Tatum's 4th Birthday!

Dear Jax - 3 months

Dear Jax,

You are 3 months old, as of yesterday. THREE MONTHS!

You started out your life taking your sweet-a time joining us on May 10, 2012. Mama was pretty darn tired of being in labor and pretty annoyed that you wouldn't join us. But you were so worth the wait. There are a few things that are still fresh in my memory from the day you were born:
Your little limp body being laid upon me and waiting OH SO PATIENTLY for you to take a big deep breath. The sense of relief I felt when I heard you cry, and the even greater sense of relief I had hearing you continue to cry. The look on your Daddy's face, tears streaming down his face, as he struggled to find the words "it's a boy." The silence in the house as you were handed to your Daddy and stopped crying, and just gazed into your Daddy's eyes. The excitement of your Big Sister as she looked at your for the first time.

These are the things I'll always remember. And you, little man, have stolen my heart in a big way. This Mama is head over heels for you. My little nugget. You snuggle like every man should, wrapping your arms fully around whoever is holding you and nestling in tight. You smile like every person should, gaping your mouth open as wide as you can and holding back no joy. You talk like every woman does, making sure you are heard above the craziness of our house. You giggle like every child should, with a deep, ultra-boyish giggle. You sleep like a baby - REALLY!  I shouldn't even type those words, but baby you sleep and I am loving it. You play like every althlete should, pulling and tugging and trying to wreck your little "gym." You, Mr. Jax, are amazing in all the ways we could hope.

You have done a few fun things this month, what with all your drooling to bring up those possible teeth and rolling over from your tummy to your back. Mama went back to work this week and you proved to be a rockstar baby being bounced around between Nana and Daddy and not missing a beat.

Thank you, Mr. Jax, for stealing our hearts and showing us what the ultimate unconditional love is, baby-style. We love you so much, and you complete our little family. We can't believe you've already been here three months!

Love you nugget.

Love,
Mama

Dear Tatum, you're almost 4.

Dear Tatum,

You are almost 4 now. Where has the time gone? Like so many mommy and daddy's have told me before, I find myself wondering this often.

I so vividly remember the day you were born, the day you changed our worlds for the BETTER, the day we became a F.A.M.I.L.Y.  FOUR YEARS ago.  And now, you are a little girl. A smart, kind intelligent little girl.  You spend your days giving us perspective on the important things in life, while we spend our days rushing, rushing, rushing to get things done. But what really matters, is YOU. You are the precious angel that comes pitter-pattering out of her room at 6:30 every single morning. If Daddy is home, you tip-toe over to his side of the bed, he opens the covers, and you crawl in. If Daddy is gone, you come to Mama's side of the bed, whisper "Mommy, can I have some cereal?" very quietly, so as not to disturb anyone. And this begins our beautiful day with you. We trudge out to the kitchen and quietly pour cereal for you.

We spend the day listening to you discuss the importance of the little things. "I can't find my baby's teddy." "I lost my baby lion." The things that matter to you. The important things.

Bedtime always includes the bible reading.  You are devastated if we miss this. And it continues with kisses, hugs, and Daddy drawing letters on your back. These are what you request.

The things you do that amaze us:

-You are so smart, you can count to 100, add up to tens, and even subtract your tens.

- You read by memory.
- You read the bible (you can't read, but you do make up the words..."And then God said to the people!")

- You kiss your brother many many times each day.

- You are a miss attitude and so strong willed.
- But you are so sensitive and caring.

- You are obsessed with your Daddy, and he rules the world in your eyes.

- But you make time for your Mama, too.
- You love all things pretty, princesses, pink, and purple.

- But you LOVE to get down and dirty on the "ranch", riding four-wheeler, playing in the dirt, and hiking to the tree stand.

You, miss Tatum, amaze us each and every day. You remind us what is important in life.  You are our little angel on earth. And we can't believe you're 4. But we wouldn't want to change a thing.

Love,

Mama

My Home's in Montana

I wear a bandana...

My spurs of silver...

My pony is gray.

We had a wonderful time in MT. We were able to see EVERY SINGLE family member. :)

 T & Cousin Codi

 Riding horse with cousin Carrie

 Cousins Taylor and Codi

 Cousin Colton's fort - pretty cool.

 The coolest rainbow, with no rain.

 Daddy & T

 The girls moving cows.

 The Farm

 All gussied up.

 Cousin Courtney & T

Cousin Taylor

Back in the Saddle

Jax and I completed our first run since he was in my tummy at about 7 1/2 months. Well it was more of a walk/jog but damn it felt good!

Just the 4 of Us

Nana GG was nice enough to take our photos yesterday and this is what we have so far.  We love Nana GG for taking our pics and using her amazing talents. Thank you nana!

Nugget Giggles

This little nugget gave his Mama a couple big smiles and a big ol' giggle! Ok it was a very adorable coo, but still. I love him!