The holidays always lend themselves well to being nostalgic. It’s almost required, isn’t it? And when we throw Sweet Girl’s birthday into the mix, sheesh, pull out the Kleenex!
I keep sitting down to share her milestones this year, to tell you how far she has come, and to celebrate the joy of having her big personality in our house. The problem is, all I keep focusing on in my own mind is that there is no picture of Tessa and I together on the day she way born.
Funny what the mind holds on to.
There is no sadness in her existence. There is no wistful dreaming of taking away her struggles. There is only a smiley, fun, curious little three-year-old with an independent streak a mile wide.
She loves to wander from room to room, searching for items that are supposed to be out of reach to pull down and steal for her toy room. Current favorites are my pot lids and mixing bowls, along with any of Ellie’s coloring utensils.
She wants to do all of the things that her cousins do, and insists on being included in the fun. She is always singing. She is always talking. She has excellent manners, though the phrase “no, thank you” is more of a curse than a blessing these days!
She loves pretzels and broccoli and frosted animal crackers. She grabs books from the shelf and tells you to sit so you can read them to her. She gravitates toward people who are hurting and gives great big, melty hugs, drumming her tiny little fingers on your back to make sure you know that all is well.
In three weeks, she’ll take that little preschool classroom by storm. Tessa’s huddle will get bigger and bigger. And as freaked out as I am to send her into the giant world, I can’t wait to go on this adventure in the passenger seat.
Happiest of birthdays, Tessa Lynn! How thankful we are that God sent you to us. ❤️
Yo soy La Lay 
Happy Birthday!!! Man, she is cute!
Beautiful. Love this girl, her sister and her two incredibleb parents❤