Tessa's 17 Month Photo Shoot

Wow, it is unbelievable that Tessa is 17 months old, but spend a day with her and you will quickly see that she is a toddler and no longer a baby! Many things are much easier at this stage with her, but it has also brought along some new challenges....

The fun side of 17 months:

• watching her "mother" her babies. She dresses, feeds, snuggles, takes them on rides, etc...
• she is communicating better...like pointing to things and knowing where and when she wants something
• riding in the car is easier thanks to her new portable DVD player!
• she loves to be outside and will play out there FOREVER
• taking bike rides
• watching her personality develop... so far she is very strong willed, social, funny, and a cuddle bug
• i love love love when she fixes my hair, gives me hugs, swings spider style... she is able to show love in all new ways which is great!!

Here are the challenges :)

• she doesn't want to be confined or buckled in ANYTHING!!!! including carseat, stroller, highchair, booster seat, shopping cart, or even held in your arms! This pretty much affect everything we try to do. :)
• she loves to do things she isn't supposed to or allowed to do. Such as open and close the stairs gate and climb up and down the stairs. Open and close the screen door over and over and over (it is a huge step down to cement and really scares me)
• stand on things and give you this smirk like look at me
• wants to dress herself, brush her own teeth, and even sometimes put on her diaper!!
• has the melt to the floor can't grab ahold of her temper tantrums :)

I'm sure you can see the trend.....WE ARE GETTING INDEPENDENT!! I've been told that toddler is an indication to teenager and boy oh boy we may have our hands full of a teen that wants to be older than they are, make their own decisions, and do things even if you say not to!

But here are some pictures of our adorably challenging 17 month old!

It is all about her babies. She took a walk all the way around the block (since we have stroller resistance) the other night carrying her baby that is almost as big as her!

They are buddies and Zayne is really great with her, but not so much the other way around...he gets beat and chased by toys, ridden, and used as a step stool.

This is my favorite shot even thought it isn't her cute face!

swinging "spider" style if you didn't know what I was talking about

Dying Eggs... with a 17 month old!

I love doing things with Tessa that I recall from my childhood. One of those we did this week....dye Easter eggs. She was very eager to participate and was also very proud of the end product.

She immediately plunged the eggs into the dye cups...and that equals....

BLUE FINGERS!!!!

But she was so happy how could I stop such pleasure.

I could see her little mind saying "Mommy is really letting me hold these??"

She loves to run to the fridge and get them out to "show" people!

Birthday at the Farm!!

I love my baby girl!

Happy Birthday to Mommy....the best present ever!

I spent the day with my sweet little girl for my birthday. We went to my friend Brooke's mini farm and saw the animals. We also made a fun birdfeeder craft, had a snack, and played with all the kids. It was a really fun time and we can't wait to go back once it gets warmer!

Tonight Dan gave me my birthday present....A BIKE!! I'm so excited and he even got a seat for Tessa to ride in! I'm going to have to practice a bit before taking her it has been a few years!

Baby Chicks and Ducks for Easter

My little farm girl

She was just quietly watching the horses eat...so curious.

Making crafts

Tessa loved this airplane rocker, she was giving everyone rides!

Rain Rain Go Away...

It can be a challenge to entertain a 1 year old on a rainy day; especially one who adores playing outside! We spent most of the day in the playroom at our house. She has learned how to go down the slide on her bottom now so it is a who new experience. She also has found her loud voice so it involves a lot of screaming! It really is quite entertaining.

so big

As a way to help the hours pass we (I) decided to do a craft. I was inspired by my crafty friend Brooke, but there is only so much you can do with a 1 year old and scissors! So, for most of the holidays this year I have sent a custom card to the grandparents. Here is our Easter card...I traced her fingers for the bunny ears and she helped glue on the flowers. So fun and cute!!

I was able to squeeze in some cute pictures before she wanted the camera! When looking at these I realized what a little girl she is becoming and growing out of the baby stage.

I love her button nose

photo shoot over, now she wants the camera :)

Easter Festivities Begin

Our church had an Easter Egg Hunt and breakfast this past weekend. Dan and I had a debate about having her wear her new Easter outfit, he said she shouldn't and I said she should, go figure. :) He was right in the fact that the other kids weren't dressed up, but we both agreed we were happy she wore it because it was SOOO darn cute!
Daddy teaching her how to throw rocks, oh my!

She loves to be outside all the time and she was so patiently awaiting the hunt; just staring out the windows.

I just love how she is so girly in her mannerisms, little dainty princess.

Carrying her basket like a purse, it was really cute.

She actually liked the Easter bunny, this was a huge improvement from Santa. She really doesn't know a stranger. All day she would just run off and visit with other kids and care less where we were.

This is her new princess outfit from Mamaw and Papaw, fits her to a T. She loves to try and dress herself and she is our little princess! As soon as she puts it on she smiles and starts spinning in circles.

We also went to Layton's 1st Birthday party which was really great. I know others took pictures so I just sat back and enjoyed!