The Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch

Our Beastie Girl

Tatum will never remember the first Beastie Boys concert she attended in utero at two weeks; but thanks to her Uncle John in Asheville, Tatum can rock the Beastie onesie.

Tatum Turns Over

Yes - the first back to belly to back acrobatic performance witnessed by mama and papa is documented here. Cecelia and Maria (aka Cecie and Tia) of Tatum's day care told us last week that she is rolling. We thought we'd lay her down and see for ourselves. Lo and behold - she rolls. She squeals, she gurgles, she spits bubbles, she sticks out her tongue, she sucks her thumb, and she ROLLS!

One could be a bit sad that we missed her "first" roll - but with our working schedules, we are satisfied with the new idea of "our firsts". As she continues to develop, her first words and walks may be with her Cecie and Tia; so we'll look forward to our own special performances and delight in the sheer joy she seems to bring to all those around her. Hey - it's the happy compromise of being a working family - but honestly, I did have to take a moment to process through this idea and let go of any attachment to needing to bear witness to first time events.

Note: though the actual turn is not pictured here - the stages of the turn are. Unfortunately the time delays on digital cameras do not allow instant documentation of the fast events of little ones - oh well. We got video footage which I am working on Andrew to get on line.

First Camping Trip

Additional pics added later:

ORIGINAL POST:

During the last weekend of September, we were invited to join our newly married friends Jon and Jane for a weekend camping trip in the Angeles National Forest. We were excited for the invitation and the opportunity. Following a week of unfortunate events leaving both of our cars broken down and Andrew having to work additional hours over the weekend, Tatum and I debated about the idea of keeping our plans to get out of the city and head to the mountains. Andrew encouraged us to go without him, and after the mechanic offered to pay for a rental car for the weekend, the decision to go was made.



I strapped Tatum in the back of the car and once we got on the Angeles Crest Highway, she drifted asleep. It was refreshing to be back on the familiar road once again that creeps and turns up up up and away from the smog below and into the forests of cedars and redwoods (not the giant redwoods, but in the same family).



We arrived at Buckhorn Campground with plenty of time left in the day to hike and play games. One thing I know about my girl is that she loves to be outside. When she's fussy, stepping outside is a sure solution to any problem. So I knew she'd do well on this trip - really, what kid would not. Nature is therapy for all ages. Tatum loved simply laying on the ground tarp and looking up to check out the trees; equally she enjoyed playing with Jane and taking a hike. Jon was kind enough to carry Tatum on the return - and he quite enjoyed carrying her.

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When night came, we dressed warm, snuggled close, and lit a fire. Tatum really enjoyed watching the flames of the fire. In the morning, we were up at 6am and enjoyed a hot cup of coffee and breakfast. We headed down the mountain shortly after as to get back to papa and tell him about the trip. Next time we'll bring warmer clothes, and definitely defiantly we'll bring Andrew. We are hoping to go camping again as a family in November. We'll keep you posted.

Carolina Girl

This is for all those Carolina fans out there to let you know we're raising her right. Note: photos were taken on her four month birthday (9.20.08). Yeah yeah, I know I am slow to get these on the web.

California Cool

After a much deserved morning at Olympic Women's Spa with Sara and her girlfriends from Michigan, Tatum met us and we hit Abbot Kinney Avenue in Venice Beach. She was a hit - getting many smiles and waves from passerbys. We stopped at a sunglasses hut and had fun trying on different styles. She is our California Girl!

Halloween Starts Early at Day Care

As most of you know, I returned to work after Labor Day and Tatum started her day care. She stays Monday through Thursday with the Salazar family, located less than a half mile up the road from us. She seems to do great; and Maria and Cecilia just love her. Last week they played dress up with the babes - lots of pre-halloween fun!

It's a passie, it's a binki - no it's the THUMB!

After a tough time falling asleep; we finally let Tatum be to put herself down. (This translates to Andrew saying "Meghan, you've got to eat. Just put her down and come back after dinner.") We made our dinner and by the time we were ready to eat the crying had stopped. I resisted the urge to check on her immediately and enjoyed the hot meal. Afterwards I sneaked in the room to find the reason - the ultimate cure - the thumb.... the lime green object to the right of her hand is the missing passie.

Ready for Bed