Sugar and Spice

Sugar and Spice and everything nice, that's what little girls are made of. Word to the wise, never leave your husband alone with your precious princess in toys r us. As I was busy filling the cart with essentials such as wipes, formula, and baby food, Tim was on the opposite side of the store (toys r us side) with Hannah. And what did he buy her? (see below) yes a snake. A big, scary, rubber snake. Of all the cute things in toys r us is this really the best he could do? He said Hannah wanted it. Well Hannah also likes playing with empty cups, leaves, paper, etc... so what does she know. Long story short, I lost this battle and Jake the Snake now lives with us. I told Tim it's the same concept of not buying a prom dress before you are asked, or not trying on a wedding ring before you have been proposed to. You don't buy a snake before you have a boy...it jinks you so I'm sure he will be happy with our three little daughters, pink princess parties, bows, dollies and all. And if by chance he happens to escape the jinx, I told him for pay back I will buy our future son a doll. The only way I can kind of justify this toy is that all of Hannah's friends are male so at least when Zane, Weston, Luke, and COle come to play we will have a toy they will like. I will admit though Hannah got so many comments at the grocery store because everyone kept saying how cute she looked being a darling little girl with a big rubber snake? who knows I don't really get it, I think we kind of look like weirdos.

On a different note, we had an ENT check up yesterday and the tubes look great. One side had a small blood clot, but he removed it. Next ENT appointment is in 4 months. Also new, today we installed Hannah's big car seat in the car. She also sat in a high chair for the first time at dinner with great auntie linda and uncle ricky. She did really well and is growing up so fast.

Hannah and Jake

Step One Complete

One surgery down, one to go. Thank you all for thinking of Hannah this morning. Our day started off early. Tim and I woke up at 4 (side note: we couldn't sleep so we were already awake). We woke Hannah up at 4:30 and she gave me a huge smile. THat melted my heart because I couldn't help but think sweet baby has no idea she is going to the hospital right now. Our check in at the hospital was at 5am. There were many other children waiting, but Hannah was definitely the youngest. A little boy named Aaiden was next to her. He was three and was crying for his mommy. It broke my heart, but made me feel so lucky that for all Hannah new she was there to play. The nurses in pre op were so nice. Tim and I got to go back with her and they all loved her and gave her a lot of attention. We changed her into her gown, met with the drs. and then had to leave. Of course I started crying, but Hannah was strong. Ten minutes in the waiting room and the procedure was over. It was just as easy and quick as they had said. Hannah has been doing great all day. You would think it was a normal day. She has to use ear drops and we are supposed to speak softly as she gets acclimated to her new hearing, but all in all it was a very successful step one.

In the waiting room


Listening very carefully to the Dr.


Hospital gown

If You're Happy and You Know it Clap Your Hands

I feel as if I have been posting a lot lately, but Hannah reached such a fun milestone today that I had to share. Hannah can clap! There is something about this particular achievement that is just so fun. She seems really proud of herself and has so much fun showing people how it's done. It happened this morning while watching an episode of her favorite show Mickey Mouse Club House. Goofy was performing in a magic show and as Mickey and the gang clapped, Hannah joined in. It was so great and we have been clapping with her non stop for the rest of the day.

SOrry for the excessive posts, and I'm sure there will be another this weekend to fill you in on the tubes. Here are lots of pictures for you:

I thought I was subconsciously putting my OCD tendencies on Hannah as we separated her beanie babies by color, place of origin, etc., so we decided to be silly and cover her in the toys. I hope this gives you insight to the answer of my brother's question "WHat do you do all day?"


Daddy says who needs bows when you can have a Mohawk


Hannah's New Room



Living Room


Kitchen


Hope that gives you a glimpse into our life:)

5am = No Big Deal

There was a day that I would have scoffed at the thought of having a doctor's appointment at 5am. Come to think of it, in college I thought a 7:30 am class was torture. But enter Hannah and strangely I find it normal to be told I have a 5 am appointment. It's not as bad as waking up for middle of the night feedings, and it's not as bad at waking up at 4 am for an EEG, so sure why not, we will be there. What am I rumbling about you ask?...Hannah met with an ENT today at CHOC Hospital. We were told that he didn't have the best personality, but was the best at what he does. I was pleasantly surprised by him as he was very nice to Hannah, gave her compliments, and answered all our questions. Anyway, we did like him and more importantly, after looking in Hannah's ears he felt we needed to do the tube surgery asap. We were under the impression that we would be waiting until the cleft surgery and killing two birds with one stone, but because of the amount of fluid he wants to drain it now. This will help her hear better thus resulting in improved speech. Her surgery is set for this Saturday morning. It sounds funny calling it a surgery because compared to her biggy in October this sounds like a piece of cake. I think Hannah will do great and many many children get tubes in their ears so it is nothing to worry about. She is put under with a gas mask so she wakes up pretty quickly after the procedure is done. The actual tube placement only takes 3-10 minutes. THey do make a small incision, but strangely there are no stitches. Hannah will be followed by him every four months and will most likely need a second set at one year of age. We will cross that bridge when we get to it. She also has to wear ear plugs from here on out when she takes a bath or goes swimming. Good thing her mommy bought hot pink ones so she can still look cute:) The doctor said she won't really be in pain following the surgery which is great. He said usually babies are so happy that they can hear, that they are actually better behaved. Stay tuned for my opinion on that matter. So before you go to bed on Friday, think of my precious Hannah and say a prayer because by the time you wake up Saturday she will be done with Surgery #1.

Hannah can stand if she holds onto the furniture:

Change of Plans

The Tatums are officially back in town! With the help of Nana, Gramps, and Uncle Jeff the move went successfully and we are already enjoying our new place. I will post pictures as soon as it is somewhat photo ready. Thank you to everyone who offered to help. We love and appreciate you. And thank you to Nana, Gramps, and Uncle Jeff who were willing to sleep on the floor, in a UHAUL, at a motor lodge...whatever we needed. Gramps is getting really good at driving a UHAUL. We love the location and have a nice view of trees from our windows which is our favorite part. We also have two full baths for the first time.

In the middle of the busy unpacking schedule, Tim and I met with a surgeon in Newport yesterday because we are considering changing the surgery to Orange County. Basically it is much more stress now (interviewing all new doctors, figuring out insurance, etc.) , but it will be easier at the time of the surgery because we won't have to drive six hours and stay in a hotel. I am pretty sure we will now be having the surgery at CHOC Hospital. The surgeon is the Chief Director of Pediatric Plastic Surgery so I think that justifies his credentials. He was a nice guy, has twenty years experience, has won numerous awards, etc. He did however complete his residency at Duke which is the big basketball rival of UNC Tarheels (Tim's favorite team) so hopefully that is not a bad sign. On Tuesday we are meeting with an ENT and hopefully if all goes we will have the new date soon. THe actually surgery will be performed at St. Joseph's because CHOC is under construction and then they wheel her through some 'secret tunnel' to CHOC for her overnight stay. The downsides are this Dr. insists that she wears the 'nonos' aka arm splints for three weeks (24 hours a day). Also he said she will have to stay 2-4 days in the hospital and we were hoping for just one. I'll keep you posted.

Last day of our family in San Jose. It was a little sad saying goodbye to the home we brought Hannah to for the first time.


Hannah has a nice big room in Aliso Viejo, but she is slightly disappointed that she no longer has mirrored closet doors because she loves looking at herself.

OC Bound

Two more days and we are on our way home. Truth is, we never really considered San Jose "Home." More of a temporary residence. Two years ago we were blessed with the opportunity for Tim to work up North. We made the decision at the time for financial and professional reasons, but there hasn't been a day that we haven't felt lonely with all of our loved ones at home. I know Tim could give you a mouthful about Northern CA especially how much he has missed having the Dodgers and Lakers on TV, but I will forever be thankful as Northern CA is where we found our amazing Doctor that helped bring Hannah safely into this world. I'm not sure how he will be replaced. With that said we are so excited to come home and Hannah can't wait to play with Zane, Weston, Luke, Cole and in a few short months Baby Fuller.

On Friday, Hannah will be 7 months old. Since we will be busy packing, loading the UHAUL, and no longer have Internet service I thought I would post 7 month pictures and comments two days early. I'm not sure how much she weighs currently but she is getting heavy. She sits wonderfully, and loves to play. Anything and everything is a toy. So what is in the near future? I think she is getting close to teeth and crawling, but we will see. See you all soon:)

Hannah 7 Months Old



Hannah wants to make sure we remember to pack all of her toys