Showered with Love

Last weekend all the women in my family braved the pouring rain to celebrate sweet baby Collin. It really got me excited for his arrival and I'm so blessed to have such amazing women in my life. Granny, Auntie Jenny and Auntie Mimi worked hard to make the day special for Collin. The food was so yummy. We had quiche from Grandpa, fruit in a baby carriage shaped watermelon made by Jenny, salad, and pastries. Hannah helped make the most precious decorations which now hang in Collin's room. Hannah also beat all the adults at the game. If you said the word "baby" you lost your pacifier necklace. I love my family and Collin is so lucky to be loved already. I know with a third baby I pretty much already have everything, but I'm glad Granny insisted on giving him his own special day because it was so fun. Baby boy is technically four weeks away, but I really think it could be anytime now. I'm starting to get contractions and to put it simply just feel huge. First check is Friday. I think that might shed some light.

8 Months

34 weeks. I'm starting to feel a mix of emotions. On one hand I've hit the wall. Just feeling big and uncomfortable, especially at night. My right leg has pain radiating down it 24 hours a day. The doctor thinks he's probably just sitting on a nerve. On the other hand, I always hate saying goodbye to my inside babies. It's such a special feeling that you don't get very long and as most likely my last, I just want to remember what is like to have it just me and him. He's coming soon. I can't help but stare at the calendar and wonder. Both Collin and myself are measuring right on time. Heart beat has consistently been 135. He's head down with butt up and feet to the side. In two weeks I'll get my first check which I'm excited about. I was already 3 cm at 36 weeks with Jack so very curious to see what's happening with this guy.


8 Month Bump Watch

Final Ultrasound

Yesterday was the last time I got to see Collin before we meet in person. He's so cute I can't wait to hold him. All the measurements, fluid, etc. were perfect. His heart rate was 131. To the best of their ability they estimated his current weight at 4 lb. 5 oz. I was very happy to hear that head is already down where it should be so we are locked and loaded and ready to rock and roll. Hannah and Jack always love seeing seeing Collin too. I think they were surprised how much he looks like an actual baby. About a week ago, Mommy's best friends (Amee, Ashlee and Madeline) celebrated Collin with a yummy a brunch at TAPS. I'm so glad we were able to get together and shower one more wolfpack member with love. We call my kids 'the bookends' because I have the oldest and youngest of the 10 with Jack being right in the middle at number 5. I love knowing my kids have best buddies to grow up with.

7 Months

Today marks 30 weeks. We are in 2017 and moving full steam ahead with Collin's arrival. This weekend is a 3 day weekend so I hope to get myself a little more organized regarding Collin's room. I know I have pretty much everything, it's just a matter of finding things and getting them cleaned up. Hannah and Jack grow more excited by the day. When I walk in the house from work, I am no longer the first that gets a hello. They both run and kiss my stomach and say "Hi baby. We missed you baby." Jack won't let me leave in the morning unless he's given you multiple kisses and hugs. Hannah is so curious this time around about pregnancy and babies and the birth. I laughed out loud as she and Jack were jumping on the trampoline and she attempted to describe breast feeding to him. She wants to be there when you are born so bad. If all works out I might just let her. We will see. I have transitioned to every two week doctor's appointments already. You seem to be healthy and growing strong. You are roughly 3 lbs. I passed my glucose test so praise hands, mommy can still eat sugar. 2 months to go, can't wait to see what you look like and have another little baby in the house.

Hello 3rd Trimester

And just like that I'm entering the third trimester. 25 weeks so just hit 6 month mark. I had a doctor's appointment on Friday and everything is looking great. Total weight gain so far is 15 pounds. We recently took down all the saved clothes from Hannah and Jack and I spent hours sorting clothes. It was fun to pull Jack's little things and get them ready for Collin. It was equally as hard giving away 10 trash bags full of Hannah's beautiful and expensive clothes each one holding a special memory to me. I hope some new mommy will enjoy seeing her little girl in them as much as I did. After the new year and Hannah's SIXTH birthday I need to step into gear making sure I'm ready to go. Here's month 6 bump watch.

My Little Cub

Let's see how many of you actually check this blog...The name reveal is here. I'm 24 weeks. Baby boy is the size of an ear of corn and I think you will all be surprised by the next bump watch picture at how much I've grown. The baby is officially viable which is both a blessing, but also gives me anxiety because I want him to cook much much longer and be a very healthy little boy. Ok on to what I know you really care about, WHAT IS HIS NAME? I'm excited to share that our sweet baby is COLLIN JAMES TATUM. Collin was actually our runner up with Jack and we obviously have continued to like it. I believe Tim was the first to throw the name out there 4 years ago with Jack. Everyone has their own strategy when trying to select a baby name. I methodically go through the name book starting with As and ending with Zs. Other people may google 'biblical names' or 'unusual names.' Then there is Tim. Tim's approach is to go through various sport team rosters. No surprise that his list included Collin, Corey, and Clayton. Four years ago, Collin made his list for two reasons, one individual we no longer speak of because he is a disgrace to America, but he did play for Daddy's favorite football team the 49ers. The other is Colin Cowheard who's a sports radio personality. Baby is not technically named after anyone, but when Collin made the list I knew we had to spell it with two Ls. This is because my mom's maiden name is Collins. It's also my brother's middle name. I think it makes me love the name Collin even more because it feels like home to me. The middle name James was chosen because it's Tim's middle name. Like father like son. Fun fact, my grandpa's name was James Collins. I hope he's looking down smiling and I hope my son grows up to be as good of a man as he was. The department of social security indicates that Colin/Collin was the 172nd most popular name in the US last year. This officially makes it the most unusual name of my three kids. Collin means 'little cub.' Most people are proud to share their child's name means brave or strong, etc., but I just love this because he's my littlest cub and I am definitely a Momma Bear. I love you sweet Collin, my little cub!

Half Way There

Am I the only one who breaks out into Bon Jovi "Living on a Prayer" lyrics when I say 'Half Way There?' It really is crazy to think that 20 weeks are down, 20 to go. Baby is the size of a mango. Not much new to report since last week, I just wanted to share my month 5 bump watch picture. This past week we enjoyed Halloween and cousin Ben's baptism. Can't wait for you to be here with us to join in all the fun.