The Kindergarten year

And so it begins

 

Last days of preschooler hood, first days of I'm almost a teenager.

Tess turns 5

 

Today, my baby girl became a 5 yr old. 

I'm not sure how or why it happened, but it did.

And next week she is starting Kindergarten. :'(

 

We had a little mini party with just the family.

You may notice that the built in at the end of the room has been painted. It just seemed to blend in before. 

  

We made English muffin pizzas. 

Pizza was actually her second choice. 

Chicken, rice, and green beans was the first.

 

 

Cucumber carrot sandwiches anyone?

 

Followed by cherry chip cupcakes.

 

"I got a dollar!"

AKA $20 bill from Grandpa and Grandma

 

"A Barbie Doc McStuffins! I never had one of these before!"

 

And of course, posing in her new birthday dress from Grandma.

 

Happy 5th birthday baby girl.

Our lives have been brightened since you came along.

My baby turned four

Tess the 4 yr old

And you wouldn't even know it because I didn't share any pictures. We actually had her party the weekend before the big day because Mom was back in Ohio for a visit.

She wanted a mermaid party which we indulged her with, complete with Octopus dogs, Starfish PB&Js, Goldfish crackers, and of course, Ariel cupcakes.

There was even a "fish" bowl and Ocean water to drink.

While the little ones gorged themselves on kid friendly food, the grown ups grilled burgers and brats

and the tweens and teens played video games.

There was a little slip and slide fun

A couple didn't quite get the sliding part down

While a couple others skipped out on that fun completely.

Tess and Logan decided it was more fun to spray other people with the sprinkler than actually run through it.

And then came the cupcakes!

Though who needs cake when you can have icing?

Throw in some presents

And you've got yourself a great birthday!

Hello puppy

 

Eww, doggy kisses

Thanks to all our Ohio friends and family who came out to celebrate the baby minion's 4th!

When I headed back to Tennessee, I took her and the tall minion (AKA Captain Awesome, according to him), back with me. We stayed with a very nice couple for about a week and were at their house for Tess's actual birthday on August 10th. When they heard it was her birthday, they threw in a little party with dinner.

Tess had taken to introducing herself as Ariel Tess, hence the cake.

Mom, of course, missed the actual blowing out of the candles, but Tess enjoyed being spoiled with another birthday party.

 

So, we're still settling in to Tennessee and I hope to add more pics soon. Keep your eye out.

My Sweet Caroline

Dearest Tess, my sweet little angel faced girl, today you are a 3 yr old.

While I sometimes wondered after your big brother was born if another would follow him, I can't imagine not knowing you. You have brought so much joy into our lives. You are my sunshine, my moon, and my stars.

I love everything about you.

I love your big blue eyes, your little blond ringlets, and your scrunchy face grin.

I love when you laugh, when you giggle, when you shriek.

I love the way you are the only one to call me Mama.

I love listening to your sweet toddler voice.

I love that you love your brothers and sister, even though they are sometimes mean to you.

I love that you are a girly girl and can't go a day without dressing up.

I love that you love piggy tails.

I love that you don't think twice about getting dirty.

I love how you hide your face when you know you're up to something and you see me watching.

I love how you play hide and seek but tell me where you are.

I love when you ask to go wimming in your baby suit, and even though I think you're too big for it now, it's still adorable when you say "I wanna bobble, peeeease."

I love that I told you you're a big girl now and you don't need a bobble and you went right to bed.

I love that you waited until the day before your third birthday to start climbing out of your crib.

I love that you think I'm a docker who catches babies even though that's not quite right.

I love how you pucker up for "lips" even though I caught you putting lipgloss on a dinosaur one day.

I love how you grab my face in your hands to give kisses.

I love snuggling next to your squishy little toddler body even though I end up on the edge of the bed and your hair gets in my face.

I love how you can't resist water no matter if it's a pool, shower, bath, or hose.

I love that you are not a picky eater.

I love that you love brocki and you know to spit cherry pits.

I love that you can wrap anything in a dishtowel and call it a baby.

I loved you the minute I knew you were there.

I loved you more when you swam into my arms.

I love you each and every day that I know you.

I love you when I'm away from you and when I come home to your smiles and hugs.

I love that you know that I love you.

I love that your mine, Tess Caroline.



Toddler photoshoot

I came home from clinicals the other day to find this beautiful girl.

I thought she was too cute to not take pictures.

She didn't agree. 

 

 My beautiful girl