Many Blessings

Dear Tatum,

Today we celebrated your baptism into the Catholic faith at Saint Jude Church in New Lenox. Daddy and I decided to have you blessed so that we could raise you with some of the same values and beliefs that Mommy was raised with. We selected two of the most wonderful people we know to be your Godparent's, Mommy's long time friend, Kimmy and Daddy's brother-in-law, Scott. Daddy and I admire both Kimmy and Scott for their commitment to their work-life and families. You are so blessed to have them as Godparent's.


We dressed you in a traditional long white gown and I made a matching hair bow for you the night before. You looked so beautiful.




Someday when you are older, Uncle Scott will tell you how he was asked by the Deacon at your baptism to lead one of the prayers in front of the church. So many family members commented on how well he read and thought that maybe it was something he did all the time. He was very brave and it will always be a special memory for us. You are a very fortunate little girl to have so many people that care so greatly for you, Uncle Scott proved to be one of them.


Aunt Jamie and Uncle Mike also had your cousin Michael baptized today as well. We thought it would be very special to have you baptized together. Michael was very excited when it was his turn to go to the font to be baptized as he thought that he was going for a swim.

You were both very well behaved... although I have to admit that I fed you a continuous stream of Cherrios to keep you from getting to antsy.


As a baptism gift to both you and Michael, Aunt Randi and Uncle Paul hosted a reception for you both at their restaurant following the service. This very generous gift allowed us to celebrate with all of the family and friends that supported us on this special day.

It could not have been a more perfect day.

I love you.

Love,

Mommy

Picking Pumpkins

Dear Tatum,

Lately, Daddy and I have been referring to Friday nights as "Date Night." Basically, you and I are Daddy's date. He enjoys taking us girls out to dinner or sometimes even shopping. Last Friday he took us to Bengston's Pumpkin Farm.

It was a bit on the cold side, so we bundled you up in your new shiny brown coat and layered your clothes to be sure you stayed warm. Once we arrived, we walked around the farm and enjoyed the festive decorations, attractions and even watched the pig races. You ooh'd and ahh'd at the animated singing chickens among many other things. Before heading home, we carefully selected three of the most perfect pumpkins. Halloween is a couple of weeks away and we plan to carve our pumpkins this weekend. Daddy and I enjoyed our trip to the pumpkin farm with you.
We have so much fun with you and love you so much.

Love,
Mommy

Today's book: Mimi's Toes

11 Month Update

Dear Tatum,

It has been almost a month since I last wrote you. In just 3-4 shorts weeks you have grown into such a different little person. Daddy and I see changes in you daily and the progress that you have made is just incredible.


You now have 5 teeth with a 6th one coming in. Your hair has grown so much that I can actually make the cutest little pigtails on the top of your pretty little head. You can pull yourself up on everything and anything within reach. You race to the door with excitement when you see Daddy pull up in the driveway and actually yell, "Hi Daddy." You also say "dog," "go, go, go" and "hey."

You are learning to sit when you lose your balance and fall down. You know how to yell at people to get their attention in restaurants, stores, and other public places. Yes, this can be quite embarrassing at times, however, you are learning to communicate. We just need to refine your method of attention getting.

Your napping habits have also greatly improved in the past month. A friend of Mommy's recommended a book by the name of "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Mark Weissbluth, MD. Within the first week of practicing sleep training, you were napping 2-3 times per day. After the first week you were napping for 2 hours twice a day and going to bed at 7pm each night. Of course it all depends on the days activities and is difficult to be consistent when we are not at home.

You also do this funny thing where you wrinkle your little nose and breath really fast. It makes everyone laugh. The best part is you know it is cute and funny. It has been so much fun learning to communicate with you.

We have encountered some problems in the food department. You love all of your yummy snacks... wagon wheels, apples, oatmeal cinnamon cookies, and Cherrios to name a few. However, when it comes to actual vegetables, pasta, chicken, or even cottage cheese you gag as soon as you feel the food hit your tongue. You still enjoy the soft baby foods and eat an entire jar at each meal. We will keep working at it.

We are just amazed with you more and more each day. You seem to be growing so quickly now. It's hard to believe that next months update will be your one year update. You will get to eat cake for the first time on your birthday. We can't wait to see the expression on your face when you taste all of that sugar for the first time.

Good night baby girl.

I love you,

Love,
Mommy