Category: Totally Tatum

What happens when we stop running through free flowing fountains and playing hide and seek?

We grow up. Tatum is my reminder to STOP and just RUN!!! Get wet, already!

What makes this even better? A friend! And what else? Super heroes!
Nicholas and Tatum are superheroes. They represent that invincible can-do attitude that grown-ups seem to grow out of. Is it possible to stay a superhero and yet be “grown up?” Is it possible to stay in a free-spirited frolicky  phase while still maintaining a somewhat organized, responsible life?

Tatum reminds me, YES. We can grow up, but not OUT OF!

She sees the little things; her excitement grows over the tiniest of details such as a ladybug or a bird’s wing. She continues to soak in every second of the day with superhero strength and invincibility.

Her friend, Gavin, makes her life even more special. This superhero of a boy is smiles without end. His five-year old hand holds Tot’s and he guides her down the slide. Sometimes, mini superheroes need bigger ones to guide them and coach them.
Tatum teaches me, and others are teaching Tatum. Fun-filled frolicking with friends is what being a superhero is all about. Grown up or tiny.

Robert, Tatum’s little friend, is taking Tatum for a walk. Kindly he holds her hand, walks slowly so she doesn’t trip and hurt her toe, and he allows her to be farthest from the street. Shoot. I’m in love. If only I could bypass the dating stage and graft Robert into her future. She’d be set, and I’d be saved from the drama of puberty and discovering boys. Wouldn’t that take the cake!?

After playing with the hose and “kindly” squirting each other (ha), they snuggled in their very own towels. Robert decided to give her some space as she dried off only to tackle her later in his toddler bed. Hmmmm. Never thought I’d say those words about my child…being tackled in a boy’s bed. Luckily, his Thomas pillow protected her, and Robert had to deal with Jennie’s and my unfavorable expressions. He’s a hoot!..Together, they are a hoot and more than a half!

It was a small class today. Only one other kiddo in Naomi’s class today, and Tatum had full attention! Naomi had her try the back float, and I usually hold her head, but today!!?? We sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (10 seconds) as I let go and she floated.
This face represents a tired Tot but a brave girl whose mommy is proud!

It’s those little moments in the day when I am filled with shock and awe.

1. The other day we were picking prayers sticks and she picked Bobby. Then she said, “Bobby!”

2. The paper today had a Target insert. She grabbed it and said, “What do they have at Target!?”

3. She then grabbed the comic section and said, “I want the funny paper.”

4. At Trader Joe’s today, she pointed to the yogurt and said, “Mommy, can we have yogurt.”

The surprise about ALL of these examples is that there is no precedent. She did not know the stick said Bobby. We don’t usually read the inserts in the paper, and she wouldn’t know it is Target. Moreover, I don’t read the funnies. (My mom does, but how would Tatum know this?) Finally, yogurt? I don’t buy it and I don’t ever talk about it in the dairy section.

Surprise and awe.

Maybe this brilliance will translate into some musical capability. Testing it out today with her new Fisher Price keyboard. So far, she just wants to hit the Cymbal button.  CARPE DIEM!

It’s catching on! Tatum has her fingers in her mouth in every picture here, and apparently, Robert is finding those fingers of his quite tasty. Tatum is such  good influence on her friends! What a leader! (LOL)

Such a fun time with her bestie, Robert and mommy, Jennie. It’s pretty hard to not laugh constantly when those two are around.

Today was a day to remember. Why? I fell in love again for the first time.

The opportunity to be Tatum’s mommy over again hit me today. Being at the doctor and being tested for some health issues, it was made aware to me that I could not have been able to have children. Wow. Now, God knew this, and Tatum came into my life.

Minnie mouse symbolizes dreams coming true and happiness. This is what I see when I look at my Minnie blessings: Tatum

A couple more fun facts about Minnie. Supposedly, Minnie was truly a princess but not by name. She was by how Mickey saw her. He even said: “Gosh, Minnie, you’ve always been a princess to me.” (source e-online). This is how I see my daughter and this is how God sees her: A princess who gives Minnie blessings to everyone around her. This is how God sees US!!! Wow, what a revelation.

(http://www.eonline.com/news/598867/12-mickey-and-minnie-mouse-facts-that-will-make-you-believe-in-love-forever)