Tessa's baby blessing

Tessa was blessed in church a couple weeks ago. It was great to have family from far and near in town. Tessa's booties were made by a friend, Bobbi Piippo, and Lynne made the blanket 6 or so years ago. Adam has held each of our children in this blanket for each baby blessing. It goes without saying that it is special for more reason than one, as is our little Tessa Marie.

Happy Birthday to Emily

Emily turned 6 on Wednesday.

The cousins had a great time playing together while we shared dinner, did our best to keep the wind from blowing out Emily's birthday candles, and finally got to opening some presents! Poor Tessa was not a happy birthday guest...she obviously didn't know she was in the arms of a very handsome man.

A beautiful sunset shone through the trees, lighting the end of Emily's big day.

Happy Birthday Emily!

Trail running kids

June 5, our family took an evening drive to a spot by the Yakima River, Umtanum campground--a place where Adam had been before with the scouts. Adam has been able to explore some great spots for hikes and camping that he then gets to share with me. We crossed "swinging bridge" and ventured on the trail and verdant countryside.
The kids enjoyed running on the trail and eating PB&J by the river. Adam and I enjoyed watching the kids. This was our last family outing before the baby came (Tessa was born the next morning).

Who's that boy?

Robbie is napping with his plastic bat and light saber. They have to lay down by him or out they go. It's working. The faux/mo hawk--not so much, though I do think he looks pretty cool. Robbie's newest tricks are swinging the bat at everything and doing sound effects while jumping or making firework motions with his hands. This video doesn't even come close to showing off his true jumping and sound effect skills.

Springtime Butterflies

We gave our kids a kit for "growing" caterpillars into butterflies. My friend, Lisa, told me about these butterfly kits you can buy that include a butterfly "cage" of sorts and an order form for the little caterpillars. The butterflies stayed in our home for a week or so. During their stay, the kids named all seven, set them free in Emily's bedroom (without me knowing), and even cried when I suggested letting them go. The kids finally agreed to set them free. Hopefully they survived outdoor living.

2 Weeks Young

Robbie and I took Tessa to her 2 week check up yesterday. The scale went back and forth between 8 lbs 15 oz and 9 lbs. She's about 20 1/2 inches "tall".

(Adam's favorite photo of Tessa)

I forgot how much newborns sleep. Her doctor reminded me that it's around 18 hours a day! We are still adjusting to having 4 kids. I guess we'll be readjusting when she isn't sleeping for so many hours each day.

Tessa meets the family

Meet Tessa Marie Anderson, age one week.

I can't hardly believe it. Just last Sunday, I awoke at 4:15 a.m. and felt some backpain...ouch!...and grabbed the cell phone to start timing contractions. 5 minutes apart, 15 minutes apart . . . could it be a false alarm? Then 5 minutes apart, 3 minutes apart . . . and we were out the door and on our way to Memorial hospital.

5:30--Adam and I walked in to the hospital, a nervous smile on my face. I was wheeled in to the birthing center where we would wait for a room. I was wheeled in to "suite" 426 at 6 a.m. Our doctor arrived (finally!) between 6:10 and 6:15, and I was holding our baby girl at 6:20.

Now that's the way to start a morning!

We were all so happy to finally meet and hold baby Tessa in our arms.