Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Family of Five

Hello again, it's been awhile. I was starting to worry this blog would never have the opportunity to be resurrected. So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride while the Tatum Family becomes five. I've always wanted three children. I have been blessed with the two most amazing mini humans who are honestly my best friends, but confession, I often found myself staring at family photos and pondering what they would look like with another little in the mix. But as they say life goes fast. I feel like I've blinked and Jack will already be three next month. Somewhere between enjoying life, running to 101 activities, and some days just simply keeping our heads above water I feel like time has gotten away from us. We recently moved to a bigger home. Room for five one could say. We've even had a baby crib built and ready in the third bedroom since the day we moved in. Some have laughed at me or thought I was weird. Suggestions were thrown my way to make the room an office, a guest room, a man cave, or a play room "for now." But I knew better. I could feel you were meant to be mine, so the room has always been yours, you have always been wanted. In fact Hannah and Jack have referred to the third room as 'the baby's room' since the day we moved in. I am so happy that you are finally on your way, our missing puzzle piece. We love you and can't wait for you to complete our family.

At the beginning of June Tim and talked about making this family of five a reality or finding contentment with our current blessings. Before I knew it, I was staring at two bright pink lines in total shock. It took me a day to digest and wrap my head around the idea that I was a mommy to three. I found out on Sunday the 10th which was pretty early. I didn't technically miss a period until Friday the 15th. Patience is not a virtue of mine and I hate surprises so testing early and often is kind of my thing. I knew Tim had a doctor's appointment the next day and would be out of the house which was the perfect opportunity to surprise him so for 24 hours it was just me and you kid, our secret. As soon as Tim left the next morning I told the kids. I video taped it so Tim could later see their reaction. Hannah screamed out of excitement followed by crying saying "I'm so happy we're having a baby." She has wished for this moment for a long long time. Jack was equally as cute attempting to copy his sister's expressions and quickly stating he thinks it's a boy. From there, we moved fast off to party city for balloons, snap some photos at the park, target for instant prints and we were ready for dad. When he got home the kids couldn't wait to hand him the 'gift' He stood stunned for a few minutes but was so happy. Below is the picture we surprised dad with. So there you have it, that's how we became a family of five.

As for me, it's super early like I said. I am 4 weeks as I write this. I won't see the doctor for at least another month. I feel good, but again early. My gut thinks you are a boy. You should be born right around daddy's birthday. I started this journey at 112 lbs. I really wouldn't say I had cravings with Hannah or Jack and despite the fact that you are only the size of a seed, I swear all I want is sauce. Particularly bbq, mustard and ranch and sometimes all three together. Daddy says you are for sure a Tatum because he loves sauce and he has never really seen me put sauce on anything. I am already waking up at night a lot, but I was refreshing my maternity knowledge via google and it said the nightly bathroom attacks get better soon. The best part so far is the interactions between Hannah and Jack and you already. Every single day, Jack asks "What's the baby doing now?" or says "I want baby out now." Hannah touches my stomach and sings to you. She's planning every outfit, toy and nursery decor. Every thing the kids see me eat they ask 'does the baby like that?' This is what I wanted, this is what I hoped for. I love you sweet baby and feel so blessed to be your mommy. I promise to do my best and love you forever.