The Whitney's

Miles Nathan Whitney

2010-12-05T14:21:00.000-08:00

We finally have our baby boy here and love him to death! He has already brought so much joy to our lives. Here is his birth story...

After trying about everything to get him here on his own (even running stairs and doing squats with my mom), I ended up having to be induced. I was a little reluctant to the idea but it ended up being great. We went to the hospital at 11:00 in the morning on Friday, November 19th. They broke my water and started the pitocin at 11:30 and I was dilated 2 cm. After working through contractions until 3:00 I decided it was time to get the epidural and see what I was dilated to. My contractions were 2 to 3 minutes apart and pretty strong so I thought I'd be at about 5 cm based on my previous experience with Tessa. When the nurse checked me at 3:30 I was disappointed to hear I was only at 3 1/2 cm! We all thought at this rate it was going to be a long night. About 30 minutes later the nurse checked again and I was at 8 cm now! We were even more shocked, but very excited. 15 minutes later Dr.Terry was getting everything ready for delivery and said I was ready to deliver. At 4:34 I did two pushes during one contraction and little Miles was out! It all happened so fast and easy, it was amazing. He came out handsome and healthy. He weighed 7lbs 4 oz and 20 in long. It took us a few minutes to decide on which name we were going to use but both Nate and I just felt like he looked like Miles. I was worried we wouldn't know for awhile, but we just did. Everyone thought he looked just like Nate right away. Which made me happy cause I've always said I want a little Nate.
Tessa came to visit a few hours later and was so excited. I thought she'd want to see me first so I got all ready and excited waiting for her and she marched in, looked at me, looked around, and said "Where's my baby brother?" It was so cute! She told Nate to put him on the floor so she could see him and of course she wanted to hold him asap. It took her a minute to get adjusted to me in the hospital bed but then climbed in and got cozy with Miles. She kept calling him baby Lucas at first, but luckily that didn't last too long. She was great with him that night and couldn't wait to see him the next day. She loves him so much and is very proud to be his big sister!
We are home now and getting into a routine. Miles is a perfect little baby and so good, so far. Tessa is a big helper but a little too much at times, she means well though. It's so fun to be a family of 4 now! We love having our little girl and little boy, life couldn't be better!

Here are a few pictures Bobbie took from the hospital. If you want to see all of them go to...
http://gallery.me.com/whitneyphotography/100060

Miles Nathan Whitney
11-19-2010
7 lbs 4 oz
20 in long

39 weeks and counting...

2010-11-09T19:19:00.001-08:00

Well our little guy is finally due to be here any day now. We are so excited to have a new baby added to our family. We are especially excited to be having a baby boy! Although he still doesn't have a name, it's between Chase, Lucas, and Miles. Nate and I just feel like we need to see his little face to decide. Tessa calls him Conrad most of the time (a name we talked about in the beginning) , and she can't stop talking about becoming a big sister. The other day she told me that we have to take turns changing his diapers! I wish that was true! She is constantly saying how she's going to teach him to walk, paint his finger nails, and dress him up in her princess dress. Sounds like this little boy is going to be well rounded... ha ha ha. Nate tried to explain to her that boys don't do that sort of stuff, but I said we still could when he gets bigger. I can't wait to see Tessa interact with him. I'm sure it'll be a bigger adjustment than she's expecting. She is definitely a mama's girl and requires a lot of attention. I just hope I can manage being a good mom to both of them.
This pregnancy has been very different than my first one with Tess. In the beginning I was just nauseous all day instead of throwing up in the morning and then feeling fine the rest of the day. I also got a really bad pregnancy mask with Tessa but not this time, thank goodness! It still hasn't completely gone away from my first pregnancy. I luckily haven't had any charlie horses in my calves either, they are the worst. The one thing that has been harder for me this pregnancy is being pregnant while taking care of a two year old instead of sitting at a desk. My back, hips, and legs all ache in pain a lot more from chasing and carrying Tessa around. Although I can't complain much, I know I have pretty good pregnancies compared to a lot of people. I overall feel really good still, but itching to have him here!
Bobbie took these pictures of me the other day in Eden at 39 weeks. I probably should have taken them a little sooner, but I still love them. We were hoping to get some with Tessa too but she was being a little stinker! Thank you so much Bobbie for the beautiful pictures to help me remember this pregnancy, you are amazing!

Baby Boy Showers

2010-11-08T19:05:00.000-08:00

One of the benefits of a having a baby of the opposite sex for your second child is I guess you get more baby showers! My cute friends put together a little get together at Danielle's in honor of our upcoming baby boy. Danielle made the most delicious food ever! We all wanted to stay and eat it for dinner too. I got a variety of things such as blankets, clothes, a hooter hider, and so much more. Thanks for taking the time to come celebrate friends!

Sarah, Annie, Danielle, Me, Priscila, and Brooke

Getting ready to open some goods

Cutest shoes ever! Little teeny tiny pumas

A couple weeks later my Daybreak friends had a shower for me as well. We went to lunch at San Gelato Cafe, a cute little place in our neighborhood, to celebrate. My friends were a little weary of having a shower at 39 weeks, but I knew my little guy would still be baking in my tummy. We had so much fun chatting it up and eating some good food. This little guy is going to be stylish in all the cute clothes I got from everyone.

Melinda, Kim, Mallory, Sarah, Keri, Abby, Me, Tibett, Kylee, Laci

There's just something about little boys shoes that are so cute and fun!
Probably because it's their only accessory.

Cute homemade bibs

We had to finish off with some yummy gelato ice cream

Me and my bestie Sar

October Activities

2010-11-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

October was filled with so much fun! We stayed busy with all the Halloween and fall activities. Tessa learned about Halloween from a Dora video and became very excited for the holiday. Of course Dora dressed up as a cat for Halloween in the video so all Tessa could talk about the whole month was being a black cat like Dora and going trick or treating. How could I say no to such an easy costume!

Bobbie took the cousins over to this field in their costumes to take some cute pictures of them. They turned out so good!

Ella, Tessa, Sophia, and Addison

Playing and dancing in the field

Every year Annie and I host a Halloween party at her parents with our friends. This was our 5th year doing it! This year we had dinner and after Annie and I put together a Minute to Win it contest (basically funny, stupid games that you try to complete under a minute). It was very entertaining and so much fun!

The whole group

Nate went as the milkman and I was the knocked up housewife this year.
Trying to find a costume at 9 months pregnant is not so easy!

Here are some of the other couples
The Situation & Snookie, Popeye & Olive Oyl, Buttercup & Wesley, and Ninja & Geisha

My HS girlfriendsAnnie's girlfriends

Here are some funny pictures of us playing the games...
trying to get pennies out of tights, getting penne noodles on a spaghetti noodle,
putting together a puzzle, eating an Oreo on your face, dropping a tic tac through a racquet,
and hitting an orange into a hoop with a banana hanging from your waist

This year Tessa got to make a few trips to the pumpkin patch. Here are some pictures from our visit with just the 3 of us. Of course it was freezing cold the day we decided to go when the whole month had been beautiful!

Off to find the right pumpkin to carve

We found it!

Tessa was giving us the fake smile for the pictures of course

Time for pumpkin carving! Nate is definitely the artist in the family and always has a good idea on how to carve a pumpkin. This year he took Tessa's interests into account and decided to make a Dora pumpkin! Tessa was thrilled with the idea.

Before we got started Tessa received a package in the mail from Mark and Teri and couldn't wait to see what was inside...

They sent the most delicious popcorn in the world! Wow it was good! We all chowed down while we carved the pumpkin.

Cleaning out the pumpkin. I don't think Tessa could decide if she liked the feeling or thought it was disgusting.

The finished product, doesn't it look great! I don't know who was more excited, Tessa or Nate! He was pretty proud of his Dora.

Halloween night we went over to the Franco's with some Daybreak friends for homemade pizza and treats. It was so fun to have the kids together and eat yummy food before heading out trick or treating.

Here is Tessa with her cute friend Liz

Ready to hit up her first house

Tessa was not afraid at all to go knock on the doors. She thought this was the greatest night in the world! Knock on a door, say trick or treat, and get free candy! What more could a kid ask for.

We eventually made it back home, but I think Tessa could have stayed out for hours. Too bad it was so cold and rainy this year.

What to do with all the candy now...

DC

2010-11-04T15:45:00.000-07:00

I was so lucky to have the opportunity to go on a trip of a lifetime with my friends this September. Priscila was going to visit her dad in DC and then to Boston to visit our friend Kristin. I had never been back east so I thought what a perfect opportunity to go. We decided to make a stop in New York on our way to Boston since I had never been there before. I was a little nervous about leaving Tessa and Nate for a week, but I decided I needed to do it for myself before the baby comes. (Then I really won't be able to take off for a week). Before we knew it we had Sarah, Lindsay and Brooke all wanting to come too. Priscila , Sarah, and I went to DC first then metLindsay and Brooke in New York and then saw Kristin in Boston. It was seriously such a blast! I can't imagine a trip that could be any more fun. It was so fun to spend so much time with such good friends too. It was definitely a trip I'll never forget! The only challenge was being 33 weeks pregnant and doing all that walking! Luckily I had 2 other pregnant girls, Lindsay and Priscila, to share my pain with.

The trip started off with our plane being delayed 3 1/2 hours! That made us get into DC at 2am which was not fun! So the next day we slept in a little and then headed to the city.

We decided to do a bus tour on our first day since we got a late start and wanted to see as much as possible.

Our first stop was the American History Museum .

The original Rafiki costume and the real ruby slippers!

Julia Child's Kitchen

First Ladies inaugural gowns, so cool.

National Archives

Can you find us?!

Ford's Theater was one of my favorites, it was so interesting to think we were standing where Lincoln was shot.

Beautiful Washington Cathedral

Georgetown was sooo cute!

Arlington National Cemetery was incredible. I still can't get over how many rows of headstones there are and how they just go on forever!

The changing of the guards at sunset

End of day one!

We stayed at Priscila's dad's house in Virgina, about 45 minutes away from DC. I LOVED their house and the area that they live in, so old and charming. Pedro restored this old car.

Pedro's parking job in DC! The drivers back east are nuts! He wasn't about to pass up a front row spot just because it looked too small!

Washington Monument

World War II Memorial

I thought walking up all these stairs just might put me in labor!

Lincoln Memorial

Priscila and cute Pedro, I am so glad that he came around with us for a day even though it was 100 degrees and he was in pants and a long sleeve shirt! He was such a fun and hilarious tour guide!

The Whitehouse!

Air and Space Museum

The AMAZING Library of Congress, it was so incredible and one of my favorites!

The US Capitol Building

We took the Bolt Bus late that night for NYC! Such an adventure!

I LOVED every second of DC and would go back there in a heart beat, there is so much to do and see. We saw a ton in 2 days and but there is so much more! I am so glad that Pedro and Ann let us invade their house for a few days!

On to NYC...

NYC

2010-11-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

On to NYC! Me, Sarah and Priscila got there Wednesday night and stayed with Priscila's brother-in-law who lives there. Well we didn't so much stay with him as we did kick him out! :) He was so nice to let us take over his apartment for a night!

The next morning Brooke and Linds got in, took a nap at our hotel and then we started our day!

Radio City Music Hall

Top of the Rock-such a pretty view of everything

Me and Baby Boy-this little guy has already seen so much of the U.S.!

You cant go to New York without getting some Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity, yum!

Dylan's Candy Bar

Dinner at amazing Rosa Mexicana and The Jersey Boys!
NYC Temple
Staten Island Ferry

Statue of Liberty behind us

Ride through Central Park

Central Park is amazing, I could spend all day there
The FRIENDS fountain!

Dinner at Carmine's...SOO delish!

Lots of subway rides...

Nerds

Times Square!

Goodbye NYC...off to Boston!

Boston

2010-11-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

We saved the best city for last...visiting Kristin in gorgeous Boston! It was SO fun to see Kristin, we have missed her soo much! Things never change with our friends and seeing Krist proved that, we were just as blunt, funny and retarded as we always were!

After unloading at the hotel we went to see Kristin's darling apartment. Our first picture of the trip in front of her apartment building.

We walked down the street to the Harvard Law School campus where Bryson attends school. It is such a gorgeous campus. Here we are in front of Austin Hall, Memorial Church, and in the Harvard Yard. Then we walked through Harvard Square looking at the shops.

The gorgeous Charles River

In front of the Charles

Loved walking down Charles St. All of the streets in Boston are so cute.

Boston Common

Massachusetts State House

That night we had dinner at Legal Seafood

Day 2 started out with brunch at The Friendly Toast

Such a cute, funky hang out

After brunch we started our day as tourists on the Freedom Trail!

Our first stop was the Park Street Church and then to the Granary Burying Ground where Paul Revere is buried.

Standing on the Freedom Trail

We walked past Kings Chapel and Burial Ground, the Ben Franklin statue, the Old South Meeting House, H&M of course (we went to at least one in every city!) and then to Faneuil Hall.

Linds loves her mac & cheese

Brooke receiving some sort of proclamation from this street performer.

We walked in and out of shops and then to the North End and the waterfront.

Lindsay and Kristin

Me and Sar

The Custom House Tower in the background

Hanover St. at the North End

Old North Church

In front of the church

Love the streets and buildings

The U.S.S. Constitution...this marine was loving us!

That night we went to dinner on the North End and had some delicious Italian, Kristin definitely made sure we ate at the best of the best in Boston.

Krist came back to our hotel and hung out that night and then we had to say goodbye because she had to go to work the next day :( It was sad but we cant wait to see her in December!

The next day we went on a tour of Fenway Park which made Nate incredibly jealous. Hopefully some day we'll go there together.

We had the cutest little old man tour guide who was hilarious.

After Fenway, we went to Copley Square and Trinity Church

After that, we went to Newbury Street and ate lunch at Stephanie's then stopped in another H&M of course!

Then it was time to go back to the hotel and go home :(

Thank you Krist for letting us come visit you...you were a fabulous tour guide and it was so fun seeing where you live! Cant wait for our next girls trip!

2 Years Old

2010-10-27T13:37:00.001-07:00

I can not believe my baby girl is already 2 years old! Where has the time gone. She has developed into quite the little girl. She is full of personality from so silly to so sassy. She is still just a little peanut who we can't get enough of. She is going to be such a good big sister to her new little brother. She is very nurturing to her little babies at home. Always feeding them a bottle, wrapping them up and putting them to bed, singing to them, and even reading to them. She loves to play hide and seek and loves to be chased. She's a great eater and will try about anything. We've made some pretty good memories with her these past 2 years. Nate and I love her so much and can't imagine life without her!

Tessa at 2 years old

Weight: 21 lbs (still not on the chart)
Height: 30 in.
(My mom says to double this number & that's how tall she'll be, so it looks like she's going to be just like her mommy 5ft nothing, we'll see though)

Bobbie took these beautiful pictures in her yard

Tessa's 2nd Dora Birthday Party at Nana's

2010-10-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

Even though we had celebrated Tessa's birthday in Nebraska we still had to celebrate it with the Whitney side of the family of course! So Nana put together this fabulous Dora party for Tessa and her cousins. She is obsessed and loves Dora right now, so she thought this was the best party ever! Unfortunately, as soon as we got to Nate's parents the flue hit me so I was shut away upstairs for the night but everyone else had a blast.

Tess's cheesy smile with her cute Dora cake

The cousins excited to open presents

Nice face Tess

Way too many presents for one little girl!!!

We should have called this a kitchen party because she got tons of stuff for her new kitchen

Tessa's 2nd Birthday in Nebraska

2010-10-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

We love going to Nebraska to see my family each year. This year we had to do it before Tessa couldn't fly for free anymore and before our little guy came, so we went over Tessa's 2nd birthday. It was beautiful weather and so much fun. On her birthday we went to the Lincoln children's petting zoo with Grandma and Grandpa Olson. Then that night we went to my aunt Barb's house with my cousins to celebrate. It's so nice to see all of our relatives! I miss seeing my family so much and wish we all lived closer.

The Petting Zoo

Tessa loved this zoo because she got to pet some bugs, ride the train, and see lots of cute little animals.

Ready to start our day!
Thanks Grandma Sue and Grandpa for such a fun day

She thought these giant eggs were pretty cool

Paige, Tessa, and Sue on the train

We walked across the street to this beautiful garden that had flowers everywhere! It was so pretty.

She kept stopping to smell each flower

My sweet aunt Barb put together a little party at her house for us all to get together. We had pizza, cupcakes, and lots of presents. We wish Abby and Amanda could have made it, but it was still fun to see everyone.

Nate, Mitch, Janna, Kristin, Mike and Brent

Dave, Grandma, Tessa with Barb, Grandpa, and Lindsey

Blowing out her first 2 candles

Everyone was so thoughtful to get Tessa birthday presents.
Barb went a little out of control but that's why we love her!

Tessa with her Papa and Great Grandma

The cousins

The next night we had another celebration for Tessa's birthday at my dad's house.

Me, Nick, Paige Janna
Dad, Tessa, Mitch

Ready to take on her second cake

Getting a little help from Grandpa and Paige was needed

More presents! Tessa was loving it

Tess showing off her new Nebraska football apparel
I have to say this candy necklace was probably her favorite present of all!
She thought it was so cool.

Tessa thinks Nick is so funny and just loves him, but she definitely makes him keep his distance! I don't know what it is with her and guys...

On the plane ride home

Tessa had her last free plane ride. She definitely got use out of flying for free under 2 though.
I think she got about 5 round trips in

Eden with Friends

2010-10-26T09:16:00.001-07:00

We have been wanting to take some friends up to Eden with us for so long and we finally did it! We had 4 other couples from our neighborhood come up for a short little getaway. We had so much fun swimming, golfing, going on walks, eating, and just hanging out.

The girls at dinner

Keri with Mckaylee, Kylee, Kim, Sarah, and Me with Tessa

Tessa loves Mckaylee
This was too cute

The kidos playing in their pajamas

Out for a morning walk

One of the nights we were there was Kylee's birthday so we surprised her after dinner with the house decorated and had cake and ice cream

The pregos bumping bellies

Swimming

Summer Fun

2010-10-24T15:08:00.001-07:00

Well this summer we stayed very busy with lots of different activities. We spent most days going on walks, bike rides, playing with friends, at the park, or at the pool in our neighborhood. I didn't have a car practically the whole summer so I was grateful there was so much to do so close to our home. My bike and Tessa's trailer were our main source of transportation. Although we may have not captured pictures of everything we did, here are bits and pieces of our summer.

Megan & Robb's Wedding
Megan Rogers got married this summer and her wedding was a blast. We always love spending time with their family. Tessa had so much fun dancing the night away...

She thought she was pretty cool dancing with the big girls

Trappers Ridge
We spent many fun weekends up in Eden at Nate's parents 2nd home. It is so beautiful up there, I just love it!

Tessa coloring at the house

Beautiful field of flowers

Nate and Tessa's favorite thing to do together. They spent many evenings over at the golf course putting around.

A New Favorite Food
Tessa discovered eating corn on the cob this summer and is obsessed! She devours every single kernel on the cob and them some, it's so funny.

Movie Night
Tessa loves to watch cartoons at home but she had never watched "a big kid movie" before so we decided to have movie night to see if she would like it. She went with Dad to the video store and picked out Toy Story. We all got in our pj's, made some popcorn (another favorite food), and cuddled up on the couch together. She almost lasted the whole movie but lost interest towards the end. She thought "movie night" was so fun though and asks for it all the time.

Swimming
Tessa loves to swim! She can hold her breath and go completely under all by herself. She loves to lay on her belly while kicking her legs and moving her arms. I can't wait to put her in swim lessons, I think she'll be a great swimmer like her Great Grandpa and her GG. Here we are on one of our many days spent at the Daybreak pool.

Miniature Golfing
Since Tessa loves to go to the golf course with Nate, we decided to try out miniature golf at Mulligans. She had so much fun finally using a putter that was just her size! Nate tried to teach her the proper technique but she had her own approach on how to hit the ball. It worked though, she always made it in the hole!

Lining up the ball...

Trying to get the ball to balance on the mat was the hardest part for her

This was Tessa's technique, standing behind the club

Reading Time
Another activity we try to do each day is read books. Tessa could read books for hours!

Grandpa reading to Tessa

Reading with Nana

Giving Nana loves while reading

24th of July
This 24th of July we went to Nate's parents for a BBQ and fireworks with Sophia and Ella. Sophia accidentally leaked the secret to me that Natalie was pregnant! It was so funny to watch Ella try to cover it up, but it was too late, the secret was out and we were thrilled! It's going to be so fun to have our babies so close in age.

Getting ready for fireworks in the front yard

Oh how the little girls love to steal sips of diet coke from Nana

The Zoo
We had a zoo pass this year so we were able to go see the animals as much as we wanted.

On the train ride

Kylee and Nixon

Mckaylee and Tessa

Stockton, Mckaylee, and Tessa playing with the giant water ball at the zoo...
what kid doesn't love playing with this thing!

Tessa got to have her first pony ride and loved it! Although the horse she got put on I wouldn't exactly call it a "pony" ride... her horse was the biggest one. I thought for sure she was going to freak out, but she luckily didn't, she did great!

Daybreak BBQ
Our good friends Kim and Blair had a bunch of our friends from our neighborhood over for an end of the summer BBQ. I love hanging out with friends late on warm summer nights!

Tessa hanging out with the boys
Nixon and Trey

Me and Tess

Me, Kim, and Melinda

My bestie Sarah

The girls

The boys

Nana's Mary Poppins Party

2010-10-21T19:24:00.000-07:00

Bobbie decided to have a little Mary Poppins party for the 3 girls. She had it decked out of course. They had heart shaped sandwiches, fruit, and lots of desserts and goodies. She had it decorated so cute too. They girls watched the movie while they ate their delicious food. They also had little activities to do throughout the show that correlated with parts in the movie. Tessa got a goody bag to bring home with lots of fun stuff to do. It was such a cute party and the girls had so much fun.

Lunch is served

Watching the movie and dancing with their penguins

Pouring the "tea"

Oh boy overflow

Such a dainty sip

Playing outside

Thanks Nana for such a fun day!

Trappers Ridge over the 4th of July

2010-10-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

Like every year we got to spend the 4th of July up in Eden at Trappers Ridge. We had so much fun! We went to a BBQ on the 3rd at the clubhouse where there was some great entertainment. They had a band, face painting, and lots of yummy food. The face painting was such a hit with the kids! Tessa was a little apprehensive at first but then ended up loving it. The next day we went to the Huntsville breakfast and let the kids go crazy with all the fun activities. There were bounce houses, carnival games, a parade, and lots of treats. That night we did fireworks in the the circle with the neighbors but unfortunately Tessa was a little too exhausted to stay up for them. We love the 4th of July!

Tessa is watching the other girls get a butterfly on their arm, trying to decide if she's going to do it too.

She went for it, I couldn't believe how still she held

She thought she was so cool

Sophia got a princess crown on her face

Eating a little ice cream with dad

Tessa loves her Nana so so so much

Ella got a puppy dog on her face so Tessa decided she needed one too

I love how you can see the excitement in her face. She seriously was in heaven and didn't stop talking about her "puppy dog face" for days!

These two would look at each other and just laugh their heads off
They did look pretty funny

Bobbie always loves to give the girls mini pedicures
So here we are trying to get all three girls done
Tessa does pretty good except when we wash her feet, she can't stop laughing saying
"That tickles"!

Ready for dinner

This is our one shot of Tessa coming down the giant slide with dad.
Maybe just a little scared...

We always love to go feed the horses and see what animals we can find around Eden.
This giant elk is always so friendly and wanting our carrots

Another fun holiday spent up at Trapper's Ridge!

Goodbye Annie and Addison

2010-10-21T10:24:00.001-07:00

After our trip to Florida it was time to say goodbye to Annie and Addison for the summer. Brando was selling security systems in Texas and they were off to join him. We were so sad to see them go, but excited for the opportunity for them. We let the two girls play all day and night together before they left. It is so fun having these two so close in age. They get along so well and have so much fun. We'll all miss you guys!

Munchin on some apples while watching a movie. Both of these girls are obsessed with their bunnies, or as Addison calls it her rabbi

OH JOY.... IT'S A BOY!!!

2010-10-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

That's right... it's a boy and we couldn't be more excited! This pregnancy has felt a little different so I was leaning towards a boy but I didn't want to say much and get Nate's hopes up. He would have been thrilled to have another girl, but I know he wants a little guy to throw the ball with. I'm just so happy to see him growing and healthy. It is going to be so weird to switch to boy mode, I'm excited but a little nervous. I hope he's not too big of a terror with all of his sweet girl cousins.

Florida

2010-10-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

This year we went to Florida with Nate's family for his cousin Whitney's wedding. We had so much fun spending time with family and soaking up the Florida sun!

All of us girls attended a bachelorette party and a bridal shower in honor of Whitney. For the bachelorette party we had dinner at a Mexican restaurant and played some fun games including pin the tail on the donkey! Lindsay put together a fabulous night of fun. Here we all are with our sombreros and Lindsay in her unforgettable outfit.

Annie, Whitney, Natalie, Teri, Bobbi
Megan, and Lindsay

The Wedding
The ceremony was so pretty! It was outside on the waterfront with such elegant details. Ella, Sophia, Tessa, and Addison were Whitney's flower girls. They did such a good job walking down the isle even though they forgot to throw any petals!

"Goodbye mom" and they're off...

They had the cutest baskets to carry

The girls loved smelling the beautiful flowers

It was SO HOT and humid we had to stay hydrated

The reception was amazing!!! It was so gorgeous and the food was delicious. It started with a sit down dinner, some great toasts were made, followed by some crazy dancing! Such a fun night!

The girls being welcomed into the reception with the wedding party

Nate and Tessa at the dinner table staying entertained with coloring

Parker and I tearing it up on the dance floor

The boys
Conrad, Nate, Bob, and Parker

The girls had so much fun dancing the night away. They were too cute!

Oh boy Meg, Congo line!

The beautiful bride

The Zoo
We decided to go to the zoo to give the kids something fun to do. Us adults ended up having just as much fun as the kids! This zoo was so awesome! We didn't realize just how big it was until we got kicked out because it was closed and we still hadn't seen all the animals. It felt like the animals were out in the wild with so much natural vegetation and land to roam. The zoo even had a mini water park for the kids. It was suppose to be a rainy day but ended up being a way hot humid day. I wanted to run through the water!

Tessa and Sophia on the train ride

Ryan, Natalie, and Ella

Ella and Sophia had this fun double stroller and of course Tessa couldn't be left out so she found a spot for her too.

We would have brought swimming suits for them to wear if we would have knows there was a water park. Instead we let the little ones go in swim diapers and bought some zoo T-shirts for the older girls. The didn't mind, they had so much fun

This picture looks like the gorilla is looking right at us because he is! A lady told me I better watch out because I was wearing a red shirt and he had seemed to be reacting to people wearing red. Knowing me I start mocking him and before I know it he jumps up and smacks the glass at me! I screamed like a little girl and jumped a mile high (so did everyone else). It was crazy to get such a reaction right at me.

Tessa woke up from her nap just in time to see the giraffes

The Beach
It wouldn't be right to go to Florida and not spend days at the beach. We went multiple days to Mark and Teri's club for their great pool and fabulous beach! The girls had so much fun running in the water and playing in the sand. It was perfect beach weather. Tessa wants to go to the beach everyday now. I wish we had one closer!

Tessa was ready to go with her sunglasses on

Silly Dad

Loving the pool

Our little diva... strike a pose

All of the girls have so much fun together but these two are too cute together! Tessa just loves doing whatever Sophia does. They would chase each other through the water screaming of laughter.

Jumping the waves

Playing in the sand

I just love this little girl! Addison is so stinkin cute

Of course we had to go over to the beach in the evening and have a photo shoot with Bobbie!

Walking on the beach... so pretty and relaxing

Tessa playing on the beach

I love this picture of Tessa and Sophia

The "4 Little Darlings"

Hanging out at Teri's
We spent a lot of time hanging out at Teri's house. Swimming in her pool, playing in the yard, and just hanging out. We all LOVE Teri's house... it's the best!!!

Tessa and Addison in their tubes

The girls loved swimming in the little fountain that went into the pool

Uncle Nate showing Addison a good time on the boogie board

Tessa was so into coloring this trip. She would sit for hours coloring, I loved it

Movie time

Playing in the yard

The girls also loved the sombreros, I think they may have looked cuter in them than we did.

While we were there Nate and I celebrated our 5 year anniversay! We had a great date night at a yummy Mexican restaurant. I cannot believe it has already been 5 years. I couldn't be luckier to have such an amazing husband and marraige. We have accomplished so much in such a short time. We are so excited to be adding our newest addition to our family this year. I love you babe!

Las Vegas

2010-10-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

We were in St.George for the weekend when our friends Kim and Blair went to Vegas, so we decided to leave Tessa with my mom and headed down to hang out with them. It was just a short little getaway but so nice! We hit up the newest Serendipity with some amazing desserts. The next day the boys went golfing while Kim and I enjoyed doing nothing but laying by the pool. I hadn't laid out by a pool without taking care of a child for who knows how long. It was so much fun and so relaxing.

Check out these amazing desserts. Of course we had to get a frozen hot chocolate but we also went for a huge deep fried oreo sundae! Deadly but so worth it!

Me and Kim eating it up!

The new Serendipity

The Zoo

2010-10-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

We made sure we hit up the zoo at our first chance of decent weather for the year. We had a fun day seeing all the animals with Tessa's friend Kate and then joined up with the cousins too.

Ella, Sophia, and Tessa riding the elephant's trunk

All 4 of the cute Whitney cousins, they always have so much fun together
Could those smiles get any cheesier! That's Tessa's newest smile when you say, "say cheese"

Riding the carousel

Tessa and Kate were entertaining themselves between their suckers and chasing a turkey for quite some time. It was too cute!

This was them dancing

They thought they were so cool with their suckers

They loved the elephants

Surprise...

2010-10-18T18:53:00.001-07:00

We are so excited to announce...

Yep that's right, Tessa is going to be a big sister sometime in November! It happened really fast but we are so grateful and excited to be growing our little family.

Valentine's Pictures

2010-10-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

One day we were hanging out at Bobbie's house when we had this fun idea of a cute Valentine's day set. Addison and Tessa were our models and they turned out so cute! Here are some of Tessa's pictures.

This is my favorite one, I love the look on her face

She loves her doggies

She thought they were flowers so she kept smelling them!

This is Tessa's newest look... isn't it classic! The evil eye

Sledding

2010-10-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

Nate and I took Tessa sledding one weekend while we were up at Trappers and she loved it! She didn't know what to think at first but then got the hang of it.

Happy 50th Mom!

2010-10-18T18:21:00.001-07:00

My mom turned 50 this year and I wanted to do a big surprise celebration, but anyone that knows her knows she would rather have something small and special. So instead of planning a big elaborate party that she deserves I just had a little dinner at my house with the people who matter most to her.

I only missed one minor detail... the candle for the cake! We had to improvise and use a 1 for #1 mom and grandma

Denise and Dave with my mom and Dennis

Just the 3 of us

I'm proud to say I'm definitely a lot like my mom
Love you mom, Happy 50th!

Christmas is here!

2010-10-18T14:40:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately for some reason I didn't end up taking too many pictures of everything we did for the fun Christmas holiday, but here is a little taste of everything that we did...

Temple Lights

We went downtown and saw the beautiful temple lights with our good friends Chad and Priscila. Tessa loved looking all around at everything glowing!

Snug as a bug

Chad and Pris

Christmas Parties

I love going to Christmas parties each year and catching up with all your friends. This year Danielle hosted a very fun gingerbread making, gift exchanging party for our high school friends.

The girls

This is the best picture of the guys we could get. (Some of them)

The gingerbread houses lets just say were very.... interesting to say the least!
Annie and Brando's definitely won!

We also had an even bigger BHS Christmas reunion at Abby's. It was so fun to see girls who I hadn't seen for SO long. We all brought gifts that represented us in some way, and donated them to toys for tots too, such a great idea!

Christmas

This is Tessa in her Christmas dress in front of this awesome poinsettia. The only way we could get her to sit still was let her hold this little baby.

All the Whitney cousins with Santa

We went up to Trapper's before Christmas to celebrate with Nate's family. Sadly, this is the only picture I have of our fun time. All the girls love playing with each other and were so excited to open presents together from Nana and Grandpa. Tessa and Addison got their first official baby with a diaper bag and stroller. They LOVED them to say the least!
We were off to St.George to celebrate Christmas with my family. We had so much fun with Mitch, Janna, Dennis, my mom, and my grandparents who were there from Nebraska.

Tessa riding her first horse! Although I guess it was a statue so it doesn't really count. Nate and I thought this was so funny. She fit on it perfectly! She looked like a born rider.

We went to the live nativity scene at the Tuacahn Theater on Christmas Eve. It was cold but so much fun! It's such a unique fun theater.

Christmas night at my mom's

One of Tessa's favorite presents... her first doll house
Can you spot her through the door

Winter is coming

2010-10-18T14:29:00.000-07:00

I bought this coat on sale at gap the day I found out I was having a girl. I thought it would be the perfect size since the months matched up perfect with her age for the winter. It's definitely a little big but I still think she looks so cute in it! Maybe it will get some use next year too!

I just love this little face in such a big hood

Just a little big

Now she just needs the snow

Learning to putt with Dad

2010-10-18T14:24:00.001-07:00

Of course Nate is teaching Tessa all about golf from an early age. He is starting with putting, this is her first lesson.

Ella's 5th birthday party

2010-10-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Ella had the cutest Fancy Nancy 5th birthday party ever! It was Tessa's first "big girl"' party and she had so much fun! It was so fun seeing her sit with all the big girls eating their fun lunch.

Natalie made this AMAZING cake!!!

Ella the birthday girl

Tessa enjoying her lunch

The cute setup

She loved the marshmallow sticks

Two fun outfits I couldn't miss posting!

2010-10-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

Bobbie bought Tessa this cute comfy winter dress and took these pictures. I just love her little face in these!

She's like a little snow bunny!

Priscila bought Tessa her first Brazilian bikini and Havaianas for her birthday! The itty bitty yellow bikini was so dang cute! She still has to grow into it a little bit but I just had to snap a few pictures.

Halloween

2010-07-28T12:09:00.001-07:00

Halloween was so much more fun having a little one around to enjoy the holiday with! Tessa made the cutest lady bug and loved getting the candy! She had only been walking for about a month so it was so cute to see her wobble down the street to each house. It was a perfect night for trick or treating!

Here we are out in Daybreak trick or treating

Tessa didn't want to wait until we got home to open the candy

She loved her big pumpkin bucket with her few pieces of candy she got to put in it.
It was so cute watching her play with it.

Nana's pictures she took of the cousins

All four of the girls looked so cute!!!

Tessa with her friends Kate and Tayci
I absolutely love this picture! It's such a classic!

All of us dressed up for our annual Halloween party
It was a last minute costume idea

The whole party

Me and Annie

The girlies

Tessa and Kate hanging out

The little girls dancing
Tessa was being hilarious with her fancy dance moves

Me with Graham and Tessa

Pumpkin Patch!

2010-07-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

Tessa had an absolute blast at the pumpkin patch trying to pick out a pumpkin to carve. She walked up and down the isles of pumpkins touching almost every pumpkin along the way.

Our family

Daddy and Tessa

The wheelbarrow provided a fun ride

Mommy and Tessa

The carving has started

She loved trying to pull out the insides of the pumpkin and playing with it

Drawing the face

The finished product!
A classic jack o' lantern

Fall Pictures

2010-07-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love these fall pictures that Bobbie took of our family! I love all the different seasons in Salt Lake, especially Fall because it's so beautiful!

These were taken at Sugar House park

Pucker up

My little girl looks so big

Fun in the leaves with Mom

Our Family

25th Birthday

2010-07-15T07:27:00.000-07:00

My 25th birthday was over conference weekend so were up in Eden with Nate's family having a great time the whole weekend. Nate and I were able to sneak away for the night and enjoy dinner and a movie alone. We went to a yummy steak house in Ogden and ate in a covered wagon. It was a really fun restaurant. After we got home I got to celebrate with my Daybreak friends. We went to Red Robin for dinner and then to a movie. It was so fun to get everyone together and have a girls night out!

Here we are eating dinner in our wagon

A few weeks later my friends were so kind to have another celebration for me. We went out to dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory, one of my favorites, and then back to our house for cake. I'm so blessed to have so many great girlfriends!

Look at all that smoke! There's beginning to be too many candles on the cake!

Thanks to everyone who made my birthday special!

Seattle

2010-07-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

Right after Tessa turned 1 Nate and I decided it was time to leave her for the first time for a little vacation. We headed up to Seattle with Bob to visit Nate's aunt and uncle. I was so nervous to leave Tessa and of course I cried like a baby when I had to say goodbye. By the time I was on the plane I was doing much better and excited for a weekend without the responsibility of a child. We had such a great time! We fell in love with Seattle and can't wait to go back sometime. Here are our pictures detailing the trip.

While I was trying to pack, Tessa was busy unpacking my clothes

Our first adventure was Pike Place Market

In the market where they throw the big fish around

The fruits and vegetables were amazing, and so delicious too!

Decorative peppers in the market

The famous "Waiting for the Interurban" statue

The awesome Freemont Troll!

Bill and Diane were so kind to treat us to an amazing evening at Teatro ZinZanni. It was the most entertaining dinner I have ever had. We sat in a big circus like tent and ate amazing food while watching a creative show. A hilarious comedian hosted the show while talented performers from around the world did different circus acts. They were seriously all amazing, such a fun night!

At our dinner table

Our hosts in front of the city
Diane, Bill, Nate, and Bob

On the ferry on the way to Bainbridge Island

City view from the ferry

Nate's biggest reason for going to Seattle was to go to the Yankees vs Mariners baseball game. Here we are in front of the stadium sitting in a bronze glove

Nate pitched a 61 mph

Check out Nate catching a fly ball over the fence!

The boys in their element

Even though Nate is a Red Sox fan it was still really cool to see all the Yankee players

Our last day we went to the Ballard Locks. It was very interesting to learn about the lock system which provides a link for boats between the saltwater of the Puget Sound and fresh water of Lake Union and Lake Washington by controlling the levels of water. It was also neat to watch the salmon swim (jump) up the man made fish ladder to get to the salt water.

The view from Bill and Diane's front yard, so gorgeous!

Their beautiful home we stayed at

Goodbye Seattle

Tessa was very excited to have us back!
Doesn't she look cute in her little beanie that Diane bought her

She was happy to help me unpack

Happy Birthday Tessa!!!

2010-05-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

It is so crazy that our little Tessa is already one! She had her first birthday on September 7th 2009. This first year of her life has been so amazing and made our lives so much better too. She is so full of personality and so much fun to be around. She has taken a few steps on her own but not walking yet. She loves to stand up on her own, gibber-gabber, and play peek a boo. She loves to watch Signing Time and is so good at signing everything! Her favorite book is Pat the Bunny and favorite food is Pizza. Here is her height and weight at one year: Height 27.5 inches making her in the 10th percentile, Weight 15 lbs 7 oz still not on the charts!
Tessa had a fabulous birthday party! A big thank you to my mom and Bobbie for all your help! The day was extra special for Tessa, and for me. It was so much fun to have all our friends and family together to celebrate. Here are a bunch of pictures from the big day!

The decorations...

Her special little cupcake

I printed a bunch of pictures from her first year and stuck them in jars of candy all over the place. It turned out really cute. It was fun to see how she's grown over the year!

I made these cute mini tissue balls and hung them all around the patio

This big bunch of balloons was Tessa's favorite thing!
I thought they might take her up up in the air!

Cute little Addison at the party

Present time!

She seriously loved this little singing microphone!
She actually picked it out at Walmart from the cart

She was so entertained with this bucket of ice with the drinks!

Trying to walk

Tessa and GG

Cake time...

I blew out the candle just in time before she grabbed the flame...
It was a close one!

She was very dainty eating her cake

Family photo

After the big party on her actual birthday we had another small celebration with her cousins Ella and Sophia who couldn't be there. Her aunt Teri gave her this unbelievably beautiful knife when she was born with her birth date engraved to cut her first birthday cake with. Then she will use this same knife as her wedding cake knife when she gets married and can engrave her wedding date on the other side. It's so special and thoughtful! Thanks Teri!

Daddy and Tessa getting ready to make the cut

All the cousins watching in anticipation

Cleaning up with a bath in the sink after all the fun

Tessa's First Birthday Photo Shoot

2010-05-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

Tessa was so lucky to have her Nana Bobbie take such great 1 year pictures of her! She had a few different photo shoots of course, and she had a blast eating cupcakes doing them. We are so lucky to have her to take these cute pictures. Here are some of my favorite pictures and her first birthday invitation!

In the studio eating a cupcake and the candle!

We went over to Bobbie's neighbors house and got these amazing pictures in her yard and on her cute front porch.

Yum!

I love this face!

Playing in the yard after a long day of being a cute little model.

So proud she stood up on her own! Still a little shaky!

She loves her dogs!

Summer wrap up

2009-11-22T19:31:00.000-08:00

Bobbie recently found these pictures of Tessa on the 4th of July and I just love them so I had to post them.

She loves to swing!

This face is priceless

I love how Tessa looks like she's holding on for dear life
(riding the tractor caterpillar)

Here are a few pictures of Tessa with her Great Grandma and Grandpa Williams this last summer! She loved having them visit!

Reading her bedtime stories

Oh sweet silly Tessa

2009-10-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

Tessa has a little push cart that Natalie let her borrow and she seriously loves it! It has been her favorite toy for like 4 months now. A few months ago she became obsessed with carrying a Xbox control while pushing the cart! The control is pretty big with a long cord that makes it really difficult to push and carry at the same time. She always steps on the cord or drops the control, then has to stop and readjust until she can go again. For some reason Tessa is always determined to do it no matter what though. Sometimes she'll let me put the control in a little purse for her to walk with which makes it easier but usually she has to be the one to do it all on her own. I have no idea where she thought up this idea or why she's obsessed with the control, but she does not like to push the cart without it! I had to record this memory cause it just makes me laugh. Here are some pictures that might explain it better.

Tessa with her control

Getting ready...

And she's off!

Balloon Festival 2009

2009-10-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

Every August our family goes to Trapper's Ridge with the Rogers family for the Eden balloon festival. This year we went to the art festival, the lighting and launching of the balloons, hung out, played lots of poker, and discovered oh so good snowballs (a dessert). Like usual we had a blast! We just love hanging out with everyone, the Rogers are so much fun. We can't wait for next year. Here are some pictures from our cold, but fun weekend.

The balloons

How awesome is this GIANT Energizer bunny!

These pictures are at the lighting of the balloons which is so cool because the light up all the hot air balloons in the dark and it's so pretty!

Tessa checking out the glow from the balloons

The girls

Me & Tessa, Abby, Chelsea, Megan, Annie & Addison

Brando & Addison, Alan & Oliver, Robb, Jeff, Nate & Tessa

Alan with the 3 little babies! They had so much fun playing together

Tessa all bundled up and ready to go home to bed

Nate and Robb on the scooter, they look like dumb and dumber

Feeding the horses

Florida

2009-09-02T19:59:00.000-07:00

This August we went with Nate's family to Florida for his cousin's wedding. We had so much fun and didn't want to come home! We went for a week and pretty much just relaxed the whole time. The weather was perfect for the beach and pool. Tessa absolutely loved the ocean! She wanted to play in the wet sand and have the little waves come up by her the whole day. She went under twice but wanted right back in the action. She would crawl right into the ocean not realizing how deep it was getting and then get soaked. I can't wait until the next time we get to take her to a beach. The wedding was beautiful and so much fun as well. Here are A LOT of pictures to show what a good time we had...

The girls were very good and entertained with the DVD player on the way down even though we were traveling from basically 4:30 am to 4:00 pm! The way home was a little different story for us though. Being on a plane when Tessa is suppose to be sleeping, is not a good idea. I finally got her to go to sleep but when we started our descent into Salt Lake she woke up and didn't know what to do with herself. It was a parents worst nightmare! She just started screaming and didn't stop until I got off the plane 20 minutes later! Of course I couldn't stand up with her or walk her around since we were descending. On top of that it was 11:30 pm so everyone on the plane was trying to sleep! People were really nice and understanding though. I just hope that never happens again.

(Addison's first airplane ride!)

The girls watching a movie in their matching car seats on the way to the hotel to keep them entertained

Our little family at the wedding

It was Sophia's 3rd birthday while we were there.
Check out the cute bubblegum machine cake!

Tessa was prepping for her own birthday cake soon

Future cheerleader! She's already mastered a qupee

Here are a bunch of fun beach pictures that Bobbie took

I love this picture of her! My little water baby

Jumping the waves with uncle Parker

All four of the cousins just love each other and have so much fun together, but these two are something else! I think they may be a pair of trouble makers!

This was how she went under once, but it was too cute and fun not to do

Sophia, Addison, Tessa, and Ella

Nice face Nate!

We went down to the beach one night and had a photo shoot

I love that she can walk holding our hands now

She was so amused with the sand, shells, and water. She just looked so precious

She loves her Daddy

This was the cutest thing! The girls saw us walking with Tessa so of course they had to too. Tessa loved it and thought it was so fun

The Whitney cousins
4 little girls that love each other

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

2009-08-23T18:10:00.000-07:00

Today was the Oquirrh Mountain temple dedication. It was extra special to me and Nate because it's only a few blocks away from our house. We have watched this temple being built from the beginning and now it's so neat to see it complete. We are blessed to have so many temples around the Salt Lake valley but I would have never guessed I'd live this close to one. We are so excited to be able to walk to it and see it everyday to remind us of its importance. Here are a few pictures we took with Nate's family after we went through the open house. It is absolutely beautiful inside! I can't wait to go in again!

Tessa went through her first temple on July 21st 2009

4th of July weekend!

2009-08-13T13:21:00.001-07:00

We went up to Eden for the 4th of July to stay with Nate's family at their second home. We had so much fun! We went on walks, to the pool, golfed, and just relaxed. We had the most fun though on Saturday at the local 4th of July festival. We watched kids do mutton busting, try to catch a greased pig, and saw a parade. Parker and his friends did the hot dog eating contest and tried to catch fish with their hands in a pond. It was so entertaining! Annie and I took a ride with the girls in this caterpillar train that was pulled by a lawnmower! I love going to all the activities up there. Maybe next year I'll try the greased poll or something! ha ha Tessa had so much fun playing with her cousins all weekend. She just loves them so much and loves to be around them. Can't wait for next year!

Family picture on the 4th

I love Nate's face in this, he looks like a monkey!

Tessa loves her Nana

Cute pictures of Addison and Tessa in their adorable 4th of July outfits! Ashlee was so kind to make them for us. She is so talented, they turned out so cute. Thanks Ash!

This is the caterpillar train, yahoo!

Watching the games and looking at all the animals

All tuckered out

Addison and Tessa in their cute twiner outfits

Mommy and Tessa

Learning to walk

Sweetest little face after a morning walk

Tessa with her Daddy the golfer!

Great News!

2009-07-23T12:17:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we were blessed with some great news! Last week we took Tessa to see a cardiologist about her heart murmur her pediatrician had heard at her 9 month appointment. Unfortunately the EKG showed that the right side of her heart was working harder than the left side, and the murmur was louder than a usual innocent heart murmur. The doctor thought Tessa could possibly have a hole in her heart that may or may not require surgery later. So we had to take her in yesterday morning to have an echocardiogram done to see if there were any holes anywhere. Tessa did so good getting the IV and recovering from being drugged. It was kind of funny watching her get loopy but so sad as she became more and more out of it. Of course being the wild child she is she never fell completely asleep. She kept trying to move and talk but was unsuccessful. When they were wheeling her up to the recovery room she kept trying to crawl but her head looked like it weighed 100 lbs! It was so funny! Later that day we got the call from the doctor that everything looked great! There wasn't even a small hole anywhere. I'm so happy and relieved to hear that her heart is perfect! The murmur is an innocent murmur after all and nothing to be worried about. We couldn't be happier and are so thankful! We love our little Tessa so much!

This was a picture when they did the EKG. She loved watching the monitor and was so interested in it.

Summer Fun!

2009-07-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

We finally took Tessa to the zoo for the first time. We were so excited since she loves animals so much! The monkeys were her favorite but she loved all of the animals. We had so much fun spending the day together.

Family picture

Tessa at the famous water globe

Checking out the groundhogs at their level

What kid hasn't had a drink from the lion

Checking out the giraffe

Tessa is so lucky to have her best little friend and cousin Addison. Annie and Addison came out to Daybreak to go swimming, we had so much fun. These two get along so well and just love each other so much. This was Addison's first time at the pool!

So cute

I just love this face Tessa is pulling

Trying not to burn by using the giant sun hats

Here is Tessa with a few of her friends. Unfortunately Bentley and Levi were there but didn't make it into the picture.

Kate (5 months), Tayci (17 months), and Tessa (10 months)

9 months

2009-07-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

Tessa is growing up so fast! I can't believe all she can do now. At her 9 month appointment she weighed 13.3 lbs and was 26 1/2 inches tall. Making her officially below the charts for weight and 20th percentile for height. We also learned that she has a heart murmur but we'll find out more about it when we go to a cardiologist on the 17th. Hopefully it's ok and not a big deal. She loves to crawl all around, pull herself to a stand, and walk around furniture. She loves to go swimming, on walks, swing, and LOVES animals (especially Nana's dogs and the ducks at the lake). Tessa decided to make a lot of changes in her little life right at nine months. One night she just up and decided not to nurse anymore! She wouldn't take a bottle with breast milk or formula either. We were a little worried what could be wrong but after a week and a half of not drinking any milk she changed her mind and starting taking formula from a bottle, but was done with nursing. I guess she just thought she was too old for nursing. During the week she wasn't drinking milk she taught herself to sleep through the night though!!! Yahoo! From 8 pm to 7 am! It has been so nice to finally get some sleep. Thank you everyone for all your suggestions, many of them helped. Since she's been taking formula she's been putting on a little more weight too. I guess I just made skim milk :). Our little peanut is cute and happy as can be. We just love her so much and she makes everything so much more fun! Here a some pictures of her at 8 and 9 months.

Tessa nuzzled in the flowers at the temple

Playing in her saucer

She loves to ride around in the laundry basket like a ride!

Playing with toys

Playing in the sand

First time swinging!

Making a mess eating cornbread

Bath time

Tired after a long walk

A much needed May update

2009-06-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted anything for awhile so here are some things we did in May....

Kim and I decided to have a little fiesta for Cinco de Mayo and it was so much fun! We just hung out, ate Mexican haystacks, and cracked open a pinata.

Our little family

The girls

Tessa looked so cute in her little Mexican dress!

One night we went bowling with Mitch, Janna, Lindsay, and Ryan. Janna and I dominated the game. She killed everyone the first game and I bowled my highest score ever the second game. It was a lot of fun!

Check out that form

Tessa with Mitch and Janna

High score of 160! Are you serious! (Mitch calls me Mom)

We went back to Nebraska in May to visit family and attend my sisters graduation. Congratulations Paige on graduating high school and Nick for graduating college! Tessa took her first plane ride and did great! It was so much fun to see all the cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. We can't wait to go visit again, hopefully it's sooner than later!

We're off! Tessa on her first airplane

The cousins

Great Grandpa Williams

Great Grandma Williams

Tessa loved having the cat around

Paige's graduation

Grandma Sue taking good care of Tessa

Watching some B-ball with Grandpa

Tessa had so much fun hanging out with family all week! We miss everyone so much!

I realized I never posted Tessa's beautiful 6 month pictures that Bobbie took. I'm so lucky to have such a talented mother-in-law. I just love all of these pictures!

NO SLEEP... NEED HELP!

2009-05-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

As I laid in bed last night listening to Tessa scream already for the second time at 3 am, I thought to myself "I need to ask other moms on my blog for help because at this rate Tessa may never sleep through the night"! So to all of you wonderful moms out there that had babies who didn't sleep at night I need your advice. Here is what we've been currently doing for about 3 months consistently. Around 8:00 each night I put her in her pj's and sleep sack, turn on her mobile with soothing music as well as a sound machine with rain. Then we turn out the lights and I nurse her for about 10 minutes. She pulls off and rubs her eyes which is my cue to burp her and put her in bed. She rolls to her side and goes to sleep, she doesn't fall asleep nursing. She usually sleeps for a good 4 hours or so but then the waking up starts! My doctor told me at her age and weight there should be NO problem for her to sleep at least 6 hours straight without eating. So if she wakes up before the 6 hours then I let her cry it out. Sometimes it lasts 10 minutes other times it lasts an hour. I've learned that if I go in and turn her mobile back on and lay her back down on her back (she's usually sitting) she goes back to sleep faster. If it has been 6 hours when she wakes up I do go nurse her and she usually eats a little and then goes back down quietly. Either way though she has been waking up on average 3 times a night. I seriously don't know if she's going to ever sleep through the night. It's so hard not to give in and go nurse her because I know she'll go right back to sleep but I have been staying strong. I only let myself nurse her once during the night. I just feel like I've been trying the "cry it out" for so long and it's not working! She doesn't nurse before her naps and goes down fine but only sleeps for about 45 min. I'm kind of over the nap thing though, I just care about getting some sleep at night!
So please leave me any advice that you think might help. Oh yeah, she also doens't suck a binky. I've been trying to teach her how to but she's just never liked them. I thought a binky would maybe sooth her like nursing does, but no luck so far with that either.

Also if anyone has any good ideas on making traveling easier, let me know. We're going on a plane next week with her! Yikes
Thanks for your help!

6 months

2009-04-19T12:54:00.001-07:00

I just realized that I never posted about Tessa's 6 month check up. So I guess it's better late than never. Everything went pretty good except I learned that she had an ear infection! I felt like such a bad mom not knowing but she had been acting fine. Luckily she got over it quickly and is healthy as can be now. I can't believe how much she's changed and grown. She weighed 11 lbs 11 oz and was 25 inches tall. Putting her in the 3rd percentile for weight and 25th percentile for height. She's our little mini girl, but we just love her to death! Some of the things she loved to do at 6 months includes; playing in her saucer, eating baby food, splashing in the bath, and sitting on her own like a big girl! She has also recently gotten her first two teeth! I hope that explains why she's been so fussy! I hope this teething stage doesn't last TOO long. Here are some random pictures taken during her 6/7 months...

She absolutely loves dogs, especially Ellie!

Such a big girl standing on her own

So excited!

Silly face!

I just love this sequence of pictures Bobbie took of Tessa eating so I wanted to share them.