Boot Camp for New Dads

Exciting News--Nick felt Tillman kick for the first time last night!  I am so glad Nick finally got to experience it!  Pretty special...huh!

In the theme of male bonding-Nick and Tillman already have their first boys only outing planned.  Yesterday we signed Nick and Tillman up for Boot Camp for New Dads on October 16th.  This is a brand new class to Charleston.  My boys will be attending their third class.

New Dads are welcome to attend the class before their bundle of joy arrives, but I thought it would be a nice morning for Mom (me) to sleep in or have an outing baby free....(I know, he is not even here yet, and I'm already talking about baby free outings....whatever!).

As the national Boot Camp for New Dads website says "it is a unique father-to-father, community-based workshop that inspires and equips men of different economic levels, ages and cultures to become confidently engaged with their infants, support their mates and personally navigate their transformation into dads." 

In short, I think it means they are going to make sure dads know how to change a diaper, learn how to be an active father with an infant, learn technique to bond and soothe their child.  I think it is really great they encourage dads to bring their child, so they get real hands on experience and it also give dads a chance to bond with their child separately from mom.

MUSC started this class a few weeks ago (Father's Day weekend), and it will occur every other month.  Click here to view class flyer and scheduling information.  This class is FREE!!!

Also, there was a couple local articles done about the class (Post & Courier and The Catalyst).  Check these out to hear the reviews.

Let The Third Trimester Begin

Yikes...28 weeks today means we're in the home stretch.  I certainly understand the "nesting" concept people always say pregnant women go through because I am starting to get that way (ok...so maybe I'll already feeling it).  When I tell people I am due in September, they say "wow, that is soon."  When I hear this, it gets me thinking-"We're not prepared." "What if he came tomorrow....we don't even have the crib yet"...and the list just goes on and on.
In the past few weeks, I've noticed that I've been a lot more hungry, a little tired, and am gaining some serious weight!  The one thing about weight gain is I feel completely out of shape.  When in Atlanta, I felt like I constantly wanted to sit down, dreaded hills when we walked, and was out a breath before I knew it (oh yeah...pretty sweaty too...gross, I know)! 

Me at 28 weeks

So, obviously I take my pics at work

(hints the MUSC badge)

See what babycenter.com says sweet Tillman is up to this week....
By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. He can blink his eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Floating Away...

Obviously not me in the picture above!

On Friday I sent a few of my friends this email:

"If you feel like you want to hop in a pool, please let me know! I would love to have some company! We'll be around this weekend!!

PS It is just to hot to do anything else, so you might as well come over!"

It was super hot this weekend.  Saturday and Sunday were spent pool side.  Since the summer began, I have really just been able to get a "tan" on my front.  Laying on the stomach is just not an option these days.  However, the Spring Float makes all that possible for Mrs. Pregnant.  This float only inflates on the outer edges and at the pillow.  The center of the float is mesh.  Thanks to the Spring Float; I'll have a more even tan this summer.  (The "tan" I am referring to is anything that comes through the 55 sunscreen I apply!)

The white demi panel slim flare pants

To be real blunt about it, I've been stalking these Gap maternity pants for a month or more!  I first found them online at full price (yikes..$60), then tried them on at the Gap maternity in Cincinnati (loved them, but they were regular length), and then broke down and purchased them right before the Atlanta trip (thank goodness they went on sale, and I got a coupon code just in the nick of time!).

I wore these to my last OB appointment.  All the ladies just laughed at me for purchasing white pants.  I heard "enjoy those while you can," "milk stains, chocolate hand prints, and dirt are soon to come," "you'll learn, black is a mom's best friend."  In the back of my head, I'm thinking, "thank goodness I didn't pay full price for these!"

Before hearing all of that, I was pumped about my pants (and honestly I still am).  I love the demi panel and even think I could wear these after pregnancy!  Maybe I'll get to wear these on "girls night out" or "date night."  I envision, after hearing their comments, these white paints will be treated like the china cabinet.  All poor Tillman will hear is "NO, don't touch" or "that is a NO NO!" 

I'll be sporting these paints right up until Labor Day....literally!

Another Daycare....Yet Another Deposit Down!

Jan 2011 update-We are not sending Tillman to this "school."  Since they are listed as a "school," my dependent daycare account at work will not cover it.  Also, I have not been impressed with the Director's communication--she is not responsive to email and doesn't return phone calls.  That alone is very frustrating.  The program sounded good when we visited orginally.

I mentioned a few weeks back that Nick and I were checking out another daycare.  Well, little did I know, we were going to check out a "little school" for infants up to five-year-olds.  Creative Learning on Johns Island recently expanded their hours to accommodate children for full days (before only 1/2 day program). 

Before visiting this "school," I was already impressed because they actually had a website!  As you read from this post, most of the centers in town are word of mouth only and there is very little information on the web.  Funny thing is we actually heard about Creative Learning through word of mouth (ironic) at a birthday party for one of my friends.  We got to talking to someone who just had a child.  The child care subject came up, and they mentioned that is where they were taking their daughter in the fall.  I was curious enough to check it out and was glad I did!

Of course when I call, they mention that they only have one spot left  for March 2011 (always the case).  We visited the program on a Friday and put the deposit down the following Tuesday. 

Things that impressed us about their program:
-All teachers are masters prepared in teaching and/or child therapies.
-Infants to 5-year-olds are integrated for activities and learning.  Infants are only in the "infant" room to nap.
-Kids have a garden they maintain, take care of several animals, and help staff to prepare lunches (organic).
-The Rector (Episcopal Church staff member) does "chapel" with the children, and prayers are said at each meal.
-Weekly Newsletter are email about the upcoming week (we're already receiving those).
-Program is small.  From 9-12 each day is when they have all children attending school, the afternoons drop off to only 30% of the children. 
-All the children that have graduated the program thus far are reading on a first grade reading level! (very impressed by that)

Tillman's Furniture

At the beginning of June, we ordered Tillman's furniture.  It takes anywhere from 6 to12 weeks to get in the furniture, so time was of the essence when ordered.  My Mom and Dad ("Cici" and "Jrs") bought Tillman's furniture.  We selected the Young America series, Harbor Town, in rustic antique cherry.   This set came with a convertible crib, so it will grow with him through the year.  It converts to a toddler bed, a daybed, and then to a double bed.

We selected two other piece to go with the crib-the night stand and chest of drawers.  I decided against a dresser/changing table.  Personally, I just didn't think we'd get the use out of it to make it worth it.  To me, a dress seems like a rather feminine piece of furniture, so we went with the chest of drawers.

night stand

chest of drawers

Week 27

Since my third OB appointment there has seemed to be some discrepancy on my due date.  This wouldn't bother most (I'm sure), but (of course) it bothered me.  The due date of 9/21/10 is extremely significant in the family.  It is the birthday of Nick's Grandfather for who Tillman will be named. 
When the LPN checking my weight and blood pressure said "your due date is 9/24/10, right?"  I immediately got tense!  "NO", I said.  She further goes to say that she can't change it since it is less than a week off.  This "silly" little thing has bothered me (not a good thing to ask me while taking my blood pressure!).  I still keep telling people it is 9/21/10. 
At my last appointment, Dr. Villers solved the mystery.  On my first ultrasound, he measured being due on 9/21/10.  On the second ultrasound, he measured due 9/24/10.  Dr. Villers changed it to the 9/21/10 date, so we're all good now (I'm sure she thinks I'm a little nuts about this, but hey....I'm nuts about a lot of things). 
So, I tell you all of this to say that I am officially 27 weeks today!

Here's what babycenter.com says about Tillman's growth this week. "This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother him, so just relax and enjoy the tickle."

Atlanta Trip

This past weekend, we took a quick trip to Atlanta.  We have been planning this trip for a while, but finally book the trip two weeks ago.  One of Nick's clients lives in Atlanta and has season tickets to the Braves.  He offered to take us, so we took him up on his generous offer.

We drove through the night on Thursday and got to Atlanta around midnight.  We stayed at the Marriott Marquis.  Thank goodness for map quest to get us there because there is like "fifty eleven" roads with Peach Tree in the name (come on ATL city planners...think outside the box a little)!!

On Friday we went to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.  Nick just loved this!  He took a ton of pictures of plants and designs, so watch out Seabrook and Kiawah, Nick's got some ideas from the big city!

This picture is sad....It was taken in the Children's Garden.

A sunflower grows taller than me!

This taken also in the Children's Garden.

Nick insisted that I get a picture with the cow,

since my nick-name is Moo

(my Dad gave this to me years ago)! 

We also went to CNN on Friday.  It was neat to tour the studio.  We were in a tour group with a daycare, so some of the questions were really cute!  No pictures from CNN, as they don't allow that during the tour.

On Friday night, Nick planned "date night" in Buckhead.  We ate at Chops Lobster Bar right next to the St. Regis Hotel (apparently this place is pretty swank...I've never heard of the St. Regis, but you must drive a Bentley or Rolls to know about it).

After that we headed to a comedy show at Punchline.  This place was suggested to Nick by the hotel concierge.  I was pretty unsure of the place when pulling up, but the headliner, Dale Jones, and host were pretty funny!

On Saturday, we headed to the World of Coke!  This was the part of the trip I was most looking forward!  Coke had everything from a 4-D shows to tasting Coke drinks from all around the world.  As for the 4-D show, I would not recommend any pregnant lady or persons with past back or neck injuries going on this!  That thing jerked us around like rag dolls! 

Me and Nick in our cool 3-D glasses!

Me trying out some Coke, and getting my "one" caffeine drink in for the day!

All the drinks from around the world were pretty tasty but one,

the Beverly from Italy

(check out this YouTube of people trying it...YUCK!)

On Saturday night, we went to the Braves game.  Our seats were right behind home plate!  These were the best seats in the house! 

Nick and HUGE me in our seats. 

(I hate this photo, but it shows where we sat. 

If it wasn't for that, I would have deleted it for sure!)

This was the winning hit of the game!

The game ended in a Braves' celebration!

Me and Nick after the game. 

My shirt is all twisted and is embarrassingly tucked in my pants. 

I must have hiked those up before the photo!  ("I Yi Yi!")

After the game, our host treated us to The Varsity!  I had a Varsity Orange and an Apple Pie!

Cutey Booty Giveaway

Over on Pluff Mudd Studio she is hosting a Cutey Booty Giveaway!  Cutey Booty has teamed up with Pluff Mudd Studio to host an amazing giveaway for a free pair of their adorable personalized boxers or bloomers. Head over to the blog for details on how to enter.

These boxers are just too cute.  I registered for these at Baby Bloomers.  You can purchase them at most of the local children boutique stores in Charleston.  Cutey Booty is a local Charleston company, and "each piece is born in Charleston, SC."

Cutey Booty just has infant wear now, but according to their website "look for cutey booty to grow leaps and bounds from infant wear to garments and accessories for older children soon!"

Get your Fashion Friday on and register for some Cutey Booty boxers or bloomers!

26 week appointment

I had my appointment with Dr. Villers today at 8:30.  I got to listen to Tillman's heart rate.  Everything is sounding good!  She did say that my belly growth is still behind, so I'll be going for a growth study (an ultrasound) on July 8th to make sure everything is ok with him and Tillman is growing as he should.  Dr. Villers doesn't think Nick and I will have a huge baby just given our size, but she still just wants to check things out.  I am very grateful for her being cautious.  It makes me feel really good about the care I am receiving.

The first thing I do when being called back to my appointment is get weighed...booo!  I've gained 10 lbs since my last appointment.  I officially weigh more now than I ever have in my life (including all fat stages that sent me back and forth to Weight Watchers)!  I will say 10 pregnancy pounds feel a lot different than 10 regular pounds.  The weight is all in front; where as the other weight gain is all over.  So far, I don't mind the pregnant look.  It is the first time I'm 18 lbs heavier, and people tell me I look good.

My blood pressure was also good this visit-117/70. 

The majority of my appointment was chatting with Dr. Villers.  I did ask her about stretch marks.  She did say if I had them in puberty (which I did); I'd likely see them again.  Dr. Villers said if you prone, then you are just going to get them.  It has to to with the collagen levels in the skin, and it is all hereditary.  She suggested after pregnancy to get them laser treated.  Laser treatment only works on the marks that are still purple.  Once they turn silver/skin color, there's really nothing that can be done.

We also chatted about my next appointment.  I will be receiving the shot, Rogam.  My blood lacks the Rh antigen (- blood type), it is called Rh-negative. If it has the antigen, it is called Rh-positive. Basically, since my body isn't used to Rh antigen and Tillman were to have Rh in his blood (+ blood type), my body would build antibodies against the baby.  Apparently, you are given a shot, and all is taken care of after that.

Also, at my next appointment, I'll be reviewing my birth plan or wishes during the delivery process.  MUSC has a birth plan on their website that I'll be filling out. Click here to check it out.

Stretch Marks Prevention

I was first introduced to stretch marks while I hit that first major growth spurt in middle school.  It was the summer between my seventh and eighth grade years.  I guess that is referred to as blossoming, but dang, I was in full bloom that summer!  I remember my mom purchasing my Confirmation dress.  I planned to wear it to my cousin's wedding that August.  We'll I went to put the dress on, and my mom had to bust the seems to make it work for the wedding.  I think that was the first time in my life I felt FAT.  Kids shouldn't have to feel fat, but from that point on, I was introduced to stretch marks and dieting!!!

So now being pregnant, I am super sensitive to the fact of me being prone to stretch marks.  I just can't handle anymore; I have enough.  I certainly fear them during pregnancy after seeing post like this (do check it out...at least the stretch mark picture...Julie, I finally broke down and read it).  After seeing that picture of someone who didn't believe in creams and lotions, I had to try every lotion possible to avoid that situation.

I have a three lotion regiment once a day (may up it to twice a day).
-Publix Cocoa Butter (Free from Publix Baby Club mailer)-I put this mainly on my legs, arms and chest.  I consider this lotion, phase one.  It might help, but certainly look to higher powered lotions for problem areas.

-Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks, phase two.  At least this lotion has Stretch Marks in the name.  I use this lotion for my belly!  I don't have any stretch marks (knock on wood) there, but feel like this would do a good job in helping fight them. 

-Bio-Oil, phase three.  Several women have recommended this product.  I use it on my thighs and lower back....the unfortunate places I've had stretch marks since 7th grade! Bio-Oil is not cheap.  The small bottle cost $20.  However, their website has a coupon!  (click here for the coupon).  I have found it at Wal-Mart and Target.

Any advice from moms out there on what is the best products to use?

26 weeker = viable baby

Excuse the hair-HOT and HUMMID in Charleston!

As many of you know I work at MUSC Children's Hospital.  I am not "clinical" and do not pretend to know much about all the clinical stuff!  However, I am surrounded by people everyday that work with preemies, high-risk moms (pregnancies), children who are sick, and so on.  This is an awesome thing.  I ask lots of questions and absorb advice from the best!
Yesterday, after everyone got in a belly rub (I'm getting used to that...not too bad as long as I like you.).  A group a nurses asked how far along was I.  I said "26 weeks tomorrow!"  One of the nurses said a great thing "we got a viable baby!"  That is such a nice thing to hear.  If something were to happen, I know the NICU at MUSC Children's Hospital takes care of little ones at Tillman's size everyday!  (Don't get me wrong, if Tillman were to be born, it would be a long way to recovery, and he would likely spend months in the NICU.)

Of course, I asked this smart group of nurses about my belly growth.  They all made me feel much better.  One of the nurses said she didn't start wearing maternity clothes until she was at 28 weeks.  Let me tell you; I couldn't fit into my pants after week 16!

On the other hand, I've had comments in the elevator at work like "how far along are you?"  (24 weeks)  "Gosh, you're small!"  Elevator opens, they get out; and leaves me there to wonder...am I???
Another recent comment about my size came from another nurse.  "When do you find out what you are having?"  Oh, we're having a boy.  "When did you find out these days?  Around 20 weeks...we found out back in April.   Then I get this look...like what?  She didn't say anything, but I knew what she was thinking!

Here's what babycenter.com says about Tillman at 26 weeks:
"The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days."

Sigh of Relief...

Remember this post about planning our social calendar past September 2010? If you haven't read the post, I encourage you to read, as I got a lot of advice from the questions I purposed regarding going to a wedding in Virginia with a two month old (read comments).

Since that post, I spoke with the bride, and she is completely alright with us bringing Tillman to the reception.  She has several other friends that are in the same boat as us, and she said she would just like for us to be there.  After hearing that, it was a "sigh of relief."  However, we still wanted to find a baby sitter, so Nick and I could enjoy the wedding together.  My friend's mom has been trying to find a sitter for us in the area. 

Last night, I talked to my mom who is in Virginia visiting one of her friends.  The group of friends that are together have been friends since they were babies (they call themselves the YaYa's).  Mom mentioned that she was in Ashburn, VA.  I didn't know exactly where that was, so I Google Mapped it.  We'll it is literally two miles from Lansdowne Resort where the wedding will be in November.  What are the chances?? 

So, I got on the phone to call my mom to make sure that is where they were, and sure enough, it was!  We not only found a babysitter for the wedding, but a place to stay while we are up there!!  It just feels like it was meant to be, and this is a HUGE sigh of relief!

Everly Grey Maternity

I've been really lucky to not have to purchase many maternity clothes.  My friend, Jennifer, recently had a baby and let me borrow all of her clothes.  This has saved me tons on money!  However, I still love to shop, so I've been looking for a nice dress to wear to one of my showers and while on our trip to Atlanta.  There is a cute little shop in West Ashley (Charleston) called Sprout!  I went shopping there the other day, and picked up this Everly Grey Maternity dress. 

I love the print of the dress, and it is very comfortable.  Especially with it being so hot outside, I need a dress that is comfortable and cool to get me through the summer.  It also doesn't hurt a thing that Nick was a fan of the dress as well! ;-)

If you're interested in checking out Sprout, find their page on Facebook.  Just by becoming a Fan (or like to get with the new FB Lingo), you'll receive $5 off your next purchase. Search for Sprout Maternity & Infant Boutique Charleston!  I wish I would have had this coupon for my purchase...guess I'll have to go back!

Ohio Shower

Over Memorial Day weekend we went to Nick home, Ohio, and the Indy 500 (click here if you missed that post).  Tillman's Mimi (Nick's mom) hosted our first baby shower along with a cook out.  We had a wonderful time catching up with Nick's family and friends in Ohio.

The table all decorated for the cookout!

Drinks outside in cute buckets!

Decorated with "pee pee teepees"

Gift Table

Since it seems like we're never going to have a girl,

Mimi got Tillman a Madame Alexander "boy doll."

The cake!!!

Cake Cutting (front and side view of the belly)

Nick and his Grandmothers

Gift opening

Cici came to the party! 

(Brandon and Marnie's little girl with her grandma, Chris)

Some of Nick's cousins with their kiddos!

(Cam, Julie, Ella, Debbie, and Ella's little friend)

My Glucose Screening

I had my glucose screening a couple of weeks ago (as you probably know by reading), and here is the video to show you exactly what to expect if you haven't done one before.  Basically, you drink the glucola, wait an hour, and then have your blood draw to be analyzed for gestational diabetes.
Dr. Villers' office made the hour wait go by really fast.  I drank "the juice" at 8:30, and was seen by Dr. Villers at 9:00.  I was very busy during the hour "wait."  The staff also mentioned they will send the glucola home with some of their patients to drink 30-45 minutes before their appointment, so all they have to do is to go straight to get their blood drawn when they arrive for their next appointment.  All and all, the process was painless!
The "glucola" was super sweet, but if you know me at all, I love sugar (I've been known to eat it straight....weird...maybe), so it was no problem for me!  Speaking of sweets, I just found out yesterday that one of my showers actually depended on me passing my screening.  Luckily I did because my girlfriends (Mary-Margaret, Jennifer, and Catherine) and sis-in-law, Julie, are hosting a dessert themed shower!  My mouth is already watering!

This video is blurry...bummer.
If you can't see the YouTube video below, click here, to view it on MUSC's website.

25 Weeks Today!

"Head to heels, Tillman now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. He's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture." (according to babycenter.com!)

Tillman is certainly growing and getting stronger.  I can feel his movements and occasionally I can see my tummy move (at this point it is only something I see, no one else notices it yet).  When he is really active while I'm laying in bed the bed feels like it is moving.  It is really cool to think that he could make all of that happen!

On my to do list for this week:
-Sign up for the MUSC Child Birth Education Class (we're doing the full Saturday class.  Nick and I both have the attitude of "let's just get this done."  No sense in us going for 4 weeks on a week night.)
-Sign up for the MUSC Breast Feeding Class
-Call Parkwood Pediatrics (they come highly recommended by Dr. Villers and friends)
-Looking at a few other daycares....I know I can't believe I'm doing this again...Lions Tiger and Daycare...oh my!

Praying for Cohen

Please take a minute today to pray for baby Cohen and his family. I have followed Megan (mom) through her pregnancy journey (she's on my blog roll), and today is officially Cohen's Birthday!  As Megan describes it, Cohen has a "broken heart" and will need lots of TLC once born.


Read Cohen's story: Click Here

Megan's blog:  In the Wonderful Life

Layette-Fashion Friday

Layette is a new word I have learned since being pregnant.  Not many of my friends have been pregnant, so I haven't been exposed to all the baby terms until now.  A Layette is a collection of clothing for a newborn child. The term "layette set" is commonly used in the United States to refer to gift sets of baby clothes. Traditionally, women would hand-sew their baby's clothes during their pregnancy. Today "layette" is often used to identify a baby clothing section of a store (according to Wikipedia).

I'm finding that the boutique baby stores often refer to their higher end/heirloom quality baby attire as Layette. 

Pixie Lily is a brand of Layette, and it is actually a Charleston company.  You can find Piexie Lily at Baby Bloomers, Charleston Child, and on the web.
Pixie Lily also is on Facebook and has a mailing list.  My cousin, Erica, found out that Pixie Lily now does 50% off Fridays. Although it can still be pricey, Layette is rarely on sale in stores, so if you're interested in Layette, this might be the deal for you on this Fashion Friday!

I'm sure there are tons of Layette brands (another is Kissy Kissy).  What is your favorite one?

Tillman goes to his first Indy 500!

Nick and I took a long road trip over Memorial Day weekend up to Ohio and Indiana.  We hit the road on Thursday afternoon and arrived in Ohio on Friday mid-day after stopping over night in Tennessee.  The trip is about 11 hours long.  It is just too much for us to do in one day especially when we're not pressed for time. 

Last Sunday we went to the Indy 500 with Nick's Mom.  Indianapolis is about an hour and a half from Nick's Mom's house, so we hit the road early Sunday morning for the 1PM race start. I've been to the race three times.  Nick has been far more, as his family has had tickets since the 50's.  His Grandparents used to go every year, and now the tickets have been passed down.  I won't say that we are hard core race fans, but we are certainly into the family tradition of going!

As for the three Indy 500 I have been, it has rained, been prefect weather, and then this year, the HOTTEST race in history!  This hot weather was perfect timing with being pregnant.  It was supposed to be 83 degrees, but ended up being 96 degrees (I hope that weather man got a disciplinary note in his file).  I got really hot around lap 83 (out of 200), so I went down to get me something to drink.  It was literally 10-15 degrees cooler on the ground!  Guess what, most of the concession stands were out of water!

We sit in turn two, so we see turns one and two and then the back straight away.  The race track was 130 degrees which made the track slick, thus causing all the great wreaks! Chill out, no one got seriously hurt, and if you have ever been to a race, that is what you look for!  All the wreaks happened in our viewing area expect the last wreak where the guy's car goes up on the wall (probably the most exciting one).

Here are some videos and pictures from the race!

Us before going into the race gates.

Nick, Me and Tillman's Mimi in the stands

Turn 2

Our Tickets

A Wreak...racer getting into the SUV

Loading up the wreaked car and other racers on a caution lap

Side Note:  Traveling during the 2nd trimester is great!  I don't yet feel too big and uncomfortable yet, and I'm done (I hope) the the nauseousness.  Dr. Viller's told me to take a baby aspirin before getting on the road to prevent any type of blood clots (just being cautious).
Nick and I are really trying to take advantage of the last few months of just the two of us by doing a little bit of traveling (really...road tripin' it).  We've got one or two more trips planned before Tillman arrives.

Passed!

Meredith,
 You passed your glucose test! Hooray!
M

Margaret S. Villers, MD
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Medical University of South Carolina
 
I got the above email on Friday!  It was nice to hear the good news.  Another update from my appointment is that my "belly growth" is two weeks behind.  Dr. Villers isn't too concerned about it, as Nick and I aren't very large people.  She would like to see me in 3 weeks, and if my "belly growth" is still behind, I'll go for another ultrasound (growth study) to make sure Tillman is growing as he should.

Week 24...man, this is going by pretty fast!

Tillman is as long as an ear of corn this week!  Here's what babycenter.com had to say about our little man this week.  "Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long, he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon."

Changes with me are also occurring.  According to babycenter.com my uterus is the size of a soccer ball and has raise above my belly button.  The site also mentioned the glucose screening test that I had last Thursday to screen for gestational diabetes, a pregnancy-related high-blood-sugar condition. They state "untreated diabetes increases your risk of having a difficult vaginal delivery or needing a cesarean section because it causes your baby to grow too large, especially in his upper body. It also raises your baby's odds for other complications like low blood sugar right after birth. "