Last night, Tess had a hard time going to sleep, something that happens only occasionally. Bless her sweet little heart, she's never tried to escape from her room (like her big sister used to), and she's never raised a fuss (like her big sister used to). She just sings to herself in her sweet little three-year-old…

Tess: "Mommy, when I can drive?" Me: "When you're sixteen. That's thirteen years from now." Tess: "I need eat more broccoli." {Photos taken on Pearl Street and the Sanitas Valley Trail in Boulder, June 15th}.

Tess helped out her daddy quite a bit this weekend — doing yard work in her jammies, and placing screws in the beehive. Being three is so cool.

We had a birthday party for Tess on Saturday at a local park, and things didn't turn out exactly as I'd hoped. The weather was crummy — completely gray and in the low 50's. The nice spot I had picked overlooking the ocean was besieged by gale-force winds, so we were forced to hunker down…

Tess's birthday started out quietly, with performances and swinging at home with Mommy. Later, we headed to the local art studio for kids, which is the activity she requested for her big day. This was followed by a picnic at our favorite park, in a perfect spot between the ocean and the playground. All of…

To my sweet Tess, Happy birthday. How is it possible that you are already three? I will miss your two-year-old self, with your sweet little voice, and your soft tummy, and the way you fall asleep in my arms. But I love you more and more each day. We have recently started having real conversations.…

My baby girl Tess had her second-ever swim class today. There is something absolutely adorable about an almost (!!) three-year old wearing goggles and a 'bubble pack.' I am so proud of that little kid, who excitedly got in the water and never stopped smiling. She even gave me a thumbs-up from across the pool!…

Tess is amazing me in so many ways lately. Besides being chatty and funny and kind, she is becoming brave and outgoing. Yesterday morning, a neighbor we'd never met before dropped by with her two young kids, and Tess made a big effort to introduce them to the chickens. She then eagerly played with the…

Last week, I bought the girls cheap gardening gloves at the grocery store, in anticipation of planting our vegetable garden — which we'll be able to do safely about six weeks from now. Tess wore her gloves to bed, and kept them on all night. The next morning, she asked me if we could go…

On Sunday morning, we spent over two hours frolicking at the beach. On Sunday afternoon, Tess took a nap. A blissful, two-and-a-half hour nap. I cleaned the chicken coop (yes, I lead an exciting life), while Adam, Grace and Grandma Ha had a sports fest outside.  When Tess woke up, she was lovely and sweet…