May and Arnie

Tessa cat, you are 14 months, an Ike evacuee, and full of spunk! What a difference a year makes. We don't know why you say, "May!" when you are desperately seeking Mimi or me. Your first word was baby. All kids are babies, whether they are smaller or larger than you. Soon after, you said mama, dada, doggie, and ball. Then mimi, pappa, popo, bird, and more. Finally, you said, "Arnie," for sister Arden.

We left Houston the day after Hurricane Ike came and headed for Gonzales. The power was out, and it was a good enough reason to take a mini vacation. But it turned out to be a too long vacation. We were at Mimi and Pappa's for two weeks! I remember fleeing from Hurricane Rita three years ago when Arden was your age, and staying not quite as long, although it felt like it. The hospital stay didn't help matters! Poor Arden had the croup, and we all panicked! Rita and Ike will forever be both of your one-year markers, like it or not.

You love to dance! Music is in your blood. You love being outside, throwing balls, watching squirrels, picking up rocks. But those are all things most babies love. What makes you you ? That may remain to be seen, but I do know you are a sensitive baby with a sense of humor.