For Your Viewing Pleasure

Father's Day Weekend

Before the rains came on Sunday, we had a good day of being outdoors in the sun. We went to the Festival of Cultures at Falls Park, and Tessa met Cagey, the Sioux Falls Canaries' mascot. Thankfully she wasn't afraid of the giant bird, which is both good and bad. In a few years, we might be sitting through "Sesame Street Live."

The many faces of Tessa

New Tessa Loves: *using one of her many rubber duckies as a pacifier *looking at pictures *watching our "growing up" slideshow dvd we played at our wedding *throwing balls and toys *playing on the bed among all the pillows and blankets (with our close supervision, of course!)

An early birthday present

A few months ago, Eric and I bought Tessa this little stroller for her dolly. It was meant to be a birthday gift, so we put it in the closet until later. Well, since Tessa has been busy walking along furniture, we thought we'd aid in her learning by bustin' out the stroller early. Eric put it together last night, and Tessa loved it from the start. This is one of the only pictures we got of her with her dolly actually in the stroller. Tessa would be strolling along, and we'd put the doll in. Evidently Tessa didn't want any free-loaders, because she kept stopping to take dolly out by throwing her to the ground. It'll be interesting to see if Tessa one day tries to put Sam in the stroller. Poor kitty. She's so tolerant of Tessa!

Tonight was the first time I saw Tessa pull herself up to stand without using furniture or Mommy or Daddy! She constantly amazes me. She stood for about 5 seconds and even took a step. Her balance is improving daily, and she is better controlling going from standing to sitting. Let's just say she either makes a smooth transition or topples gracefully!

Fun with Uncle Kor Kor

Kory got a taste of what babysitting Tessa will be like later this summer when Eric has his volleyball camp. While Aaron, Jessica, Eric and I took Mom to a comedy club and out for drinks and appetizers for her birthday, Kory babysat Tessa. We didn't get any frantic phone calls, and I didn't make any, either!

Daddy Daycare

According to Eric, daddy daycare is "the best paying job in the world." They play, read, eat and sleep. Well, Eric doesn't sleep for fear he won't wake up when Tessa does. But they have a lot of fun! Eric calls me with updates, which I look forward to every day. Who knows how much he really discloses, though. For all I know, they're in front of the TV eating sugar all day. What Mommy doesn't know can't hurt her, right? ; )

Family Visits

Grandpa & Grandma babysat Tessa for an
afternoon while Mommy & Daddy went to
see "Chicago" at the Orpheum in Sioux Falls.

Great-aunt Joan visited Canton
during a trip to Sioux Falls.

A sign of affection?

Aside from spending a wonderful Mother's Day with Tessa & Eric, receiving a card and going out for ice cream, Tessa gave me another treat: a wet surprise on my leg, which, according to Eric, was in the shape of a heart. Awww! Yes, it was bound to happen sometime; Tessa just chose to pee on my leg before bath time on Mother's Day ... twice. And, of course, Eric had to take a picture. Precious moments. Precious moments indeed.