What a Year

What a difference a year makes. What an addition a baby makes to complete a family.

Here's me a little more than a year ago:

Tess-a-Bess arrives:

She is loved by Sister:

And by Boo:

And Mommy (Daddy too!):

She gets clean (1 mos):

And sleeps (6 weeks - there's Daddy!):

And smiles (2mos):

And plays at the pool (3mos):

And has fun (4mos):

And plays (5mos):

And makes us laugh (6mos):

And gets presents (7mos):

And tries new food (8mos):

And plays at the pool (9mos):

And plays at another pool (10mos):

And goes to the zoo (11mos):

And plays outside (11.5 mos)

And celebrates her birthday (12mos!):

Happy Birthday to the best baby a family ever had, what would we do without our Tess-a-Bess. She is clever, sweet, smart, adorable, hilarious, easily entertained and just about the most squeezable thing you've ever seen. We love our Tess-a-Bess!

Finally

After all my hard work and submissions, I have finally been recognized here. I knew my day would come!

*Thanks to my wonderful mother-in-law Trina for the acknowledgement!

Booisms II

Boo is four going on five, going on 45 sometimes. Today was definitely one of those days. Some things heard coming out of Boo's mouth:

"Mom, do you have a baby in your tummy again?" Said in front of his teacher and all the moms in the preschool line. Awesome. Damn you fashionable baby doll tops, you are the enemy of women in their fertile years everywhere. Damn you Easter candy, no amount of running in the world can wipe out single-person-consumption of a giant size bag of Robin's Eggs.

"So mom, if you did have a baby, would it come out of your adult vagina?" Thankfully he gets the clue that young people shouldn't have babies. Yes, I've taught my kids things early. Yes, I have reinforced the concept of talking about these things in the privacy of our home.

"Today is my imaginary brother Tom's birthday. He was 16, but now he is 17" Scratch that about the boy knowing that young people having babies. Ok, ok, I wouldn't have been that young. Oh, and in case your wondering, Tom rides a motorcycle.

Pictures of the Day

Today's blog post will be told in pictures. Too bad this wasn't next week when I would have my new camera in hand. Though the pictures might still be sub-par and I would just be an idiot wannabe photog with a really expensive camera. But that's something to worry about next week.

I went to pick up Boo from school this late morning, and in celebration of Earth Day, all the children made Earth Day projects. I saw the other kids' projects as they walked by with their moms. Their projects made claims such as, "I promise to ride my bike," "I promise to plant a tree," or "I promise to walk to school." I looked forward to seeing what Boo's Earth Day promise was. Well, here's what I got:



This coming from the boy who answers "Superman" to the question of what he wants to be when he grows up. I guess this promise can be interpreted as a career goal as well.

When we got home, I put Tess-a-Bess in the only truly baby proofed place in our home. Yeah, yeah, I know, she's nearly a year and I should have baby proofed more than a portion of the basement. But in my defense, it is where we spend the most time, and I still need examples of my worthiness of the MOTY award. In order to baby proof the basement, you need to barricade to spaces between the couches and the treadmill to lock Tess-a-Bess in the pay area of the basement. Looks here like she wants to get past that barricade:

Perhaps a stronger, child safety sanctioned barricade is in order. Or maybe a stack of boxes would work instead!

Composure

Having a dramatic seven year old is a curse and a blessing. She loves performing and will entertain any guest that comes into our home, even if they don't want to be entertained. She will walk on stage in front of hundreds of people at a talent show and sing a solo without blinking an eye. She will make you laugh with her seven going on 17 going on 72 stories and mannerisms. She is one of the most outgoing, personable seven year olds I know.

But then there is the downside, which plays out when things may not be going Sister's way, or is she is (don't say it!)...tired. This past weekend Sister went away on a trip with her Grandma. It wasn't an all fun trip, there was some kid-sized business involved, but she did get to swim, eat junk, and stay up late. When she returned she was tired, to say the least. After about an hour at home, the waterworks began.

Me: Sister, dinner.
Sister: But, I didn't get a chance to play (insert hysterical tears here)

Dad: Sister, scoot up to the table.
Sister: Why do yo have to give me such a hard time (insert hysterical tears here)

Me: Tell me about your weekend.
Sister: It was fun (she's back to cheery at this point) we swam a lot. But then at night, the older girls got to go back to the pool and us younger kids had to go to bed (insert hysterical tears here).
Me: Sister, it's over with, you're fine, let's just eat
Sister: (with all the drama she can muster) I need to go to the bathroom and compose myself.

What seven year old needs to compose themselves? Yep, I know one!

Happy Easter

The festivities started early in our house, about 6:30 early. The loud shoutings of a four year old woke up the sick baby who went to bed late...it's going to be a great day.

Baskets were pillaged, eggs were found, whites were eaten and yolks were tossed.

The hubby and I stayed in bed as long as possible, as we listened to the older two run through the house. Tess-a-Bess laid down with us reading her new books from the Easter Bunny. The following was heard...

Boo: Is it time to shove our faces with candy yet?
Sister: Alleluia, Jesus is risen, ALLELUIA! (said in her best preacher voice)

Happy Easter!

Quote of the Day

Sister: MOM!! Boo put his penis on my sheets and it smells.
Me: Umm....

Then I just stood there, frozen trying my hardest not to laugh, as the "bury your face in your hands and pretend your crying" trick wouldn't really work here.

Perhaps a small clue that the seven year old girl and four year old boy need to stop sharing a room.