Vanessa was due on January 3, 1988 but decided she was ready to meet the world on December 30, 1987. We almost didn't make it to the hospital in time - we got there at 8:15 p.m., Vanessa was born at 8:35 p.m. She was a beautiful baby with long fingers and toes. She was, and still is, my baby girl.

When Vanessa was big enough to get up on her hands and knees she would rock herself to sleep. We would be sitting in the living room and you could hear this squeaking noise - it was her crib squeaking from the movement . . .then you could hear this voice singing, 'naaanaa heeyy heeyy, naaanaa heeyyy heeyy' then silence, she was fast asleep.

As Vanessa got older, she always let everyone know she was in the room; she had this loud voice and big hazel eyes. We always knew she would be beautiful when she grew up and she was.

I love this little girl so much - T, I miss you. xoxoxox

Vanessa and I are just about 6 years apart. My whole life i shared everything with her, from clothes, a room, and a bed! Yes a bed. Tea and I had separate beds growing up.

When she was about 2, she would climb out of her crib and walk over to my bed. She would some how make her way up to sleep with me. Every morning i would wake up and find her laying next to me. I never saw her do it. Ever since then we shared a pillow together. when we got older we decide to trade in our twin beds for a queen, we both shared the bed. it was like having your best friend over every night. When i moved away to college, it was one of the hardest things to do. I cried and hated sleeping by myself. i missed tea, and all the times we shared. even though i was only 3 hours away it felt like i was across the world.

I now i have tea next to my bed on my night stand hoping that when i am by myself, she will be right by my side to comfort me and share a dream.

I love you tea and miss you terribly!

Love,

jes