Oh, Tessa.

Oh, Tessa. You are so much fun as a two-year old. You have SO much personality and SASS. You love nursery class at church. All week long you talk about your "friends at chuuuuch." and your "sistahs at chuuuuch." (Sister Moore and Collette) You have terrible bangs right now because your brother CUT them. Bo was tired of your hair hanging in your eyes, so he sat you down and trimmed them off for you. His intentions were good. Daddy was MAD. Needless to say, they can't grow fast enough. You do the cutest summersaults I have ever seen. You start by putting your head down, then you kick one back leg up in the air with your toe pointed, like a little gymnast and flip over super fast. Your brothers love you so much.  You are a lucky little girl. They both run to you when you get hurt. I catch them with their arms around you or hugging you quite often. You are a definite Daddy's girl and he loves it. You only want him and snuggle him every chance you get.

Being a Mom is tiresome sometimes, but let me tell you; I have the best three kids a Mom could ask for. You are individually different but make my life so complete. Thanks for coming to me. I couldn't be happier.

hugs & kisses,
"mommy"

Birth Story

Your second birthday has me reminiscing about the day you were born. As you know, we have several August birthdays to celebrate. The year I was expecting you, my birthday was approaching... and so was your due date. (Actually, you and Lucas were both expected to come one August 28th.) Neither of you did which is good, because who would want to share a Birthday? On August 13th, Dad took me out to mexican food. It was soooo yummy. I couldn't finish my food though because I was so uncomfortable. My stomach was cramping and I had such bad contractions throughout dinner, that I thought you were going to come right then and there. I remember not being able to get up from the table because I hurt so bad. When I made it to the car, the contractions increased. We rushed to the hospital thinking this would be it. You and I would share a birthday! They checked me in right away and of course, contractions stopped. They gave me the option to stay, but I decided to go home and wait for things to get going again. 2 days passed and I went on with my busy little life, cutting hair. On August 15th, I took 2 hair clients, all the while having contractions. Lucky for me, my last one was a labor and delivery nurse! Just in case you decided to come, I was prepared with the right client. She listened as I told her I had been having contractions. She suggested I go in. Tammy just happened to swing by the house for one of her kids to use the restroom, so when she stopped and saw that I had been cutting hair and having contractions, she ordered me to go in! So, she took the boys off my hands and I headed to the Hospital. I brought with me Daddy and Grandma. At first, the nurses suggested I go for a walk for an hour around the hospital because I didn't look quite ready. Jimmy heard this and ran to grab himself some dinner, thinking it would be a while. Grandma and I walked the hospital for about 10 minutes before I couldn't move any longer. I was in SO much pain. Worse than any other delivery. Oh my goodness, it hurt. I was planning to have you without drugs, but never did I expect the pain to come on so hard and fast. I walked right back to the check in desk and said, "I can't walk anymore. I need a room and I need drugs. Now." This is not a nice way to talk. But I didn't care at all. I have never, ever felt this kind of discomfort and PAIN! Dr. Oxford came in to see me. She ordered me to have the epidural to control my pain and suggested I take a nap. I remember thinking - there is NO WAY I'm taking a nap when I hurt this bad. There is a baby coming. And sure enough, she was paged shortly after I got my drugs. You were headed into this world! Grandma Miller and Grandma Fagan were both there as well as Ashli and Daddy. Ashli took photos of you taking your first breath, and supported me through the delivery. Daddy was so excited and as soon as you came out, we had to think of a name! Oh the pressure! I had dreamed a very profound dream that I had you, and your name was Cora Lee. Daddy and I really liked Tessa too so this was a very hard choice. I felt my Dad's presence much of my pregnancy with you and I miss him terribly still. So I knew you needed to have Lee as a middle name. And here you are, Tessa Lee Miller. You were the most beautiful baby girl. Perfect skin and just a little fuzz of hair. I was so happy to have my little girl! The first night in the hospital was blissful! You and I slept 8 hours!!! That is unheard of for a newborn. The nurses came in and told me to wake up and feed you! You have been a wonderful sleeper ever since then. You love your crib to this day and would take your own bed over snuggling me or Daddy any day. You like your space. I love watching your sweet personality unfold and am so blessed to have you in my life, Miss Tessa Lee!

hugs & kisses,
"mommy"

TESS the MESS

Oh my sweet, sweet Tessa! You are one busy little bee. We have nick-named you "Tess the Mess." You were walking around the time of your Birthday and it seems as though you haven't stopped. :) You are independent, a lot like Lucas - but you are cautious and careful not to leave my side like Bo was. You are talking really well and learning more every day. Your hair is getting longer and it is SO fun making you pretty. You love to get ready and today we got your shoes on, but you had to run back in to grab your PURSE! (You are ONE). This is so fun!! You are a Mother's dream. I paint your toes and you get so excited every time you see them. "Toes!!" "Pitty!" You love bath time and let your Daddy or I blow dry your hair. You think your Brothers are hilarious and will do anything for them. You climb right up on the couch and sit in between them or right on top of them. They usually don't mind. They love teaching you new tricks and helping you throughout the day.

Some of your latest words are:
Momma
Dadda
Bo Bo
Ga gus (Lucas)
Pitty (Pretty)
toes
eyes
belly
"a go!" (Let's go)
diii (drink)
bite
a gone (all gone)
buh bye
hewow (hello)
amen
doggy
birdy
airplane
uh uh - (no - but this is also your yes with the cutest head nod ever) :)

We love you so much and I think you know it. You are so very special to us. We know you are going to do great things.

hugs & kisses,
"Momma"