Tatum, you're a jewel.

Our baby girl is 13 months old! (Actually, at this point, for those taking notes-she's more like 13.5). Tatum is entering into what I believe to be one of the MOST fun stages of toddlerdom. Her little personality is really coming out, and just as we've suspected-she knocks our socks off! Still one of the absolute sweetest thing I've ever seen, she is also shy. Unlike her brother (who welcomes each new day as an opportunity to solicit applause), Tatum is a watcher.

In a new situation, it takes her a good 15-20 minutes to take it all in. She is perfectly content to sit, watching intently while the world turns around her. Once she feels like she's got a handle on what's going on, she'll happily join in the fun. Mommy forgets about this little nuance ALL the time, but Tatum is good to remind me.

Tatum is also a mover. She's been walking steadily for about a month now and is quickly gaining speed. I'd thought for a while that we'd managed to skip the purple forehead stage- I was wrong. Tatum manages to add about one new bump a day, either on her own, or with her brother's help. But she's a tough one, and takes it all in stride. She follows her brother wherever he goes.

She's been slow to speak, but is trying hard. She now says "mama," "dada," "hello," "hi," "bye," "dah-dee" (doggie), "nigh-nigh," "uh oh," and "pa-pa."

Tatum is an absolute Daddy's girl. She misses him like crazy when he's gone and will even ask about him at dinner time when she knows he's due home. Daddy is equally smitten. Her big brother is her biggest fan. He is super proud of her and will stop what he's doing to cheer her on as she attempts "big girl" things. They play peek-a-boo and giggle incessantly in the car. He hands her toys, snacks, and playfully teases her to "no go sleepies Tay-Tay!" when she fights sleep on the way home from church.

We can't imagine life without you sweet girl! Thank you for being you!