12 Weeks

Today marks the end of the first trimester. I was reflecting today on how fast it went by and I think it's simply because life is so busy you don't have time to stop and think. With Hannah I lived up North. I went to work and came home and talked to Tim. That was about it. With Jack I only worked 2 days and Hannah still napped so I had two hours every day to sit and think about my sweet baby growing. Tatum Tot 3 and I don't even go to the bathroom alone so the days move fast and here I am 12 weeks! Good news is I'm feeling less sleepy. First trimester I felt a slight steady nausea throughout the day. Between 1-4pm I felt so tired, like sleepy tired. I think I'm on the upswing. Woo Hoo. Also different is how fast I am showing. With the first two I swear I could have hidden the belly until 16-18 weeks. I am officially showing to anyone who knows me. I was at the park today and ran into a mom I met two years ago through Singers and Dance. I ended up telling her, and she laughs and says "I totally thought you were just bloated." I've always thought months 4-5 are the most awkward. You're not a 'cute pregnant lady' you just look like you ate a huge lunch. I can't fit into my regular pants, yet I'm not ready for full blown maternity wear, hence most days my pants are unbuttoned and no one knows the difference. Shhh, our secret. Today I had my third ultrasound. Baby looks great. Heart rate was 159 and they were waving to us the whole time. Hannah, Jack and Tim were all there as well to wave back. I also did the first trimester blood work to screen for Down Syndrome and a few other disabilities. Fingers crossed it all comes back great. The hematoma is still there, but getting so much better. I'm sure by the 20 week scan it will be totally gone.

Month 3 Bump Watch


The wave. I love this pic


Cousin Ben will be here any day (Due tomorrow) so Auntie Katie and I were happy to get one photo of the babies in the belly together. Hannah and Weston love each other like siblings and they are 9 months apart. I hope Ben and Baby 3 have the same kind of relationship.

Go Rattlers!

A week after Jack's 3rd birthday was another big event in the Tatum house. Hannah started kindergarten at Robinson Elementary (Daddy's old work stomping grounds). She was very excited with a side of nerves. I think it helped as we walked the mile walk to the room (no joke, first day of school madness) we were stopped a million times by teachers/admins/secretaries all wanting to see her dad and wish her well. We felt slightly famous, now if only he could pull off a staff parking permit for us next year, we'd be golden. Back to the mile walk, looking back, I'm so glad I had that moment. Holding her little hand as it gripped mine tightly is a memory I won't forget. It was sort of her way saying I'll always need you even when I let go. I am so proud to be her mom it's crazy. I know she was nervous, but she acts with such maturity and poise. Her teacher is Mrs. Keller and the room looked amazing. Hannah is loving school so far. Each day she reports that her favorite activity was recess. Each night she sets out her outfit selection for the next morning complete with matching shoes and hair accessory. She has looked so cute each day. I know Hannah will be successful in school, but it's so symbolic of my first baby growing up. I remember when it was just me and her hanging out in our little apartment with nothing to do. The world was ours. Life has gotten much much busier to say the least. We run from one activity to next. While I miss her like crazy, I'm excited to have new moments of togetherness with baby 3. Hannah going to school has reminded me to slow down and enjoy because before long I'll take my last long walk in to kindergarten and let go. Hannah loves to think about how she will be in 6th grade and the oldest on campus when her new baby brother or sister starts kindergarten. Until then, I'll try to slow my pace, smell the flowers, and hold onto those little hands as long as they will let me.

9 Weeks

One positive thing about having some issues in pregnancy is that you get to see your sweet baby a lot. Yesterday I went back for my week follow up regarding the blood clot. Baby looks great, very healthy. Last week it just had arm/leg buds and this week it had long arms and legs moving around which was fun to see. Heart rate was strong (170). The blood clot is unchanged. It's good news that it hasn't grown, but obviously I would have liked to hear that it was shrinking. I'm going to try even harder to rest these next two weeks and hope we see a decrease in the next scan. I love you already so much sweet baby and I'm dying to know if you're a boy or a girl.



When I showed this to daddy he didn't realize that you're upside down and he said "it looks like there's a bow on it's head!" That (bow) like shape is really your legs bent, but it made me laugh. He said up until he saw the "bow" he was 100% sure you were a boy, but he said the 'bow sign' has given him a little bit of doubt and that you might be a girl. The hematoma is the dark area on lower right.



You had your arm and fist up by your face.

It's Time to PAW-TY

While this blog is mostly for baby three to look back on their first year journey, it's fun to include some big events in the family life as well. This past weekend your big brother turned 3. It honestly feels like yesterday he was born and now it's your turn. It makes me want to cherish every moment even more with you because I know how fast time really does go. We celebrated at our house with a Paw Patrol theme. Jack had a great time. I think his favorites were being sung too, opening presents, playing games and eating cake. On Monday, his actually birthday he chose to eat a donut, go to the little zoo, play at the park, and have dinner at Pick up Stix. (Now, back to that pelvic rest)...Jack is such a sweet, loving, funny, gentle, smart and fun little guy that I know you two are going to be best buds and have so much fun together. Happy Birthday Big Brother! We love you!

8 Weeks

Today was the first time I got to see my sweet baby. Being blessed with three miracles is the greatest gift. Even on the third it's hard to believe there is a little life inside of me. I was so happy to see that little baby, one of the best feelings in life. Hannah and Jack came to see their brother/sister up on the big screen as well. Hannah had her fingers crossed in the chair chanting 'twins, twins, twins.' Mommy is officially having one healthy baby. It's the best feeling ever to see that heart flicker. We got to hear the beat at 175 bpm. The baby was so cute already with little arm and leg buds. My due date is March 24th, but the ultrasound tech indicated that the baby is big already measuring into week 9. I think Hannah was always like that as well. Unfortunately I do have a subchorionic hematoma (aka: blot clot that gets between the baby and placenta and rips the placenta away). It can be potentially dangerous to the baby, but in most cases they clear up on their own. I had one with Jack and look how perfect he is :) I know God has this baby in his hands as well. I've been put on pelvic rest and need another ultrasound in 7 days to make sure it's not growing. Yesterday I had 7 tubes of blood taken. Big brother Jack in turning 3 next week so we will see how that whole pelvic rest concept works out, but I will certainly do my best. Nausea still comes and gos. I also feel dizzy at times and get a bad cramp in my right leg. I swear I am already showing (visible only to those who know me best.) I actually really like being pregnant and feel so special that I get to protect my little one. Baby is currently the size of a raspberry. Jack loves to ask how much longer until baby is the size of a doughnut? We all laugh at him. We love you sweet baby and mommy gets to see you again in one week! Until then, stay healthy and keep growing.

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.

King of the Jungle

Jack, my monkey, this post is bitter sweet. Thanks to Granny for her great photography skills I have over 200 adorable photographs of your first birthday party. That means I had a lot of cute pictures to choose from and really tried to narrow it down to give you a snap shot of your special day. It's slightly bitter, as once again my blog is coming to an end. I hope you have enjoyed reading and watching Jack grow and learn. This blog holds a special place in my heart. I am glad you have enjoyed the ride with us, but now it is time for me to take a break. Just as important as it is to document life's journeys and memories, it is equally important to sit back and take them in without always feeling like I need to run to a computer. With that said, just as I promised when I closed down Hannah's, if another little blessing ever happens to enter our world, I will be back. With that said, here's to you my Jack and your final post!

We had your birthday party on the 23rd at the park near our house. Hannah calls it regular park. There is a picnic area that I decorated to look like a jungle. Mommy had 30 foot crate paper vines with leaves coming out of them sitting in our garage for weeks. They looked great on the ceiling. There were animal centerpieces with jungle grass, an adorable monkey cake made with love by Auntie Laura, home made food, jungle balls for the kids to play with and your personal favorite blow up jungle animals which you have been carrying around our house for the past week. I was so happy with how the party turned out. We had about 40 guests, of family and friends and everyone was there because they love you little man. You were spoiled with lots of presents. Your sister was very excited that she got to help you blow out your candle and open your gifts. I later asked her if she made a wish for you when she blew it out. She said she wished you would walk. Mommy's wish for you is always the same. I wish that your heart is filled with happiness. You seemed to enjoy looking around and taking it all in. I hope it made you feel loved. Mommy had so much fun planning this day for you sweet boy and it's a day I will never forget. Special thanks to Nana and Gramps who without complaint are willing to help in anyway. I truly couldn't have pulled it off without your help. Also thank you to Auntie Laura who spends hours making sure the cake is the most adorable thing ever and most importantly made from the heart. Also to Granny for her great photographs and endless help and to every family member and friend who loves my son. You all mean the world to me and I'm sure at some point during this last year I have leaned on you each in some way. For that, I am forever grateful. It takes a village they say, and I am surrounded by the best!









King of the Jungle


LOVE














too funny







































I tried to think of a clever way to end the blog, but there is only one thing that seems right to say.
MOMMY LOVES YOU JACK BRYANT FOREVER AND ALWAYS!