (one of the few times she did in these early days).  I think this is right before I gave up the idea of her sleeping in a crib and gave in to the best invention ever - the swing.

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11 days to go until Miss T's first birthday.  Until the big day, I will share some never before seen photos :)  Today we celebrate her first month.

Seville Triathlon & Duathlon

Scott and I participated in the Triathlon/Duathlon this past weekend with Christina, Simon, Rachel and Barry.  It was my second Triathlon ever, and my first in 9 years.  The difference this time around was that I couldn't take a nap when I got home because  I now have a toddler.  (note to self, get 2 babysitters for my next race, one during the event and one for after!).  Although I do not know how I did overall (official results have yet to be posted) I do know that everyone finished high enough in their age groups to medal... except for Barry.  The only reason all of us received medals was because our age groups were so small, except for the Maxi Tri Men's 30-35 age group.  Poor Barry.  He was the one who really trained for this too (and finished well ahead of all of us).  They are having another race on July 4th.  I haven't decided if I will do it or wait another 9 years.

Happy Mother's Day!

Oh, was that almost a week ago? I forgot. I tried to put it out of my mind for a while. I've looked at other blogs and seen their photos from Mother's Day and I've been jealous. Really jealous. Being no fault of anyone, I spent Sunday on a plane holding Tessa while she repeatedly did impressions of a stiff board and a limp noodle (alternating every 5 seconds) while screaming. And thanks to Mother Nature, the plane flight was not a brisk 2 hours and 5 minutes like it was going to Kansas City. No, due to 100 mph winds, it added an extra hour and ten minutes to the flight. And to make it worse, there was a 7 month old behind us, who was perfect during the entire flight. I (barely) restrained myself from making an announcement to the people around us that my child walks and is used to walking all the time, and that baby doesn't even crawl yet, that is why he is being so good. I would have let this mother's day just pass without a post (and it was even my FIRST Mother's Day) if it wasn't for Saturday and this very special lady -

This is my Grandma, Tessa's Great-Grandma Ruth.  She turned 90 on Mother's Day.  And to celebrate everyone came to her town of Oswego, Kansas on Saturday.  And she didn't know we were coming!  All 3 of her children and spouses were there, as well as 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.  I can't remember the last time all of us were together like that.  We spent the day eating from the BBQ, catching up and playing at Riverside Park.

Sitting on the patio.  This visit was bittersweet.  Grandma Ruth is looking to downsize, and we all realize this may be the last time at "Grandma's House"

Uncle Dave cooking the food, while James learns the BBQs are hot.

Tessa, Chrissy and Madison

Cousins Eric and Brad

The McClure's - Dave, Nancy and James (Dad)

Playing on the "new" playground at Riverside Park

It had some great old-school structures as well

Like this tank.  The big kids loved it.  Only in Oswego can you have a real tank, bullet proof glass and all.

Chris and Scott push all the grandkids (minus Brooke) on the merry-go-round

Tessa enjoyed all the plants (no cactus here!)

Dave and Teresa

My Mom and Dad

Happy Birthday Grandma

You have a lot to be proud of.

Tessa's Tree

When Tessa was born, my parents planted a Palo Verde tree outside her window.  They are pretty cool trees all year round with their green bark, but in the spring they have bright yellow flowers.  Guess what?  It is blooming, and it is beautiful!

11 Months

The countdown is on. Tessa, you are 11 months old. Your Dad says you're not my baby anymore, you are a toddler. But I say until May 29th, you are still my baby. I've been thinking of all the "lasts" that are going to happen this month - last time in your infant car seat (you are 1" away from outgrowing it), last bottle (which has probably already happened for me, I got to feed you one last week, and I'll probably not do it again), last time of rocking you to sleep. But I am also thinking about all the firsts that we are getting to do now that you are older! You are in swim lessons, and even kick your feet when you are free in the water. We can go to the park and watch you go up the stairs by yourself and usually you don't put the sand in your mouth. We can take trips to museums children's museums with you. You are learning more signs and hopefully we can communicate with you soon (or at least figure out what YOU want!).

The beginning and the end of swim lessons... she got a little chilly.

Tessa, you are so tough. You take big tumbles and get right back up. You are determined and stubborn! Even though you cannot climb up the slide, you try every time after you go down before relenting to go up the right way. But you are smart, too! You love to copy everything that I do and I am amazed how fast you catch on.

You have 7 teeth, and your hair is getting more and more blond (and red... we'll call it strawberry). You are getting so big, but your waist is still so tiny. You have a loud scream, but such a sweet little girl voice. You are still my baby, and I love you so much.