I have issues.

I was just looking at Malia's preschool's blog and I couldn't stop crying when I saw the above picture. (It doesn't show the boy's face, so I think it's okay to borrow it). This is Grandma Porter who helps at my daughter's preschool. I doubt she gets a paycheck. Just love. I know I cry easily right now, but come on, Alicen get it together. I just can't put into words the humanity I see in this picture. I hope when I'm in my late years I can still be making a difference in a child's life.

And here's my little smarty pants. She loves her preschool class and can't wait for Mondays and Wednesdays to roll around.

January 4, 2007

Two years ago tomorrow, it was a blustery day when a sweet little girl made her way into the world without making a single peep. 12:48 p.m. Looking around. Calm. Just taking everything in. Since that day she has had to teach her voice to work. Let Malia walk all over her, she will not. That Dora doll is "mine". That french fry is "mine". Whatever it is that you are looking at, Malia, it is "mine". But, wait, is that a sad face you are making, Malia? Here, let me make you happy. You can have it.

Tessa.

Lover of all things Mickie Mouse, Little Einstein, and Dora.

Runner from diaper changes.

Giver of kisses anytime you ask.

Watcher of her sister's every move.

Adorer of grandmas and grandpas.

Sayer of "mhmm" i.e. Tessa, did you just toot? "mhmm".

Learner of many new phrases..."mommy, what are you doing?" "Daddy, I want to come with you."

Lover of all things musical-- Soldier Boy by Mason Jennings is the one most often requested in the car.

And thus,

Singer to many sweet ballads that are sweet to her family's ears.

Just tonight she was singing one of her beautiful melodies when her Aunt Whitney, trying to get her attention, said "Tessa?" On her song went, she wasn't done yet. At the end of the song, probably 20 seconds later, she looked at Whitney, who had long since moved on, and spout out "what?"

Happy Birthday Tess!

We love you to the moon and back.