Happy 1st Birthday Tessa!

*I came in to get your pic on your b-day morning... I guess I didn't come soon enough!*

Tessa-girl is 1 yrs old. Yikes! How does that happen?! I'm not sure, but it always does. Even difficult years have a way of going by fast. So thankful for all of the grace this year that the Lord has given. It has been a challenging year, but a wonderful one all at the same time. And one filled with much, much love and warm memories. So... to show gratefulness for a year of life God has graciously given, we celebrated on Sunday with Aunt Beth, Uncle Devon, Reuben, Theo, and all of your brothers. I made you a vanilla bean cake with homemade vanilla bean frosting tinted pink with beets from the garden. Yum!

Tess, you are very spunky little one year old -- you are very grabby and will cling onto us like a monkey if you want to be held. You smile a lot, and you can keep up with your bros just fine. Myles is in for it as soon as you start walking... it won't be long as you are  pulling yourself up and cruising around furniture! You sign 'more,' 'all done,' 'eat,' and 'drink.' You wave bye-bye and say sounds to imply 'thank you,' 'all done,' 'hi,' and 'bye.'

You know all of your brother's names - and if we say give Myles a kiss, you look right at him and open your mouth wide. He loves it! The boys are in love with you... you can do no wrong... except cry in the car endlessly! Then they'll say you're annoying. For the most part, you sleep all night. You are not a big cuddler but you will put your head down on Daddy's shoulder, not Mommy's. You are missing your two front teeth, so you look a bit like a vampire! :) Hopefully they'll grow in soon. You are stinking adorable!!! You play with matchbox cars and balls all the time - sorry, we did get a baby doll for your b-day and so did Aunt Beth. And you even have another one from a baby shower.

*I think you're wondering who's b-day it is???*

So, maybe you'll play with girl toys after all! All in all, you are the sweetest thing and we love, love, love you!!!!!!!