A visit from Grandma & Grandpa

Church, Bagel Boy, playtime and DQ with Grandma & Grandpa. Tessa had a blast! 

Happy Father's Day!

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Only a random string of letters — not words — can describe how frustrated we are with the number of times Tessa has been bit at daycare over the past five or so weeks.

Owie.

I'm tempted to get that bad tasting stuff that some parents use on their thumb-sucking kids and apply it to Tessa's arms. That would teach the little monster(s).

I talked with several of Tessa's teachers about it. Her main teacher said she decided to speak with the directors about the issue even before I approached her. Evidently one of the main culprits (they don't reveal names, although Tessa has mentioned Emmy) was moved to one of the 2-year-old rooms. Problem not solved. Tessa will be there in two months. But her teacher said she'll request that Tessa not be put in the same room. So, other children will have to feel the wrath of this biter.

Every time she's bit, I have to sign a report (the biter's parents do, too), and it always details that Tessa was minding her own business when another child sunk his or her little teeth into her. Or something like that. Tessa has never bit anyone. I almost wish she would start biting back. Another one of her teachers told me that a lot of the kids don't know how to communicate very well, so they bite when they get frustrated. That won't fly in the real world, kids. Just you wait. Ever heard of Mike Tyson?

After the incident, the biter (yes, I'm labeling these children) is shown the mark (there is usually a nice bruise) and told no and that he/she hurt Tessa. Then, said biter has to sit in a timeout. Once out of timeout, he/she is encouraged to hug Tessa. But she doesn't always accept these insincere gestures. Good for her. I wouldn't want a hug from my attacker, either.

"Dogs never bite me. Just humans."

                           – Marilyn Monroe

P.S. Since I happen to post on people's birthdays ... Happy birthday, Linds!

Earmuffs

Examples of things I should no longer say

While driving...

"Move it, grandpa. This isn't a parade!"

Because Tessa says...
"Grandpa go?"
(And probably soon, "Parade go?")

I've learned my lesson. I will never again stereotype slow drivers as having grandpa-like qualities, or vice versa. My apologies, Bill! :)

And, in general...
"Damn Walmart."

Because Tessa says...
"Damn Walmart."

Don't judge me.

P.S. Tessa turned 12 the other day. Wait, no. It just seems that way because apparently, she knows how to text message...???

P.P.S. Happy birthday, Mima!

Hey, cousin!

Tessa and John got to hang out for a bit when we were in the Rochester area last weekend. In the last picture, it looks like Tessa is about to squeeze his cheeks. (That's my job as his aunt!)

They're such sweet babes.

Happy birthday!

To a great...

Coach 

 

Teacher 

 

Husband

Daddy

An unrelenting desire to drink Dr. Pepper

Tessa helped me put cans of Dr. Pepper in the fridge a few weeks ago, and then decided she'd like to have some of "Mommy's pop." Frustration ensued...

As you may recall, at 6 months old, Tessa was already trying to score some DP...

Our favorite quote

"Tessa, please put the child-proof lock back on the cabinet doors."

Happy Mother's Day

Might as well jump. JUMP!

I get up, and nothing gets me down.
I like to jump, and then go 'round and 'round.
And I know, just how it feels.
You've got to roll with the punches to get to what's real.

Tessa doesn't know it yet, but she's a fan of Van Halen.

We saw her jump (both feet off the ground) for the first time last night. After she landed, she put her hand to her chest to catch her breath. I was expecting to hear an "Oh, my!" She seemed overwhelmed by the thrill that is jumping.

David Lee Roth would be proud.