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.

19 Weeks

Baby boy was confirmed today. Not that the last photo left anything for debate, but baby is for sure 100% a boy. Today I had my high risk ultrasound at the special clinic. I did this with Jack too to rule out cleft palate/lip/nose. Both the kids came with me and it ended up being an hour and 15 minute ultrasound. WOW! longest ultrasound of my life. I was expecting max 20 minutes. I kept thinking they saw something wrong, but nope he is perfect. And surprisingly my threats worked and Hannah and Jack stayed in their chairs for over an hour. Even the doctor complimented how well behaved they were so baby three, if you're listening, you have some big shoes to fill. When we walked through the doors of the hospital, Hannah said "Mom, if the baby has a cleft palate, I'm going to cry." It broke my heart because I was feeling the same way, but I love seeing her sweet motherly side. I know she will always protect my two boys and they will do the same for her. Doctor is 95% certain that the baby is cleft free. Lip and nose are easier for them to tell, but he was pretty sure the palate looked closed. Woo Hoo! so happy. Brain, heart, liver, kidneys, bile ducts, spinal cord, etc all looked perfect. They also checked all of my parts like uterus, ovaries, cervix, etc and said I look good. They were slightly concerned that baby's heart rate was 111. I guess they prefer over 120, but the doctor said that the rhythm of the beats looked normal and the structure was good so told me not to worry. I also got a call this week that my screenings for down syndrome, trisomy 18 and fragile X all came back good. Baby is the size of a sweet potato. The measurements today indicated he was 10 oz. I have been feeling lots of movement lately which is fun. Not so fun is the heart burn which is attacking already and my separated pelvis which I got 6 years ago with Hannah. The baby/fluid is heavy enough now that it puts pressure on the injury. I know it sounds bizarre probably to most that after six years it returns, but it truly is very painful. It's the worst when I walk long distances and when I try to put pants/underwear on (lifting one leg and stepping up motion).Not much new on the name front. Hannah and Jack are pulling hard for Tom. I have no idea why, but they love it and call him baby Tom all day long. Next week half way point bump watch...



Hannah loves this one because it looks like he's doing 'gymnastics'


I've never had a thumb sucker, could he be the first?

Month 4 Bump Watch

16 Weeks. This pregnancy is flying by and knock on wood I feel great. Baby boy is the size of an avocado, or as your brother Jack likes to say the size of a donut. Much more exciting than always being referred to as a fruit or vegetable. I have started to feel slight flutters a few times per week. Getting excited for some bigger movements shortly. Many of you have asked about names. We don't have one yet, but a few possibilities in the works.