We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Well Christmas came early in the Tatum household. For as long as I can remember Hannah has dreamed of having her own dog. Since she was probably 2, every penny thrown in a fountain, birthday candles blown out, Santa letter, prayer, etc. has included "Please give me a dog." For a long time, she viewed Granny's dog Bella as hers, but last year when Bella died, Hannah was heart broken. Since then she has become very emotional. Tim have I have spoken about the possibility of a dog for years, but for obvious reasons, it was not the right decision. We both believe that a family pet is important for kids. It's a friend to grow up with, memories of a lifetime, and encourages responsibility/patience/kindness in young ones. Just last week I got a new phone and as they set it up, they asked me my security question "What was your first pet's name?" I actually flashed forward 20 years and pictured 30 year old Hannah standing at a phone counter responding "Figgy." As crazy as it sounds with an 8 month old in the home, and yes it is completely and utterly insane, Tim and I decided back in summer that we would be open to the idea of a dog. Well in early September I got a call from a breeder that answered some questions for me over a year ago. She told me about a litter being born that she thought might work for us. I talked to Tim and being the amazing dad that he is, he agreed that Hannah deserved this gift. It is of course a gift for all the kids, but I say Hannah as she is the one that finally broke us. The puppies were born September 23rd (3 girls and 4 boys). We had the first pick and chose the runt because Jack loves runts. Tim and I picked the puppy up the Friday after Thanksgiving. We drove to the farm in Vista, CA and got our girl. She was so tiny at 9 weeks (2 lbs.) Shes golden with curly hair and so fluffy. She is half Cavalier King Charles and half Bichon Frise (should be hypo-allergenic and non shed). Earlier that week, Hannah and Jack both wrote letters to Santa and asked for a dog. So we ended up making it a gift from Santa, Mommy and Daddy. We worked together. Granny watched the kids when we drove to the get the dog. When we returned Tim walked in with it in a big wrapped box. We told them we drove to see Santa and he asked our permission to give them this special pup. It was such an exciting moment. My heart was pounding. Hannah was crying and just repeatedly said "Thank you, Thank you." it really was a sweet moment. Jack was excited as well. So flash forward, we have had the puppy now for 5 days. She has already doubled her weight and is at 4 lbs. She is fun and sweet. She loves to chase Hannah and Jack, play ball, jump around and be loved. She is also very gentle and picking up potty training and sleeping at night. Collin loves to watch her and has starting barking like a dog. Don't get me wrong, It's a complete mad house, I clean more poop than I care to, I stand on a wet lawn at 3 am every night and between Collin and the puppy I feel like I am on watch at all times. It's insane, but it was so worth it to welcome a sweet puppy to the family. I think she will be a wonderful gift for the kids for years and years. And hey, you only live once so why delay, because my mom has always told me "If you sit around waiting for the right time for things, you will never do anything because there is never a perfect time. Sometimes you just jump in, hold on tight and enjoy the ride."

The fun part was the name. We really could not agree. Tim, myself, Hannah and Jack all had different ideas. Some of the top choices included: Jingles, Lights, Fuzzy, Poppy, Cinnamon, YOLO, Dancer, Dash, Grinch, Lucy, and Lucky. In the end, the kids gave in to my first choice... Welcome to the family FIGGY! (technically Figgy Jingles). The name was inspired by the Christmas song "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." we now like to sing it our way "Now bring us a Figgy Puppy, Now bring us a Figgy Puppy, Now bring us a Figgy Puppy and bring it right here!"

Gobble Gobble

Happy First Thanksgiving! Collin, today we celebrated your first Thanksgiving. I am forever thankful that God made me your Mommy. Each day that passes I love you more...if that is even possible. Forever and ever until my last breath, I am most thankful for you, your brother and your sister. We spent the day playing at the house and then headed over to Granny and Grandpas for dinner. Auntie Jenny and Uncle Tyler joined us as well. Grandpa cooked a great turkey which you tried to grab and taste, but you had to eat your baby food still. Maybe next year you will enjoy the feast, or maybe you'll just enjoy the rolls like Hannah and Jack. We played Thanksgiving Charades which gave everyone a laugh. You enjoy being around the activity, watching, playing and being loved. You crawl everywhere and pull up on your own. Collin, I hope you always feel thankful for your family that loves you, the home we share, the food we eat, the memories we make, the freedom we are given, the Grace that God has given us, and for all the little things in between like sunshine, books, rainbows, chocolate chip cookies and a cozy blanket. I am Forever thankful for YOU!

Santa's Village

Today we met Pop and Jill in Lake Arrowhead at Santa's Village. I think my mom said Tyler and I went there as kids, but I really don't remember. It closed for many years and they just reopened it last year. I am so glad we went. It was such a happy fun day for the kids and adults. It was great to see Pop and enjoy a day of smiling. The trip was easy, only about 1 1/2 and we had nice weather. Collin slept on the way there. Jack loved reading the map, Collin was happy to have a whole day outside to look around and Hannah was excited to try all the activities. We started off at the craft station and the kids made adorable ornaments. Then it was off to ice skating which is what Hannah was most excited for. I was proud of pop who gave it a try and lasted about 5 minutes before exiting the ice. Jack was so proud as it was his first time skating. I think he fell 2 or 3 times, but over all did very well. Hannah could stay on the ice forever. Jill and I did well hanging with her. Tim and Collin watched. Next we got in line at Santa's house. We wrote our names on the nice list, touched the north pole and mailed our letters to Santa. Hannah wrote the most heartwarming letter on her own to Santa asking for a dog. I must say it was quite convincing and nearly had me in tears. Don't worry Collin, your sister is always looking out for you and wrote your name on the nice list. Santa was nice as always and Collin had no problem sitting on his lap. We ate lunch and had a great laugh over the soup of all things. Two of heard "Cherry Tomato" and two of us heard "Cheddar Potato." Clearly one of those had to be there moments for it to actually be funny, but we were rolling. Let's just say Mom and Pop have good ears. Dad and Jill have some trouble. The kids absolutely loved the zip line. They went on it 100 times, each time asking to go faster. I must say I really had fun on it too. We tried archery for the first time, rode the train around the village and had yummy cookies from the gingerbread house. All in all great day. We really had fun and it got us in the holiday spirit.

8 Months

8 is my lucky number. Not sure why, I've just always liked it and today my baby is 8 Months old, and more importantly I am LUCKY to be his momma. Sweet Collin, you are crawling everywhere and into everything. Anything you find goes in your mouth. You love crawling after balls which ultimately roll away and then you crawl after them. I think it's adorable when they roll under the couch or refrigerator because you genuinely try to get them out and don't give up. It's too cute. You also like rattles, Elmo, Cookie monster, looking in the mirror, balloons, and looking at books, particularly ones you can feel or the funny farm one that has a finger puppet that looks like a cow. Any attention is good attention and makes you happy. You love going on walks and being outside, however you're undecided about grass. Your hair is slowly starting to grow and you have a few teeth that look like they might pop through any day now. You eat 6 oz. of formula at 7am, noon, 4 pm and bedtime. You get baby food in the morning and at night and have started enjoying puffs as a snack throughout the day. Your brother and sister love feeding them to you. You take one good nap daily from 9-11:30. Your 2nd nap is hit or miss depending on the family schedule for the day, but you are always a good sport. You sleep from 7:30-6:30 like a champ. You get your paci at bedtime which without fail ends up under the bed by morning. The more you put in the crib, the more that end up under the bed. You can stand while holding onto something and flip over at the most difficult times (diaper, dinner, bath, etc.) You are not a big fan of the car seat and don't like being alone. You will crawl to the closet person in hopes of being held. You say 'dadadada' a ton. I'm betting dada will be your first word at this point. You light up when Granny comes over (she watches you every Monday and Tuesday) and are intrigued by Molly the dog. I say it every month, but it is true, your eyes are beautiful and never go un-noticed. Different people of course say different things, but I think you look exactly like Uncle Tyler. 8 months has come way too soon and I'd like time to slow down. You are my precious baby and I love you.

Friendsgiving

Last Saturday Collin got to experience his first Friendsgiving. It's a tradition we started 4 years ago. This year it was at Madeline's house and we even got to facetime the Thomas family in during our yummy dinner. All the adults ate way too much and the kids enjoyed the rolls (per usual). I absolutely love looking back at our thankful tablecloth and seeing all the blessings we have been granted through the years. This year Jack was thankful for 'animals and school.' Hannah was thankful for 'dancing and her solo.' I am thankful for the amazing group of friends that I have been blessed to call family for close to 20 years. I love seeing our kids play together and all the personalities develop. After dinner Derek gave all the kids heavy duty camping glow sticks and they performed a light show in the dark for us. They absolutely loved this and I did too.

3 'Ps' say Happy Halloween

Since having kids, Halloween has quickly become one of my favorite holidays. In fact, It would probably only be second to Christmas. I love taking them to the pumpkin patch, seeing what costumes they choose, carving pumpkins and of course dressing up and trick or treating. Hannah normally decides her costume months in advance. I'll never forget pushing little 2 year old Hannah in a cart at Babies R Us (in like July) when her eyes locked on a Snow White costume and we were not leaving the store without it. Still one of my favorites she's ever worn. This year she had her heart set on a Peacock after being inspired by a mask she saw at Party City. Hannah and I made it together and she loved it. Glitter will be on my floor until next Halloween I'm sure. Jack tried on a variety of costumes, but ultimately my animal lover said he really wanted to be an animal. I showed him some options online and he LOVED the Panda Bear. I must say it is so cozy. Jack has been wearing that Panda daily. Today, two days later, he wore it to drop Hannah off at school. Not sure he is ever going to part with it. I loved seeing his little butt from behind with the cute Panda tail waving. Collin really didn't have a choice. All three of my babies have been pumpkins for their first Halloween. I see it as a right of passage for a baby, dressing up like a pumpkin. And lets be honest, I'm really starting to get my money's worth out of that pumpkin. He was absolutely adorable and kept the hat on for a decent amount of time. Two nights before Halloween we did our annual pizza and pumpkin carving. The kids love that we can walk to the local pizza place so we walked and brought them home. Hannah wanted to do hers all by herself this year. Tim and I were shocked that she completely did it from beginning to end. Got out all the goo, drew the face, and carved all by herself. Never gave up, never asked for help. I think it looks amazing. All we did was carve the top off. It's a heart eye emoji of course. Jack likes to say he did his too, but mom actually carved that one and dad cleaned the goo. Jack said he wanted a ghost so I am proud to say I free handed that ghost and carved it. Not bad. Collin was not really a fan of pumpkin carving night because he didn't get attention. Halloween was on a work night so when I got home we got dressed. The kids could not wait. They were so excited. Granny, Grandpa, Uncle Tyler and Auntie Jenny came over and shared the fun with us. Jack and Granny made dinner during the day while Hannah was at school. Jack made a 'witches potion' that he 'added' to the dinner that turned us all into frogs. You have no idea how excited this made him. We headed out around the neighborhood and each kid got over 100 pieces of candy. I just love watching them go up to the doors and have fun. Peacock, Panda and Pumpkin, the cutest around. Happy Halloween!

PS. Dad should get some credit on this post... the Dodgers made it to the World Series this year for the first time in 29 years (last time they won, Tim was Jack's age). They played both on pumpkin carving night and Halloween night and he did a pretty good job walking away from the TV and enjoying the holiday instead. This is huge for Tim. Unfortunately in game 7, they lost to the Astros, but we are still proud of the Dodgers.