Tessa's Tidings

Shame on me....

2011-06-01T20:51:00.000-04:00

Shame on me for not sharing photos of my girls with you!!

We've been sooooo busy with our daily chamber appointments on top of our other appointments that I've totally neglected this blog....and my house. You can tell by this update that my house is last on my list of priorities ;)

Before I share the latest pics I thought I'd share something I've decided to do for ME! Some days I feel like ME is missing and I've decided to bring ME back! I signed up to be a Vault Denim Consultant. Ever heard of Vault Denim?? It's pretty new. It's like Tupperware but instead of me bringing stuff for you to store your left-overs in I bring denim....designer denim!! Designers you buy at Nordstrom's or Saks at up to 50% off retail!! Shorts, jeans, skirts, cropped jeans....it's awesome!!! And the BEST part is that Vault Denim provides the inventory for you so you don't have to buy your display products like MOST home party companies!!

HERE is a link to my website and HERE is the link to my facebook page if you are curious!!! Feel free to send a message with any questions!! I'm building a team all over the country!!!

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Okay now on to my amazingly beautiful girls....

Tristin is 5 months old.....I can't believe it!! And I'm planning Tessa's third birthday!!! Where has the time gone??

The Hyperbaric Chamber.....our home away from home

2011-04-19T22:00:00.001-04:00

I am always reminded how lucky we are to live where we do. We are 10 minutes (if that) from the Gulf of Mexico....less than 2 hours from Disney World....we have a MLB an NFL and a NHL team with venues just minutes from our house. Why would you want to live anywhere else???

Recently I discovered another gem we are lucky to have.....Chamber of Hope.

Chamber of Hope provides FREE (yes FREE!!) Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to children that have Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Shaken Baby Syndrome and other special needs. Besides the fact that they DO NOT CHARGE A PENNY, this is run out of their home! Yes.....from 9-5 Monday thru Friday they open their HOME to people like Tessa and I.

Sessions are an hour long for 3 months, five days a week. This has added 5 more appointments to our schedule for a total of 9 every week! Needless to say we stay pretty busy!

Pardon the pics...they were taken from my phone.....but I wanted to share with you....

They've given up their living room to set-up these 4 chambers

Our view from inside. I will admit the first time I climbed in I felt like I was getting in a coffin. I did my best to not let Tessa know I was about to FREAK OUT because the look on her face pretty much told me she was just as freaked as I was!

(Thank goodness for the DVD player!)

This is how she naps these days :(

(I can't look at that picture for too long.....her head position is creepy!)

Wonder where the heck Tristin is through out all this??

Another thing we are lucky to have is an AMAZING family! Both of our parents live very close and are always willing to help out. MeMe (my mom) watches Tristin 3 days a week during our HBOT, Nana Karan watches her on Wednesdays and Tony takes her once a week to a few offices during our session.

Some may wonder why I am putting us through this crazy schedule but what kind of mother would I be if I didn't give Tessa EVERY possible "treatment" available to her? Even if there is a slight improvement it is all worth it!

Speaking of improvement we've noticed a BIG difference in her speech. Our speech therapist is amazed with the progress after just one week. Tessa is still speaking Tesslish (that's her language) but it's more understandable and she is trying to talk way more.

Last week was also Tessa's first dental appointment. I was sure they would have to give her gas (laughing gas) since brushing her teeth ends in a wrestling match between her and I but she shocked the heck out of me. Yes, she was still a wiggle worm but she let the hygienist clean them and the dentist look around. NO cavities!!

I'm so jealous and am thinking of asking them if I can be a patient too....

YES this cool train is in the waiting room!

And she's watching TV...a TV that is mounted in the CEILING!!! How could she NOT love this place!?

I couldn't post without including something about ~~CHUNKY~~ Tristin. She is amazing! The BEST baby ever. She's so happy and laid back. Tessa keeps us on our toes so I am pretty sure GOD knew what he was doing when he made Tristin so good!

Easter Bunny 2011

"Dude, you can have her! Just give me a piece of chocolate and we'll call it even!"

I just wish he didn't trust me so much....

2011-02-24T06:38:00.001-05:00

So I have this girl....and she's 2.5 years old. She's pretty sweet (for like 2 hours out of the day). Wanna know what she's doing the other 22 hours......

Welcome to Meltdown City!

(clothing is optional)

This pretty much makes me want to go sit outside...by myself....in the dark.....while it's raining....and get eaten by mosquitoes :(

For the record those pics are from a few weeks ago when Tessa had a cold. Note to self: next time I get a cold I'm grabbing a popsicle, my purple sippy cup, removing my shirt and taking a trip to Meltdown City!

I know this will pass.....even though most are telling me it gets worse at 3.

GOD doesn't give us more than we can handle. I just wish he didn't trust ME so much.

Now there's my sweet girl! <3

Luckily Tristin was born with this rare gene that allows her to block all the nonsense out. SERIOUSLY.

She sleeps right thru these DAILY trips to Meltdown City. THANK. YOU. LORD.

(not sure I could handle TWO residents from that town!)

Tessa is getting her adenoids out on Monday. I'm still trying to figure out why the heck we even have adenoids?? Or Tonsils. Or Gallbladder??

I posted another pretty RAD review and giveaway! If you are in the market (or know someone who is) for a double stroller you MUST read it! The Zooper Tango is superb!

HERE is the review and giveaway!

Oh....and I've picked an "art" theme for Tessa's birthday this year....AND guess what?? Paper and Cake is givingaway a set....click HERE to enter! Or not....better chances for me to win!

over on my other blog...

2011-02-21T12:30:00.000-05:00

As you may know I have another blog, Steals, Deals and Heels, where I post about great STEALS and DEALS I come across. I also post some pretty FABULOUS giveaways!. This year I decided to start doing product reviews.

If you are interested in seeing my reviews, taking part in the giveaways or hearing about the latest sales and clearance items I come across hope on over and start following!

My current review is of the WubbaNub.....check it out HERE and make sure to enter to win your very own WubbaNub!!

Oh My Soul Tristin

2011-01-19T22:48:00.000-05:00

You may recall what seems like FOREVER ago the great Courtney Vickers took THESE pics of Miss Tessa. Well, we HAD to make sure she took some of Sweet Tristin.

I was over the moon excited to get smooshy, sleepy new baby pics.....with Tessa being so early we couldn't get pics like this of her.

Tonight to my excitement Courtney posted a preview of some of the pics taken....

ENJOY!

OH MY SOUL!!!!

If you live in the Tampa Bay area you MUST follow Courtney's blog or facebook page. Occasionally she posts mini session info and the fee is a STEAL!!

Even if you don't live here, you should still follow it....I mean who wouldn't want to look as sweet babies like this every now and then!!?

She's here........

2011-01-06T02:35:00.000-05:00

She waited long enough...37 weeks to be exact!!

Tristin Lea

December 28, 2010 @ 4:47 am

6lbs 14oz ~ 19.5 inches

THANK YOU for all your prayers!!!

We are still trying to adjust to life as a family of 4. Tessa seems to like Tristin BUT not the attention she brought....since that attention used to be hers. We are doing our best to make sure Tessa knows just how much we love her! I wish (and I know this will be true) is that one day they will be the bestest of friends!!

Still in the oven...

2010-12-04T22:35:00.001-05:00

Yep....unlike Miss Tessa this little girl isn't as anxious to see us!

I'm just a few days shy of 34 weeks and going strong. I am actually starting to feel a little "different" (back aches, pressure, BIGGER) all the normal stuff. I'm scheduled for a c-section on 1-11-11 (pretty cool date huh!?) but I think she'll be a Christmas or New Years baby....my spawn tend to make a GRAND appearance! ;)

Here are a few pics from recent....

Tessa enjoying a few of my birthday cupcakes....

Tessa and her Uncle Max...YES, I have a 7 year old brother....was an only child for 24 years!

My grandma Imogene made these pjs 30 years ago for my mom and I...

Tony didn't want Tessa to feel left out when mommy was opening gifts....he's creating a MONSTER!

Tony and I heading out to his office Christmas Party...

I am actually allowed to get out and about but not to be on my feet for long.

I hope you all are doing well. That you had a blessed Thanksgiving and are enjoying this holiday season!

P.S. ~ Over on my other blog (Steals, Deals and Heels) I'm about to take a hiatus and am doing one LAST Giveaway Week! There are still a few days open....make sure you enter!!!

Horizontal

2010-11-04T08:41:00.000-04:00

I am coming to you from the confines of my bed....I'm on bed rest...have been for 2 weeks now. My naughty cervix is acting up and being off my feet seem to help it to cooperate. I am now 29 weeks and PRAYING to get to at least 35 before this sweet girl makes her appearance.

I'll leave you with a few pictures from Halloween. I was able to sneak a few minutes in on my feet to show off my pretty RAD costume (if I can say so myself!). I HAD to do it this year because I am about 99% sure this will be the LAST baby for us!

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.....then she laid down 'cause she was on bed rest

Here is my sweet little gnome....

I hope you all had a safe and Happy Halloween.

I'll be sure to keep you posted if anything changes!

CP ~ It's what she has not who she is

2010-10-12T15:23:00.005-04:00

There's something I've been wanting to share with you all but just didn't have the right words to say it...until today.

I sat down this morning and read a story in our local paper about a fellow preemie born with a brain hemorrhage. His name is Landon and I have actually had the honor of meeting his mom, Michelle when she supported our March of Dimes Team, Fight Club.

The article shares that a few Tampa Bay Rays players are wearing bracelets in honor of Landon aka Mr. Strong. In the article Michelle states, "He's had a lot of diagnoses, but that's what he has, it's not who he is. He's the greatest. He's awesome." And that's when it hit me....that's exactly how I feel!

Tessa was "officially" diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy 2 months ago. This is something I've actually been hoping for for over a year now....I'll get to why in a second. Since being discharged from the NICU we (Tony and I, our family and our team of therapist and doctors) have noticed that Tessa doesn't use her left limbs like she does her right ones. While in the NICU Tessa suffered a right Germinal Matrix Hemorrhage. This was something not noticed in scans until AFTER she was on life support. We think the increase of oxygen, nitrous oxide and meds may have caused it. We knew then there was a chance she would be diagnosed with CP.

I hate telling people that she has Cerebral Palsy NOT because I am ashamed but because of the reaction received. I DON'T want sympathy or pity. You see, most people don't know that CP has a broad spectrum of severity. And most would never know Tessa has CP. Luckily, Tessa's case is mild and limited to her left side. She will never be in a wheelchair, she can talk (even does sign language), her cognition is not effected, she can crawl and hopefully soon will be able to walk! This is our life...this is our normal!

For those that don't know, CP is not a progressive disorder (meaning the brain damage will never improve nor worsen). Children can improve with early intervention of therapy.

It was explained to me once like this:

There are MANY neurons in your brain....some of Tessa's are damaged. That damage won't change but other neurons can pick up the slack and do the job of the damaged ones.

We have 6 therapy appointments a week....2 for physical, 2 for occupational and 2 for speech. Because Tessa was born weighing less than 1100 grams....she was 850 grams...she qualifies for various forms of therapy that if not covered by our insurance (which does have a SMALL cap for therapy) is then paid by various state funded agencies. The reason I was so anxious to get her diagnosed is because I knew once diagnosed she would get all the therapy she needs. Since the CP diagnosis she's gotten an increase in occupational and speech therapy. These therapies are CRUCIAL to her thriving and developing and without the diagnosis we were limited with the amount we could do. On top of this some of our therapies may change once she turns three. At 3 she will start getting help thru the school system. Having her officially diagnosed now means HOPEFULLY we will never have a lapse when we have to start applying with different systems.

I'm so glad that I read the article about Landon this morning. I already knew his story from being a friend of Michelle but seeing it in writing, right there in front of me, helped me with the RIGHT words on how to share it with you all.

There is not a day that goes by I don't thank the Lord for Tessa. We almost lost her on a handful of occasions and we are honored he picked us to be her parents.

Cerebral Palsy is what she has.....not who she is.

If you'd like to read about Landon click HERE!

Poor Poor Tony

2010-09-11T17:04:00.000-04:00

Tony is going to be soooo out numbered! Even our dog is a girl!

Come one, Come all.....

2010-08-27T16:31:00.000-04:00

I still can't believe that 2 years ago this month my sweet miracle was born! Her birthday is a VERY special celebration to us....we were told too many times that she would not survive being born 15 weeks premature.

I found the theme for Tessa's party over a year ago while looking around my favorite party blog....Kara's Party Ideas. I knew I needed to start planning early...like a whole 9 months early!

Though I had been planning for what seemed like a century NOTHING could have prepared me for the monsoon we experienced about an hour before our guests were due to arrive. I'm pretty sure Mother Nature was paying me back for complaining that Tessa's Ladybug Soiree last year must have been the HOTTEST day of the year.

Though the decorations and tents got wet it didn't spoil our fun. Our friends and family had no trouble trampling through the mud to get to the Popcorn Toss, Duck Pond, Gone Fishing or Bean Bag Toss Games to fill their goody bags with Goldfish in a Bag (which I made myself!), Bags of Cotton Candy, Animal Crackers, Punching Balloons and Tattoos.

All in all (even with tile floors covered in mud) it was a wonderful day. And not even the rain could keep us from celebrating our miracle girl!

All the kids posed for pics with this awesome prop Tessa's Pap Brad made

These are a few of my favorites....

Is it just me or does it look like that nose was photoshoped on....he didn't move a hair in between shots!

Tessa is going thru a shy stage when she is the center of attention. This photo pretty much explains it all!

Sitting amongst all her gifts!

I must say that planning so early allowed me to NOT break the bank...which my husband really appreciated. A few ways I saved was to ALWAYS be on the look out for ANYTHING red, blue or yellow or carnival themed. I found LOTS of stuff in the $1 bins at Target and at The Dollar Tree. All the printables were from Paper & Pigtales which I won (yippe) from a giveaway on Courtney Vickers Blog.

My mother in law, Karan, made this AWESOME sticker for the envelopes!

Here are links/info for the vendors and shops I used for the various items....

Cotton Candy in bags

Goldfish in a Bag

Tessa's Red & White Ruffled Bloomers

Popcorn and Cotton Candy Floss

Invitations, Cupcake Toppers, labels & tags and mini paper cups

Gossamer on tents outside

Lemonade Stand on clearance at JC Penney

Cupcakes and Cake were from Sam's Club.....$12.99 for 30 cupcakes!!!

Tessa's Crown ~ my friend Amy from TrueLove Found (but she's closed the shop) :(

Various tableware was from Hobby Lobby & Party City

I got the Cotton Candy & Popcorn makers from a garage sale for $5 & $10

Papa Brad made the signage and props by hand!

The GIANT Clown Pez dispenser is from a garage sale

I stenciled the table clothes myself ~ paper tables clothes are from Sam's Club

My cousin and her friend were kind enough to dress as clowns and paint faces

If there is anything in the photos you'd like more info on just shoot me an email and I'd be happy to answer!

Very much alive!

2010-07-28T08:18:00.002-04:00

Shame on me for neglecting this blog. We ARE very much alive....just very busy!

During this hiatis we found out some great news....Tessa is going to be a big sister! I am 15 weeks along and we are praying HARD that this one is not so anxious to see us and stays in MUCH MUCH longer!

I've also been VERY busy planning Tessa's 2nd birthday. I can NOT believe it has been 2 years since THIS or THIS!!! Time really does fly by when you're havin fun!

Here's a recent pic of Tessa sporting her vintage shades on an evening trip to watch the sun set.

Oh....one last thing. Tessa is entered in a Messiest Kid Contest with a $5000 savings bond at stake! You have to register to vote but they PROMISE never to send you SPAM. Voting is on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the messiest.....VOTE 10 PLEASE!!!

Click HERE to vote and look for Tessa's picture....she's covered in her favorite....YOGURT!!!

My cousin Vinny

2010-05-14T14:40:00.000-04:00

Vincent had a pool party at GG's house and invited Tessa over....

Before you watch the videos scroll down to the bottom of the blog and turn off the music!!!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

PT in the pool!

2010-05-14T14:19:00.004-04:00

We've started physical therapy in the pool once a week and Tessa LOVES it! She can actually stand right up and walk along the wall...it's amazing!

I take my camera each week but I feel awkward snapping pics because we share the pool with a geriatric exercise class....I can't imagine they want me taking their pics!

This was a pic from Tessa's first session...

I think she is wondering why in the heck I let her out in public with plastic panties on....on the outside of her clothes!!??

Since it is a public pool, we were provided with those fancy plastic pants....she has to wear a swim diaper PLUS plastic pants!

This was the following week....I decided to spare her any more embarrassment and put her plastic pants UNDER her suit!!

Catchin' some Rays

2010-05-14T13:49:00.000-04:00

I hope you didn't think this post involved the sun.....

Cheering on The Tampa Bay Rays!!!

my friend Mandy and her beautiful daughter Bailey!

First taste of Dip-n-Dots

(please excuse my "dirty" hands....I had just gotten a spray tan and my paws seems to develop a little more than the rest of my body!?)

Reading with daddy.....we had a BIG bag of tricks for when Tessa got tired of cheering on the team!

We did it!

Please say a BIG prayer for Mandy's mother in law, Barbara....she suffered a massive stroke recently and could use as many people praying for her as possible!

Marching.....

2010-04-16T00:07:00.002-04:00

We will be March(ing) for Babies soon!

Until then we are doing our part to spread awareness about prematurity!

We are honored that we have been chosen to be Ambassadors for the March of Dimes of Tampa.

This week we taped with one of the local news stations and as soon as I know when it will air (sometime next week) I will let everyone know or post the link. We also visited ClearChannel where about half of the radio stations in the Tampa Bay area are broadcasted from. Tessa and I (Tony had to miss out due to work) taped a "commercial" that will be airing from now until the walk on April 24th. Make sure to listen to US103.5 and Mix100.7 to hear us from time to time!

Oh.....and as an Ambassador we will be sharing Tessa's story to the 1500+ people at our walk location. Wish me luck as I ALWAYS get choked up when telling people just how strong Tessa was and how blessed we are to have her here with us!!

Here are some pics from our visit to the radio station....

She thought Dora was doing the interview.....

Us with Shriner from Mix100.7

Our team only has $30 to go and we meet our goal!

If you'd like to donate please click HERE!

Easter

2010-04-05T22:23:00.000-04:00

As always I couldn't pick just a few pictures.....

Saturday we attended an Easter Egg Hunt....

We even got to visit with the Nuggets....it had been YEARS! ;)

Easter Sunday

What the bunny brought...

at Mass and such a good girls as always!

It doesn't get any better than that!!

The first rule of Fight Club....

2010-03-30T00:41:00.001-04:00

Tell EVERYONE about Fight Club!!
Well not really but that's just what we did.

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I so wish I could take credit for this post but I stole it...word for word....from Jenna! She just has a way with words and I knew I couldn't even come close to it!

Just remember when you read ME...that's Jenna talkin and when you see TIFF I have not officially gone crazy and started refering to myself in the third person! ;)

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Tiffany organized a fund raising event with local sports bar, Ferg's. We ran a beer tub, and all tips collected are going straight to the fight for preemies via the March of Dimes!

The people under the stairs
Back row L to R: Preemie Papas - Ryan and Tony
Front row: Christina (our friend and mama to two BEEFY non preemies - seriously, the younger one could be the Michelin Baby!), Tiff, Megan (Tiff's super sweet cousin), and Me!
Not pictured is Nicole. She had to leave before the camera situation was under control (technical difficulties).

All the way from Jacksonville... Tim and Dave!

He's with me! Good grief, what's with the sweat band Ry?!

Jason, Christina, and Ryan

The guys covering for us while we had a "staff meeting"

To say we have generous friends and family would be a gross understatement! The outpouring of support was phenomenal for our first Bottles 4 Babies event. That's right, "FIRST!" We are already cookin' up plans for another down the road!

Fight Club friend and supporter, Eric!

You might recognize a couple of these friendly faces! Josh and Lauren, parents to the precious Green Beans, drove all the way out to support us! And, guys, it's a hike! I've said it before, I'll say it again, these two are amazing! (And, their friend's were a blast too!) Their Green Bean Bracelets are another great way to support the MOD!

Two of our beloved Bayfront Nurses, Heather and Kelly!

Let's give some credit where it's due... First, a BIG thank you to all the friends and family who came out to support this cause! As you well know, The March of Dimes is very near and dear to our hearts. To have you buy our sides, well, that's just priceless. And, we can't forget the loved ones who were home caring for our little miracles while we were out!

Next, we want to give a shout out to Mark Ferguson and the rest of the gang at Ferg's! You guys are the best! We hope to work together again soon.

Ferg!

With our awesome bar-backs!

Our shirts were donated by Tampa Bay Imaging! Thanks guys! They were a hit and we even had some guy outside a bar take pictures! Nicely done!

When it was quitin' time, we hit the town to celebrate our successful evening!

Busy bees, Shelli-Rae and Shandy, managed to fit us into a weekend that was packed, to say the least!

Really curious as to what I was saying here. It couldn't have been good - get a load of his face!

Tony and friends, Brandon and Nick

Such fun! Stay tuned for info on our next Fight Night!

TOTAL randomness

2010-03-23T13:50:00.000-04:00

I just noticed it has been way too long since I have posted pics of my sweet little girl!! I am sooooo sorry!!

So because of my laziness....you are getting randomness!!!!

(click on the pics to enlarge them...I made them small since there were soooooo many!!!)

Tessa had tubes put in a week ago...she did AMAZING!!!

I swear this girl has some CRAZY hair!!!

She rocked a Joe Dirt style mullet for a while and still does sort of but it is starting to curl so I can't bring myself to cut it!

What is it with mom's never wanting to cut curls??

Oh and is it just me or does it change shades daily???

Tessa loves books!!! If there is one near she is saying book...pointing to it....and won't stop until you read it to her!

Here she is with a doll I had when I was a little girl. I am pretty sure she started reading that book to the doll....so sweet!

This is another one of Tessa's favorites...a stroll around the house on her okiedog

The last 2 strolls of the night are always "let's chase Pita" strolls....

As you can see it scares Pita to death...or at least enough to cause her eyes to look spooky..

They go so fast that Tony actually has to hold on to Tessa....I am looking for a helmet her size!

Soda Bottle Basket

2010-03-15T21:33:00.006-04:00

don't forget to check out Steals, Deals and Heels for a FABULOUS giveaway!!!

Wanna know how to go from this....

to this.....

click HERE!!!

I was a guest blogger again!!

Watch out Martha....here I come!! Ha!

Guest Blogging

2010-03-12T09:06:00.003-05:00

I had the honor of doing a guest post on my friend Amy's blog, Buggie and Jellybean!!

If you'd like to read all about it click HERE!!

Bottles for Babies

2010-03-11T22:20:00.002-05:00

I really wanted Beer for Babies but we thought someone would call DCF on us!!

Come out and support us on March 27th as Jenna and I and the rest of our March of Dimes team, Fight Club, serve up the beers at Ferg's Sports Bar in St. Pete.

Ferg is letting us man one of the beer tubs and we get to keep all the tips collected that night!! ALL of them will be donated to our team when we March for Babies on April 24th!

So make sure to mark your calendars and bring your CASH....we.want.tips.!!!

bubbles

2010-03-02T19:58:00.002-05:00

the newest word in Miss Tessa's vocabulary....

(you might want to scroll down to the bottom of the page and turn the music off before playing this video!)

New look...with a little help from some friends!

2010-02-25T14:43:00.001-05:00

Like the new look???

I did it all by myself....well with a little help from some friends!!!

I've been following Sneaky Momma Blog Design for a some time now and have picked up some pretty neat tricks. Most have been used over at my other blog Steals, Deals and Heels, but today she posted about something that I new was perfect for Tessa's Tidings!

It was a tutorial on how to make a photo header. Actually Sneaky Momma referred me over to Clover Lane who I started following STAT! Thank you Sarah and Jill!!!

Click HERE to visit Sneaky Momma and HERE to read the header tutorial!!

Just had to share....

2010-02-23T23:19:00.007-05:00

I am soooooo proud of my recent transformation that I JUST had to share it with ya'll!!!

This is a VERY old Victor Record Player Cabinet that belonged to Tessa's Great-Great Grandma.

I recently decided our house needed a little design facelift and started asking my mom if she had anything she could spare....YES I am CHEAP and I knew Tony would NOT want me spending money anyways!

Just so happens this beauty wasn't being used....

Beauty???....well not yet!

For THREE days I scraped the top off....can you see that water damage??

I had plans to crackle it like my kitchen cabinets...

My first, second and third attempt to crackle her backside were a big FAT failure so I just painted on Valspar Mudslide then a coat of Valspar Filoli Ballroom.

Oh....I CAN'T seem to capture the TRUE color of the Filoli Ballroom. Dang lighting or Canon camera or me!?? But this color is DREAMY!!!

I am soooooooo over the moon I love with it!!!

Don't forget to visit Steals, Deals and Heels and enter the giveaway!!

Tessa suffers from a BAD case of...

2010-02-20T23:55:00.000-05:00

BED HEAD....

Ever since the start of her cronic ear infections a few months ago the sweet little loving girl I used to go pick up out of the crib in the morning is gone!

Now I wake to a SCREAMING raging mad woman that looks like this.....

She must toss and turn, flip and flop while screaming to accomplish this look.....right????

While still as cute as ever! I CAN'T wait for that sweet little girl to come back and that morning screaming to stop!!! Tubes are scheduled for March 15t!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you tell I'm excited!!!

I leave you with more of BED HEAD....

I think this last one is the look I should be giving her when I enter her room in the morning!!!

Cakepops ~ a Valentine's Day treat

2010-02-11T20:31:00.000-05:00

So today I tried attempt #3 at cakepops.

Attempt #1 failed I am pretty sure because the icing I used was almost 3 years old....YUCK!

Attempt #2 failed because I didn't even have half of the correct ingredients and tried to improvise...

Here is attempt #3....

Let me first say I got my inspiration from Bakerella. Never heard of her....go check her out!! I did alter the recipe a tad but not as much as attempt #2!

Here is what you need:

Red Velvet Cake Mix

Wilton Candy Melts (Bakerella uses chocolate bark)

Cream Cheese Frosting

Any sort of sprinkle or colored sugar

lollipop sticks (from Michael's)

lollipop bags (from Michael's)

ribbon to tie the bags

styro foam or something to keep them upright in the freezer

wax paper

If you are not giving them away, as we were, you really don't need the lollipop sticks or bags or foam....just pop them in your mouth!

Mix and bake the cake according to the directions

let cool or you will burn your little fingers on the next step

can someone PLEASE tell me why ALL my cakes fall apart like this????

crumble the cake in a bowl with your hands...this is VERY messy!

mix in the icing....it calls for the whole 16oz tub but I would say 3/4 of it would do...this is even messier!!

no....that is NOT a Valentine's Day french manicure....more like a red velvet manicure!

scoop out spoonfuls and roll in to balls

I decided to place them in the freezer for 45 minutes on the wax paper before putting the sticks in because they were so moist that the stick was going straight thru the ball

after they have chilled for 45 minutes put each ball on a stick and place the stick in the styro foam...put them in the freezer as soon as you can

I left mine in the freezer for about an hour

melt the Wilton melts (or bark) dip each one...the coating hardens pretty quick so dip into your sprinkles right away

place back in the styro foam continue with the rest

Make sure to leave the balls not being dipped in the freezer until you are ready to dip them so that they stay firm!

Since the coating hardens so fast you can serve or bag them within minutes.

To fancy them up I knotted ribbons around them!

ENJOY!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Rub A Dub Dub...

2010-02-07T22:07:00.000-05:00

A preemie in a tub....

Tessa is FINALLY feeling MUCH better! We are just waiting to get the a-okay on getting tubes. I have a GREAT feeling we will all be MUCH happier once they are placed!

Thanks for all the prayers!

Simple Pleasures....

2010-02-02T22:44:00.003-05:00

I follow Kelly's Korner....doesn't everyone!? LOVE HER! And she posted her Simple Pleasures today...

Here are some of mine....

Opening a new bottle of formula and knowing it will only need about 30 seconds to heat up! We use ready feed!

Freshly cleaned and still warm sheets!

My favorite pair of jeans....the second day!

New mom parking at the mall!

Our Angel Care Monitor....for my blanket over the face sleeper!

Realizing I don't need to wash my face at bedtime because I am still in my PJs and didn't go anywhere that day!

Finding a FAB new blog like THIS one or THIS one!

When Tony wants to order pizza and I don't have to cook dinner!

Freshly mopped floors - even if I'm the one who just mopped them! (borrowed this one from Kelly but I feel the same way!)

Knowing my mom and dad live 5 blocks away and can be here in a flash!

Going back to bed (and snuggling) in the morning with Tessa and Tony!

Tessa's "sponge" face....Tony's always saying her brain is a sponge and it is amazing when you can really see her "sponge" soaking it all in!

I could go on for days...

What are some of yours?

No Pneumonia!!

2010-01-30T14:27:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to give an update....

Got a call yesterday from the pedi and the chest xray showed no sign of Pneumonia! Tessa still has a "chunky" cough but thanks to the antibiotics, rest and breathing treatments I think she is feeling a little better!

THANK YOU for all your thoughts, prayers and kind words!!!

Albuterol is our friend!

2010-01-28T21:44:00.000-05:00

Well....Tessa got worse today so I loaded her up and headed to the pediatrician. I felt so bad going back for the 3rd time in a week but since this is her first time being sick I really have no idea what is "normal". They really are the BEST office...they NEVER make me feel like a freak and always listen to my crazy antics!

We got an Albuterol breathing treatment while there (Tessa used to get those all the time while in the NICU) and a shot of some SUPER antibiotic...yes a shot! I had no idea they could give them in shot form. Dr. Lisa said since the one we are currently on is not helping the ears and obviously not helping the congestion we should switch but she didn't want to wait a few days for it to kick in. So Tessa took it like the big girl she is and only cried for maybe 10.3 seconds!

Dr. Lisa also said she wanted us to go to the hospital. Now some of you might have had a heart attack when HOSPITAL was mentioned but I truly felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I knew the HOSPITAL meant we would finally know if this "cold" is something serious. So we headed over to All Children's (our first visit as a patient since the NEW one opened 2 weeks ago) and had a chest xray. We were there for a whole 30 minutes and then on our way home.

I don't' have the results yet and don't expect to until tomorrow. Dr. Lisa said she really didn't think much would be seen in the xray so she wouldn't bother me during the evening but she wanted the scan to be safe rather than sorry.

In good mommy and daddy fashion we took this opportunity to snap some memories....

She is soooooooo her daddy's girl! He MUST have Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup when sick....and guess what was the ONLY thing she would eat yesterday and today???

Notice the hospital ID band on the leg? And the red face?? Poor thing already has sensitive skin and this runny nose and mama wiping it raw all day doesn't help!

I woke her up (after smelling something FRESH coming from her diaper) and gave her a treatment tonight....

I am about to finish off my glass of Airborne and pray I don't get sick too. I'll post as soon as we are updated with the results from the xray!

Sick and Tired!

2010-01-27T11:53:00.000-05:00

Tessa is sick...and we are tired! But I am pretty sure she is tired too! This is the FIRST time Tessa has really been sick. There have been times when we thought she was getting sick but she didn't. Last week we made what seemed the 20th trip to the pedi in the last 2 months to have her ears checked. It was confirmed....fluid AGAIN! Tubes ARE in our near future! We started another round of antibiotics....poor girl....she's been on them since my water broke with a break for about 2 months last year. Her poor little teeth are coming in so yellow...but guess what....at least we have teeth! PRAISE GOD!

After our visit to the pedi Tessa's temp peaked at 102.9. I was confident it was the fluid and the fact she was about to cut two molars. We had to delay her BOTOX treatment for her foot drop that was scheduled for last Friday. Yesterday she woke with a runny nose and a CHUNKY cough! So it was back to the pedi! For my peace of mind I asked them to test her for RSV (yep....RSV is why that sign still hangs on our front door!). She was NEGATIVE so it looks like she's got the normal everyday cold.

I feel so bad for her...she's not sleeping well or eating much and she really doesn't understand what is going on. I wish I could just take it away and give it to myself.....but I think it may be too late....my throat has started to hurt! UGH!

Here are some pics of my sick little girl....sick and tired....she's still pretty sweet!

I was thinking for sure this would be our chance to throw out the paci! I mean how could a stuffy nose girl possibly still suck on one? Well....she manages! Guess we'll get rid of him later!

March for Babies....March for Tessa

2010-01-14T06:55:00.002-05:00

This video is why I joined March of Dimes....will you join me or offer support??

(turn OFF the sound playing at the bottom of the blog before you play this!)

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Click HERE to visit our team's page. We'd love to have you join us as we March for Babies on April 24th!

Oh Holy Night...

2010-01-02T23:14:00.000-05:00

Before I get to the pics from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day I thought I'd share a few from Tessa's 1st Christmas, last year. I don't know about you but I about fell out of my chair when I looked at them. She's grown so much!! Where does the time go??

These were taken the week before Christmas LAST year. Tessa was 4 1/2 months old (1 month adjusted).

And THIS Christmas...

Christmas morning...she has NO idea what is going on! To be honest I am not even sure she is awake yet!

But if it involves Dora she is game!

Well after breakfast....so we had to eat first and then the FUN began!

Tessa LOVED the paper....more than her gifts! I think we could have gotten away with wrapping a bunch of empty boxes and she would have been just as stoked!

After the first one she did one of two things...... 1. she would try to put the paper she tore off back on

2. She would eat the paper she tore off!

Tessa LOVES Dora...no seriously LOVES her.

See....

This has to be my favorite picture from Christmas!

But I think we should have used that brush on Tessa's hair instead of Dora's!

Orange Rolls....a yearly tradition. Tony doesn't like the orange ones so guess what??? I at those all by myself!!! YEP...there are EIGHT of them!!!

Kids these days! We don't have a house phone...just our cell phones and poor Tessa has NO clue what I am playing with!!!

"What the heck is this BIG 'ol thing?"

These have to be the cutest PJs ever! Too cute to even be PJs so don't hate if you see us out shopping and she has her red tu-tu on!!

Breakfast with Mr & Mrs Claus

2010-01-02T22:33:00.000-05:00

Tessa sure has had her share of visits with Santa. First was when he visited our house at the annual Sle-HAY ride, then at the mall and last but certainly not least was breakfast with Santa and that day he was nice enough to bring along Mrs Claus too!!

When we got home it wasn't long before a game of topless ball began!

Tossing the ball is one of her FAVORITE things to do...shirt or no shirt!

Pita has started to get jealous and really likes to join in on the fun. Since she can't play ball (she doesn't have opposable thumbs ya know!) Tony lets Tessa feed her treats.

Don't worry...Pita is VERY gentle...and YES Tessa still has her right hand!

My timing is great....check out that tongue!

Sittin with Santa

2009-12-19T13:08:00.001-05:00

I haven't had any plans to have Tessa's picture taken with Santa for 2 reasons....the SWINE virus is supposed to be all over him from all those kiddos...and why put her through a scream fest because I am certain she will be terrified of him.

So this morning we headed to the mall so Tony could pick up a few things for some clients. When we first got there Mr. Claus was no where to be found...YIPPEE!!! As we walked around and finally started heading back to the car parked near Macy's I saw him....and so did Tony.

He had JUST arrived and I could tell by the twinkle in Tony's eyes that he wanted my sweet little healthy Tessa to sit on his lap. I looked down at Tessa, dressed in brown and pink, far from her Christmas best and thought "If he just got here then there should be NO traces of PIG on him!" "OKAY...let's do it!" By the time we got near two other little ones were in line. I observed them to make sure there were no signs of illness....no runny noses...CHECK....no coughing....CHECK....no throwing up...CHECK!!!

Luckily the little boy just before us wasn't too fond of Santa and threw a MAJOR fit thus making his parents scurry off in embarrassment. SWEET....one less germy kid that DIDN'T contaminate Santa!! I was still certain though that Tessa would NOT take a linking to this jolly man....BOY was I WRONG!!!

Now, I probably am a little bit bias but these have to be the best photos of a 1 year old on Santa's lap minus the fact she isn't dressed accordingly. They were so good that we couldn't pick just one and had to buy them all!!!

Santa, is that beard REAL???

Are you sure????

Santa got the BIGGEST chuckle out of her! I'm surprised you can't see me in this picture...I ran over as fast as I could to pry his hair from her fingers. In true Santa fashion he replied...."Oh, she's okay!"

Merry Christmas from Triple T

2009-12-16T08:21:00.000-05:00

With all three of us having names that start with T (well, Tony is really Anthony) we are sometimes referred to as Triple T. I'd love nothing more to be able to send all our visitors Christmas cards and photos but let's just face it...we need to eat!!

So this is as close as we can get...

Merry Christmas from Triple T!!!

I also wanted to share that a crafty project I did is feature on one of my favorite blogs....Or so she says!!

Click HERE to see it!!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2009-12-07T20:16:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to visit Steals, Deals and Heels for some really GREAT giveaways I have going on this week!!!

I am slowly getting the house decorated. Each night I do a little more and tonight while I was stringing lights on our fence outside, Tessa and Daddy had a photo shoot by the tree....

Can I share how SHOCKED I am that he was able to keep that hat on her head!! She doesn't seem to like ANYTHING on her head these days which totally saddens me as over this last year we have aquired a HUGE collection of pretty bows!!!

Oh my soul....AGAIN!

2009-12-04T07:45:00.002-05:00

A few posts ago I shared with you the sneak peek we got of Tessa's pictures taken by Courtney Vickers. Well, I am so excited to share even more with you! Be prepared to say "Oh my soul!" a few times....at least!

THANKS so much Courtney for capturing Tessa. I can't wait until she starts walking to have you snap some more pictures!

Don't forget to head on over to Steals, Deals and Heels for our FABULOUS giveaways!!!

A 3 generation birthday!

2009-11-30T03:00:00.000-05:00

Today I turn 30!!

This is an extra, extra. extra special day!! Wanna know why?? Not only was I born on November 30th but my dad was too! Wanna know something even crazier??? So was his dad!! YES....a 3 generation birthday.....100% natural....no planning involved!!

When I found out I was pregnant (it wasn't really planned either) my due date was November 10th. I am pretty sure the ENTIRE family was praying I'd go to the 30th!! Ha....like the doctors would ever let that happen! Haha....like Tessa and my cervix would let that happen!!

Happy Birthday Dad!!

He turned 19 the day I was born!!

Happy Birthday Papa Max.....I know you are looking down on us and we sure do miss you!!!

I wish you would have been able to meet Tony and boy do I wish you could have met Tessa. You two would get a pretty BIG kick out of each other!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T20:40:00.003-05:00

Before I get to what you really visit this blog for....pics of Tessa....I wanted to share a few things with you. We have soooo much to be thankful for and not a day goes by that I do not thank God for all our blessings. THANK YOU!!

I want to share a funny story about a Thanksgiving a few years ago....

We had just finished a feast at Tony's grandma's house and we all were feeling very sleepy. We chalked it up to the turkey and its L-tryptophan. A few hours later we found out that his grandma's kitchen had gone up in smoke....she was okay but the kitchen was not. Come to find out there was a gas leak! It wasn't the turkey making us sleepy....it was us being poised by the gas!!

My other blog....YES...I have 2 others...is hosting some GREAT giveaways starting tomorrow! Go check out Steals, Deals and Heels for more information....you will NOT want to miss out!!!

So now to the good stuff! We get a workout on Thanksgiving and usually visit 3 houses. This year we only made it to 2 (SORRY Grandpa Ed and Grandma Karan) and were still pooped when we got home! First we saw my side of the family at my Aunt Jodi's house.....

This is Tessa's cousin Vincent. He was born about a month after she was.

Tessa tried so hard to give him a kiss....she LOVES giving those these days!

But Dallas was more receptive than Vincent was....

She settled for the temple!

After a few pics we notice he started holding her hand....

I think he was intimidated by her age....

Wonder what she is thinking??

Tessa's first of MANY helpings of mashed potatoes!

Just as we were about the leave he loosened up!

My cousin Vinny!

Then we packed up and headed over to Aunt Angie's house to see most of Tony's family....

Playing ball with Uncle Eddy and Daddy

too much mashed potatoes and turkey = unbuttoned jeans!

She gets cousin Aidan's hand-me-downs....we LOVE us some Chuck Taylors!!

she's trying soooo hard to crawl....maybe for Christmas??

Our designated driver....KIDDING!

This pic pretty much sums it up....

YES WE ARE!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM US 2 YOU!!!

Oh my soul!!!

2009-11-21T21:01:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure the real meaning of the phrase "Oh my soul" but I saw it on Courtney Vickers' blog a few weeks ago and fell in love with it. I think it is something you would say when your heart is full of smiles.

Well, this evening Courtney posted a little sneak peek of her pictures of Tessa from 2 weeks ago and guess what slipped out when I saw them...."Oh my soul!!"

Check them out HERE!!!

Courtney is in the Tampa Bay area and an AMAZING photographer....just take a look around her blog or site....you'll see!!

There's no place like home!

2009-11-19T01:12:00.001-05:00

Today marks a WHOLE year that Tessa has been home! After spending 3.5 months in the NICU we got to bring our TINY baby girl home on November 19, 2008.It was such a nerve racking day. We were so dang excited to get her out of that germy hospital but so dang scared to bring here to our germy house!

Some of the things that ran through my head that day....What if she doesn't sleep? What if she sleeps too much? How will I know if she is dehydrated (I still think about that OFTEN!) What if I drop her? Now this one may have just been a weird worry that only I thought of but I was terrified that when going thru a doorway I would bang her head on it!! WHAT??? I know....I never did....until a few months ago and it wasn't too hard....but is that something any of you ever thought of?? And speaking of banging heads sweet little Tessa rolled off the sofa yesterday as I ran into the kitchen to grab some paper and a pen. Tessa isn't very mobile yet so falling of the sofa hasn't been a huge concern...until now! No real visible marks and she seemed to be okay after the initial shock. As for me....my heart is still broken and I think it will be some time before I forgive myself!!

Well....I am HAPPY and BLESSED to say she survived the first year at home....aside from that roll off! And can I add that she hasn't even been sick....well a runny nose once and a debatable ear infection but nothing else!! Not sure if that is a good thing...she either has a SUPER gene that is keeping her healthy or I am such a freak about germs that she really hasn't come into contact with many...???

I went thru the HUNDREDS of pics taken over the last year and then it donned on me...you've seen them all! So here are pictures of her NICU Journey. I must warn you, there was a period when she was VERY sick and did not look like a baby should but I am posting those just to remind you (an me) just how amazing Tessa is and how she truly is a miracle!!

Sweet TINY Tessa....less than 24 hours old

The first time in momma's arms ~ 8-11-08

Daddy's BIG hand ~ 8-13-08

First time in daddy's arms ~ 8-14-08

Max, meet your niece Tessa ~ 8-19-08

Starting to get VERY sick and retain fluids...at this point she was medically sedated and paralyzed and on a high frequency ventilator~ 8-29-08

Her poor little body retained so much fluid to fight off the infection...at one point her white blood cell count was the highest the NICU had ever seen ~ 8-31-09

She had so much edema that if you pressed on her skin with your finger the indent would last for minutes before it went back. Her skin had stretched so much that she began to peel and bruise ~ 9-6-08

On the mend...and taking her time "waking up" ~ 9-14-08

4 generations...Great Grandma Imogene, Grandma Marsha, Mommy and Tessa ~ 9-14-08

My little skin head...starting to open her eyes again ~ 9-25-08

Daddy helping her get comfy ~ 10-4-08

Stylin & profilin...even wearin shoes ~ 10-9-08

Just hanging out in some micro preemie clothes ~ 10-11-08

NICU CRIBS ~ 10-13-08

No more breathing tube! This pic and the next reminds me of Kenny Chesney....have you seen him with is cowboy hat off??? ~ 10-19-08

Knock Knock it' sweet lil ol' Tessa ~ 10-19-08

Having a bottle for the first time courtesy of daddy ~ 10-23-08

Happy Halloween ~ 10-31-08

Movin on up....to the 3rd floor nursery....can you say DISCHARGE??!! ~ 11-14-08

Nurse Stephanie telling Tessa to behave when she goes home and to stay healthy ~ 11-15-08

Car seat Test ~ 11-18-08

The day has FINALLY come...saying goodbye to our daytime nurses...Stephanie 1 and Stephany 2. Tessa doesn't seem to be as excited as I was to blow that joint! ~ 11-19-08

Last pic in the NICU ~ 11-19-08

First pics at home ~ 11-19-08

There's no place like home!

Straight from Heaven....

Before you log off I want to ask that you think of and say a prayer for all the babies in NICUs right now and for all the babies that will never leave the hospital. We have been blessed beyond words!

Just had to share...

2009-11-18T16:59:00.000-05:00

Today I was tagged in a note by Miracle Bebe on facebook and it was too touching NOT to pass along. Even if you don't have a preemie I think this will touch you too!!

"It is the day after, the National Prematurity Awareness Day and it was my intention to write on my blog, although I had to get my son ready for his ear tube surgery today. Here he is napping, after the successful surgery at almost 28 months (2 years, 4 months). This was his first surgery in his life, and my thoughts today were on all of the babies receiving heart surgeries, brain surgeries, and lung surgeries in the NICU. I thought to myself, here you are with a healthy 2 year old, crying because he will have a 15 minute thing, and all of those other Mom's had to endour hours and hours of prayer, gut-wrenching turmoil to get their babies to Rowan's place today. I could not have gone through the NICU, and that on top of it. It must be the most frightening time for NICU Mom's and Dad's.

Every day there are more. The NICU is a silent place... It is quiet and reserved in it's location, but also in the hearts of Mothers and Fathers. Prematurity is silent, too. It is unheard of in a common conversation. It is looked at differently in the eyes of many. It is a sadness and not the celebration of which it should be. It is so much... and yet so quiet.

I have taken it upon myself to not be silent about it. It should be anything more than a fact of life for all parents. I promise to never feel ashamed of myself for my body failing. I promise to live with my son's delays, I will cherish the moments that he develops into, at what ever time they come. I will beleive that his life will be full and celebrated. I will hope that other will do the same. I will wear the badge of 'Preemie Mom' and endorse it, because I was chosen to be.

There is a fantastic poem about Preemie Mom's and why they were chosen. Please read::

How Preemie Moms Are Chosen
(Adapted from Erma Bombeck)

Did you ever wonder how the mothers of premature babies are chosen?
Somehow, I visualize God hovering over Earth, selecting his instruments
for propagation with great care and deliberation.
As he observes, he instructs his angels to take notes in a giant ledger.
"Beth Armstrong, son. Patron Saint, Matthew. Marjorie Forrest, daughter.
Patron Saint, Celia. Carrie Rutledge, twins. Patron Saint ... give her Gerard.
He's used to profanity."
Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles. "Give her a preemie."
The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy."
"Exactly," smiles God. "Could I give a premature baby a mother who knows no laughter?
That would be cruel." "But does she have the patience?" asks the angel.
"I don't want her to have too much patience, or she'll drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she'll handle it.
I watched her today.
She has that sense of self and independence so rare and so necessary in a mother.
You see, the child I'm going to give her has a world of its own.
She has to make it live in her world, and that's not going to be easy."
"But Lord, I don't think she even believes in you."
God smiles. "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect.
She has just the right amount of selfishness."
The angel gasps, "Selfishness?! Is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she will never survive.
Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect.
She doesn't know it yet, but she is to be envied.
She will never take for granted a spoken word.
She will never consider a step ordinary.
When her child says 'mama' for the first time, she will be witness to a miracle and know it.
I will permit her to see clearly the things I see – ignorance, cruelty, prejudice – and allow her to rise above them.
She will never be alone.
I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side."
"And what about her Patron Saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in the air.
God smiles. "A mirror will suffice."

I believe that my son was given to me for a reason. I know that the road was harder than most, but we carried on. I have dedicated much of my time to making a website that is full of resources, services, products and more for Preemie Parents. In my continued commitment, I would like you to visit to read about some of the other Preemies. There are some wonderful people sharing their full story as to becoming a preemie parent. I would encourage you to pass this sentiment on to others who have preemies to share their stories, or share your own with us. Your strength in these chapters of your life will help others to rise to adversity, rise to the courage, and find their strength through it all."

Don't forget to visit Miracle Bebe!

Today we FIGHT!!!

2009-11-17T07:02:00.001-05:00

Tessa Marie - 1 day old - 1lb 15oz - 15 weeks premature

November is Prematurity Awareness Month and today is when we FIGHT!!

Every year, 20 million babies are born too soon, too small and very sick ― half a million of them in the United States.

Do you know a baby that was born too soon, too small, unable to suck, unable to breathe on his own? Premature birth is a health crisis that jeopardizes the lives and health of nearly half-million babies each year. It is the #1 killer of newborns and can lead to lifelong disabilities. Worse: the number has increased 31 percent since 1981. It can happen without warning and for no known reason. Until we have more answers, anyone’s baby, could be born too soon.

Medical advances give even the tiniest babies a chance of survival, yet for many babies premature birth is still a life or death condition. It’s the #1 cause of death during the first month of life. And babies who survive face serious health challenges and risk lifelong disabilities.

The rate of premature birth has never been higher. In half the cases, we simply don’t understand what went wrong. We need to fight for answers. And, ultimately, preventions.

November 17 is dedicated to raising awareness of the crisis of premature birth. The March of Dimes invites bloggers like you to get involved.

• Learn about premature birth at marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies

• Put a badge on your blog during November, Prematurity Awareness Month®

• On November 17, blog for a baby you love and to help others

We need to fight ― because babies shouldn’t have to.

If you haven't read about Tessa's fight click HERE to read it!

Destination: Destin

2009-11-15T20:08:00.000-05:00

We packed up the car Friday and headed north. Our destination was Destin Florida for the wedding of our friends Jennifer and Justin. The trip would normally take one about 7 hours but with a 1 year old it took a tad longer....and missing an exit and not noticing it for about 30 miles didn't help either! We safely made it about 9 hours later and quickly hit the sack!

Upon waking the next morning I got up and got myself ready for breakfast. I made a few phone calls when Tony asked me why on Earth I was calling people so early in the morning. I looked at my phone and couldn't understand why he was concerned??? Little did I know our road trip had taken us right out of the Easter timezone and smack dab into the Central one! Thank goodness the peeps I called were still Eastern!! We time traveled!

Here are a few pics from our journey!

The only thing open after waking so early was Bass Pro Shop and Tessa LOVED it!

the BEST camo hat ever....can't even see her!!!

sittin in a tree stand

The Church and ceremony was beautiful!

Cocktail hour was outside...it was an amazing view but very windy!

Sp we made our way inside away from the wind and found the Gators on TV!

Tessa was happy to be out of the wind and daddy was happy to be able to see some of the game

I'm thinking Tessa wasn't very happy with the way the Gators were playing!? Such a sour face!

After the first dance they played Better Together by Jack Johnson....Tessa's favorite song! She squealed like a pig....she loves her some Jack Johnson!

The "time travel" made Tessa sleepy extra early!

The was taken in the car about 3/4 of the way home....she was so OVER our journey!!!

Just another day in Paradise!

2009-11-03T22:19:00.001-05:00

First off I wanted to update everyone on Tessa's results from her tests last week at All Children's. I am soooooo happy to report that the reflux in her kidneys is GONE!!! And we have been released from another specialist!! GOD is GREAT!!

Down here in Florida we are blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches. I, myself, HATE the beach...not sure if it is the fact that I have to put on a swimsuit, the sand or the saltwater....but I can count on 1 hand how many times I have been in the last 10 years!

Now that we have Tessa I am trying to make a point of going more so we packed up the car and headed down to watch a breath-taking sunset.

Once again I had a HARD time picking just a few....

this was about the time she discovered how YUMMY the sand was!

"No Tessa, we don't eat the sand, we play with it"

yea right daddy!!!

Back in July I posted a few pics of Miss Tessa in an outfit that was mine when I was a tot. Today I got out a few more and took some pics. I also played around with the photo editor a little...

yo ho yo ho a pirate's life for me...

2009-11-01T16:19:00.004-05:00

I can NOT believe it is November already!! But I am not complaining....this is my birthday month...I'll be 30 on the 30th!!! And then comes Tony and I's anniversary and then Christmas. This is my FAVORITE time of year!!

This was a pretty exciting week for us. Wednesday we were on US 103.5 for the All Children's Radiothon. They raised $130,000 in 2 days!! ACH is very close to our hearts and we like to help any way we can! I told Tessa's story of being a micro-preemie and as you can imagine it was pretty emotional!

Here is a pic from the interview...

On Friday we were back @ ACH for Tessa's tests on her kidneys. We get the results tomorrow and I'll pass those on as soon as we get back. THANK YOU for all the prayers and well wishes!!

I had a feeling they would put Tessa in a teenie tiny hospital gown so like any good mother ;) I took my camera....she was even cuter than I expected!

Waiting for her turn...

what a sweet little gown!

They gave her a pair of STERILE tweezers

She loved them until they fell on the floor and mean ol' mom wouldn't give them back!

She did a lot better than we expected! Only cried a little towards the end and when we were leaving!

Our neighborhood goes all out for Halloween. Yesterday a few friends stopped by for some fun. Tessa didn't get a nap so she went to bed not long after the fun got started. I can't wait until next year when she'll be running around....or can I!?

Aunt Jodi & Great Grandma Sue would have won if there would have been a costume contest!

I wonder what Tessa was thinking???

Thanks for hangin in there with me! I can't ever seem to pick just 1 or 2 pics! I've got just a few more and then you can log off....

10-31-08

10-31-09

GOD IS GREAT!

Happy November Ya'll!

Listen up!!

2009-10-27T23:26:00.000-04:00

Last year I was asked to participate in the All Children's Radiothon. Well...it is that time of year again! I SERIOUSLY can't believe it has been a whole year!!

Tessa was still in the NICU when I did it so as you can imagine it was a very emotional interview. One thing that sticks out in my mind is being asked to tell the listeners how big Tessa was when she was born....1 pound 15 ounces...but who really knows what that means?? So I blurted out, "She was as big as a squirrel!" Something I had heard my dad say when he tried to describe her size to people.

So, this year I thought I'd bring along a few things.....

Tessa's 1st diaper, her 1st hat and her 1st blood pressure cuff!!

Will you ever look at a BlackBerry, a tennis ball or a AA battery the same again??

So make sure to tune in to US 103.5 around 10am tomorrow! If you are not in the Tampa Bay area click HERE to listen live from their site!

In case I don't post again this week I wanted to ask for prayers for Tessa. She is being admitted to All Children's on Friday. She suffers from Vesicoureteral Reflux (sounds worse than it is)...you and I's urine flows down from the kidneys, through the ureters and then into the bladder. Tessa's abnormally flows from the bladder back into the ureters thus causing urinary tract infections. She's actually been on antibiotics since discharge (actually if you want to get technical she has been on antibiotics for various things since birth!) to avoid a UTI.

They think this was caused by the infection she suffered that resulted in her being medically paralyzed, sedated and place on life support. The medications necessary to keep her alive did some damage to her kidneys but in most cases is corrected over time. They think Tessa's has corrected itself but have to do a procedure to confirm this.

She should be admitted and then discharged in a matter of an hour or two. Her appointment is at 10am. I am not sure if we will get the results then or if we have to wait until we see the Urologist next week. I'll be sure to keep you posted!!

I'll leave you with Tessa's newest gift from daddy...I swear he needs to save some of these fancy toys for Santa!!!

Seeing her LIFE SIZE Dora for the 1st time!

I think Tessa is a little intimidated!

Nothing a few smooches can't cure!

We can't forget Mickey!

What is up with babies and tags? Dora had a HUGE tag!

????

?????

Crack kills! And hers is killing me!!!

My little plumber!

My Pumpkin

2009-10-26T19:46:00.000-04:00

Someone forgot to tell Mother Nature that it is October! Here in Florida when you step outside you'd think it was July. I hate to even go out and get the mail....I KNOW that is BAD!!!

Despite the heat we loaded up and headed to a pumpkin patch. Is it just me or are all of you just as discriminating as I am when it comes to picking pumpkins?? The right shape...not to tall and not too round...keeping in mind if it is too big that means more work when it comes to removing the "guts"! Oh and it has to be just the right shade of orange with a pretty stem.....PRETTY STEM?? Not too many bruises and NO soft spots! I don't even know how I found any with all those requirements?!

I SWEAR I walked around for at least 30 minutes before I decided on the 1st perfect one. Tessa and Tony had just about had it when I decided that I best hurry up and just pick a few more and get home.

But before I went to picking we got to shooting...pics that is! Take a look at my pumpkin!

I HAD to get the smallest one they had.....

One year ago today....

2009-10-23T10:27:00.000-04:00

One year ago today Tessa drank from a bottle for the FIRST time!! 2 1/2 months after she was born!

Her daddy had the honors....

I remember looking at the 10ml in that bottle and wondering if she'd ever get it down!

FYI ~ her breakfast bottle these days has 250ml!!!

It's amazing how fast time goes by!

Martha Stewart who???

2009-10-22T14:57:00.000-04:00

On MANY occasions I find myself hopping around from blog to blog in the middle of the night. A few weeks ago I stumbled upon Crap I've Made and the cutest DIY onesie ever made....SERIOUS! Too bad it was for a boy. So I started thinking of all the boys we know that would look pretty darn ~~cute~~ handsome in it. The Walker boys popped into my head first...but what about sweet little Jilly??

So I thought and thought....and this is what I came up with...

3 ties and a necklace!!!

Do yo know how hard it is to find CUTE matching clothes for 3 boys and a girl? You probably don't but it is!!! Pretty much impossible....something not too girly and not to boyie (is that a word?) or something that is the exact same thing in blue and pink?? IMPOSSIBLE I TELL YA!!

Well, those lead to this....

which lead to these....

Okay...I am SERIOUSLY addicted to these appliqued onesies. I went to Joann's twice in one day...then to Walmart....then to Target!!!

For the record....I will NOT be opening an etsy.com store...I will NOT be selling these they will be gifts for all your kids for their next birthdays or for Christmas...HERE is the tie onesie project....HERE is the site where I found LOTS of FREE templates! Oh...and I'll do a step by step post on the necklace onesie SOON! Keep checking back!

And since this IS Tessa's blog I thought I'd include her....

GO GATORS!!

Hot Dog

2009-10-12T20:52:00.001-04:00

Oh....a hot dog with loads of chili and cheese sounds so good right now but that is not what this post is about.

Before I get into the real meaning of Hot Dog I thought I'd share a little story with you. When I was pregnant I CRAVED hot dogs and I guess there is something in them that pregnant woman should avoid. Tony, being the good father to be, did his best to keep me from my craving. One night we joined some friends for a Tampa Bay Rays game...MC Hammer was in concert there that night. I begged for a hot dog even saying "There are people that do crack and their babies turn out okay....can I PLEASE have a darn hot dog??!!" He gave in and I got one. I can still taste that thing now...nothing beats a ballpark frank!! Well, a few days later my water broke. It was either the dog or MC Hammer....guess we'll never know!

So back to the point...today Tony came home with a present for Tessa. (something I pointed out on TV this weekend that would be a great gift from SANTA) I guess he couldn't wait another 73 day and 14 hours ( YES I am counting!!) to give it to her. The gift was Hot Dog Mickey. Tessa LOVES her some Mickey's Clubhouse in the morning. It just so happens that Aunt Angie was over with Aidan along with Granny Annie. Let me just say that Aidan isn't the sitting on the floor type....he's usually all over the place SERIOUSLY!! But Hot Dog Mickey seemed to capture his attention and he didn't let go....

I'd give LOTS of money to know what they are thinking!!!

Note to self: teach Tessa to ask for diamonds!

Go Gators

2009-10-10T09:12:00.004-04:00

Occasionally I like to participate in Kelly's Korner's "Show Us Your Life." Each week she picks an aspect of life for bloggers to share and link together. It is a really neat way to meet others and peek into their lives. And with me being so nosy...I absolutely LOVE it!

This week is Tailgates and Favorite Teams. You may not know but Tessa's daddy graduated from The University of Florida so we are Gators fans in this house.

I don't have any current pics of Miss Tessa decked out in Gator Gear so I thought I share one from a few months ago. She's actually grown out of all her duds but we did get a new hair accessory this week in the mail from our dear friend Amy (visit her etsy shop for some really fabulous crowns and bows...TrueLoveF ound) so I'll need to buckle down and find Tessa a new outfit to compliment her new bow!

This is probably one of my all time FAVORITE pics of Tessa. The onesie was a gift from Daddy's friend Eric. I loved it but didn't think it was girly enough so Amy made us a bow to match!

UPDATE:
Scored this dress today @ Tar-jay for $9

Our love and support of the Gators doesn't stop with our clothes. Our office in the house has THEE official University of Florida orange and blue colors painted on the walls. They were painted by the BEST painter in the world, my dad! The walls are covered with all sorts of Gator paraphernalia such as Urban Meyer Frosted Flakes, a Gator Coo-Coo Clock, MANY Sports Illustrated mags with Florida on the cover but my favorite thing is Tony's degree that is framed and hanging proud. I'd love to share a pic but I just can't stand the thought of my blogging friends seeing just how unorganized this space is and think different of me!

So this is all you get of the office....

GO GATORS...BEAT LSU!!!

Fight for Preemies ~ Bloggers Unite

2009-10-07T16:58:00.000-04:00

Every year, 20 million babies are born too soon, too small and very sick ― half a million of them in the United States. November 17 is when we fight.

Do you know a baby that was born too soon, too small, unable to suck, unable to breathe on his own? (ugh.....yes you do...you know Tessa!!!) Premature birth is a health crisis that jeopardizes the lives and health of nearly half-million babies each year. It is the #1 killer of newborns and can lead to lifelong disabilities. Worse: the number has increased 31 percent since 1981. It can happen without warning and for no known reason. Until we have more answers, anyone’s baby, could be born too soon.

We need to fight ― because babies shouldn’t have to.

Tessa ~ all 1lb 15 ounces of her!

• Learn about premature birth at March of Dimes

• Put a badge on your blog during November, Prematurity Awareness Month®

• On November 17, blog for a baby you love and to help others

PLEASE visit Bloggers Unite and join the cause!!

No shirt, no pants....no problem!

2009-10-02T21:27:00.000-04:00

Today Tessa and I had to relocate. Our grout downstairs was being cleaned. So we packed up and headed over to Grandma & Grandpa Patterson's house. We got there around 1:30 and took a nap. When we woke up Uncle Max was just getting home from school and it was time to play. Uncle Max is so good about protecting Tessa from his school germs. He knows to wash his hands REALLY good and to change his clothes before he plays with her. He must have been really anxious to play because he forgot to find some germ less clothes....

Tea time!

He is such a good Uncle...taking a break from playing with his cars and trucks for a little tea!

This was not your usually tea party...clothing was obviously optional!

Nothing like a little chocolate cake with your tea!

Spoiled NICU baby! Won't even hold her own tea cup!

Its a start....

Choices...so many choices!

See....clothing was optional!

This was about the time Uncle Max had had enough!

I think she got lonely and tried to call her peeps....

or text them..??

Praying they can can make it!

No one showed so Mr. Bear had to do...

Here Mr. Bear let me pour you some tea!

Save YOUR tatas!!!

2009-10-01T16:53:00.000-04:00

Today marks the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Have you had yours screened lately???

Here is the Early Breast Cancer Detection Plan:

Beginning at age 20: Performing breast self-exams and looking for any signs of change.
Age 20 to 39: Scheduling clinical breast exams every three years.
By the age of 40: Having a baseline mammogram and annual clinical breast exams.
Ages 40 to 49: Having a mammogram every one to two years depending on previous findings.
Ages 50 and older: Having a mammogram every year.

All Ages:

Recording personal exams, mammograms and doctors' appointments on a calendar or in a detailed file.
Maintaining a healthy weight, following a low-fat diet, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption.

For more information visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation's site!!!

This is why I don't get anything done during the day....

2009-09-27T21:15:00.000-04:00

Days of our Lives....

2009-09-23T20:25:00.004-04:00

Like anyone, some of our days are busier than others. From physical therapy twice a week to random doctors appointments scattered about to rooting on her favorite baseball team Tessa is becoming a true socialite!

I finally remembered to take the camera with us to therapy. This is a swing that helps strengthen her stomach muscles and helps with balance.

This contraption is a standing device. With Tessa's drop foot she isn't able to flatten out her foot and stand. This helps her do just that!

Then we roll her around the office...Tessa LOVES it!

She got a BIG GIRL car seat this week. She seems to like it but it sure isn't convenient like the other one when she falls asleep. I already miss the luxury of being able to just pick up the seat and snap it into the stroller and go!

Cheering on the Tampa Bay Rays...I swear she was having a good time!!!

See.....

Raymond....you better wash your paws before you touch me!!!

Playing at home on mommy and daddy's bed!

The is the best photo I have of her chompers...she has 2 of them!!!

There is NO denying it....

2009-09-19T20:06:00.005-04:00

she LOVES her da-da!!

I think I have FINALLY figured out how to upload videos on here! Before you press PLAY scroll down to the bottom of the blog and turn off the music player or you won't be able to tell what you are listening too!!!

The first is titled Tessa, Da-Da & a sneaky Pita....do you see the sneaky Pita??

This next one I like to call....Tessa, Da-Da and Trueblood...you'll hear why!!

We'll have to be more careful about what is playing in the background. FYI....I am NOT the Trueblood fan!!!

Happy Grandparent's Day!

2009-09-13T11:10:00.004-04:00

We'd like to wish a VERY special Happy Grandparent's Day to everyone that is one....especially ours! And a special prayer goes out to Grandma Imogene who spent the night in the hospital....nothing like some good pampering on your holiday! Get better SOON Grandma!

Be prepared...we seemed to take a TON of pics this last week...ENJOY!!!

The other day while I was cleaning out Tessa's closet and drawers her and daddy played hide and seek...

I couldn't help but snap a pic the other night when I went in to check on Tessa...this is how she sleeps!

She has a weird obsession with tags. While helping me fold laundry she located the one on a pair of my panties. Before I took them away from her I had to snap a picture!

Sippy Cup attempt

Craft day @ The Walker Crib

2009-09-06T22:11:00.003-04:00

Friday, Tessa and I packed up and headed over to the NUGGET'S house for a craft day. (Oh...before I forget if you click on NUGGETS it will take you to their site and they are hosting a giveaway/contest. All you have to do is guess which costumes you think Jenna got for them to wear this year. The winner will get $25 off their order at clicket.com and ALL guessers will get a code for 10% an order!) Okay...back to my story. So we head over for craft day to help Jenna get ready for Jillian, Cameron, Cash and Jack's first birthday celebration. We had hopes of getting TONS of stuff done but as you can imagine 5 one year olds need lots of attention...well at least mine did. Sweet little Tessa still needs her momma close by...see pic below of Tessa in the sling. And I thought she was too big for those! I also had hopes that Tessa would learn an thing or two about crawling...I know I am NUTS...why do I want her to be crawling?! She didn't actually pick up the technique but we did notice her feet scootin around a few times. I think she has actually figured out what those things are for! I told Jenna a few more craft days and Tessa just may be mobile!!

I'm not sad because Tessa is too heavy....I'm sad 'cause the stinker grabbed the recipe when I wasn't looking and took a few nibbles out of it! Look at her....she looks rabid! She's still fighting me for it!

Jack had is eyes on Tessa's paci

Going in for the steal

robbed by momma!

Notice Miss Lazy Pants...aka Tessa....in this next series of pics...

she must have decided laying on her back was easier...TURTLE TURTLE!

Mr. Cameron...even though he discovered one of his nostrils that day, Tessa still loves him!

I know what you are thinking....how in the heck do they keep those sofas white??? Don't know but they do!

Bye Bye Nuggets! Could they be any cuter! I just want to eat them up!!! With a spoon!

While there I also tried out a recipe I might use when I am a guest blogger over at Or so she says later this month. I wasn't too sure about the "pie"...maybe because when I pulled it out of the oven it had swelled up like a balloon?? But Jenna and her parents assured me it was DELICOUS! Or were they just trying to keep me happy in hopes I'd come back and make lunch again??!!

I made two...this is the PRETTY one...not the balloon!

Speaking of recipes....I've started another blog. Something I am trying out before I make it an actual business. It will be a site that one can log on to and get recipes that correlate with their local grocery store sale ads. This will be a HUGE time and money saving service that I think many will enjoy or at least benefit from. The blog is Deals into Meals...take a peek around and PLEASE give me some feedback!

Speaking of starting another blog...I started another one. If you are keeping track that would make the count 3! For those of you that know my mom aka The Wizard you know she is by far, hands down THEE BEST bargain shopper there is. I've been telling her for years to open a store or start a site with all her deals. Well, after a tip she gave me this weekend I couldn't stand it any longer. I sat down and started the blog myself. You MUST check it out....you will NOT be dissappointed!!! Steals, Deals and Heels is the name of it and I am SUPER excited to share our bargain highs with the world!!

That is it for now! We hope you have a safe and relaxing Labor Day!!

Honest Scrap Award!

2009-08-31T08:09:00.015-04:00

I was nominated by my soulfriend Jenna for the Honest Scrap Award! "What in the heck is the Honest Scrap Award" you ask?! Well, it is a VERY prestigious award. Only a very select few have EVER been chosen.....nahhhh...just kidding. Basically I share 10 things that you may not know about me. Then I pick 10 friends who I nominate for the Honest Scrap Award in hopes they too will share and I might learn a few things about them that I didn't know!

1. I was an only child for 24 years....YES 24 years!! I have an almost 6 year old brother. Same mom, same dad! Uncle Max is soooo cool!

2. I was almost a common-law wife before I became a REAL wife. It took Tony a few kicks in the butt to finally pop the question but he did and boy am I glad!

3. I hate that Tessa had the start in life that she did but deep down inside (now that she is healthy and okay) I am glad it happened....seriously. I appreciate her and babies in general so much more. Not to mention I would never have met Jenna (who has become a great friend that I wish I had known sooner!!) and Jessica (whom I have yet to meet face to face but hope to do so one of these days) and a few other people that have become close to my heart!!!

4. I LOVE garage sales and thrift stores.

5. I currently have an obsession for frames....big, chunky, antique looking frames. Oh....and they have to be empty....no glass! I've got quite the collection and one of these days they will be on a wall in my house like I envision in my mind...

I've saved this Blueprint Magazine cover from 2007 as inspiration!

6. I have no willpower when it comes to sweets. If they are in the house I will eat them....within 24 hours I might add!

7. EVERYDAY I think of a business I want to start. Not kidding! One of these ideas is bound to pay off and make me rich and famous!

8. Speaking of rich and famous....I used to be an actress...if you can even call it that!! I did a lot of print modeling and commercials. I was in VOGUE magazine when I was 11!! I tried out for the Mickey Mouse Club the year Britney, Christina and Justin made it. What were we thinking....I can't carry a tune!!

PROOF: my comp card

9. I also did pageants. I was the title holder for a few state pageants. If it wasn't for my stiff arm I'da been a national queen! See stiff arm below...

Stiff arm was actually 10x worse on stage! I got 1st runner up! ;(

10. I HATE to do laundry...well any house work for that matter but laundry is my nemesis! At any given moment there is about 5 loads in our bedroom that needs to be washed!!!
NO picture will be provided of that!

Well, that is it folks!

I'd like to thank the academy. I'd like to thank God....through him all things are possible. I'd like to thank Jenna who nominated me...without her I would not be writing this today. Okay...okay.....I've always wanted to say those lines!!!

So now comes the time where I pick 10 people to nominate. I'm going to make this easy on myself. Since my sweet little blog only has 12 followers I nominate you ALL to share a little about yourselves. Incase you 12 don't know who you are....

Tool Woman
Renee
inkOBSESSION
Amy H
Jessica
Laurie
Denise
Mommyto3andahusky
Tammy
Garrett’s Mommy
Nugget Momma - oh wait, she did it and nominated me! I need a nap!!
Doug