Happy Birthday sweet Tatum!

I remember finding out I was 7 weeks pregnant and my life was forever changed. I was scared, immature and only 19 years old and had just graduated from high school 3 months prior. I was intimidated by what my future had in store for me, because it wasn't going to just be me anymore. It was going to be me and another person who was going to soley rely upon me. I got mixed feedabck from everyone, some happy and some discouraging. However, I knew that in the end, we (meaning me and this new life I was carrying) would be okay.

I knew I was going to have a girl from the minute I was pregnant, even though I wanted a boy. When the ultrasound tech said "And... it's a girl"! I was not surprised at all and I was anxious to know what this little girl would be like. Hopefully not too emotional like me and PLEASEEE don't be short like me... I feel like I should clarify that the only reason I wanted a boy isn't because I do not like girls. I just didn't want a girl to turn out to be anything like me.

When I had this little girl, I remember her first cry. It was small and I remember it sounding like Tatum's voice now, only a much tinier version. I remember holding her in my arms for the first time and thinking she was so pretty. She had this dark, full head of hair. It wasn't just dark hair, I think it is safe to say, it was black. Her skin was olive but very rosey if that makes any sense. I remember the nurses taking her to clean her up and as they were wiping her I remember saying "Where are they taking her..?" When I said this, I saw her head twist around and look at me as if she recognized the voice she just heard. There were many sequences of events that happened that helped me to know that she was meant to be apart of my life.

I used to worry everyday if she would be happy in her life. Now I can see that she is one of the most happy, cheerful (her name actually means cheerful), smart children I have ever met. I can heonestly say that the only "problem" (if you even want to call it that) that I have ever had with her is her picky nature regarding food. Other than that, she is very well rounded as a child and even as a person in general. She is a leader and is kind to the little guy who gets picked on at school. She looks at the world critically, but always giving people around her the benefit of the doubt. She is not afriad to question anyone on anyhting, which I admire.She prides herself in being modest in clothing and in talk, she loves the gospel, and reading her scriptures. She has a unique sense of style and thrives on learning. I sometimes feel unworthy to have such an amazing child. Here is a video I made of Tate over the years. What a pleasure these last 9 years have been. I look forward to spending eternity with this special spirit.

For some reason my videos from youtube and from my computer are not loading, so here is the link to a video tribut I made for Tate for her birthday. Enjoy.