9 Months

It's the inside/outside phenomenon. Collin has now been 'outside' longer than he was 'inside.' Happy 9 months sweet boy. Collin you love going on walks, balls, watching the dog, and when Jack and Hannah play with you. You don't like being alone. This month you moved to the big bath. I think you like being with Jack. I love how you kick your feet whenever you're excited. You jump all the time, crawl all over the place, pull up, and walk with support. Now when I get you from your bed, you are standing waiting there for me. Every time you go to sleep you put one paci in your mouth and tuck one under your stomach. I'm not sure if you're saving it for later or what, but I love it. Still no teeth and only a tiny bit of hair. You enjoy your bottle and baby food. You don't seem to picky and eat what we give you. You take two naps and have no problems sleeping in your bed. Nighttime is 7:30 to 6:30. You had your doctor's appointment yesterday and did not even cry with the shot. You did love tearing every inch of the sanitary paper up while waiting for your turn. They checked your development by handing you blocks, cheerios and a blanket to play peek a boo. You passed with flying colors. Your height and head size were average (40%/50%). Your weight was 17 lbs. which is in the 8th %. Honestly, all three kids are really light and I'm sure if i saw my old medical record I was probably the exact same way. Collin is fed and seems totally happy, but they'd like to see his weight a little higher. To do so they want us giving him table food because it has more calories. We tried last night for the first time. He gave it a shot. Definitely a learning curve to get those little pieces down, but I'm sure he will do fine. He tried a cut up pear and cheese. I want time to slow down. I love your little personality and how incredibly sweet you are. You are such a good baby and make me smile every day. Happy 9 months!

Choo Choo

About a month ago I felt like I had won the lotto when I snagged tickets for the Irvine Park Railroad Santa Train. We have never been, but every year I hear about it and see all the mom's posting online desperately seeking tickets. I guess this year I wanted to know what the fuss was about. Our tickets were for Monday night. It was our third time seeing Santa this year so we opted for the cozy pajamas. It was so fun wearing our pajamas out and actually it's one of my favorite Santa pictures. We rode the little train which was decorated with lights through the park that had all the trees lit up beautifully. I will say Jack in particular has enjoyed every moment of Christmas this year. He just views it all as magical and it's precious to watch. The train stopped at Santa where we got to get a photo and talk to him. Since Jack has already told him what he wants he decided to ask if he was on the good list instead. His face was priceless when Santa told him there was a Jack on the good list but also a Jack on the Naughty list. With wide eyes, Jack quietly responded "Jack Tatum." The relief that went over his face when Santa said 'Oh good, Jack Tatum is the one on the nice list" was hysterical. I loved it. Once done with Santa we rode the train back through the lights. We all enjoyed the light tunnel. I will say for the price, the train ride should be longer in my opinion, but definitely a fun and magical experience. I don't know if we will do it every year, but for sure a few more times in our future.

Santa Visit

For the last 7 years, the wolfpack crew has visited Santa at South Coast Plaza together. Simply put, we all agree he's the most realistic looking Santa. It's a tradition I enjoy. I secretly love the screaming child pictures. They are actually the only one's I display. Hopefully I will get one of Collin next year. He doesn't have stranger danger yet so Santa was no problem. Hannah and Jack immediately thanked him for the puppy. Being the real Santa that he is, he knew exactly what they were talking about and was so glad to hear the puppy was doing well and asked them to say hi to Figgy. Hannah politely asked if she was still allowed to ask for something. It's been a big question mark in the kid's minds if Santa is still going to visit since he brought the gift early. Santa of course said "Yes!" (that was nice of him...) Hannah asked for a Mad Libs book and Jack just copied her, Jack also informed him that Collin likes "Puffs." I think Hannah may have read between the lines here to not go crazy as a dog is a pretty big gift. I think Santa can probably manage a Mad Libs. After Santa they wrote the Reindeer carousel. I love the sweet innocence of a child and seeing their faces light up. Tim's favorite part is eating lunch as Boudin. It is delicious.

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.