Luckiest Mommy in the World

Your one week birthday fell on St. Patrick's Day which is a great reminder that I am truly the luckiest to have you as my son. Daddy loves St. Patrick's Day and was hoping you'd be born on the 17th, but I'm glad you had other plans in mind. I can't imagine life without you and just want to hold and snuggle you all day long. Second to mommy, Hannah is also a baby hog. Her love for you is so visible. She holds you, feeds you and rocks you to sleep. Jack can't wait for you to play toys. He constantly brings you things to play with. He's had a few tough moments adjusting, but overall I think you three will be besties forever. Your first week has been so wonderful. You are a dream baby. You sleep most of the day and still give 4 hour stretches at night. You barely ever cry and somehow manage to sleep through piano, ipads, tv, screaming, dancing, playing, squeezing etc... You eat about 2-3 oz every 2-3 hours and go longer stretches at night. You went to the doctor and got an A+. Other than the doctor, your first official outing was Hannah's jog a thon. It was a hot day and you did amazing. You slept in the baby carrier the whole time. Hannah was so excited to show you off to her teacher and friends. This week you also had your first bath, lost your umbilical cord and got your newborn photos taken. You didn't like the bath much, but I think once we add more water you will enjoy it. Judging by the few sneak peaks I've received your newborn photos are going to be amazing. You are so precious to me and my lucky charm. Happy one week birthday darling boy.

Welcome to the World

Continued from previous post...I sort of thought something would start in the middle of the night like it did with Hannah and Jack, but was very happy to wake Friday morning with a full night sleep. We knew Friday, March 10th was the day. Hannah stayed home from school and Tim called into work. It was actually a relaxing typical family morning. Breakfast, cartoons, playing outside. I felt good. Contractions were mild the whole time, but by about 11am Hannah couldn't take waiting one more second. She was just so excited to meet her brother. So we got in the car and met Granny, Grandpa, Nana and Gramps at Hoag by noon. When I checked in they actually asked what I was checking in for because I looked so good. Then they made me wait in the waiting room for 45 minutes. No joke. When they finally took me back, I was dilated to 7 and basically fully effaced. The nurse laughed and admitted that she thought they would be sending me home. She was completed shocked I was ready to have a baby and still not in pain. To be honest I have been more then blessed with three easy pregnancies, labors, and births. So it was go time. We were ready to be a family of five. Hannah has been asking for a long time to be in the room when her brother was born. My decision was not made lightly, but I ultimately told her she could. She sat in a chair with Granny towards the back and Tim was up in the action with me. It was actually Grannys first time seeing a baby born as well. At 4:53pm the most perfect baby boy was born...Collin James Tatum! He weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz and 20 in. long. My tiniest little so far, but also the earliest 14 days early. I love him so much I can't stand it. I just want to hold him and never let go. When the doctor lifted him up Hannah started crying happy tears. She said it was one of the best moments of her life. I am so grateful for my third miracle and feel so much joy being Collin's mommy. I love the feeling knowing I was chosen to be his and him mine. We stayed 2 nights in the hospital and Collin was by far the easiest baby in the hospital. He barely cried and we truthfully got rest. Our other two were not like that. We had so many visitors and Collin is lucky to be loved by so many people. I am happy he has a tribe to love him, support him, pray for him and show up for him! Thank you all! Welcome to the World Collin and thank you for letting me be your mommy.

On our way


Almost time


COLLIN!


Dr. Flora


We love you!


Going home with my "little cub"

9 Months

I'm posting this a little late, but I did take the picture on time. Towards the end of the pregnancy life was still as busy as ever. I went to work Monday/Tuesday/Thursday, Tim was working and going to school at night, Hannah had dance/school/girl scouts and birthday parties (yes, I may have gone down a giant inflatable slide two days before giving birth) and Jack with his swimming. Life just kept moving, but in my heart I knew baby Collin was coming soon. Everywhere I went I wondered if my water would break. On Thursday I actually took a towel to work just in case. I made it through a late IEP on Thursday and then headed to the doctor for my weekly check. At 37 week check I was 1 cm dilated, but not very effaced. At 38 week check I was 4 cm and 70% effaced. Dr. Flora wasn't on call that night so she told me to go home and not move. That's just what I did....

9 Months


Total Weight Gain: 30 lbs.

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.