"I Love You, Stinky Face"

Dear Tatum,

After weeks of pushing yourself up on your hands and knees, you are finally making progress. From time to time, you are doing your version of an army crawl. While your belly is touching the floor, you use your knees to lunge yourself forward. Other times you push yourself around by using your tip toes. When you are able to push yourself up on all fours, you tend to lunge forward and do a belly flop. This is the point at which Mommy picks you up and gives you love before we attempt it again. Mommy and Daddy feel so helpless as we watch you struggle, but we know you are learning and it is just a matter of time before you are mobile. We cheered you on the other evening as you crawled towards the camera on the floor.


Our mornings usually consist of your first feeding of the day, coffee for Mommy, breakfast, unloading the dishwasher, straightening the house, laundry, etc. The past couple of days you have shown interest in the dishwasher. This morning, you rolled up in your walker and as I was putting the last few dishes away I noticed that you were loading pieces from your shape sorter into the dishwasher. It made me laugh as you were very focused on your task. I removed them and explained that Mommy hand washes your toys on Fridays. Although it would save Mommy some time if your toys are dishwasher safe to toss them in with the dishes. You are a funny and very busy little girl.

Last week while out shopping for a baby shower gift, we picked up a new book titled, " I Love You, Stinky Face." This book written by author Lisa McCourt, is wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated by Cyd Moore, and it has your full attention. Yesterday alone, I read the book to you five times. Then when Daddy came home, he read it to you as well. This is the first book in which you sit and listen as Mommy reads from start to finish. Mommy finds this little charming book so enjoyable for us to read together. The author has written several other books that we will be sure to buy for your library.

I love you... my stinky face girl.

Love,
Mommy

Today's book: "I Love You, Stinky Face"

Becoming Tatum

Dear Tatum,

Our summer has been so busy. It seems as if we are constantly on the run and we have several more busy weeks ahead. You don't seem to mind; in fact you really enjoy being out and about. It is so amazing to witness your reaction to so many new experiences. I have to stop every once in a while to wonder what it must be like for you – everyday you encounter something that might be completely new to you. You are now at an age where things are beginning to excite or scare you and your curiosity has also increased. You want to touch, eat and throw everything you come in contact with. It is all so incredible to watch.

On Sunday, we drove out to Uncle Scott and Aunt Sara's house to celebrate Uncle Scott's Birthday. Of course, you were instantly fascinated with their kitten, Maya. You love to pet animals and Maya was no exception. The two of you played together and even shared some toys. Shortly after Grandpa Dale swayed you to sleep for your afternoon nap. I believe this is one of his favorite things to do. You drifted of to sleep on his chest at which point he to closed his eyes and took a nap with you. It was very sweet. We had a fun visit.

Yesterday we went back to help cousin Kelli finish up decorating her classroom. We took a picture of you sitting at one of the desks. You looked so-so cute. GG held you for a bit while Mommy was helping out and discovered that you are afraid of "Winnie the Pooh." Kelli placed a ceramic statue of Winnie the Pooh in her classroom and if you were brought anywhere near it you would turn the opposite direction and tightly grab whoever was holding you.

In the last 24 hours I have also discovered that you are also afraid of standing near the garage door as it opens, the sizzling sound of veggies on the stove and the men that landscaper our yard. Once again you would turn towards me and grab my arm and chest with your little pinchers. For such a little person you sure have a strong grip.

You have also become obsessed with your diaper bag. While Mommy makes breakfast in the morning you are usually cruising the kitchen in your walker. I leave your Hello Kitty diaper bag on the seat of the chair at the breakfast bar. When I caught you pulling on the strap I moved it elsewhere. You followed and began reaching for it again. I gave in to see what you would do if I gave it to you. I was surprised when you tried walking around the kitchen with it. The weight and size of it prevented you from getting to far so I wedged the bag in the side of the walker, tossed the strap on your shoulder and you were off. At that moment it hit me... you were acting like Mommy and Daddy. The expression on your face is a look of confidence, you knew exactly what you were doing.

I have to admit, after seeing how your experiences are beginning to shape your personality, I am a bit nervous. Daddy and I want to be sure that we provide healthy examples and a supportive home for you. Raising you is the single most important thing Daddy and I will ever do.

I love you.

Love,
Mommy

Today's book: Rainbow Fish

Diamonds are a girls best friend

Dear Tatum,

We played dress up today and made Daddy laugh. Your cousin Emma bought you this fun tiara and earring set. You are really intrigued by the tiara and love to just look and it as you move it from one hand to the other. What little girl doesn't love to play dress up? Unfortunately you are at the age that you just want to eat your toys. Mommy usually has to intercept items as you attempt to see how it might taste. These days, everything you get your hands on is up for a taste test. Your appetite for food has also increased and you are consuming quite a bit more food. Note the very round chubby cheeks in the above photo.

Today the three of us enjoyed a nice laid back Saturday. We woke early, however, we took a long nap this afternoon before Daddy and I decided we would go out for a little bit. Luckily it was raining lightly as we took you to and from the car. It wasn't until we were safely inside Target that it began to really pour. We picked up a new sippy cup for you among a few other items. On the way home, Daddy and I listened as you talked all the way home. We love hearing your conversations and wish we understood them. We are just waiting for something to spill out that we understand.

On Friday we went with our cousin Kelli to decorate her classroom. She will be teaching 2nd grade at Kolmar Elementary School in Midlothian. The Assistant Principal and several of the teachers commented on how well behaved you were. You were very content and loved looking at all of the bright colors in the classroom. You would "ooh" and "ah" at big flowers in the front of the room each time you looked at them. I have a feeling that you will love school just like Mommy.

Tomorrow we are heading to Aunt Sara and Uncle Scott's house to celebrate Uncle Scott's Birthday. Mommy is hoping for nice weather so that you can wear a cute little sundress that Emma and Aunt Mirth bought for you. Should be a fun day.

I love you so much my little tater-tot.

Love,
Mommy

Today's book: Colors

Visit with Brody

Dear Tatum,

Today we drove out to Indiana to visit Uncle David, Aunt Shorty and your new cousin Brody. The timing was perfect and you slept all the way there. When we arrived, Uncle Dave met us outside. He is such a happy and proud new Daddy. I enjoy seeing my little brother so happy as he is taking on his new role as a father.

Our plan was to have lunch and visit for a few hours. Mommy of course, baked some brownies and lemon bars (GGs favorite) for the get together. We were also hoping to have a chance to visit with Grandpa Larry, but unfortunately he had a doctors appointment. We will be going back soon though.

It's been one week since Brody was born. He is so small in comparison to you and Michael, the two of you looked like giants next to him. It was difficult for me to even remember you being that small. I was actually a bit nervous to hold him today as he looked so tiny. I don't recall feeling afraid of holding you though; probably because you were my baby girl. Brody is a strong little fighter. This tough little guy didn't even cry when the doctor placed a corrective cast on his foot. He has also already begun lifting his head and pulling on toys in his bouncy seat. He is amazing. All of you babies are so amazing.

Aunt Jen brought the kids over following their first day back to school. It was also Gracee's first official day of school. Gracee handled it well, however, Aunt Jen had a difficult time. Some day I will know how that feels and can only imagine that I will be sobbing as well. It is such an amazing experience to see your child grow and at the same time so heartbreaking. The hard part is knowing that one day you will go off into the world to make it your own and I will not always be able to be there to protect you. We have some time yet.

We had a fun day sweetheart. I look forward to seeing you in the morning.
I love you.

Love,
Mommy

Little fish, little fish...

Dear Tatum,

Since we have had some extremely warm weather lately, Mommy figured it was a good time to introduce you to the swimming pool. We went swimming on Saturday, Sunday and again today. You loved it. From time to time you would even kick your little legs. Mommy made sure you were protected from the sun with a fun waterproof polka dot hat (that Aunt Shorty and Uncle Dave bought for you earlier this summer), numerous coats of sunscreen and your new yellow rubber ducky sunglasses. We also rotated between your three bathing suits, which all look so cute on you.



On Saturday, you and I went swimming at Aunt Randi's and Uncle Paul's house. Aunt Randi and I joked that you might be wondering why we were all taking a bath with you. On Sunday, Daddy came swimming with us at GG and Bipa's house. Aunt Toni, Aunt Jamie, Uncle Mike and Michael also took a dip. Again, you were really enjoying yourself. Daddy brought along one of his many gadgets, an underwater camera. We were able to get underwater footage of you working so hard while swimming. You are a natural.



Both you and Michael were smiles from ear to ear when you saw each other in the pool. Our pool play dates definitely wore you two out. You fell asleep on Mommy twice in three days before we were even out of the pool. We are so fortunate to have two pools in our family to swim in on these hot summer days.

I also want to mention that last Thursday was your 9 month check-up. We were relieved that you only needed one vaccine. Yay! You did very well and only cried briefly before oohing and cooing at the pictures of the babies on the wall. You weighed a whopping 17 lbs. 14 oz. and measured 27-1/2" long. It's hard for me to believe that the next appointment I schedule will be for your one year check-up. I can't believe that you are almost one year old already.

Tomorrow we have plans to visit Brody. He has been home for a week and he is doing very well. We leave early tomorrow morning and considering we came home so late tonight, Mommy needs to get some sleep.

I love you baby girl.

Love,
Mommy

9 Month Update

Dear Tatum,

Today you are 9 months old. I am just amazed that it has been 9 months already. The first 5 months felt a little like baby boot camp. Six months until now feel as if they have gone by in a blink of an eye. It is hard to believe that we will be celebrating your first birthday in just 3 months.

You woke Mommy this morning at 5am ready to eat and play. After eating and playing for a couple of hours we jumped back into bed with Daddy and took a short 30 minute nap. All three of us were startled awake when Daddy's alarm clock went off. We played some more, you ate again and then we began getting ready for your picture appointment.

The 9 month portrait session was a slight challenge today. It usually requires about an hour for pictures, but today was very different. Today you were tired and not real interested in what the photographers had to offer. We ended up spending 3 hours having your pictures done. In the middle of taking pictures you decided it was nap time and we headed to the "Mother's Room" to take a break. You slept for about 45 minutes and then we gave it another shot. We spent a little time with each one of the three photographers. They were laughing because they were not able to get you to wiped the "I think you are acting stupid and I can careless what you have to say" look off your face. I explained that you are a somewhat serious baby and have to be in the mood for fun... today you were not in the mood. Mommy still had some gorgeous pictures to choose from. Selecting which poses to buy is such a difficult job as I would buy them all if I could. In the end, your true personality was captured and is what I find the most beautiful.

This month I decided to list your developmental milestones as there are so many...

• Beginning to splash water with hands and feet during your baths.
  
• Imitate sounds and words. The other day I calling out the colors of your shape sorter pieces and you attempted to repeat the color "purple." It actually sounded pretty good and have not repeated it since.
  
• Drink from a sippy cup and eat biter biscuits on your own.
• Express anger and frustration when you are unable to do something. You are work so hard when we play with your toys.
  
• Beginning to understand the word "no" but you do not obey it yet. We have recently learned that outlets are a big no-no. You are very attracted to outlets and light switches. Mommy has been working with you light "on" and "off." As for the outlets, the word "no" has become the number one word in Mommy's vocabulary. The outlets in the house are now baby proofed.
• Clap your hands for just about everything and everyone.
• You bang toys together while talking very loudly.
  
• Look for objects once you throw or drop them.
  
• Love to see yourself in the mirror, especially naked before bath time. We always have a quick dancing session with the baby in the mirror. You also get very excited when you notice a picture of yourself. You let out little shrieks of happiness.
  
• Sit without support for the most part. I am always prepared to catch you if you begin to lean to far.
  
• Make sounds using your saliva and two teeth while smiling. This makes me laugh throughout the day.
  
• Turn 360 degrees on belly by using your arms
  
• Talk all day long in your baby language
  
• Dislike Mommy's homemade sweet potatoes. You gag as soon as you feel a somewhat chunky piece of food in your mouth.
  
• Watch your hands and fingers closely as you move them. You will watch one hand and then peek out the corner of your eye at the other hand to see if that one is moving as well.
• Cruise around the kitchen in your walker pretty quickly.
  
• Gag yourself sometimes with your thumb and then look at me like I did it.

Tomorrow is going to be a rough day. We are scheduled for your 9 month vaccination shots in the morning. Mommy will be at your side holding your hand. I hope it goes quickly.

I love you so much.

Love,
Mommy

Today's book: Eight Silly Monkeys

Welcome Baby Brody

Dear Tatum,

Today was such an exciting day as we welcomed the newest member of our family, Brody Michael. He was born into the world this evening at 5:39pm weighing 7 lbs. 14 oz. and measuring 21" in length. He is a handsome little guy with his Daddy's eyes and his Mommy's nose. He is your 9th cousin (counting first cousins only, otherwise you have somewhere around 25 cousins). We had the honor of meeting little Brody today and you enjoyed peering through the thick glass at his tiny little body. You clapped for Aunti Chel as Mommy cheered, "Yea, Auntie Chel."


During our visit at the hospital you were referred to as a big baby, not once, but twice by strangers. You appeared to be a big baby girl compared to the newborns. This was the first time you were ever labeled "big" since you were born. My baby girl is healthy, growing and it definitely shows.

Here are a few pictures from the past week. They clearly show that our little preemie is growing into a beautiful little girl.

This picture is so adorable. You are wearing your 12 month-big girl-hooded sweater along with your new big girl sandals from Aunt Laurie.

Grandma Carter came over yesterday to watch you for a couple of hours so Mommy could get some work done. She took this pretty picture of you. Your eyes are the prettiest I have ever seen.

And here is one more picture from last week. I just can't get enough of the headband. Your cute factor is through the roof when you are sporting one of these little elastic fashion accessories.

Tomorrow when you wake up you will be 9 months old. It is just amazing to me how you have grown into this little baby girl. I plan to have a big update with all of the new things you do.

We also have your 9 month pictures scheduled tomorrow afternoon. It is hard to believe that we are only 3 months away from your first birthday. Where did the time go? I wish I could slow it down a notch as it seems to be going so fast. You are amazing.

I love you.

Love,
Mommy

Today's book: Baby Animal Sounds