Category: Totally Tatum

Going to the zoo for only a quick 20 minute movie is never quick and never 20 minutes. First, there’s the parking. Now, a Wednesday around 10am, who would possibly be at the zoo?? (besides the animals of course) Two words: Strollers and Students. Of course!!! When it’s pushing 75 degrees outside, it brings out the troops.

So, alas, we went to find out what time the Grizzly Bear 4D adventure was playing, and we had just missed it, so we had to wait another hour. Hmmmm…well, without traveling the zoo sans a stroller (I did not think to bring it), we ventured over to the pond and made some friends.

Tot was eating freeze dried peas, so we thought we would share with this little guy. He was not interested in peas. Apparently, the zoo patrons feed these ducks much better fare than we had. He also was not afraid of us at all. 
He even got this close to us!
Then who should start to swim up to us (and then got out to venture to the other duck) but his family! Zack, Mack, Pack and Quack, the little ducklings. Tatum went up to these four cuties (who we named accordingly) and again, no thanks to our peas. Tatum then asked me if she could pet these ducks, but I said it would not be safe. She then asked them if they bit. She told me they said, “I BITE!!”

Eventually, after much goofing around, it was time for our adventure!We put on our glasses and got ready for our movie. 4-D means that there are now bubbles, air and water squirting out at appropriate times in the movie. Just not appropriate for my girl. She would scream every time any of these effects occurred. But, to the story, these adorable little grizzlies leave their cubs and travel 2000 miles for the salmon run. They depend on these pacific salmon as do the eagles and many other animals. They are quite popular! It scared Tot silly, but I held her tight. I don’t think she’s ready to go visiting grizzlies anytime soon.

What a fun morning with my lil’ Tot. To be continued…..(the afternoon!)

Tot had a private lesson today with Missy and Diane. They played a matching game, and I peeped through the window. She focused and was on task the whole time. At one point, they asked her what was a whole note. Tot said, 1..2…3…4. Exactly! 
She also identified Mozart and all the keys. 
I’m pretty proud of my little musical Tot. They were too and even commented that she was very bright. She also has picked up everything she is learning. It’s paying off.

One of the great benefits of being a mom at home is the ability to meet with other moms for play dates. They can be a totally great success where the kiddos click and so do the mommies, OR the direct opposite. Yes, the kids can click, but an all around best case scenario is if you love the mom too!

Well, this is the case with Shannon and Vivian. Shannon is a dear friend from my mom’s group and my book club/bible study. Vivian is her sweet almost three little one.  The first thing they did when we came over was snuggle up on the chair in a warm Hello Kitty blankie.  Shannon and I could have talked for hours. Tatum and Vivie played dress up, karaoke, climb on the mommies, and jump on the mommies. I could have done with out the last two. All and all a great time.

Later that day, another play date with Melissa, Sophie and Gabby. Ethan showed up and teased Tot with a funny hat. Overall, a tremendous benefit to begin Tatum’s mommy!

My Tot! She supposedly was Robert’s calmer downer today.

Apparently, Robert had a meltdown in the parking lot of preschool today because his MEAN mommy (Robert’s words) wouldn’t let him bring his sunglasses into school. He proceeded to tell EVERYONE in the parking lot his dilemma. Then, when he got into class, he told Miss Kristin, the teacher, and then, he told Tatum.

Tatum then replied, “Robert, you know if you have those at school, you’ll just lose them.”

Jennie couldn’t believe that Tatum had her back.

Poor guy…he was hoping to get some sympathy, but to no avail, his pity party was a lonely one.

Later, we all headed to the splash pad and christened it for the beginning of the season.

Chivalrous Robert let her pour. Now that’s my Robert!

This relationship is special. They really adore each other in ways I can not always see because it’s their own special language.

All I know is we are grateful for MAMA. They adore each other.

Could I ask for more?

Whenever I spy Tatum, she’s reading a book. In the morning, when it’s 0’early 0’clock, she brings in about 15 books, plops down, and reads to me with her sing songy voice. It’s music to my ears. She picks up on what I have read to her and remembers it as she reads the books. She adds a creative spin to it also.

Then when I think I’ve had my dose of cuteness, she’ll pick up a guitar and start belting out the tunes. This morning, it was the ABC’s at Jeff and Karen’s house (friends of Doug) Her vivacity and charm melts my heart.

And it’s between Tatum and a special guy.

You see, Tatum misses him when he is away. And when he’s with her, she’s laughing endlessly.

He even sits in the sandbox and fills Winnie socks with her. Fun? It doesn’t matter if it’s fun or not; he does it because he wants to spend time with her. That’s worth more than a million.

He pushes the swing much harder than mommy too!Tatum loves Doug.