Nine months old!

Whoa! Time is flying by. Tess and her bear are nine months old today! That bear is so well behaved and so much easier to keep track of compared to Tess these days. As you can see, our monthly picure session took a different spin this time as Miss. Thing wanted to STAND. Yikes! She is getting so big and strong! We go for her nine month doctor appointment next week, so we'll have to report back regarding all of her stats.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Tess has directed me to send Merry Christmas wishes to all of her friends! As soon as we woke up today, she said, "Mom, I need to send a Christmas shout-out to all my peeps!" Tess hopes that you all have a fantastic day. She has already had so much fun that a little bruise is developing on her forehead. Oh, the fun of Christmas morning!

Below is a sneek preview of her 9 month pictures that were taken yesterday.

Tess' first snow!

We got the year's first BIG snow storm this weekend (as did everyone else within 300 miles of us!). It was too windy to go out yesterday, but we ventured out today so Tess could familiarize herself with the snow. Grandpa and Grandma Tillman got her a neat little sled, and boy, did Tess enjoy it. She couldn't stop laughing! We'll have to wait until Dad is home so we can get a video (I can't do it myself until I grow a third arm - which would be SO handy!! **).

** Hint, hint - if you are still looking for something to get me for Christmas! The perfect gift for a new mom!

Santa = Scary

Tess met Santa today for the first time. As you can see, she was overjoyed. Before we got there, I was hoping for lots of smiles. Once we were up on his lap, my hopes changed to a prayer for no tears. How quickly things change! Tess reminded me that at least she looked pretty and that is truly all that matters at the end of the day.

Tess goes to Key West

To help celebrate Mom's birthday, Tess went on her first big vacation to Key West last weekend with Dad, Mom, Grandpa and Grandma Cushman and Uncle Michael. She did great on the plane and enjoyed soaking up some rays (if for only seconds at a time!). She had a blast swimming in the pool at the hotel and even dipped her toes in the ocean. And she even attended her very first pirate festival. Last but not least, she clapped for the first time while we were there.

Floating in the pool

Sunset at Mallory Square

Taking a ride in the electric car

At Pirates in Paradise with Uncle Mike the Pirate Tess and her new mates The "New" Tess Touching the ocean The Gang