Hey there Peanut –

Wanted to write you Monday, but alas, it’s already Wednesday. (I had my last class for the semester last night, so I have been swamped with grading and such. ) It’s CHRISTMAS TIME at the TATEMANN’s!!

Sunday, we went together to get our tree from the local boy scout troups. Daddy picked out a very big one!! It’s very pretty! And our neighbor Collin down the street (a 10 year old) was the boy scout who took VERY good care of us! We haven’t decorated it yet, but because of it’s size and wonderful smell, it already makes our house look like Christmas! (I was imagining getting a Charlie Brown tree this year for simplicity’s sake, but maybe next year.)

THEN Monday morning we kept you home from daycare to decorate Christmas cookies!!

You were so intrigued by the consistency of the frosting! And boy did you make a mess! Thank you for helping us make these cookies for so many people we care about! You are wonderful!

Can’t wait to put the lights on the tree! When you and I go for walks in the neighborhood, you become entranced by the Christmas lights on everyone’s house! It’s spectacular to watch you!

We’re headed to the doctors for your 9-month visit today. It was supposed to be Friday so Daddy could come, but you weren’t feeling very well yesterday and you keep pulling on your ears, so we want to make sure you don’t have an infection…

Love you!
*Mommy

Today, when we picked you up from daycare, B said, “She crawled today! From here all the way to here!” I can hardly believe it! You are growing up so fast!

This was the rest of the report from today:

Maya had a great day. She enjoyed singing songs at circle time. She played in the muscle room, and she loved it! She ate really good today at all her meals. And she took a really long nap – that muscle room got her tired.

This adventure of life with you is so much fun!
We love you!

Our play group met in costume yesterday (11/11) because we had a hard time getting together at the right time. You and your friends all dressed up to both celebrate Halloween together as well as Casey’s and Berkeley’s birthdays. Berkeley (the dragon) was having a bit of a rough day, and we missed Walter who couldn’t make it, but all in all, we had a great time!

Today was a BEAUTIFUL fall Saturday… 60 degrees and sunny! I came home from working with my graduate students, and you were outside with Daddy raking leaves. You and Daddy also stopped by to see me at the beginning of the day and again at lunch. You melt my heart EVERY time I get to see you.

After I arrived home, we frolicked in the leaves and went for a family walk. What a wonderful time!

We love you Peanut!

Guess what happened when I walked in the door from work tonight?!?! You were in your doorway jumper. You got so excited. You giggled and giggled out loud, jumping up and down, flailing your little arms, smiling as big as your little face. My heart totally melted. I am pretty sure NO ONE has EVER been so excited to see me before.

Thank you for giving me that moment to treasure for the rest of my life…

I love you!
*Mommy

Hey there Peanut –

You received a wonderfully fun package from your cousin Elisabeth a couple days ago! You have been eating the books, the cards, the packages and the do-dle-do-dle do toy with great joy! Thanks Miss Elisa! You are one awesome cousin!!



We love you!
Miss Maya and family

from Aunt Marilyn – quite fitting for you, little Masterpiece:

My life’s a common canvas
That’s become a work of art
A grand collage of color
Fashioned by God’s hand & heart

He’s brushed on rains of sunshine
Along with drops of rain –
And though I’d love gilt edges
God as picked a simple frame.

Because God knows the pallette
That best fits His own design
I can trust His choices
Of the colors He calls “mine.”

For glancing in the mirror
A true miracle I see.
A reflection of God’s image
I find smiling back at mie.
– vicki j kuyper

Peanut – I hope you always know what an amazing materpiece you are! Any time you wonder, just ask, and I’ll remind you!

I love you,
*A-

Hey there Peanut –

Today you are spending the day with Ms Debbie and Mr Scott. (Miss Kristin’s son Gregory is very sick.) When I dropped you off you looked so happy!! I’m so glad. I love that you have such an wonderful place to be when Ms Kristin isn’t able to take care of you. (Thank you Ms Debbie from the bottom of our hearts!)

I have no doubt they will take VERY good care of you!! I only wish that I could spend the day with you too. But I will see you soon… just a couple more hours.

I love you Little One!
*Mommy

Hey there Peanut –

Well, you haven’t exactly been your cheerful self lately. I have a theory. I expect we will all see the arrival of your first tooth VERY soon. I’m sorry you’re in a bit of pain, but you are QUITE the trooper.

And I have to say, I feel TOTALLY blessed to be the one who gets to hold you and calm you when you are sad. You are such a priceless treasure, Beautiful. I am so thankful to be with you through these milestones. You rock!

I love you!
*Mommy

Morning Peanut –

This picture is from a few weeks ago, but it captures one of your passions… You are our nature girl!! You LOVE trees and grass and being outdoors! The temperature is starting to drop a bit, so we have to bundle up a bit more but I’m guessing it won’t matter. We will still go for long walks and enjoy God’s BEAUTIFUL world!!

Yesterday we went to the pumpkin patch with our playgroup! We had such a great time! Here are some pictures from the event!

Love you Sweet Peanut,
*Mommy