ONE month

Happy One Month Birthday Collin. These last four weeks have flown by. I feel like we were just sitting in the hospital room. This last month has been such a joy with you. Simply put, being your mom just makes me happy. You are such a good baby. Our house is always loud, active, and crazy. We are constantly on the move and I joke that you don't know what silence is. You sleep through race cars, temper tantrums, piano practice, concerts, tv, etc. You go in and out of a car 100 x a day which sometimes makes me feel guilty as a mom, but then I look at your sweet face, resting peacefully through the chaos and tell myself you know you are loved. And that you are. You are so loved it makes my heart want to burst. You are adorable and make cute little faces. They say eye color changes, but I really think they are blue. Much lighter than Hannah or Jacks ever were. You rarely ever cry. You dislike diaper changes and being hungry, but other than that are happy. Your sister runs to your rescue whenever you're in need. She is very comfortable and confident with you and I think you trust her as well. This month she was Star of the Week at school and got to bring a special 'toy' from home to share. She chose to bring you. You were a huge hit with all the kids. Your brother Jack had a more difficult time at first wanting mom's attention, but is getting better with each passing day. Both Hannah and Jack love giving you baths. It's probably my favorite time of the day because after bath the four of us have 'play time' and Hannah and Jack bring you toys. I know you love their attention and I love seeing the blessing you are to each other. This month you seem to be growing very quickly. You eat 4 oz every 2-3 hours. You still obviously wake at night, but usually go right back to sleep when you are done eating. Your favorite things seem to be mommy holding you, eating, and getting love/attention from Hannah and Jack. You make little grunting noises and focus on various things in the environment such as lights. As a mom, I've been reflecting a lot lately on things I've done right and things I've done wrong. I think parents never stop doing that, but I feel like I've finally figured some things out after 6 years of this gig. I just feel happy with you. I don't dwell on being tired or worry that you're spitting, up or google poop color to see if yours is normal. That is the blessing of being the third. I just simply enjoy being with you and I'm trying to embrace our time. I love you so much sweet Collin.





blue eyes

Beautiful Boy

Last week you sat through Hannah's spring concert. I think you enjoyed listening to the music. One song she sang was What a Wonderful World. I hope you always look for the beauty and good in the world because it is all around us and you Collin James make my World Wonderful! Here are a few favorites from your newborn photo shoot. It was about 95 degrees in the room to keep you asleep and took a little over 3 hours. Mom and dad were sweating, but you and your siblings pulled it off and gave me some of the most beautiful photos to treasure.

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"