More from the Birthday Bash

Tessa's Birthday Bash

Tessa starts the day playing with the activity table we got her.

Tessa enjoyed the ribbons and wrapping paper as much as the presents.

The girl already loves shoes!

One of Tessa's 3 birthday cakes (2 made by Mima). This one was dubbed the "peacock puke cake," and it was delicious!


Tessa mid-sugar rush after delving into her cake; I must say, though, she was tame compared to some babies I've seen
post-birthday cake encounter. She was very polite with hers - what a little lady.

Amid all the excitement of having family over and the party atmosphere in general, Tessa took a tumble into a chair and got her first bruise - on her eye. Chair: 1, Tessa: 0. Poor girl. It's looking much better, though. She loved having Matt & Natalie, Christina & Eric, Mima and Grandpa Bill & Grandma Beth for the day! She played well, ate well and slept well. Tessa's first birthday party: a success!

Tessa Turns 1!

Tessa had a wonderful 1st birthday! We woke her up by singing "Happy Birthday." It seems like we're constantly singing to her, though, so she probably thought nothing of it.

I took the day off from work to spend with her. We went to a park for the first time, and she momentarily enjoyed the swing. It was fun until her weight forced her forward, and she couldn't straighten herself out. Plus, she was tired. We did walk through the play area, and she got sand in her shoes, so I really feel like she got a good playground experience.

After Daddy got done with volleyball camp, we trekked to Sioux Falls to get a birthday gift at Toys 'R' Us. We were due for a trip there; it had been a while. It started raining when we were in the grocery store, and by the time we walked outside, the rain had stopped, and we saw a beautiful full rainbow. It was awesome. We told Tessa that was God's birthday present to her.

Classic Tessa

Tessa's new thing is sucking in her cheeks while making a kissing noise. Yes, even when eating.

A happy Tessa, a none-too-thrilled Sam

Tessa's Quirky Side

A Visit to the Farm

Tessa & Aunt Joan

Daddy & Tessa in the tree house

Daddy gets ready for Tessa's future boyfriends ...

... Mommy does, too

Tessa & Uncle Mike

The weekend of July 18 and 19, we trekked up to Lily, SD, to visit the farm where Great-Aunt Joan and Great-Uncle Mike spend their summers. It's also where Grandpa Bill grew up. Tessa loved being outdoors - walking on grass for the first time and on the long, gravel driveway, smelling flowers (she does NOT like the smell of marigolds) and touching tree leaves. Tessa loved the farm!

'Don't Blame Me, I Just Got Here'

Mmmm hmmm. That's what they all say. And that's what Tessa says, too. When we say: "Tessa, it's bath night - woo hoo!" she hears: "Tessa, feel free to take fistfuls of your turkey vegetable rice supper, squeeze it between your fingers, and then run it through your hair!"

Baby Steps

This is how excited Tessa was after she took seven – count 'em, SEVEN – steps from Daddy to Mommy without assistance on Saturday night. After her first two steps by herself, she knew we were excited about something, and that's when she became uber giggly. So, Eric and I had to settle down so that she could regain her focus. And focus she did! I think she knows we're proud of her, and it's great to see how proud of herself she is!

Play Ball!