Totally Tatum – Page 309 – Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

June 3, 2013

Savoring Sunday

It all started in church. Mom resurrected the outfit my childhood doll, Shannon, wore! Tatum fit in this rosebud shirt, and she just looked ADORABLE!
She also lasted AGAIN through service. As Pastor Terry sermoned through “Single and Satisfied,” Tot listened attentively and realized….yes, I am pretty satisfied right here on mommy’s lap. 🙂

Then, we came home and laid on her play mat. As I read To Kill a Mockingbird, Tot rolled on her tummy and back…and back again. She tried to decipher what was I doing as she grabbed for my book; perhaps she is ready for reading? No, more like eating books first.

Finally, we headed over to a car dealership to check out used cars. Bonking my head on my Civic’s ceiling is killin me. Tater is just getting too big, and my car is getting too small. Although she barely wanted to drink a drop of her bottle all day, she definitely enjoyed playing!

The Tot’s strength did not wane. In her Bumbo, once again, she managed to reach BEHIND her head and grab the largest utensil from the bucket. My little Tot is a mighty warrior with a whisk! The pink ball has lost its charm. Process: First look. Then, look at me. Then….Taste.
Delicious! And her tongue gets a mini workout as well.

May 27, 2013

Not ordinary; she’s going to be a square peg like me! :-)

Proof?
She looks for the way around the rule, but still keeps it. Case in point….. When she was a WEEEE tot, she loved her binky. Then, she graduated to her fingers. However, in church yesterday, I resurrected the binky from her bag. She put it in her mouth since that is what she does with everything lately. BUT, she did not put it in her mouth the way it was intended to be used. Instead, she decided to try all the sides, then chose to chew the other end.

Tatum is no ordinary gal, and I sure love that about her! 🙂

May 22, 2013May 22, 2013

6 Months and Size 2 by Tatum

Today, I am 6 months OLD! Can you believe I have come this far. I barely fit into my BUMBO! My legs are really filling out. It’s a good thing I have my little birdy blanket to keep me comfortable.

Did you know I have graduated to Size 2 diapers now? Well, mom had to go out and buy some new ones ASAP. You see, I’m erupting…literally exploding out of my Size Onesies. It’s no fun waking up the household at 1am because I’ve completely leaked all over my blankies.

So, in the meantime, as I wait for my new diapers, I’ll enjoy an appetizer of fore and middle fingers. I sure wonder what else I could put in my mouth?

May 19, 2013May 19, 2013

Birthdays mean something different now

Every year for the past ten years, I would dread birthdays. This year, I didn’t feel like I was an expired tomato! Somehow, God has restored my youth by blessing me beyond comprehension. Mothering Tatum Isabella Knight has allowed me to be young again. How? Well, as I approached my 40’s, The dream of being a mother was fading away quickly. Never had I dreamed that I would be granted the gift of a child, let alone a beautiful little girl.

She had a phenomenal day as well! This was the first time she made it through the whole church service, and she also rode around in my pouch during mom’s showing of her house. What a blessing!

Here’s a rundown of the day via pictures!

It all started with a GOOD MORNING! — Good Morning MOMMY!

I love riding around in her pouch! Hanging out at mom’s house

Wow! What a day. These fingers sure taste good.

Today, I am not only one year older, I’m renewed in character, motivation and inspiration.

This week, Tatum’s hearing will be taking place. She will be completely my daughter by law. It truly is a beautiful time.

May 17, 2013

She’s got the POWER now!

Thank you, Mom, I can do it!

Today, I let go while feeding her, and she continued to grip the bottle!

Not only this, but she has discovered that she can mimic the roller coaster ride of pulling the paper towel roll. It just keeps going and going and going….

May 17, 2013

Cabo girl!

Thank you to my dear friend Nina! She brought this adorable tie-dye dress back for her from Cabo.

Tatum is ready to dance the night away!

May 13, 2013May 13, 2013

Dearest Mom

Dear Mom,

Six months ago, our lives looked completely different. We both could not have imagined the changes which were about to pervade our lives.

I must share with you the abundance of feelings that overwhelm me today, this Mother’s Day 2013.

First, you have sacrificed so very much for me. No longer have you had the opportunity to have your own time; it’s been enveloped with Tatum and me. That has to be hard, although joyful, it’s hard after you have been so independent for so many years. I recognize that beauty of all that you have done.

You have opened your house up and overhauled it in record time. You did not need to do this, and I know you say you would have, but deep down, I know how difficult it has to have been for you; not only physically, but emotionally. Years and years of items you have accumulated which were very meaningful, you have had to rifle through and make decisions about. And for what? Me. You cannot fathom the depth of my appreciation.

Next, you have had to put up with my stress with a new baby, moving out of a comfort zone, and a difficult injury. My moods are not always so pleasant, and yet you have been there through it all. Again, your sacrifice and your selflessness overwhelm me and make me so grateful.

I can only pray that I can be as lovely as you have been to me all of my life. Not one moment goes by where I doubt how much you love me with all of your heart. I want Tatum to know that kind of love. I’m so very blessed to have you. And now, I get to raise my daughter with you. There is no greater gift that I can imagine.

May you never forget, and may I always remind you how much I love you.

Thank you for being my mom.

Love,

Your daughter and your granddaughter

Steph and Tatum