A Letter for my Little

I started this blog when we were living in Northern California. Tim and I were lonely and so sad that family and friends would not be around to watch Hannah grow. My blog became not only a way to share her life with you, but it was also a fun and therapeutic hobby for me. But, all good things must come to an end so I am leaving you with one final post. I couldn’t think of anything more fitting than a letter to my precious girl. Thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings, catch up on Hannah, and participate in her journey of life. Hannah, don’t you worry, Mommy also has and will continue to create your scrapbook, memory book, life calendar book, and video footage so you are covered little one. And for my loyal readers, when I shared with some of you that I was ending this blog, many of you asked me not to, commenting on how much you enjoyed it. So to you, I say, do not fret, if and when baby # 2 is on the way, I will pick up where I left off. After all, I am a second child and it would not be fair if they didn’t receive the same treatment Hannah did. So this is not goodbye, but see you later. Don’t delete TatumFamilyNews from your favorites just yet because I will be back. Thank you all for loving, supporting, spoiling, and caring for Hannah. She is truly a blessed little girl.


My Sweet Hannah Grace on your first birthday,

These past 12 months you have brought more joy to Mommy and Daddy than we can express. You are our little miracle and greatest blessing. Sure there were days I wondered if I would ever feel rested again, but looking back I can’t believe how fast the time has passed. It feels like yesterday you were simply a prayer and a dream that I wondered would ever come true. Then you grew in my tummy and I can so easily remember feeling you move and wondering when I would meet you. The day you were born is so clear in my mind and the memories of January 5, 2011 always bring a smile to my face. But it has been 365 days whether I believe it or not and I have a one year old. In the life of a one year old, this past year has been a roller coaster for you. You moved from San Jose to Orange County. You have been seen by six pediatricians, four neonatologists, three plastic surgeons, two ear nose and throat specialists, an orthodontist, neurologist, social worker and countless nurses. You have undergone two surgeries requiring anesthesia, and have spent four nights in a hospital (six if you count your birth). And don’t worry Mommy never left your side. Through these times you have demonstrated bravery and strength. In your first year you have learned to explore the world. You rolled over, sat up, crawled, fed yourself, babbled, waved, clapped, pointed, understood simple commands and words, smiled, and laughed. You have brought more joy into your daddy and my life then we could even put into words. Some of your favorite things to do this past year include: be with Mommy, look at books, point to pictures, open cupboards, put things in containers, make farting noises, splash in the bathtub, watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, play chase and play with toys. You love dogs, baby dolls, balls, music, food, and being silly. You dance anytime you hear music, look to Mommy for reassurance, get into anything and everything, and without fail smile at me with your arms raised up each and every morning and that, my sweet angel is worth the world to me. You are complemented daily on your beautiful big brown eyes, squishy cheeks, and precious smile. You are curious, smart, stubborn, passionate about your wants, lovable, sweet, beautiful, strong, fun, silly, and brave. So if there is ever a time in your life you feel down or in need of encouragement, read this letter and remind yourself that you are all of these things and always have been. From the minute I held you in my arms, I knew you were one of a kind. If you can do all this in one year of life, I am eager to see what God has in store for the rest of your life. You are my sweet angel, and no one loves you as much as mommy. No matter what you do, say, think or feel, I will always be here for you standing by your side and proud to be your mommy. There is no greater blessing. So in the words of Tim McGraw, “Go on take on this whole world, but to me you’ll always be my little girl.”

I love you and Happy Birthday
Mommy