The dreaded doctor's appointment

Doctor Appt Nov 11, 2008

Height: 38  3/4 inches Weight: 32.1 lbs

When I took Tatum in to get her annual shots I had scheduled for Lincoln to get his flu shot at the same time. She is old enough to not be tricked anymore so we talked about it and I thought preparing her was the best way to go. She watches me do my insulin shots throughout the day and she thinks it is so cool and always asks for one. I tell her it is my medicine and it helps me to be strong.

Scene: Doctor's office, Tatum's annual check- up and shots
Tatum lying on the office bed, thigh exposed
Nurse: Tatum, this is going to be cold but I am going to clean your leg to give you a shot.
Tatum: OOOOoooh, that's cold. Mommy I going to get a shot to make me strong!!!
Nurse: Okay here I go, a little poke, then it is all done.
Tatum: Mommy it 's okay, I just getting a shot like you!
Nurse: Administers the shot.
Tatum: Feels the prick, furrows her brow and gives me the most puzzling look.
Mommy: It's okay, it's all done, this will help you be strong.
Tatum: I all done. I got a bugs bunny band-aid, I so strong like you mommy!

She did so good I couldn't believe it. Now Lincoln was next:

Nurse: Prepares and pokes.
Lincoln: Screaming and wailing, big huge crocodile tears.
Mommy: On the verge of tears, frantically trying to find the binky.
Tatum: Rubbing Lincoln's arm, It's okay Minken(Lincoln) , you got a band-aid like me!

Tatum's Tutu

I still can't believe it, even after looking at the pictures for the 100th time, that my Tatum Sue is 3! She is as sweet as she looks. She loved getting her picture taken and was so cooperative, we were done in about 15 minutes!

I really don't know where the time has gone, my sweet baby girl is now a bubbly pre-schooler, and I just wish the time would slow down a little bit!

Mommy's wake-up call

Every day this past week I have been awakened to Lincoln crying at about 7:15 am. Shortly after, maybe 2 minutes, I hear Tatum say something to the effect, "Minken (Lincoln) it's okay buddy," then she starts in with farm animal sounds, "MOOOO, BAAAA, MOOOOO." Lincoln within another couple minutes is laughing and this continues until I go in and get them out of bed. It is hilarious and so sweet.

Another potty story

Tatum has been doing very well on the potty she has even started to tell us when she has to go. Just yesterday she said "I have to go poops." I was thrilled, I wouldn't be cleaning up a poop . So we ran to the potty, she went, we cheered and we were back to playing blocks with daddy. It wasn't five minutes later and she said, " I have to go poops." So we raced back to the bathroom and she let out a tremendous fart, she was so proud. She climbed off the potty and looked into the toilet and exclaimed "Oh no mommy, it didn't work!" I am still laughing about it!

Just another chilly day in November!

Nothing like 90 degree weather in the middle of November!

We were hanging out on the trampoline and we found a ladybug. Tatum was afraid to hold it at first but once she did she sat very still for about 25 minutes, just watching the ladybug crawl on her arm, it captivated her.

Build-a(n)-Bear (Elephant)

Nov. 4th, 2008
Tatum's Birthday

GoGo took Tatum to Build-a-Bear for her birthday. It was just a Tatum and GoGo day, the plan was Build-A-Bear, shopping and lunch. Tatum came home with and elephant which she named "Peanut" dressed in jammies similar to ones she has.
I am not at all surprised that Tatum chose an elephant, she has had an affinity for elephants for awhile now. If you are wondering if Peanut has replaced ducky it has to an extent. Peanut goes with us everywhere, but she still sleeps with Ducky!

My mom said the associate was amazing with Tatum and really brought Peanut to life!

Tatum prepping Peanut's heart.

Thanks GoGo for a fantastic day, and one I am still talking about!

Happy Birthday Tatum Sue

We found these fairy wings on super clearance after Halloween, that is when Tatum decided she wanted a "TINKERBELL" party. I think she looks like a little pixie so I was thrilled!

I can't believe my sweet pea is three! She has brought so much love to our family, I cherish each day I have with her. She is such a sweet little girl and an amazing big sister. I love her little voice and the funny things she says. She is such a little princess and a tomboy at the same time. We kept her party really low key, it was just us, GoGo and Papa and the Vines dropped by for a little bit. After last year's overwhelming party we decided to keep it simple.

After deleting many pictures of the floor, her foot and other random objects from our camera we decided to get Tatum her own digital camera!

Within minutes she had already taken 50 shots!

Happy Halloween!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Halloween, any excuse to dress up right?
Tatum loves to dress up too--here is my Pirate Princess with hoop earrings, boots and even fishnets!

I made her a little pirate sack to match her costume it says
"Argh Kiss me Booty!"
We taught her the Pirates of the Caribbean song and we heard "Yo ho Yo ho a pirate's life for me" in the sweet little Tatum voice all night!

As Ben has said we really were just accessories to the kids and Riggins.

Tatum with the Jolly Roger Pumpkin, making her best pirate face!

Lincoln got he Pirate Mickey hat the day before at Disneyland!

These houses in Redlands really go all out. This street is blocked off on Halloween for trick-or-treating because of the crowds they receive. The HS band plays the funeral march and it really has turned into quite the spectacle!

Playing with Julius Ceasar (Xander) post trick-or treating!

Disneyland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am a Disneyland freak. I love the place. This trip was so much fun with Tatum, to see her face light up was so magical.
I think these pictures express the moment better than my words can!

The Princess Dance Party

The girls and their daddies

Clare and Tatum entertaining each other in line

I love this photo--Ben looks so happy

With the Bjarnason's --such a great trip with such great friends!

Tatum and Clare saying goodbye--isn't that sweet!

Six years and Counting!

October 26, 2008 was a six year anniversary. I can't believe it, it has gone by so fast and been such a great ride! Ben and I (sans kids) were able to go see Wicked at the Pantages Theatre in LA--it was amazing to say the least. We had such a great time and it was nice to get away for the day. Ben you are my perfect match, thank you for making life so rich and rewarding!