Dancing queen

Today was a milestone in the Tatum house. The day your kid starts organized scheduled activities is a day you realize they are getting big. Hannah has always enjoyed having 'dance parties' or putting on her tutus and pretending to be a ballerina. Well now that she is three we asked if she wanted to try a dance class and she said 'Yes.' Enter very excited mommy! I can see now how easy it is for parents to live through their kids. I totally admit I was right there. I'm sure Tim will feel the same way the first time Jack takes the baseball field. I had a long talk with her about to expect because she gets anxiety about new things. I told her just to have fun and that if she didn't have fun we wouldn't go back (but I was really really hoping she would like it). This was a trial class since she is so little so they told me just to have her come in socks and play clothes, but seriously not going to happen. We went out a few days ago and got the stuff. Hannah had fun picking things out and trying on shoes. This morning she was ready to go. She wanted to get dressed hours before the class even started. I didn't want to stifle the excitement so I got her ready. Then I cried. Yep I cried. She looked so cute and all the memories of my childhood came flooding back. It makes me realize just how fast she is growing up. Dance was such a huge part of my life. I pretty much lived in the studio from right after school to late at night. My mom drove me to LA on weekends to get the best training and I even lived out of state during the summer to train with the best. I made some of closest friends through dance, learned poise, confidence and made lasting memories. Hannah doesn't have to dance, but I do hope she finds something in life that she is passionate about and enjoys. So anyway, we get her dressed. She even has the smallest pair of ABT Ballet shoes which probably means nothing to just about everyone reading this except my mom who knows 18 years ago I danced professionally for ABT and now full circle my little one is dancing in their shoes. She looked so cute (did I say that already? Sorry). Well, getting her dressed too early back fired. After waiting around about an hour, the tights were too itchy and the shoes were too tight. Seriously? There was a moment I thought we were backing out completely, but then in true Hannah form she rallied and we were off. There were four girls in the class. One is three years old and two are four years old. The three other girls have been at the studio for a year already. 30 minutes is ballet and then 15 minutes of tap. The moms get to watch from a little window. Luckily all the moms were really friendly and easy to talk to. Their daughters were really nice to Hannah too which is good for her. Her teacher Ms. Sean is super nice too. Hannah went right in and did awesome. She followed directions and stayed with the group. I could tell she was trying hard. I loved seeing her laughing and having fun. Sounds dumb but I was proud. Hannah said her favorite part was when they reached for their toes and the teacher let them shout "Stinky feet." I did mention that ballet teaches poise right? I could tell she liked it because she was right in there with the group running around and smiling. When she was done I asked her if she wanted to go back and she said yes. I'm glad she had fun and is growing up to be a beautiful mature little thing. I know she may change her mind at anytime, I expect that from a three year old, but for now we have a little dancer!







Okay, so I'll those times, I've heard Hannah is tall. What the heck...look how small she looks. The blond is three also. Hannah was so little compared to the others.

5 Months

Happy 5 months sweet Jack Jack. Honestly it's crazy to think we are almost at half a year. You are such a cute baby I just can't get enough of you. You are always smiling and playing. You kick your feet when you get excited, and laugh hysterically when sister makes animal noises. You are also very ticklish under your arms which is funny. You finally love rice cereal which good and eat it twice a day. You love to play toys especially holding the squeaky duck, rinky links, musical giraffe or sitting in your musical car. You nap three times a day and finally cross our fingers are sleeping through the night (we just have to go in one time normally and help you find paci). When you are Hannah are both asleep laying next to each other, it is one of the most beautiful sights in my life. Life seems to slowly be getting back to normal. Your least favorite thing is being left alone. You just like to be with people who love you. You spit up a ton (still) not sure what that is about. Doesn't seem to bother you, but you have many wardrobe changes in a day. You enjoy being outside, talking to mommy, eating your feet, holding burp cloths, and bath time with daddy. You are such a good boy to always get dragged along to Hannah's activities. You are kinda skinny and light, but tall. Mommy and Daddy think you look exactly like the boy form of Hannah. You love to roll all over the place or do the superman game with mommy. You also enjoy listening to music while Hannah has a dance party. You can sit in the tri pod all by yourself for about five seconds before toppling over so I know sitting is coming. You actually sat long enough for me to take a picture but you look so slouchy that it's probably not the best to post. I also see a little slit on your bottom gum so I think a tooth is coming very soon. Maybe not though sister didn't get hers until 12 months. Little Jack Bryant, You are so loved and the best blessing in our lives. I'll leave with a statement your sister said today at the park. You were in the stroller and I was climbing the slides with Hannah. Even though I could see you Hannah (your protector) got concerned and said "Mommy stay with Jack I don't want anyone to take him." When I replied with "Hannah, you know mommy would never let that happen" She said "Just make sure because he is really special to me." Happy 5 months Jack Bryant, you are special to me too!

Tatum Happenings

Since 2014 began, we have been doing so many fun family outings. With the weather still sunny and in the 80s we have definitely been taking advantage of getting out doors. At only five months old, Jack has already been to Disneyland three times and the beach three times. We have also done picnic at the park where Hannah played and Jack loved laying in the shade looking at the trees, walks around the lake, chasing ducks, bike rides, lunch on the pier and more. Jack and Hannah both love the beach which has been fun to enjoy together.

Purple Puppy Party

What's a Purple Puppy Party you ask? Well as Hannah says "I like Purple and I like Puppies." Simple enough. Hannah chose her own birthday theme this year and decided to put two of her favorite things together in one unique party. Between the holidays, Uncle Jeff's wedding and still being sleep deprived from a newborn, we decided to go a little more low key this year. Although at the end of the day, I was still wiped out. Hannah kicked off her morning with a special pink birthday donut from daddy. This was only after she ran into my room at 6 am jumped on the bed and said "Mommy I'm Three." After breakfast, she was very excited to help mommy in the kitchen and loved making the cupcakes and cake. She also got her new roller coaster from mommy and daddy. At 10 we had a party with friends at the park (Hannah calls it New Park) and it's her favorite. The kids played and daddy brought McDonalds for all at lunch. Hannah could not wait for everyone to sing to her. She was so excited for that part and after she blew out the candle said "Thank you mommy." Later when I asked her what the best part of her day was she said "Blowing out the candles." Hannah is so lucky to have a little group of friends. I love watching all the kids grow up together.

After the park we came home for nap and then the grandparents came over for dinner. Hannah requested Mac N Cheese. I may have also made burgers and salad for the adults. Hannah was more then spoiled by the grandparents, however again her favorite part was not the gifts, but blowing out the candle. I even had to add more candles. Tim and I both commented that it was nice that guests could get a little more quality time with the birthday girl since we made the groups smaller. Hannah had a wonderful day and I am still in shock my baby girl is 3! Feels like yesterday she entered the world.

Happy 3rd Birthday

My Darling Hannah,

Each year I sit to write you a letter and each year I struggle to find words to express the love my heart feels for you. Hannah you are truly one of a kind. You are smart, beautiful, funny, strong, independent, curious, and loving. You are my best friend and bring joy to my life every single day. Over the past year, your vocabulary has blown up. You speak in such sophisticated sentences and frequently ask questions about the world. It has been very common over the past year for people to ask you your age and when you reply 'Two' they nearly fall out of their chair. One doctor used the phrase "Most 2 year olds aren't as precocious as she." and just recently on New Years someone thought you were 4. I say all this baby girl because although you are forever my baby, those days are long gone. You are already becoming a little lady, my mini me. You can spell your name and can just about write it, you also draw awesome people and are very well behaved. It's silly to say you know letters, sounds, colors, shapes, etc., because you have known all that for a long time. You even potty trained easily a week after your 2nd birthday. Pretty much anything you tackle, you achieve. Your favorite songs to sing are "The way you look tonight" by Frank Sinatra and "You are my sunshine." You love to dance, do art, play dress up, be with granny, have sleep overs with mommy, eat donuts, take care of Jack, go to the park, go on swings, dig in the sand, play anything make believe (for hours) such as house/store/restaurant/etc., and read books. For half of the year you said you wanted to be a "baby doctor like Dr. Flora," but recently have changed your mind and say you want to be a "doggy doctor." I can see it now a big sign in your vet office "No cats allowed." Your favorite color is purple and your favorite foods are pancakes and mac n cheese. Your dislikes are candy, meat, and when someone treats you like a baby. You are VERY protective of mommy and baby Jack. You also pretty much try to negotiate anything. You make mommy laugh every single day. You have a fun spirit and do the silliest things. This year you visited Bishop and Big Bear, went to Disneyland a lot, were a flower girl for the first time in Uncle Jeff's wedding, became a big sister, went to the movies for the first time, learned to dress yourself and more. Three years ago, you gave me a gift no one else in this world can ever give, you made me a mommy for the first time. And this year, Mommy gave you a gift that no one else in the world can give, a sibling. I think that has been the high light of your year and yes, you are already making plans for another sibling. You say frequently that God is bringing them to you. Hannah, I see so much of myself in you, but then again I see so much more. Everyday you push me to be the woman that you believe I am. My greatest fear is that someday you will realize I am not. I learn so much from you. You remind me to show sympathy to others, to ask questions and explore, to try new things, to be brave even when I'm scared, to laugh and be goofy because life is short, and most of all to love with my whole heart. Some of my favorite times with you are spent snuggling, having dance parties, and just talking. I am so beyond proud of you and love you more than life itself. Being your mommy is truly my greatest accomplishment and I can't wait to see what year three brings your way. Keep smiling my little one and as you say to mommy, remember I always keep you in my heart. I love you Gracie Girl!

Nothing Like Christmas Photos in January

Ok, as promised here are a few quick Christmas pics from early Christmas with my side of the family.









self portrait