Greetings

Hello. My name is Tessa and I just arrived in this world of yours. It took about 9 1/2 hours for mom to figure out how to get me out, but I made it just fine. It was a bit cold at first and people just kept passing me back and forth. They even weighed me...I don't know why they did that. Don't they know it's impolite to ask a lady her weight? Anyway, I overheard them saying I was 6 lbs. 6 oz. and 19 1/2 inches long. My mom and dad are great. They feed me, change me, hold me, and just stare at me for hours. And I love them! I got to meet lots of relatives already, and I can't wait to meet everyone else in mommy and daddy's life. Well, I better sign off for now. It's time for a nap. Mom and dad told me to show you a few pictures so you can see how beautiful I am.

Full-term!

Little Tessa is now full-term (37 weeks). She should be developed enough to survive outside the womb. We're both starting to realize just how close we are, and thinking maybe we'd like for Tessa to cook a couple extra weeks. Then we'll be ready! Mom has been feeling well, although tired and uncomfortable with some pain in her back. Bags are packed and we have a plan in place...so don't worry, you will get a call or an email. Keep praying for us!

Surprise!!! Anderson Shower

Ryan decided to drop me off and then spend time with "the guys" at my brother-in-law's house.

I was so happy to recieve an Oklahoma Sooners outfit for Tessa. This will be the first outfit that Grandpa will hold her in, snuggled in an OU blanket too!

I also got many nice gifts from my family and friends. Tessa is a spoiled girl already. We enjoyed taking all the gifts home and putting them all together and finding their new homes. The only thing we need now is a baby. That will complete our home.

Olson Shower

What a wonderful day! The hostesses spoiled us! We had a lovely brunch with lots of goodies and received some wonderful gifts. When we got home from the shower we played with all of Tessa's new things. Tessa is a lucky little girl.

Two Things Happened Today...

Two things happened today...I am now 33 weeks pregnant and am feeling like Tessa is growing a lot everyday. So Tivoli showed me how to get on the treadmill to work off some weight. I don't think she knows I'm pregnant. Needless to say I walk her 4 miles a day. Actually, she's getting in shape for her 3rd birthday. She's feeling older and wants to be able to run up and down the stairs like she used to when she was a puppy.

Eight is enough...

We have made it 32 weeks. I have reached eight months and am feeling good. Tessa is always on the move, even the doctors are amazed at how much she moves. She had an ultrasound today and she wouldn't stay still for pictures. We did manage to get a few good ones though. The doctors are pleased with both Tessa and me. I have gained a total of twelve pounds and Tessa is 3lb 3oz of that weight. I saw her heart which was so strong, her kidneys, and her cute little feet, toes, fingers and legs. She has positioned herself with her head at my side, so she is always popping out when I am sitting. I feel great. At times I am uncomfortable sitting up, but I have managed to find ways to get comfortable. Sleep is another story.. I am doing very little of that. Daddy and I are walking Tivoli every day about three miles to keep us healthy. I know that you can tell that I am pregnant.. take a look at the picture.

Lucky 7

We are at the seven month mark of our pregnancy. We have entered the last trimester. Things are going super. I am up to 106lbs, I have gained about 11lbs so far. Our daughter Tessa weighs 2lb 4oz and is in excellent shape. Daddy painted Tessa's room so we will be getting pictures of that up soon. Oh, the doctor also said that the placenta previa has been resolved. YEAH!!!! I am feeling super and Daddy has been very helpful in keeping me feeling good.

30 and 1

What a busy weekend we had. We celebrated our FIRST wedding anniversary and Ryan's 30th birthday. WOW! Ryan's twin brother Nathan and his wife Jenoa and Asher stayed for the weekend to celebrate both events. It was a lot of fun getting to spend time with all of them and getting the feel of having a toddler in the house. Ryan and Candace ate some of their wedding cake to celebrate their first year together. Jenoa and Candace made a cake with 60 candles for the boys after they took them to dinner at Lou Malnati's. We hope to see them again real soon!

One Year in Maui

To celebrate our one-year wedding anniversary, we decided to take a trip to Maui. We were very busy with tons of activities. We snorkeled and saw many beautiful fish, and even a sea turtle! We did an authentic luau where we ate raw fish and a pig that was cooked under the sand. We survived the road to Hana with 617 turns and 56 one-lane bridges, and ended that journey swimming in the seven sacred pools. We tried lots of different local foods, but our tastes took us back to the old-time favorite...pizza! For our last meal together, we ate at Matteo's Pizzeria which serves authentic brick oven Napoli pizza. And to top it all off, we got to spend the week with Bob, Patti, Lori, and Mark....two of Candace's sisters and their husbands. We got home and slept for 12 hours and started back to normal.

We're Halfway There!

We just passed the 20 week mark which means we're halfway home! The pregnancy has been pretty easy so far. Not too much morning sickness or any major problems...just a little heartburn. I've gained roughly 8 lbs. so far, but know that more is to come. I'm starting to show! We introduced Tiv to one of the knew baby gifts. I think Tiv wants to play with it though. Our first ultrasound is in a couple of days, so we're really excited!

Surprise!

Last week, my students gave me a surprise baby shower! It was disguised as a end of the year party that parents wanted to throw. But then they came in with all these gifts! I think the kids enjoyed watching me open them as much as I did. I am so grateful for such wonderful students and parents!

Summer Fun

Today, I went over to Grandma and Grandpa Anderson's to play in their pool with my cousin Lily. As you can see, we had a lot of fun! Mom and dad decided it was time they buy me my own pool so I can practice my doggie paddle. Hopefully I'll be able to qualify for the 2016 Olympics when they're held in Chicago. Mom says I have a pretty good chance!

Happy Birthday Grandma and Grandpa Anderson

Yesterday we celebrated Grandma and Grandpa Anderson's birthdays. Grandma's is on May 6th and Grandpa's is on May 8th. The whole family came to celebrate! We ordered pizza, ate 3 kinds of cakes, and topped it off with ice cream. Yum! For an encore, some of the nieces did a renactment of the highly acclaimed Broadway musical, Witches! Everyone left with their bellies full and smiles on their faces. Can't wait til next year!

Spring Break Trip

We decided to get out of the house for a day since we were going a little stir crazy. We took Tiv with us to Springfield to visit Andrea and her children. We spent the day playing with stuffed animals, blocks, and tracing each other on the driveway with sidewalk chalk. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable time. We wish she lived closer so we could spend more time with Paige, Troy, and Colby. God Bless you three at your baptism!

Sharing the Good News

Recently, we made a trek to familiar territory. We decided to visit our old stomping grounds, Illinois State, to eat lunch with Daddy-O and Mom Olson at Avanti's. It was at this time we decided to share with them that we were expecting our first child. We gave dad a bib that read "I Love My Grandpa." Mom looked at it and said, "Are you trying to tell us something?" She then screamed, jumped out of her chair, and gave us both a big hug. Everyone in the restaurant was staring at us and a few even came over and congratulated us on the good news!

Dad's Early Birthday Gathering

Where there's a will, there's a way! When the Andersons want to gather, even with short notice, we'll find a way to make it happen. This past weekend 20 of us gathered to wish my dad a Happy Early Birthday. Can you believe it...he's turning 80 this year! In observance of the occasion, we all gathered and sent our pictures and Andrea assembled a great photographic story of dad's life. Once upon a lifetime...