Mrs. Pregnant in the Lowcountry

Tillman's in Trouble

2012-01-31T09:50:00.002-05:00

I remember when I was young, someone would do something bad, and the "good one" would reply "aaaaawooowooo, you going to be in toooouuuubbbbleeeeee......MOM!"

Well, Tillman has been getting into some trouble the past few weeks at daycare. We have seen it at home as well and have tried to discipline him, but he continues his ways. First, it started with him throwing toys. They did tell us that a few other kids were doing the same and that all of them were being put in time out, and we needed to work with him on this (I take all of these bad things he does personally, as I strive to be a good parent).
When he showed interest in balls, we (good parents) taught him how to THROW! The issue with that is he doesn't know the difference between a ball and other toys. Big mistake to teach him to throw a ball, as everything is being thrown. Just this morning, Nick put him in his car seat. He was pretty mad about it, and Nick gave him one of his toys to play with for the ride. He took the toy and threw it out of the door before Nick could get the door shut. Man, it is frustrating to see his act this way!
Yesterday, Nick pick up Tillman and the teacher stated he had a bad day, and he was put in time out for hitting another kid over the head with a toy (yes, you heard that right...hitting a child over the head with a toy). She put him in his crib for time out. I'm sure he hated being in his crib and that is good, as he should feel disciplined. Nick told her it was ok for her to hit his hand if she wanted to. Unsure if daycare will let her do it. It's hard when we are not there to do something about it. He won't remember if we try to talk to him about.....he doesn't even talk!
So....we struggle with how to handle him. We have "stepped up" popping him on the hand and telling him no (yeah, yeah, getting on his level and telling him "NO" in his face...as all the "books" tell you to).
Nick suggested this morning that we have a "no no" rug or chair in our house. So, the next time you visit, you might just see the "no no" area!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-24T09:02:00.000-05:00

No family pic this year....
gifts started before daddy could get a shower.

I'm way behind on posting about Christmas 2011, but I'm (secretly) still listening to Christmas music, so I ok with it. We spent Christmas with Nick's family. We rotate sides of the family every year. All of Nick's family gathered at Nick's sisters' house in Kentucky, which is about an 11 hour drive for us. Nick's dad road with us, so at least we had company and an extra driver. Tillman did very well considering the LONG drive, so we were impressed. Thank goodness for McDonald's in-door playgrounds, gold fish and portable DVD players!
It was funny along the trip. He didn't too much enjoy watching the DVD as he did playing with the player by pulling on the cord, closing it, and pushing all the buttons. He did enjoy the music. Tillman loves to dance and shake to the beat.

Cranky T....this is around hour 5 of the drive home.

Tillman got to play with his older cousins and spent time with his Great-Grandmother, Mimi (Nick's mom), and his aunts and uncles (two of which he had met for the first time, Nick's Aunt Suzie and Uncle Bobby). Tillman really enjoyed playing with his older cousins Parker and Mason. They chased him around the house, and Tillman loved it. When going to bed each night and even for naps, he was worn out from all the excitement.

Tillman and Mason unwrapping gifts

Christmas morning was crazy. There was barely a place to sit with all of the gifts around the living room. In Nick's family, they go around the room and each person opens their gifts and everyone watches. Tillman, being the youngest, went first. He wasn't too interested in opening gifts after about two of them. He was more interested in doing his "own thing," which consisted of eating his breakfast and walking the Swiffer mop around the house while everyone else opened gifts. He was completely content, but wasn't into all the excitement around the tree.

We made it a very quick trip to KY. We left Charleston on Friday and started our venture back home early Monday morning. We were LOADED DOWN not so much with Christmas gifts but with hand-me-downs. Tillman had a double Christmas, and Aunt Robyn and Uncle Brad had the chance to clean out toys and clothes their boys don't use anymore. We are so thankful that they held onto all of these items, it's a budget saver for us and Tillman just loves all the toys. I think we have more toys at our house than the daycare. Boy can a room get messy in a minute!

On the way back home, I pretty much sat Indian style because every inch of the Tahoe was full. Tillman got a Power Wheels Jeep, basketball goal, lots of small toys, clothes, and we even came back with a kitchen table. Nick had to use his side mirrors for sure to get us home because there was no seeing out the back!

Tillman being silly with gold fish
crumbs on his face!

Oh yeah, we had melt downs too along the way.
This is what Tillman thinks of a 11 hour road trip!

16 months 1.12.12

2012-01-16T09:15:00.000-05:00

Successful landing after going down the big slide

Tillman turned 16 months on Thursday. The months are going by faster and faster they seem. He is growing more and more independent, and at times he surprise me with what he'll try. I feel he is very strong for his age and size (as they say... dynamite comes in small packages). This morning, he drug a 6 foot tunnel (toy) from the living room all the way into the kitchen. He struggled to get it around the stairs and through the door way, but he did it. His other favorite thing is to lift/carry this small waste basket (not yucky...we don't use it) around the house. When he needs a rest he just sits it down and beats on it like a drum.

The one time with mommy

At 16 months, Tillman went to his first really birthday party. Friends of ours' son, Carter, turned 1 this weekend and had his party at Monkey Joe's. We had not been before, but glad we were introduced because Tillman had a BLAST (Nick did too)! Tillman tried out all the slides and jump houses (with Nick in tow). Surprisingly, all the other kids (most were older) were very patient with Tillman and would wait their turn although T could be slow at times trying to muster up courage to go down the big slide. It was cute to watch him figure out how he was going to go down (sitting on his bottom or turning around to go down on his belly). When we left the party, we had on tired T. We can't wait to go back, but next time, I'll be going in yoga pants!

Action shot

Tillman's medical update: Yes, this monthly update on T wouldn't be complete without the doctor report. Tillman went to the doctor on Friday. Originally it was to recheck his ears and get his 15 month vaccines. Well, the daycare called on Friday and said he had a 101.2 temperature. Nick and I just knew it was his ears. We were so frustrated about it. Well, good thing we are not doctors because Tillman's ears were fine (all clear...two doctors checked him out just to make sure), and he had a virus. Seemed to be a 24 hour thing because he was great over the weekend, and it didn't slow him down. Needless to say, he didn't receive his vaccines due to the fever, so we have to go back this week to get the shots.

Tillman trying to decide tummy or bottom

This Dare-Devil, 16 month old's stats
Weight: ~23lbs
Diaper size: 3-Little Movers during the day and size 4 at night
Clothing size: 12-18 month, but it varies by brand
Shoe size: 4.5 (or 12-18 mo size)
Food: Drinking whole milk and eating more table food. Drinking water and milk from a sippy cup during the day and gets bottle at night and early morning. His favorite foods are broccoli, gold fish, veggie sticks, Ritz, cauliflower, yogurt, apple sauce and if mommy and daddy are eating it, Tillman wants to try it (sometimes he enjoys it; other times he spits it out and Graham is right there to catch it).
Nap:1.5-2 hour nap around 11:30AM
Sounds: Chatter box...loves to talk! Just about everything is "da da" and "bye bye." He understands what you say to him but has not interest in talking back.
Gestures: Blowing kisses, waving, and every facial expression in the book (he doesn't have a poker face at all)
Playing: Walking, playing outside (begs to go outside), loves stairs, starting to learn to throw a basket ball (loves to be picked up to make the basket), and still loves electrical outlets and cords (oy vey!)
Toys: Tunnels, Scout (his Leap Frog pal), balls, play-tools, daddy's desk drawer, books, and the frig farm

Tummy slide

15 month check up

2012-01-09T09:48:00.000-05:00

Tillman had his 15 month check up on 12.30.11. He saw Dr. Clifford, and he said he was growing well. BUT, the ears were (quoting him) "nasty." Tillman had a runny nose, and we had a feeling he had another ear infection, and he did. He ended up getting a shot of antibiotic and an oral, and we had to delay his 15 month vaccines. Nick and I were concerned about his ears, so we contacted Dr. White (ENT) and he saw Tillman the following Tuesday to check on him. He said that his ears were clear/getting better, which was good news. We hope that Tillman's follow up appointment with Dr. Clifford to get his vaccines will show that Tillman has clear ears!!

15 month stats:
Weight: 23 lbs (25th percentile)
Height: 30 inches (14th percentile)
Head Circumference: 18 inches (11th percentile)
BMI: 18

Tillman has tons of TEETH! He even has molars! He has so many teeth now, I can't even tell you how many. We are working on the tooth brush. He enjoys chewing on his brush when we brush our teeth. I don't know how clean they actually get, but at least he is getting into the routine of using the brush.
With all of those teeth, I know that he can handle more "complex" foods, but I must say, I am very nervous about feeding him something he could choke on. We were at a party this weekend, and a child younger than him was eating a hot dog and grapes. I was glad I got to talk with the mom and see the child do perfectly fine with these foods. She told me how she cut the foods to avoid chocking, so needless to say, Tillman had grapes yesterday and did fine!

Tiny T doesn't talk in real words, but he certainly jabbers, squeals, and understands what is being said. He now understands when you say "lets get a diaper change." We know this because he starts to run. He loves to run away and have you chase him. Of course, he hates getting caught and of course, he hates getting his diaper changed! He does perfectly fine with others, but Nick and I have to bolt him down during a scream/squirming match to get it changed.

Other cute things at 15 months: He'll occasionally blow a kiss, loves waving bye bye, and love being outside (in the dirt...of course).

15 months 12.12.11

2011-12-16T12:11:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving 2011-preThanksgiving meal

Keeping this blog has heightened my awareness of Tillman's age...in months, of course. I don't think the 12th of the month can go by for years to come with out thinking "It's Tillman's birthday today!" Well, Tillman turned 15 months on Monday! He has a 15 month check up at the doctor later this month, so more to come on his stats.

Tillman continues to recover from tubes. He has had tons of drainage, so the tubes are doing their job. We actually go for a follow up appointment with Dr. White on Monday and a hearing test. We continue to put drops in his ears morning and before bed to help the drainage.

Tillman isn't in to the "mommy and me" pic
at the Charleston City Christmas parade

On other health related news, Tillman hasn't been to the doctor in December! This has been huge for us. We're excited that he has been well! He did manage to bypass the stomach virus Nick and I got last weekend, which was a miracle. I'm so glad because taking care of ourselves was more than enough!

Drinking water and eating Goldfish to get
through the parade a happy boy!

With the holiday's in full swing, we did Christmas with my family last weekend. Tillman got a tunnel from his cousins. We have been crawling through it, and Tillman is a hoot when we play. He gets so tickled when he's being "chased" as he crawls through the tunnel. He just loves it. They have them at the daycare, and I picked him up one day when they were playing with it. He pretty much looked at me, and was like "Mom, I'm not ready to go home." I watched them play for a long time. He was giggling and squealing...he simply loved it! After that day, I added it to his Christmas list, and boy, am I'm glad I did!

Notice the tree is only decorated up top

With the holiday's has come some holiday parties. We actually had our first babysitter experience last weekend at the house. His daycare teacher lives near us, and she kept him on Saturday night. It worked out perfectly. We had to explain more about Graham than Tillman. It made me feel very comfortable, as we knew he was in good hands. Also this month, Tillman did his first sleep over as well. My brother's family kept him for a night while Nick and I when to the College of Charleston basketball game and had "date night." I think Tillman thought it was a slumber party, as he woke up at 1AM and they didn't go back to bed until 3AM. He took a long nap the next day!

Tillman's Elf on a Shelf!

Besides "terrorizing" Graham and the Christmas tree, Tiny T has been very interested in books lately. He doesn't sit very long for you to read to him, but he loves to flip the pages, tote them around the house, and occasionally throw them! Nick has been reading the books while Tillman plays. I'm hoping he will enjoy reading as much as his daddy does, so we're excited to see he will at least touch a book (more than what I'll do!).

At 15 months, I will say that Tillman is very set in his ways. Two things that have came about this month have been breaking him from the bottle and trying to put him to sleep without a sleep sack. Neither of these things went over very well. Tillman will ONLY drink milk from a bottle (drinks all other things in a sippy cup...we've tried all types of sippy cups...daycare has too), and will ONLY go to bed at night in a sleep sack. The other night, he woke up at 1AM, and he had spit-up and had a bad diaper, so we changed him, the sheets, and all. We gave him some milk to calm him and that normally puts him to sleep. Well, since we didn't have a sleep sack on him, he stood up in his crib and cried for 30 mins. I couldn't take it any more. I got a sleep sack out the dirty clothes and put it on him. He rolled over and went straight to sleep! After all those shenanigans, I was thinking, dang--if I would have only done that to start with!

Tillman's Tubes

2011-12-02T13:44:00.001-05:00

Tillman got ear tubes the day before Thanksgiving. He had just finished antibiotics over the weekend, and by Tuesday he was running a fever. We did our best to avoid getting tubes and tried every herbal remedy we knew, but it just wasn't in the cards. He woke on Tuesday, and Nick said "I think we're going to have to schedule the tubes." I got to work and emailed Dr. White, and he had an opening the next day, so we took it. It worked out great since we were off the rest of the week, and Tillman had 5 day at home.

The procedure was super fast (15 minutes tops). In fact, Dr. White came out to the waiting area to get me, and said "I would have been done sooner, but all the nurses had to hold Tillman." That made me feel good and hearing that, I knew that Tillman was well taken care of the short time we were a part.

Waking from the anesthesia was a little rough for him. They said to expect crankiness since he would be disoriented. He was pretty cranky for 10 minutes, but once he got his bottle, he fell back to sleep. We were able to leave shorty after, and were on the road back home at 7:30AM (yes, we had to be there at 4:45AM.)

If I was a smart momma, I should have gone to the grocery store to get what we needed for Thanksgiving since he was fast a sleep until noon, but we just went home and snuggled.

I'm bias as I work at MUSC Children's Hospital, but I know that Dr. White is the BEST for pediatric ENT. He is specifically trained in peds ENT. Also, Dr. Wallace, our anesthesiologist, is specifically trained in peds anesthesia. The combo of those two as well as pediatric specific staff made MUSC Children's Hospital the only choice for Tillman's tubes. Sure, there are ADULT ENTs in the community that will place ear tubes in kids, but their training is for adults. Wouldn't you rather have a specifically trained ENT and more importantly and anesthesiologist that is specifically trained for your child's care? We are so lucky in the lowcountry to have a children's hospital, that I just can't image having my child treated anywhere but there. Plus, do you think they blow bubbles, have fun toys, and let your child drive a power wheels to the OR (to make it less scary for the child) anywhere else in Charleston....but they do at MUSC Children's Hospital! (Why settle for second when first/best is available?...stepping down off the soap box...)

*My soap box comes from comments I've received about taking my child to MUSC. When I mention that Tillman goes to MUSC Children's Hospital, I get comments like "OH....well, that make sense for you to take him there since you work there, but you know I've always heard Dr. X is the best." Dr. X is an adult doc who does tubes at an ADULT hospital. I'm sure he does great work, but he is trained for ADULT care, and more over, did you get the qualification on the anesthesiologist that will put your child under? It's frustrating to me because I know that MUSC Children's Hospital is the BEST for all children, but other have an opinion that I only take my child here because I work here....when they don't realize it is the BEST! (this is just an explanation of one comment, but we get many others)

Hip Hop Star

2011-11-29T08:38:00.000-05:00

Tillman and I were in daddy's truck trying to figure out what his XM radio number was, as the XM trial ran out. We got out the house, so daddy could take a nap. However, once we got to the truck the XM was magically working. Tillman was enjoying the music, the change in the cup holder, and being in the front seat. (*Of course we weren't driving) Tillman loves to stand up in the seat and be in the car.

These videos of Tillman listening to his Hip Hop. Most parents have their children listening to Barney and Wheels on the Bus, but Tillman is grooving to LMFAO (don't judge!).

First Hair Cut

2011-11-22T09:28:00.000-05:00

On a whim Saturday, we went and got Tillman's first hair cut. He's been long over due for a "real" hair cut. We knew it was getting bad when people would ask "did you cut the back of his hair?" I guess it looked like I did if they asked. I'll keep my day job since cutting hair is not my forte.

Nick called Amber (she cuts our hair) and left a message, and she called us back while we were in Target, and said she could do it in 15 minutes. We checked out at Target and headed over.

Tillman checking out the booster seat

Tillman and Amber getting read for the cut

T ditched to booster and opted to stand

Check out how long that hair is on the top!

Tillman being really still...he's a smart boy
to be still around a woman with SCISSORS!

Loved playing with the comb

Here's his baby locks.

14 months 11.12.11

2011-11-15T14:11:00.000-05:00

Tillman at the Pumpkin Patch

Mr. T was 14 months old on Saturday. Nick and I were actually away for this "birthday." This was our first time away without one of us being with Tillman. Nick and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary on 11.10.11, and we headed to Chicago and the Purdue vs OSU game (Purdue BEAT OSU in overtime...wonderful game). Tillman was in great hands. Cici, my mom, and Aunt Sylvia came down to keep Tillman Friday through Sunday.

Nick and Me at Purdue Game 11.12.11

PURDUE WINS!

Before going out of town, I was giving my mom the run down of Tillman's routine. I realized after explaining everything, A LOT has to be done for this child!
Here it goes:

Tillman gets an 8oz bottle (8oz milk, 20 drops of Echinacea) and his first round of antibotics when he wakes.
8:30AM, Tillman should be ready for breakfast (grits, waffles, yogert, cereal, oatmeal, etc are options)
10AM is snack time-water in sippy cup with gold fish or some type cracker
11:30AM is lunch time-we had things in the frig he could eat.
11:45AM is nap time-8oz bottle. When at home to set the "nap time" tone, put him in his sleep sack and go into the bedroom to give him his bottle. Once he finishes bottle, he should know that it is "nap time."
Sleeps from then until 1:30 or 2PM usually
2PM snack time-water in sippy cup with gold fish or some type cracker
6PM dinner time
7PM bed time routine (bath, diaper, brush teeth, nose spray, dress in sleep sack, etc) and then 8oz bottle (8oz milk, 20 drops of Echinacea, and Zyrtec) and his second round of antibotics before bed.
Sleeps 7PM - ~6:30AM

So, as you can tell by the routine, this child gets a lot of meds and herbs (we didn't even put herbal ear drops on the list), he has been fighting ear infections left and right. We are trying every remedy out there before going to ear tubes. We'll evaluate ear tubes at the end of the year once we've given these things a chance to work.
Also, you can tell by his schedule that he really does love his bottle. No, we haven't given up the bottle yet. Tillman LOVES it. He doesn't use a pacifier or have a blanket, so I guess if he is stuck on the bottle, then that is his thing. We have transitioned to sippy cup for snack times, but will not drink milk from a sippy cup. He really doesn't like to drink anything but water and milk (juices have so far been a "no thanks!").

Funny story from the weekend:

Tillman was put down for a nap. He wasn't ready to go to bed, so he played around in the crib for a while. When mom went to check on him, he took off his socks and pants and threw them out of the crib. I guess he was hot?

Tillman is developing his little personality. Independent would certainly rise to the top as one of his strongest characteristics. He doesn't like to be tied down-doesn't enjoy the carseat or stroller. We've gone to the wagon for walks and for the car....well...we just wrangle him into the carseat (yes, I've been kicked in the face by this child getting him into the carseat). Mr. Independent *hates* getting his diaper changed as well. As soon as we lift him to the changing table, he knows what is coming. It is pretty much a war while we get the diaper changed each time. Unsure why this is....maybe potty training will happen faster with his independent personality?
His independence has also been shown in his social skills. He can now point to things he wants and go get things in reach that he'd like (ex: gold fish sitting by the high chair...he stands on his tippy toes to get them...not always a good thing). He uses pointing a lot...not just for food. When he is "talking" to us, of course we don't understand what he's talking about, but he often points to things, so now we can communicate better. An example of him pointing while playing is, he will come over to you if you are sitting near the couch, he'll point at the couch, which means he wants to climb up you to get to the couch (once on the couch he loves to jump and do all things children shouldn't be allowed.)

14 month old Tillman has also brought the love of "rough housing." He likes to wrestle, jump on furniture, slide down the slide head-first...this kids has no fear.

Tillman and Nick checking out the farm animals
at Legare Farms after visiting the pumkin patch

This Independent, Rough-housing, 14 month old's stats:
Weight: ~22lbs
Diaper size: 3-Little Movers during the day and size 4 at night
Clothing size: 12-18 month, but it varies by brand
Shoe size: 4.5 (or 12-18 mo size)
Food: Drinking whole milk and eating more table food. Drinking water from a sippy cup and gets bottle at night and early morning.
Naps:1.5-2 hour naps
Sounds: Chatter box...loves to talk!
Playing: Walking, playing outside, wagon rides, dirt, climbing/jumping on couch, loves these tunnels they play with at daycare, and drawing/coloring with crayons

This is how we roll...

2011-11-10T12:10:00.000-05:00

The time change is killing me! We get home in the 5 o'clock hour, and it's already dark. I know, I've only had 30 years to get used to it, but it just gets me every year.
Tillman went to the MUSC Children's After Hours Care last night, so we got home past dark. He had another double ear infection and weighed in at 22.5 lbs. Poor guy, he can't catch a break on the ears.
When we got home, I was looking at all the stuff I had to tote into the house from the car...clearly it was two or three trips-worth. For those of you who don't know, we're country folks (live on 6 acres in a small town (one stoplight) outside of Charleston, SC). Our garage is not attached to our house, and you have to walk a good ways (especially seems like a long way in the rain).
So, this is how we roll...

My purse, two jackets, lunch box,
bag of junk, the mail, carseat, and T

P.S. Yes, Tillman is still in an infant seat. This one last until 35 pounds. He'll be in it as long as possible, and will stay rear facing as long as possible. Just had to put that out there, as I've received several "looks" when people see an almost 14 month old in an infant seat.

Wordless Wednesday: Tillman's Art

2011-11-09T08:18:00.000-05:00

baby Picasso?

Free Style

Coloring outside the lines is a fine art.
~Kim Nance

Happy Halloween 10.31.2011

2011-11-02T09:01:00.001-04:00

Trying on his costume before the big day!

Tillman was a puppy for Halloween! Although this was his second Halloween, it was really the first one since he was such a little one last year (His first Halloween will always be special because this was the first time he smiled!).

His little tail wagged as he walked...too cute!

10.31.11 was a big day for Tillman. It started off with a ENT appointment at MUSC Children's Hospital. Tillman was evaluated for tubes. Dr. White thinks he is a good candidate for them, so we are evaluating the procedure to make sure it is the right decision for us.
After the doctor appointment, he headed to daycare. They had a Halloween parade, a fall festival/ party, and went Trick or Treating room to room. Tillman came home with a sack full of candy (for mommy and daddy!).

Woof Woof!

After daycare, we headed to our old neighborhood, Summertrees, on Johns Island to go Trick or Treating. The neighborhood was packed with kids, and the streets were crazy with mini vans, golf carts, and kiddos in costumes!

The only way all three boys would stop for the picture.
"Ok..everyone hold on to the noodle!"

Tillman was along for the ride in the wagon, but we enjoyed tagging along with the "big" boys-the pirate and Woody while they went door to door!

Hey... I'm surfing.
Check out Tillman's Trick or Treat sack...
it glows in the dark too (thanks CiCi)

Tillman enjoys riding in his wagon, but sadly he didn't make it out the front yard in his wagon, as he did a back flip out the back because he loves to STAND while he's being pulled (I see an ER visit in our future). The flip didn't phase him since his costume had so much padding.

Trick or Treat

We opted for the safer wagon with SEAT BELTS. He road along with Graham (the monkey).

Yippy...I'm up way past my bed time!

After Trick or Treating, we headed to Seabrook for a Halloween/Birthday party. Tillman stayed up way past his bed time, 9PM! He got a King Size candy bar at the Seabrook stop which filled up his Trick or Treat sack that Cici made! When we got in the car to come home, Tillman was literally DOG-TIRED!

Family Beach Pictures (Sept 2011)

2011-10-28T08:28:00.001-04:00

Cherry Grove Beach
Labor Day Weekend 2011

Tillman LOVED the beach chair

Laughing at everyone behind the camera
singing and dancing to "if you're happy
and you know it!"

Cousins

Cici and JRS's clan

Me, Nick & T

Cici and JRS with the grand-boys

Who's been in my closet?

2011-10-19T10:57:00.001-04:00

Caught Red-Handed!

Tillman has a love for this one particular purse! He has a ton of things to pick from in the closet, but he always comes out with this purse. Before leaving the closet, he does manage to take everything off the shelves (he can reach) and makes of mess of the shoes. I find this purse in the living room, bedroom, bathroom.... After finding it I return it to the closet, but it always come back out!
Oh yes, and the make up brush he likes too. He picked that out from the bathroom drawer.

13 Months 10.12.11

2011-10-12T09:57:00.001-04:00

Wow, what a month!

Tillman has certainly been busy this month. I texted Nick last night "T is dragging my curling iron all over the room and is busy playing!! It is funny how busy he is doing nothing!" Nick responded "like you say, he has his work to do too." Tillman is more independent this month. He will play by himself and keep himself busy. Of course, he still needs to be watched (like a hawk) because he tends to get in things...well EVERYTHING! His favorite toys are electrical cords, computers, trash cans, and the bathtub faucet (just to name a few)!

Tillman is at the phase of life of he is either on or off! There is no in between these days. He plays and goes 90 miles an hour, and then bam....he's asleep. Tillman has adjusted to the new daycare room (rough month with that), and now takes a 1 to 2 hour nap during the day (no longer sleeps on the car ride home). His bed time is still 7pm, and he generally wakes between 6-6:30am. He's been a really good sleeper, and for that, we are very thankful!

This month brought lots of chatter. He his constantly "talking." Lots of new sounds and squealing have been heard this month, as before it was just "momma", "dada", and "bye bye". He's really dropped those words (except dada) and had just been rambling.

With all that "talky" comes lots of "walky." He is certainly a walky talky! We've been playing outside a lot in the nice weather. He enjoys walking outside and getting his hand dirty! If there is dirt, Tillman will find it. I think a sandbox is needed at our house. He also enjoys his play set. The slide and the steering wheel are his favorite!
Tillman has also had his fair share of doctor visits this month...4 visits! He's had fever, stomach virus (and all the yuck that comes with that), rash/fever, and pink eye. He even has to go back on Friday to get his second half of the flu shot.

Tillman's 13 month stats
Weight: 9.5 kilograms (at the MUSC Children's After Hours Care...everything is in kilos)
Diaper size: 3-Little Movers during the day and size 4 at night
Clothing size: 12-18 month, but it varies by brand
Shoe size: 4.5-had him measured this month, and found his shoes were too small!
Food: Drinking whole milk and eating more table food. Drinking from a sippy cup and gets bottle at night and early morning.
Naps: In the new classroom, he's taking a 2 hour nap.
Sounds: Chatter box...loves to talk!
Playing: Walking, playing outside, not enjoying stroller rides as much, as he wants to get down, dirt, and enjoys exploring big boy toys (computers, daddy's road bike, power cords, etc)

Injury Report

2011-10-07T13:45:00.000-04:00

Apparently medicated chest rub on a "goose egg" causes
the swelling to go down along with witch hazel...who knew?

I grew up around sayings...I think it is a Southern thing because Nick isn't used to all the sayings that come out of my mouth. One saying my mother would always says is "hard heads make soft behinds." We'll Tillman certainly has a hard head, and so we found out on 9-28-11. The injury report doesn't tell the whole story.

As soon as I arrive at daycare, the director said, you'll have to forgive me, but I forgot to call you. I'm thinking "ok....uhhh....for what?" She further said that Tillman broke a glass door today when he couldn't catch himself from a fall. WHAT? He broke a door? She further tells me that the glass repairman couldn't believe that a baby broke the door. He said Tillman must have hit it just right. In the back of my mind, I'm thinking "you called the repairman, but forgot to call me....??"

Of course he was fine, he had three nice size bruises on his forehead where he went head first into the door. Fortunately, it was safety glass, so no cuts.

I guess Tillman has redefined the saying to "hard head make (for) broken glass!"

Party Pics-Tillman's 1st Birthday Party

2011-09-23T10:38:00.000-04:00

Tillman's birthday shirt
made by Cici

Tillman's "stage" all set up and ready for T & his CAKE!

Tillman's 1st birthday was a duck theme.
This punch was labled "duck bath"

A few of the horderves: duckling dip, quacktastic veges
and fruit (see the duck tracks on the table?)

Tillman's SMASH CAKE
Made with love by Daddy
(mommy wrote on it)

Adult cake with Tillman's engraved knife to be used for all his
birthdays and one day wedding!

Right before diving in....

Tillman just tasted it, but was more interested
in getting his hands dirty!

Love opening wrapped gifts

Tillman taking matter into his own hands with his
Boilermaker hat on!

Mr. Independent opening his Cars toy!

Mommy and Tillman!

12 months 9.12.11

2011-09-15T10:54:00.001-04:00

Getting his finger pricked for the lead and iron test.
Didn't even cry and was a good bleeder!

Our toddler visited Dr. Clifford for his one year check up. He got a "clean bill of health;" his iron was a little low. We were glad to hear that he had clear ears (finally). Dr. Clifford said that we could try to get him off of Zyrtec and see how he tolerates it. I think we're going to wait until we feel like the allergy season is done before we do that though.

We discussed some of our concerns with daycare with the doctor. TV has always been a huge dislike for us. He moved to a new class this week in daycare. This room has a TV. Although very small and way up in the air, it is on some parts of the day, and we feel it is used as a (potitially) babysitter. When Nick went to pick up Tillman, the "substitute" teacher had the kids sitting at the table, she was reading a magazine, and the kids were watching the TV (no toys in front of them or anything). Of course that didn't go over well to see this, but Dr. Clifford reassured us that Tillman didn't strike him as one of those kids that is going to be captivated by the TV. He said some children he worries about, but by the way Tillman was expressing himself in the exam room (absolutely bouncing off the walls!), he wasn't concerned. Although, it doesn't excuse the situation at the daycare, Dr. Clifford did make us feel better about our situation.

This is only a still shot of
Tillman, the busy body!
(singing, dancing, wiggling, giggling...)

The transition to this new room has been rough on us all-Tillman, the new teachers/class, Nick and me! We were told on a Thursday that he'd move the following Monday to a new class. They don't transition slowly (like let him meet the teachers, spend an afternoon in that class, etc)...just cold turkey! We asked him how we as parents could help with this transition. My natural reaction is to drop him off as late as possible and pick him up as soon as possible, but that isn't practical! Dr. Clifford suggested us dropping him off quick! Nick thought he would get a chance this morning to try it out, but Tillman was asleep in his car seat, so I'm anxious to find out how he responded when he woke. I'm probably going to call the daycare soon to get a report (no, I can't wait until pick up time!)!

Ouch lady!

Dispite all efforts to combat the immunization fever (Advil before his shots and consistently after), Tillman woke up with a 102 fever. Tiny T got to play hookie from daycare, which I'm sure he was stoked about! He actually ran the fever consistently all day long. He received the Hib, PCV, and 1/2 of the flu shot (since he is too young for a full shot or the nasal mist). I called the doctor's office to make sure the fever was normal. The poor child was burning up and the Advil was not helping. When 3pm rolled around and he vomited, I called back. They didn't return my call until 7pm, and by that time we were at the MUSC Children's After Hours Care being seen. Dr. Baker did several test and all came back negative. He said it was solely related to the shots, but we did discover that the dosage on Advil the bottle isn't the right amount when looking at his weight. I wasn't given him enough each time. They gave him a dose of Motin before we left (not sure how much of it went down the hatch because he was fussy and spitting it out).

102 Fever Boy!

After leaving there, we stopped by to visit with Greg, Nick's friend. He is very in-tuned to people's energy (I'm sure this has a title), so he offered to take a look at Tillman. Tillman was really fussy and just uncomfortable. As soon as Greg touched Tillman, he went silent and genuinely looked "at peace." Greg said he sensed that Tillman's liver and spleen were having trouble, but that is normal when processing/ fighting/ building immunity when given a vaccine. When we got home, Tillman was very sweaty since his fever broke. NOW....I don't know if it was the Motin or what Greg did, but Tillman was doing much better and was fever free!

Tillman's 12 month stats:

Weight: 21.15 lbs (25th percentile)

Height: 29.5 inches (41st percentile)

Head Circumference: 17.9 inches (24th percentile)

BMI: 17

Diaper size: 3-Little Movers

Clothing size: 12-18 month, but it varies by brand

Shoe size: 3--doesn't walk in shoes...only bare feet.

Food: Drinking whole milk and eating cutting up small piece of food (banana, mango, melons) and eating more table food. Drinking from a sippy cup and gets bottle at night and early morning.

Naps: In the new classroom, naps are taken at 11AM...Tillman will take an hour nap.

Sounds: New word/sound is "ut oh." He's still saying DaDa, BaBa, Bye Bye, and MaMa.

Playing: WALKING!!!!!, busting off child-proof locks, crawling when he needs to get some place fast!

12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days....Happy Birthday Tillman!

2011-09-12T11:30:00.001-04:00

Dear Tillman,

You're a 1 year old today! Happy Birthday, buddy! I can't believe you've grown so fast. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing home a 5 lb 13 oz health baby boy. To be honest, we really didn't know what we were doing. Of course, we'd seen a baby before, but none that were ours 24/7. You were your daddy's first diaper change, and you were a whole lot of first for us in other areas as well. Most of all, on 9.12.10, you made your dad and I proud parents for the first time!

You'll come to find the mommy worries a lot (but it's because I want the best for you....don't worry--daddy balances me out, he's cool as a cucumber...you'll see), and who knew that it (the worrying that is) could be taken to a whole other level with Tiny T in our lives. We want only best for you and have tried to provide the best possible first year. Daddy and I have watched and cheered with excitment every move, gesture, development, etc you've made/done, and we are so proud of you.
Tillman, you've accomplished a ton in a year: lifting your head, rolling over, stitting, standing, army crawl, crawling, walking, learning a few words, gained your unique personality and eating from "mommy milk" to solid soft foods and regular milk. (I'm sure I'm leaving out a bunch of milestones, but it happened so fast!)
This love that your daddy and I have for you is one that we've never felt before you were born. I can remember hearing your cry for the first time. It was such a relief to know that you were healthy and brought into the world safely. Daddy was one "proud papa" when he held you for the first time. The love and pride we have for you has grown over the past year.
Your birth date is a bit symbolic, as it is the day after 9.11. This was a horrible day for our country back in 2001, but September 12 meant that everything will be ok, the sun did rise, and bright futures were ahead. You're actually turning one years old the day after the 10th anniversery of 9.11. You are our sunshine, the light to our bright future as a family, and a great source of happiness!
Tillman Alexander, know that you are loved by many and bring joy to our hearts.
Love,
Momma and Daddy

Labor Day: Family Vaca to Cherry Grove

2011-09-08T14:43:00.001-04:00

Check out Tillman's dirty face and clothes!
Cousin Colin teaching him how to play in the sand.

Last week we headed to Cherry Grove (North Myrtle Beach...near NC / SC state line) for a long weekend. Tillman slept the whole way to Myrtle Beach, which made for a wonderful car ride for all. Once we arrived at the beach house, we were all well rested and ready to "play!" Shortly after arriving we hit the pool for a swim and went for a walk on the beach. Tillman enjoyed the beach.

Tuckered out!

We took him on a early morning beach stroller ride, and that sent him right to sleep. He took at least an hour nap. He really enjoyed the sand. Tillman was curious and tasted the sand, but once that was over, he really didn't eat the sand...just enjoyed playing in it, and of course LOVED splashing in the buckets of water that were brought up to build sand castles or really drip castles...CiCi's favorite. Drip castles (for those unfamiliar) are when you get wet sand and drip it to form a drippy structure. Not much effort and super easy!

We also had extended family pictures taken (all 12 of us on my side of the family). We wore white tops and jeans (adults). The boys wore white tops and plaid shorts. The photographer had all sorts of props for the kids, so I think these photos will be really great. We're all anxious to see how they turned out. They were taken on Saturday at 6PM, and most of the men were over it by 6:50 since the Carolina game was coming on at 7PM.

At half time, we celebrated all the September birthdays. In my family there are 3 birthdays that are during the Labor Day weekend, and then Tillman and my brother-in-law are later in the month. We had Blue Bell ice cream and birthday cake. All the birthday boys had a seat at the table with their gifts.

Tillman's bed time is 7, so he missed all the festivities. We're getting geared up for this Saturday to celebrate Tillman's first birthday! On Monday, Tillman will be 1 year old...where has the time gone?

Wordless Wednesday: Family Pictures

2011-08-31T08:20:00.001-04:00

Sterling Pickett Photography

Wide Awake Park

Live Oak on Rantowles Creek

Only way to get T to smile

Calm waters at 8:30AM

Tillman's Radio Flyer Wagon

I leave you with a funny pic!

How can it be?

2011-08-30T10:13:00.000-04:00

8.28.11

Thursday is the 1st day of September. I can't believe in 13 days Tillman will be a 1 year old. The party planning has begun, the date has been set, the theme has been chosen, etc. The closer the time comes the more mixed my emotions are about our baby turning 1. Yes, it is exciting that he is growing up, but on the same note...HE'S GROWING UP!

It was reported yesterday that he took 5 steps at daycare, and he has a nice bruise on his forehead to prove his efforts of taking steps (he smacked the coffee table while showing off while Skyping with MiMi).

Speaking of reports from daycare, the teachers never just come out and say "oh mom, he took 5 steps today." They never give reports on milestones unless I specifically ask. It makes me wonder if they are reluctant to tell me since they may be seeing a milestone for the first time (before mom and dad). If I say, "have you guys seen him takes some steps? He was taking steps this weekend." They will gladly speak up and say "oh yeah, he walked from the refrigerator to the jumperoo after his nap today." If I wouldn't have said a thing, would they have told me? I know that we won't be there for everything, but I'd at least like a full (uncensored) report.

Ok...so I wouldn't be a MOM if I didn't say, I hate to miss those milestones/be there first hand with the video camera capturing everything the moment it first happens, but at the same time I'd also would hate to live in a tent, so I guess our situation won't change, and mommy and daddy will continue to work! As my maternal Grandfather used to say "children have their work to do too," and Tillman's job is to give those daycare ladies a run for their money! After all, I'm sure by the time he hits first grade he will have a well boost immune system (we're currently on ear infection #3) and (hopefully) won't be that kid in the carpool line screaming since he's never been away from mommy/daddy.

When Tillman goes into daycare, he knows the routine, and goes with open arms to his teachers. In September, he will be moving to a new class, so interesting times to come with a new set of teachers and going from the oldest kiddo in the room to the youngest.

September will be a big month for sure!

Wordless Wednesday: Beep Beep & Sippy

2011-08-24T12:53:00.000-04:00

Get out of the way walls, dogs and toes...
Here I come!
Tillman and his bumper car!

How's this supposed to work?

Wordless Wednesday: Mom Purse

2011-08-17T07:00:00.004-04:00

Bottles, wallet, coupons, mail, meds....I'm prepared for the day!

11 months 8.12.11

2011-08-12T09:11:00.002-04:00

Tillman at 6AM ready for the day

This little one woke up today and was told he was 11 months old. He didn't understand all of the clapping and carrying on, but mommy and daddy know that their little one is growing up.
Tillman is on the move these days. He really doesn't even stop to smile at the camera. In fact, he gets a little upset if you try to make him stay still. He enjoys crawling around, banging on everything, and taking things out of cabinets and drawers (oh, can't forget his love for the trash can and Graham's food bowls too).
He is starting to learn his strength and tested it yesterday at the daycare with several of his "cronies." It was reported that he and two girls officially pushed over a rocking chair. The teacher seemed aggravated about it so, I didn't ask (but wanted to) "did he clap when it went over?"
Tillman is quite the clapper and waver these days. He loves to wave hey and bye. If he knows that Nick is in a room that we are approaching, Tillman gets that arm and hand moving before we enter the room. He also loves to wave at the other parents and kiddos as they come and go at the daycare too.

Tillman has also started little temper tantrums in several instances. He *hates* to get his diaper changed. As soon as he is put on his back, he starts to cry, squirm, and flat out throws a fit sometimes. He had a pretty severe diaper rash this month after taking a strong antibiotic due to another ear infection. I think that has a lot to do with him hating diaper changes now. Ironically this morning, him going on the changing table was the only smile I captured this morning (I think he was smiling because he found the opportunity to grab something and leap out of my arms).
His other temper tantrum mode is when you tell him "no;" he will lay his head down on the floor like he is tired. He was told "no" in the bath last night, and put his head down. It didn't go over too well in water, so he found out. It was a little scary for the both of us!

Tillman is in love with his diaper trash can. I don't know why, but he is always climbing up to the bag (the white poking out a bit in the photo), and BITING it (YUCK). We did just get some Febreze trash bags; I'm thinking that might be what he enjoys? Just kidding, I really think that the trash can is just his height, and he loves to climb up, tip it over, and see his reflection in it (oh yeah, and beat on it too).

Check me out in my man-tank!

Tiny T is also a fan of our bathroom drawers. We've had to ~~babyproof the bottom drawer~~ make the bottom drawer Tillman's. It has his toys and other things for him to dump out, chew, and play with while we get ready in the morning. The little stinker also knows how to turn on the water in the tub, and enjoys turning it on and off...on and off...on and off (yes, we pick our battles...it's the cold water handle).

Tillman got a "stand up" toy this week. Nick wanted to make sure we had a good crawler before we introduced him to any type of standing up or walking toy. Well, this week I picked TT (Tiny T) up a walk behind toy from Once Upon a Child for $6! He looked at the thing, crawled over, and knew exactly what to do. I guess it was either walk behind it or fall. Fortunately, he picked the walk option.

Morning Bottle

Afternoon Snack

Tillman's Stats
Weight: 19.8 lbs (weighted this weekend)
Diaper Size-3 (Little Movers)
Clothing Size-Anywhere from 6 mos to 18 mos (clothes vary so much between brands)
Shoe-bare-foot boy
Food-Only Momma milk up until 8/7/11. Now he gets 2 ounces of formula in each bottle and three meals a day-2 vegetables and 1 fruit (Nick has been doing some reading, so today he'll get some millet in his fruit jars). He currently only feeds himself RITZ crakers.
Sleeping-through the night in his crib ( 7PM-6AM)
Teeth-4 on the top and 2 on the bottom (still grinding away with those teeth)
Naps-Generally only one nap at daycare and then naps on the way home. We try to get him down for 2 naps on the weekend. It is rough sometimes.

I tell you; the kid loves his bumper!

Play-pulling up, walking around furniture holding on, crawling on knees, free standing for few moments, wanting to step, but falls to his knees or grabs something really fast!
Things we're working on- finger foods (this is hard for me as I don't like messes, but we'll get dirty this weekend), sippy cup (equals a chew toy to TT now), holding his bottle (I think he thinks that is my permenet job)
Things mommy's working on-Tillman's 1st Birthday!

My Baby's Got *His Blue Jeans On

2011-08-02T15:22:00.001-04:00

Thinking about this post, it reminds me of the old country song, my baby's got her blue jeans on, although, with my baby it is *his!

Ironically, a year ago today I posted about the denim diapers that Huggies has. Tillman has had this box waiting on him for a whole year that his great grandmother got him. We finally opened it up for him to try out his new jean diapers!

Here's Tillman strutting his stuff in his new blue jean diapers!

Huggies 2010 commercial

Tillman discovering RITZ crackers

2011-07-28T08:05:00.002-04:00

This is the first thing I have found that Tillman will feed himself. He knows how to feed himself, but he'd rather be fed....so, we found out last night!

In second 4 of the video, you'll hear a noise...that is Tillman grinding his teeth! He's still not sure about those white things.

Do you know what a RITZ cracker is at our house when it hits the floor?
....
....
....
A GRAHAM cracker! (we love puppy, Graham, and he loves that Tillman is eating food!)

Do you think Tillman might be getting some teeth?

2011-07-26T08:35:00.000-04:00

10 months 7.12.11

2011-07-13T08:50:00.003-04:00

10 months? No way Jose.

Tillman hitting double digits doesn't even seem possible. Nick and I spoke about how quick time is flying by. We've always heard it goes by so fast, and now we are experiencing it for ourselves.

Tillman has had another active month. He now has 5 teeth (three upper and two bottom). I don't think he is too sure about those white things in his mouth yet. He has been grinding his teeth. I guess he is testing the durability of them.

Top Teeth

He has also turned into a speed crawler. You can hear him coming from a mile away. He really slaps his hands on the floor. It is really cute to see his little bottom go!

Tillman has always enjoyed standing. He is now maneuvering himself by holding onto furniture (around coffee tables, ottoman, etc). He has been seen standing unassisted for a few seconds. I think his diapers has been the needed cushion for the falls. When he wants to get seated from standing, he just unlocks his knees and plops down.

Tillman and Ainsley

Tiny T has a few new tricks up his sleeve at 10 months. He can wave bye bye and clap. He does get shy about waves sometimes or will do it after someone leaves. Tillman is quit the mimicker. Just this weekend. Graham was at his bowls "chowing down" on his food. Tillman crawled about 3 feet from Graham, and started smacking his lips and chewing just like Graham was doing. It was the funniest thing. Those are the times you wish the video camera was rolling!

On the go!

Over the July 4th weekend, we headed to KY to visit Nick's sister's family. This was our first time visiting as a family. Tillman got to go on his first boat ride and play with his cousins. Tillman did real well on the car ride. We were very glad he slept for most of the ride. He was introduced to a pacy! This was a wonderful thing for the ride as well as while we were in KY. I think it just help sooth him during all the driving and "hussel and bussel." On the way to KY, we stopped at a McDonald's with a playground. We thought it would be fun for him to get some energy out. Little did we know, he actually enjoyed playing in the car more than the play ground. For all other stops along the way, we just took him out of his seat and let him bounce around in the car (easy enough...and MUCH cleaner). On the way back to SC, Tillman got into a little mischief. He was fed up with the car ride, and was being cantankerous. He refused to eat, and let me know by flinging the spoon full of food all over the car!

Tillman with his cousins, Mason & Parker
4th of July

Tillman's Stats

Weight-Haven't weighed him this month, but we think he is around 19lbs. He is still very slim through his trunk, but his cute little legs are as chuncky as they can be!
Diaper Size-3 (Little Movers)
Clothing Size-6-9 months (starting to pull out 12 months)
Shoe Size- 1 (Not wearing shoes or socks)
Food-Momma milk and three meals a day-2 vegetables and 1 fruit or yogurt. Cereal or oatmeal have been added to each meal. He also got his first try at Gerber puffs to learn how to chew.
Sleeping-through the night in his crib
Teeth-two bottom and three top (two of his incisors came in and one front tooth is 1/2 way out)
Naps-usually only 30 minutes twice a day, but since his crib was moved away from the microwave at school, he is now sleep for an hour at a time. Weekend naps are around 2 hours.
Sounds-DaDa, BaBa, Bye Bye, and MaMa. He does know his momma and dada. He looks at us and when saying them. He also know bye bye. When I tell someone bye on my cell phone, he is quiet the parrot and says it as well. He also "clucks" (snapping noise with his tongue) and smacks!
Play-pulling up, tickling/giggling, walking around furniture holding on, crawling on knees, giggling at people to get attention, and mimicking
Things we're working on- finger foods, sippy cup, holding his bottle
Things mommy's working on-baby proofing the house (cabinets are next)

Working Mom's Saving Grace....WORDLESS WEDNESDAY!

2011-06-29T08:01:00.001-04:00

Ok...so a few words today...
Tillman has been very active--waving bye bye and clapping now along with all of his other tricks!

Here's a picture of Tillman I took
from my phone of him in his pool suit!

We might have him wear this for Halloween
and go as He-Man or something!

Thanks for the suit Auntie Robyn

Tillman has a top tooth now.
Can you see it in the photo below?

Click on photo to make bigger
if you can't see his new tooth!

9 months 6.12.11

2011-06-14T13:39:00.005-04:00

I can't believe we made Tillman's one year check up appointment yesterday. Tillman has been busy between 8 and 9 months...especially on his 9 month birthday weekend. Last weekend he learned to crawl on his knees, stand up in his crib, and learned we have steps...tried to go up them too!

Nick had to get out the instructions to the crib to lower it. Now when Tillman stands, 1/2 of his body isn't coming out the top of the crib! Tillman still has his beloved bumper in the crib, so he pulls on that to get up. I've heard recommendations of taking it out, but we're leaving it in since he can't seem to hurt himself.

We've got to get out the baby gates to "corral" the child. I've also started closing doors...especially to the bathroom.

We try to keep a pretty good eye on Tillman, but he still manages to get to things fast. This weekend, He scurried over to Graham's bowls, pulled himself up, and started splashing in Graham's water bowl. After picking him up from the mess, I looked back at the bowl, and one of his toys was floating in it.

Tillman's toys have all been switched out...no-more-swing (sigh...)! Yes, the swing stop being used in May. Tillman has a toy box he likes to get into now. He really enjoys balls. He likes to see them roll, and then chases after them. He has a favorite toy at daycare, a ball, that he hangs onto all day long. Nick had to pry it out of his fingers when he picked him up the other day. He didn't get upset about leaving it, which was good (we don't need drama, kid).

For his well check, the doctor said he looked great--growing and development is right on track. I have been discouraged about him not crawling, but the doctor assured me he was normal and that an army crawl is a crawl. Crawling on knees is a very intuitive skill since children can't mimic adults doing the act. This made me feel better, and plus seeing Tillman get on his knees and crawl on Sunday helped too! Although he knows how to do the knee crawl, if he wants to get somewhere fast, he drops to his belly and army crawls.

Also at the well check we discussed his allergies. He is to continue taking his Zyrtec once a day. When looking into his ear, it was a little infected, so Tillman has a sinus/ear infection. He was given an antibiotic and NOSE SPRAY...really! We were "trained" on how to give him the spray. The doctor said it is a two man job. One of us will have to hold him down while the other put the spray up his nose. This should be interesting when we try it tonight. I'm pretty sure Tillman is going to be mad as a hornet when this goes down!

I also asked about a red spot that Tillman sometimes gets on his cheek, we've discovered that this is some what of a birthmark. In doctor talk, the capillaries in that area are either closer to the surface or are more concentrated in that area. Oddly enough, Nick has the same thing on his face in the exact same spot. The doctor told Nick that there is no way he can deny Tillman...ever!

See my red spot?

Tillman's Stats
Weight-18 lbs 13 oz (22nd percentile) He is very slim through his trunk, but his cute little legs are as chuncky as they can be!
Height-27.8 inches (35th percentile) The doctor assured us that the low percentiles were ok. If he is a grown male at the 35th percentile he will be 5'8" or 5'9".
Head Circumference-17.3 inches (15th percentile) I could only imagine if he had a 50th percentile head. We struggle to get shirts over the head now. I feel like I am always "yanking" them to get over his head.
Diaper Size-3 (Little Movers)
Clothing Size-6-9 months (starting to pull out 12 months)
Shoe Size- 1 (He doesn't wear shoes a lot. Doctor said bare feet are better than the best Stride Rite)
Food-Momma milk and three meals a day-2 vegetables and 1 fruit or yogurt
Sleeping-through the night in his crib
Teeth-~~two~~ three (one of his incisors is coming in up top)
Naps-usually only 30 minutes twice a day (Starting to throw a fit when he is put down for a naps on the weekend)
Sounds-DaDa, BaBa, Bye Bye, and MaMa. I do think that he is starting to learn what DaDa means. He will look at Nick when he says it.
Play-pulling up, tickling/giggling, army crawling on the floor, crawling on knees, giggling at people to get attention
Things we're working on-exploring the sippy cup, some finger foods and perfecting crawling on knees
Things mommy's working on-baby proofing the house, and thinking of other words beside "no" to everything. I thought of the word "danger" for harmful things, but my reaction is always just to say "no!"

Just plan silly!

Saturday Napping

2011-06-11T10:49:00.001-04:00

Memorial Day Weekend Trip

2011-06-03T13:40:00.002-04:00

Memorial Day weekend, we ventured out on a little family trip to Greenville, SC. We were looking for a get away from Charleston (we wanted to get away from tourists and be a tourist!). Greenville had a lot of weekend activities, so enjoyed the upstate scene. It is a nice family oriented town with lots of outdoor activities!

We stayed at the Westin Poinsett - very nice hotel and in a great location. I also ordered a crib for our room for Tillman. Since this was a first time staying in a hotel, we didn't know what to expect or how Tillman would do. We decided not to take the swing. After all, he has grown out of it, and we need to transition. Well, at 2AM on Saturday morning I wanted to re-think my decision about the swing. Boy, did I want a swing then. Tillman was wide awake, and we were doing everything we could to keep him quiet and back to sleep. A jar of food and a 15 minute playtime later-he was back to sleep in the crib.

Several lessons learned from the first night:

-Never put Tillman in a crib without a bumper. He loves to snuggle with it. Nights two and three he had a make shift bumper made of towels, a rug, Nick's shorts, and blankets.

-Make sure the room temp is warm. Tillman loves to be cozy...almost hot (ugh, we had to share a room with him!).

-When Tillman is asleep, everyone might as well go to bed, because he will wake up if you are noisy.

-Putting him in the bed with us didn't help. He didn't enjoy that (I thought every kid enjoyed sleeping with their parents? Isn't that a treat?).

During the days we enjoyed Falls Park, the Greenville Zoo, downtown Greenville, a little shopping, etc!

For dinners we ordered take out. Several places we ordered were not used to people requesting take out. One of the restaurant, Larkin's on the River, was especially not used to it. I think they thought Nick was nuts for doing it, but I think they would have thought we were more nuts if we brought Tillman in to eat (nothing like a fussy baby to ruin someone romantic dinner!). We brought our food back to the room, and used the hotel bar for drinks. We fine dined in our hotel room with plastic silverware while watching our sleeping baby in the crib!

Saturday and Monday we watched a cycling race. We didn't realized what a BIG DEAL this USA Cycling Pro Championships race was, but soon realized that it is the real deal! This was a type cycling event that riders who race in Lance Armstrong style races attend! We watched the time trials as well as the start of the race on Memorial Day.

Here are a few pictures from our trip!

Time Trial Awards Ceremony

Tillman enjoying a paci (aka chew toy) at the zoo

The family at the zoo

Falls Park on the bridge

Breakfast at the hotel

Waiting for the race to begin

And they're off....

Army Crawl

2011-06-01T08:09:00.001-04:00

Tillman perfected the Army Crawl on Memorial Day. I guess he wanted to wait on a national holiday to show his moves!

Excuse my annoying voice at the end...I should have kept my mouth shut!

"Get Ready Mom!"

2011-05-23T08:07:00.000-04:00

With the Indy 500 right around the corner, I look at Tillman rocking back and forth on his knees, and I think "(ladies and) gentlemen start your engines." It certainly won't be long until he is off on his own race.

Tillman has his mind on other things when he gets into crawl position. He is usually trying to grab something or trying to reach for something to pull up on. I don't think he realizes this is how he can get around. As soon as he wants to get somewhere, he drops to the ground and starts rolling or gets on his side to start "inch worm(ing)."

This rug is the only place I've seen him get in the (kind of) crawl position. He has his other leg out for balance and for (just in case) he finds something to pull up on. Like this weekend. I was unloading the dishwasher, which is right by this rug. He was in his crawl position, tried to pull up on the dishwasher, and hit his head right on the dishwasher rack. He has a nice bruise by his temple. He's tough though and handled it like a champ....Me? I was beside myself I let him do it and tried to put ice on it, but Tillman wasn't having that!

I realize by writing this post about him almost crawling could jinx him into never crawling or not doing it until he is 1 or something. Oy vey :-)

Happy Friday! Here's a few of my favorite things...

2011-05-20T08:54:00.001-04:00

Diet Coke (with Splenda of course), Tiny T,
Graham Dog, and a fresh clean house!

Thank you, Julie, for Tillman's Zoom Zoom outfit.
It is a great tribute to the Mazda6!

8 Months 5.12.11

2011-05-18T10:12:00.002-04:00

An early AM 8 mo birthday photo

Wow, 8 months...really. I catch myself telling people Tillman is 6 months old. Time is flying by, and I think that 8 months sounds so old for my sweet little boy!
Tillman isn't crawling yet. He's getting there though! His legs are super strong, and he wants to go. He just can't seem to get that tummy up. I've tried to put the wipes box under his tummy while on the floor to show him how to get in the crawl position, but he gets very frustrated with that approach. One thing is for sure, he is going to do it when HE is ready!

He is certainly learning how to get around. When he is sitting or laying down, he love for someone to hold out their hands so he can grab on and pull up to a standing position. Standing is when is is at his happiest. I think he has enjoyed being on his feet since he could hold his head up. Even when we just pull him up to a seated position, he tries to get us to let him hang on to our fingers long enough for him to get to the standing position.

Tillman also made another trip to the doctor this week. He's been coughing his head off and has had a runny nose! Yuck...we had to wait in the SICK waiting area. I could just feel the germs crawling on us! Tillman was "diagnosed" with allergies. He was put on the liquid form of Zyrtec. We hope this improves his symptoms.

Tillman's Stats
Weight: 18 lbs
Percentile: 20th (right on target with his growth curve)
Diaper Size-3 (Little Movers)
Clothing Size-6 months (starting to pull out 9 months)
Shoe Size- 1
Food-Momma milk and three meals a day-2 vegetables and 1 fruit
Sleeping-through the night in his crib (set a record sleep 7P-9:30A on 5.7.11)
Teeth-two
Naps-usually only 30 minutes twice a day (2 hour naps on the weekend!)
Sounds-DaDa (LOVES saying that) and jabbering like crazy
Play-floor play, standing (assisted of course), pulling up, rolling from one side of the room to the next, playing in the high chair, tickling/giggling, scooting on the floor
Things we're working on-exploring the sippy cup and crawl position
Things mommy's working on-baby proofing the house

A good night pic at the end of his long day

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

And They're Off...

2011-05-10T09:18:00.002-04:00

Wreath made by my friend, Mary-Margaret,
for my baby shower and I repurposed it
for the Derby party.
This wreath was a Pluff Mudd Studio tutorial.

On Saturday, we hosted a Kentucky Derby party. I won some Pluff Mudd Studio printables from Crossing the Bugger-Dixon Line! It was exciting to winning, but the pressure was on to plan a party in less than a week (yikes)! The Derby is know as the fastest 2 minutes in sports, and I felt like I was in a "party planning" derby to pull off a party in less than a week!

Below are some photos from the party displaying all the printables used. I also had a fun time using some of Tillman's new toys as props. The rocking horse and saddle were Nick's. Tillman's Mimi brought down a lot of Nick's toys from child hood when she last visited.

Nick's childhood rocking horse decorated for the party

Nick's childhood saddle decorated for the party

Tillman's corner of the kitchen

The Watering Trough

No Derby party is complete without Bourbon & Mint Juleps

Mint Julep Recipe

Kitchen before guests arrived

"And They're Off" Banner

Bags had candy and Chex mix in them

Graham's corner of the kitchen didn't go undecorated!

Derby Chicken and Benedictine Sandwiches

Prize Ribbons for the "Best Bet," Best Dressed," "Fastest"

(aka first to arrive), and Trivia-When was the Mint Julep
made the official drink of the Derby?

STOP...Derby Party Here!

Our Churchill Downs

Winners-The Fastest, Best Bet, and Trivia

Winner-Best Dressed

My Daddy Dressed Me...

2011-05-09T08:48:00.000-04:00

"Chicks dig me!"

Last Saturday (while I was at a baby shower), Nick and Tillman hung around the house. When I left, Tillman was still in his sleep sack, but this was his "snazzy" outfit when I returned home! By the looks of Tillman's face, I think he might like it; I see him saying something like "Chicks dig me!"

Tillman is also trying to crawl these days. He's getting the motions down, but just doesn't enjoy being on his tummy. He is rolling all around the room. Last week, he rolled under his crib at the day care, and couldn't get out. I think he surprised his "teachers," especially since one of them had to crawl under there with him to "fish" him out. They said that he has really become mobile over the past week.

One thing I've noticed is we'll see Tillman do something at home, but it takes about a week until they notice it at daycare. I think at home we're more comfortable with having him do things, but when at daycare, they don't put him out of his comfort zone/ test him. Likely it is because they have 9 other babies to watch, and they are just trying to keep all 10 happy...let alone challenge each of them!

Easter 2011

2011-04-27T11:40:00.001-04:00

We had a long weekend for Easter. Tillman's daycare was closed Good Friday, so we hung around the house and packed for our trip to Lexington. We drove to Lexington (my home town) early Saturday morning, so that Tillman could attend the St. Peter's Easter Egg Hunt! I went to this hunt as a child every year. At the time (back in my day), it was hosted by the senior group. I can remember getting a bag of candy, getting to choose which dyed egg I wanted to take home, and of course, hunting eggs on the church grounds!

Now-a-days it is hosted by the young adult group. They had everything from coloring to the Easter Bunny visiting the kids. I got to see everyone I used to go to church with and their children (we used to be "the children"). We had a lot of fun, and it certainly brought back a lot of memories from my childhood (I sure do miss Lexington!). Although Tillman didn't get to meet the Easter Bunny (sorry kid, the line was too long!), he was pretty "tuckered out" regardless. We spent the rest of Saturday relaxing and lounging at my parents' house.

Sunday, Easter, we headed to the Sunrise Service. It started at 6:30 AM! It was a rush to get there, but we made it! The service started outside and then we processed in. Tillman did real well! After service, we ate breakfast at church, and then headed back to my parents house for another egg hunt.
Tillman's first Easter went pretty well!

Hunt Reflections:
Next year, I hope he will be more "in to" the egg hunting. I might have to set up a few egg hunts at the house for practice rounds, so he can learn the ropes! When carrying him out to his hunt location, my heart was pounding (my competitiveness was coming out). In my head I was strategizing. At the same time, I'm thinking to myself "Meredith, he's a baby...he's not going to hunt."

As Nick and I discussed, my competitiveness comes out because I want to see him/Tillman succeed and do well. Yes, it is only an egg hunt, but you should see the parents out there...its RUTHLESS! There is one thing that we are going to TRY to do different from those ruthless parents, we're going to teach Tillman how to hunt on his own (with a little guidance of course). Tillman will be far more successful if he learns to do it on his own. If he get 5 eggs and the other child who has 3 adults helping gets 30, then I know and will be proud that he did it HIMSELF! I'll slip him a 5 (dollar bill) when we get to the car (the usual prize for the most eggs)! In this situation it is JUST an egg hunt, but I think that parents get so competitive and want their child to "win," but sometimes can loose sight of the child being independent and learning to succeed on their own. Is it worth getting excited for your child if you wrote their A+ paper or hunted all the eggs yourself?
Funny the philosophical parenting topics that come out of a simple egg hunt!

When's the Easter Bunny Coming?

2011-04-16T16:38:00.000-04:00

Today, we've been waiting on the "bad" weather to come. The news has been prepping us for it, so we were prepared to "bunker down" today and stay inside.

However, it turned out to be a beautiful day at our house!
I dressed up Tillman in his Easter best, and we headed outside for some photos this afternoon.

7 months 4.12.11

2011-04-13T09:48:00.003-04:00

Tillman "turned" seven months yesterday. I sure wish I had better photography skills because these photos just can't capture his personality. He's pretty startled by the flash, so most of his expression pictured are a result that.

This month, he certainly has become more "mobile." No he's not walk or crawling, but he is starting to bang his head more by just being a little "weeble wobble." Sitting up has been the name of the game this month. He has gone from leaning over his feet and "flinging" backwards to (now) sitting straight-backed and trying to keep himself upright. I think he enjoys sitting up and "exploring" the world from this angle. He love to grab for his toys. Of course, we've been trying to challenge him by putting toys right outside of his reach which this determined little guy will get the toy and put straight in his mouth. However, he generally does a face plant when grabbing.

He is also working on rolling from his back to his stomach. He gets on his side a lot, but doesn't know how to get his arms situated to make the move. He has done it at least once because Sunday night he flipped himself right out of the swing (I know, I'm a bad parent for not strapping him in)....You know I have a story about that one...here it goes. Tillman was sleeping in his swing (swing wasn't on) and I heard him cry for 15 seconds...nothing big, but like he had a bad dream or something. I went to check on him, and he wasn't there. The swing was empty and it was barley moving. I FREAKED OUT! When I got close to the swing, I saw Tillman asleep on the floor! He was in a sleep sack, so from afar, he looked like another blanket (thank God we keep blankets under the swing, so his fall was quit plush). I picked the little guy up, and he was fast asleep!

Cute Chucky Thighs!

Tillman is also giving his two new teeth a work out! He's eating food twice a day (soon to be three times). He's had squash, zucchini, mango, pears, green beans, apples, banana, carrots, avocado, oatmeal, rice cereal, and prunes so far. I think he's going to try some cabbage next (read that on a blog that it was a safe food).

Diaper Size-2 (Little Snugglers)

Clothing Size-3-6 months (His Easter outfit is a 3 month)

Shoe Size- 1

Food-Momma milk and two meals (food) a day

Sleeping-through the night, in his crib, and transitioned to a sleep sack

Teeth-two

Naps-usually only 30 minutes twice a day

Sounds-DaDa sound and jabbering like crazy

Play-floor play, grabbing for toys, playing in the high chair, tickling/giggling

New buddies-Graham

Things we're working on-exploring the sippy cup, rolling over, and crawl position

Things mommy's working on-baby proofing the house, strapping him into everything, hunting for new foods

Tillman's waiting for Graham to get in reach

Graham doesn't get too close

Since this post talks about swings, here's a picture of Tillman's crib at daycare. He sleeps in his crib in the swing for his naps. If it wasn't for this set up, I'm pretty sure he wouldn't nap at all. However, Tillman is learning to nap without the swing as of this week! Huge transition for Tiny T!

***blogger is giving me a headache...sorry for the picture placement. Just can't seem to fix it.

Two Teeth Tillman

2011-04-05T08:18:00.000-04:00

Tillman's two bottom teeth are fully in, and man, does it hurt if you get your finger caught in there! He is very curious about "those hard things" in his mouth. This teething boy put everything in his mouth.

Wednesday Woes

2011-03-30T08:22:00.000-04:00

DISCLAIMER: First, let me say "I AM SPOILED!" I know this, so I tend to complain because I have it good...very good and haven't had to experience the "other side."

-HOWEVER-
I'm going to complain and whine BECAUSE this poor spoiled brat has had a rough past few days.

My lovely husband (who rarely travels for work, has a home office, took care of our son for 3 months after I went back to work-involved daddy, does the majority of the cleaning, is an awesome cook, walks the dog and on and on and on...I am sure I'm missing some other great things the hubs does.) has been working before sunrise until after dark this week. This working until after dark isn't usual, but it is normally at the "home office," so he is still home, and we can still visit with him. Man, mommy has been having a rough time...Tillman too! I have a HUGE appreciation for those single parents out there.

This picture reminds me of how I've felt for the past few days (Tillman by default because he has to put up with me in daddy's absents).

It even further makes me laugh because of what Tillman's shirt says "Future CEO." This picture was taken in Nick's home office, and Nick own a landscaping company with his dad. It would seem likely that if it is Tillman's wishes that he'd be the "Future CEO."
Then there's the thought that Tillman isn't concerned about the long hours at all and is smarter than we think...maybe he is just concerned about the economy!

The doctor said "don't be alarmed, mom, but..."

2011-03-23T09:23:00.002-04:00

"Tillman has pneumonia."

An hour after I blogged about Tillman's 6 month well visit, I get a call from Nick saying the daycare called. Tillman had a temp of 102.2, and they requested he be picked up. We, of course, thought it was due to his 6 month shots (4 shots at this visit), but I scheduled a doctor's appointment anyways...good thing because 2 hours in the doctors office with a breathing treatment, another shot, oral antibiotic and testing for RSV concluded that Tillman had pneumonia (pneumococcal pneumonia that is/was superimposed over a virus aka daycare crud). We saw a great physician, Dr. Clifford (going to switch to him from now on). He gave us his cell phone number and told me that it is always with him and to call no matter the hour. He called to check on Tillman on Friday night, and ended his call with "give Tillman a hug for me." On Saturday night, Tillman's fever spiked again, and I was getting worried because it was getting late (new mom here...never had a sick child before). I broke down and called dear Dr. Clifford. He "triaged" Tillman over the phone. He told me what to do and to call back if things didn't get better and we'd reassess! When calling, I was ready to go to the ER, but he talked us through it and was really calm. Again he ended the call with "give my little buddy a hug for me!"

Tillman is doing much better! He went to daycare on Monday since he was fever free from 24 hours (that's the rule). Nick and I agreed not to tell the daycare ladies that Tillman had pneumonia...didn't want to freak them out. I just told them he had an infection and he was on antibiotics. He still has his terrible cough, stuffy nose, and watery eyes going on. He's had this since March 1st. We sure hope April brings a stronger immune system to our household! Tillman and I have been to the doctor twice in March, and Nick has been 5 times.

6 Months 3.12.11

2011-03-18T09:45:00.001-04:00

Tillman spent his 6 month birthday in Lexington. We went for my cousin's wedding. It ended up being just Tillman and me, since Nick was sick. This was also the first time Nick had been away from Tillman, and the first time I had traveled alone with Tillman. The traveling went well, and he slept for the full two hours. We were able to get the car unloaded and him inside my parents house before waking up (the coo coo clock got him...he immediately awoke to that noise).

Tillman got to see a lot of my side of the family. Many of these folks we had not seen since Christmas. Tillman had some sucking up to do to these people since he screamed his head off at Christmas. He got to show them that he was a happy baby after all!

Tillman has had a busy March....
First, he was introduced to the yucky germs at daycare, which lead to the entire family being sick. We all still have the stuffy noses going. It is just a virus, so we're letting it run its course.

He has really gotten settled into his new routine...going to daycare everyday. He no longer cries when we "hand him over" in the morning. He is, however, very spoiled and knows that he is the first to be picked up in the afternoon. If another child gets picked up before him, he wants to go with them and cries. He knows that when a person comes in, one of the babies gets to go out, and he always wants it to be him. He still has not adjusted to being in one room all day long...he's used to being on the go.

Tillman also has a new routine with eating. We've replaced one of his bottles with food! Nick and I have been making his baby food in the Beaba Babycook. He has had green beans, pears, squash, and carrots so far. I've enjoyed cooking his food, and Tillman has certainly enjoyed eating. He gets rather impatient while eating. As soon as the spoon is out of his mouth, he is whining and beating the high chair tray for more.

Developmentally, Tillman has had a HUGE month. Our drooling monster has his first tooth, and his second one is about to make its appearance very soon (pictures to come soon on this, but its hard to capture)! Also, Tillman is rolling over a lot and is sitting up for short periods. He hasn't quite grasped that nothing is supporting him from behind. He will just "fling" himself backward...really hard. We really have to be careful because I am pretty sure he could give himself a concussion or something if he hit the floor (wow, wouldn't we get parents of the month if that happened)!

Yesterday, St. Patrick's Day, Tillman had his 6 month check up. The daycare ladies wanted to make sure we remembered his green, so he wouldn't get pinched. However, Tillman got more than just pinched yesterday....he got 4 shots!

At the appointment the doctor encouraged us to get the house "baby proofed." She said she estimates we have 4 weeks to do so...guess we need to get busy with that. He was "released" to eat pretty much any type of food (expect peanut butter, strawberries and eggs), so I think we're going to increase his eating to two meals a day. She also expects him to be crawling by the next appointment at nine months (pressure's on Tiny T).

Tillman's Stats

Weight-16 lbs 2 oz (23rd percentile)

Height-25.75 inches (23rd percentile)

Head Circumference-17 inches (31st percentile)

So, we don't call him Tiny T for nothing; he's on the small side. I'm ok with that.

Random Stats

Diaper Size-2 (Little Snugglers)

Clothing Size-3-6 months (0-3 pants are still fitting!)

Food-Momma milk and one meal (food) a day

Sleeping-through the night, in his crib, and still in his bunting suit

Teeth-one in and one on the away...drooling like crazy

Sounds-cooing, making raspberries, high pitch squeaks

Play-Jumperoo, Bumbo, stroller walks, standing, tummy time

New buddies-Graham

STOP with the pictures already!

Does your child sleep this hard?

2011-03-16T13:46:00.001-04:00

Oh, we have a dog?

2011-03-09T12:35:00.002-05:00

Over the past couple of weeks, Tillman has really started to "notice" Graham. Before, Tillman wouldn't pay Graham much attention. Graham would sniff him and go away; the interaction was short. Now, Tillman gets really excited when Graham is around. Not sure Graham likes Tillman's attention.

To get Graham "warmed-up" to Tillman, we've started letting Tillman give Graham treats. We set the treat on the exersaucer while Tillman is playing, and tell Graham to get his treat. He really has to be encouraged to get the treat, since he is so "skittish" around Tillman. Once he gets his treat, he runs off. Tillman just love Graham getting close (literally, in his face).

This is Tillman greeting Graham when Nick got home one night. Truth be told, Graham just wanted to be petted by Nick, but he was willing to get close since Tillman was in his "master's" lap!

This video is the same, but I am posting it for Tillman's Mimi who can't see the YouTube version.

Tillman Has Been Initiated Into Day Care

2011-03-01T08:05:00.001-05:00

Mimi-thanks for the outfit!
Tillman thinks it wears and "taste" good!

On Tillman's third week of day care, he is officially initiated. I can't believe the initiation process took that long! The other kids in his "class," I guess, were not sure if they wanted to "share."

Tillman is part of the day care gang with a snotty nose, sneezing, watery eyes and a temp of 99.6!

He's pretty resilient to the effects of the "crud." He still managed to find a smile, stick out his tongue and show off his belly!

Day Care Funnies

2011-02-24T07:57:00.003-05:00

Tillman's routine has certainly been "shaken up" since the start of day care. He went from 1:1 care to 3:10 care, and he wasn't all that happy about it. Everyone says that it is the parents that have the biggest adjustment to the concept, and while that might be true to some extent, Tillman has certainly noticed the change. His eating, sleeping, moods, and ~~poops~~ other things have been effected.

When I dropped him off this Monday morning, I handed him over to the day care lady. His poor little lip poked out, and he began to cry. It made me feel so bad. This was again a repeat for Nick on Tuesday. Most days, they say he has an absolute melt down in the morning, and then the afternoons are better.

Yesterday when I picked him up, they said he was "great!" This is the FIRST time the ladies were smiling and "cooing" at Tillman when we left. The other days, I think they are glad to see him go?

Since we are into week two at day care, there are some things that I think are just funny.

1. Since the first day, there is one lady that tells me everyday "Tillman is so gassy!" She wanted us to get him some Mylicon. We took a bottle, and just yesterday, they are requesting another bottle. I know this stuff won't hurt Tillman because anything you can give your child 12 times a day can't be harmful. However, really...already need another bottle? Yes, I get it, you think he is gassy!
By the way, Nick and I haven't use Mylicon since he was 1 month old. He does fine at home.

2. Monday I had some extra time, so I stayed and chatted with the ladies. I specifically asked if he was running low on anything. They said he still had a good stock. On Tuesday report card, diapers were highlighted, circled, and checked. Really? I just asked about this. Tillman and I had to run to the store to have some for Wednesday.

3. Booties are required to be worn in the room for "cleanliness." I think this is great and appreciate them putting that rule in place. My shoes walk around a hospital all day, and Nick's shoes walk around chemicals and outdoor stuff all day, so I certainly don't want to be walking were Tillman is on the floor especially since he has his hands in his mouth all the time (wow-long sentence). However, The booties are a pain to put on. Plus, I don't like reusing ones that have been put on other's shoes (ick!). I've seen some parents walk in the room with just socks or no shoes. Apparently, that is breaking the rules. I got "called down" for this...really, everyone else does it, and you say nothing (got to pick on the newbie?)! The lady made me feel like a two-year-old.

4.You have to ring a door bell to get in the building. Again, safety first! There is a camera at the door, and they buzz you in. One thing I ponder is how long do I wait until I buzz the bell again. I stood there for over a minute yesterday (I know, a minute is not that long, but when you are standing there with your hand on the door handle waiting...it is!). I finally buzzed again, and they immediately let me in. Next time, I'm waiting 20 seconds!

5. Tillman can sleep standing up in a exersaucer. He literally "jumps" himself to sleep. When he does this at home, we just let him be. While it may be funny, odd, and look uncomfortable, he likes it and can sleep an hour or more, so just leave him be. The ladies think he needs to be in a bed to sleep, so they try to move him. Of course he wakes up, so that is why the poor child hasn't slept longer than 30 minutes since becoming a "day care kid."

6. Tillman's crib is the ONLY crib in the place that has a swing in it! I must get a picture of this! They have figured out that he can sleep in a swing too. I picked him up on Friday, and he was in his swing in his crib. The other children were sitting in Bumba seats on the carpet in a circle "playing." Poor Tillman looked like a "loner" in the corner. It made me sad!

So...that is that!

A Year Ago...

2011-02-18T08:05:00.002-05:00

Wow, what a difference a year can make! This day a year ago I had a doctor's appointment that changed our lives forever! We found out at the end of my appointment that I didn't have a virus and all of those stomach cramps were for something special! The two little lines on the in-office pregnancy test indicated it was positive! I can remember the lady who did the test running down the hall with it in her hand to show me! My heart was beating a million miles a minute! I didn't know what to think (excitement, fear, anxiety)!

And can you believe I didn't blog about it until March?

"Tiny T" has been a true blessing to us. I do remember life before Tillman, but I certainly cherish what we have now and know that being a mom is what I have always wanted. I've heard many folks refer to college and pre-married life as "the good ol' days," but I think the birth of Tillman has started my "good 'ol days!" Nothing can compare to his sweet smile he give us when we pick him up from his crib each morning or his cute laugh when we do "zerberts" on his tummy after a diaper change!

Man, what a difference a year can make!

5 months 2.12.11

2011-02-15T08:27:00.002-05:00

Cheering on Cousin Colin

Tillman turned 5 months on Saturday. We celebrated by going to Cousin Colin's basketball game. Tillman enjoyed watching the game. He paid close attention to the players and the ball. However, the buzzer was not his favorite, and he let us all know!

Uncle Ricky holding Tillman

Tillman also had a big Valentine's Day too. He started daycare yesterday. I think he will do just fine, but there will be some adjustment time (for all of us). The daycare ladies mentioned it would likely take a week or so. The poor guy cried for 45 minutes straight and only drank 1/2 of the milk that he normally does. The ladies asked we bring Mylicon, as they were very concerned his tummy hurt.

When Tillman got home he drank two bottles and was exhausted from his day. He pretty much slept from 5PM to 5:30AM. Tillman certainly isn't used to a lot of noise. They mentioned he woke every time another child was crying, he cried when they did, and he just wasn't sure about things.

We know that it is good for him to socialize and be around other children, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hard to drop him off. Nick and I both didn't speak very much when we left the daycare. It made me teary eyed to leave him in someone else's care. I think it got to Nick a little too.

We know he is in good care. The ladies are very sweet, and when I went for pick up, they gave me a complete run down of the day, and they give him a daily report card too. They seemed very impressed I didn't call the check up on Tillman during the day (boy, did I want to), but I think they get annoyed by parents calling (I would).

Cousin Colin and Tillman

What's Tillman up to at five months?

-He loves to make "raspberry" sounds (vibrate lips and slobber...the cute kind). We have a bib on his all the time.

-He's been introduced to rice cereal, but we've stopped feeding him it until we can add some fruit (need some fiber in that diet).

-Tillman is starting to learn if he cries/gets fussy, we tend to him. He is starting to play us like his "puppets."

-He is pretty consistent with sleeping through the night (in his crib too).

-Tillman wears a size 2 diaper, is still in 0-3 mo. clothing, and has a steady diet of "mommy milk"

-Some of his tricks include-rolling over, blowing bubbles and sit-ups/crunches

-Tillman enjoys walks in the BabyBjour and the jogging stroller

-He also has the sweetest smile and laugh too!

The BIG Sleep Transition

2011-02-09T08:05:00.001-05:00

Tillman has had a lot of changes in his night time / nap routine. Not only has he transitioned to from downstairs to now upstairs, but he has transitioned from the Moses basket to his crib! Way to go, Tillman!

Tillman was quickly approaching the max out point of the Moses basket (his head was touching the top and his legs were scrunching up at the bottom) we noticed last week. Nick tried him upstairs for one of his naps, and of course, he did fine. Friday night was his first night in his crib, and Saturday night he slept from 7P-7A! The news gets even better, last night I put him down in his crib, and he just kicked around and played for at least 30 minutes before going to bed. He seems to really like it.

We've certainly set up a true night time scene for him in his room--3 night lights and a sound machine on rain. Who wouldn't sleep good like that?

With this big transition, I've set up the video monitor. I've gone this long without a monitor because he was right outside our room each night, so I could hear him if he was up. With being upstairs, I knew I'd want to keep my eye on the little guy. I love to watch him on the monitor. Of course, I make sure he is breathing, but we've also had a fun time watching him rotating his body a full 180 degrees through the night. We lay him at the top of the crib, then he turns his body to have his head and feet touch the bumper, and then through the night, he continues to rotate. This morning we picked him up out of his crib with his feet at the head of the crib.

I think he really enjoys the extra room in the crib!

Open Wide

2011-02-04T08:10:00.001-05:00

Mom, where's my bottle?

Tillman has been "off and on" with his tolerance of rice cereal. He got his first taste of it last Saturday. His first taste, which is pictured, was him getting the "hang of" something being in his mouth. He still has a pretty strong tongue reflex (or whatever you call it), so he is pushing a lot of the cereal out instead of swallowing. We think it might be a while until he really prefers the cereal and will begin taking it down. Frankly, at this point with him pushing it out, it is a MESS! He is very interested in his hands, so once the hands get in the mouth full of cereal, it is in his eyes, on his clothes, all over his face, and all over us!

Daddy, what is mommy doing to me?
Put down the camera and help me out!

By the second time we gave him rice cereal, he certainly got the hang of "open wide." He knows when that spoon is near to open his mouth. It is really pretty cute. Once the spoon is in his mouth, his face looks like he is thinking "why did I do that (open my mouth)?"

Oh, I just don't know about this.

We are attempting to give him rice cereal once a day (twice on the weekends since we have more time with him). Sometimes it goes well, other times no so much. I feel he is ready to transfer to taking down food (cereal). Tillman is taking down a lot of milk these days (more than I make in a day). We've even had to pull some out of the freezer (he's received 10 ozs extra the past few days; equaling around ~46 ozs per day/24 hours).

Bottle, please!

We're going to keep "plugging" away at rice cereal. The doctor said that by the time we take him to his 6 month appointment, he should be taking down some fruits and veges! I am sure those will taste a lot better than the rice cereal, but it is important since that is how Tiny T is getting his iron.

When is this going to stop?

Ok...so maybe this stuff isn't all that bad!

Enjoying the Sunshine

2011-02-03T07:53:00.000-05:00

Tillman says thanks to cousins,
Parker and Mason, for the hand-me-down!

Over the past few weekends, it has been pretty nice weather. We've been able to get outside for walks, going to the park, and playing on Tillman's big boy toy! Tillman was introduced to his outdoor play set a couple of weekends ago, and we try to get outside every chance we get to play on it. We are all looking forward to spring, so we can get outdoors more. It looks like we might get an early spring since the Groundhog didn't see his shadow yesterday!

We had a feeling Tillman would enjoy this swing as much as he has ~~enjoyed~~ been addicted to his Little Lamb Swing. The warm sunshine + the swing = one happy Tillman! He has been eyeing the slide part of the play set. I'm sure we'll be tackling that side sometime soon.

Giggle Box

2011-01-31T07:27:00.001-05:00

Tillman's Big Brother, Graham Dog, Is In TROUBLE!

2011-01-21T13:37:00.002-05:00

You'll notice in the top right corner of this photo, Graham has a FULL bowl of food. By the looks of this photo, you'd think we didn't feed him (or discipline him for that matter)! This is the FIRST time he has ever done this, and we hope the LAST!

Graham is currently in "time out!"

Employee In Training

2011-01-20T07:47:00.001-05:00

Email from Nick:
"Tillman helping with the next proposal.
Not sleeping much today."

I got an email yesterday with this photo attached from Nick. Tillman was helping daddy get some desk work done! My Grandfather always said "kids have their work to do too." So, yes; Tillman was busy at his desk too--spinning around his toy and concentrating on keeping his head up. I think he also got in some job shadowing. Maybe by the time he goes to daycare he can teach the other kids how to write a landscaping proposal?

PS Notice the outfit...he lives in this thing! I ordered another one for him, and we got it in the mail yesterday. Now at least we have a back up!

New Year's Card

2011-01-19T07:26:00.001-05:00

What boy doesn't like bugs?

2011-01-18T07:43:00.002-05:00

Hey, check out my bugs!

Tillman got a cute toy for Christmas from Cici and JRS. He has been enjoying after bath time, the gardenbug foot and wrist rattle set by Lamaze Toys. Lately, Tillman has been discovering his hands and feet. This sock and rattle set has really engaged him. When he has the socks on, he grabs for his toes and tries to grab the "bugs" on his feet. Much the same with the wrist rattles, he'll bite the bugs on his wrist which gives his fingers a break (He always has his hands in his mouth. I think it disappoints him that he can't stick his full fist in his mouth!)

Tillman flashing the "hang ten" sign (right hand).

This set encourages him to do quit the workout. He does ab crunches, toe touches, and arm stretches. Tillman gets really excited with his feet. The socks end up coming off because he rubs and kicks so much!

Tillman drooling over bugs!

Since Tillman is discovering the world through his mouth, this toy has been great for him to chew on and help him with hand eye coordination!

Mom, what is on my arm?

4 Month Check Up

2011-01-14T08:23:00.002-05:00

Sadly, this is the only picture
I got at his appointment.

Luckily, Tillman has not been to the doctor since his two month check up in November. He has been a pretty healthy boy! Tillman hasn't had time to be sick because we've been on the "go" for the past two months, and he has been busy himself growing!

At 4 months Tillman is

-14 lbs 4 ozs (37th percentile)

-25 inches long (54th percentile)

-Head size 16.25 inches (25th percentile)

-BMI of 16

I was glad to see his height became a little bit more average, and all of his stats have increased in the percentile rankings (especially his head size-it is up from the 3rd percentile!).

Tillman got one vaccine (a combo shot), and he'll go back in two weeks to get the remaining 3 vaccines to complete his 4 month vaccine schedule.

We spent about 30 minutes with the PA going over questions and having her "take a look at" Tillman. We were excited to find out that Tillman shows all the right signs to start food-rice cereal (holding his head up with good control and taking more than 32 ozs in a 24 hour period). We plan to start cereal this weekend, and by 6 months he will be able to have some fun fruits with it!

We also discussed sleeping. She told us that he SHOULD be able to sleep through the night, and we SHOULD just let him cry it out....ugh! Hard to hear (at the appointment and during the night last night...we did feed him once during the night). Even though we explained when he wakes at night, he takes down a bottle and goes right back to bed (no play time involved), she said he should be fine until the morning, and he needs to sleep through the night. BUT, she did follow up by saying "every child is different." We are going to try to see what works for us. Having a long weekend (MLK holiday) may help us get through the "crying it out" stage if we choose that route.

Tillman is still pretty content with 3.5-4 ozs of milk at each feeding (I, the milk maid, am exclusively pumping...no formula yet for Tillman), although he should be taking 1/2 his weight, which is ~7ozs. After getting home from the pediatrician visit, I did open a box of new bottle that had some 8 oz bottles and stage two nipples. We gave him 6 ozs before going to bed, but during the night, he still took another 4ozs. Tillman is funny when it comes to eating. He is very good at "cleaning his plate" aka "taking down a full bottle," but don't ask him to go for "seconds." Once the bottle is out of his mouth, he won't take anymore...he's done!

I think if he can get down an 7-8 ozs bottle before bed, then I'll feel better about letting him "cry it out."

We also chatted about "what should Tillman be doing now?" She assured us that he was "normal." (I need to hear that.) We did get confirmation that Tillman has been teething and he has a couple teeth under the gums. It looks like he'll get teeth early.

She checked him out doing some "Tummy Time," and she said he does really well and looks "strong." We asked if there was a suggested length of time we should do Tummy Time, but she didn't feel there was a set time to do it.

She did ask if he was rolling over or intentionally grabbing at things. We said "not yet." So, that is what we will focus on. He has rolled over, but it isn't intentional.

We are very glad to hear that Tillman is right on track! Happy 4 Month Birthday, Tiny T!

Tummy Time

2011-01-13T08:17:00.002-05:00

Touch Down!

We've really been focusing on "Tummy Time" lately. Tillman really hates it, and boy, does he get mad after about 5 minutes into it. Nick was told about a study done at Purdue University on a child's "symmetric tonic neck reflex," and Nick being a Boilermaker, of course, considers the study "the letter of the law." (The proud graduate he is :-)). The results of the study (another article) say that if a child learns to crawl late/don't crawl enough or walking before crawling, they are more likely to have ADHD or symptoms of ADHD (This article refers to the research, but doesn't talk about the study directly.).

Hey mom, you're blocking the TV!

Like all parents, we want to "mold" our child to be as "perfect" as possible (normal is ok too), so Nick has been reading how to prepare children for crawling. The main way is to strength their arm, neck and core muscle. There are several techniques they suggest, such as putting a rolled towel under their chest, using one of tummy time mats with a platform, and putting something in front of them that they can grab or that interest them.

Mom, you make a better door than a window!

What interest Tillman, you say...the TV! I am pretty sure that causes issues too! These pictures are of him on our bed doing some tummy time while watching some football. Well, I guess everything in moderation...right?

Typical Male...glued to football

Children aren't supposed to crawl until 6-8 months, so we got a little while to see when he'll be waring (wearing ?) holes in the knees of his jeans.

Moms out there-How long and how many times a day did you do Tummy Time with your children?

Wordless Wednesday (Tillman is 4 months old today!) & A Prayer

2011-01-12T07:00:00.001-05:00

Tillman asks that you pray for his "JRS" (Meredith's dad) today who is have a partial (hopefully not full) knee replacement surgery! We pray for a speedy recover and a good outcome.

Up On Your Feet-It's Jumperoo Time!

2011-01-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

Tillman loves to be on his feet and has pretty strong legs, so the Jumperoo and him are best buds! There's just one slight issue....his feet don't touch the ground!

We put a shoe box under him at first, but as of this past weekend, he has graduated to a book (growing longer by the day). He has lots of growing room in the Jumperoo, as he can't reach any of the activities yet, but he loves to listen to the music, jump around, and look at alll the lights.

Sleeping Vertically

He plays so hard in the Jumperoo, it just flat "tuckers" him out!

Literally!

Tillman's First Christmas

2011-01-10T09:43:00.000-05:00

Tillman must have sang the song "All I want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth" because the little guy has been teething. We weren't sure what was going on on Christmas day, but he was beside himself, which lead to a "Cranky Christmas!" (In his defense, being away from home for 10 days, being around unfamiliar people, and being passed around probably didn't help.)

It wasn't until after we returned home that I had a chance to look around in his mouth. Sure enough, he has two incisors developing under the gums. I am sure we'll see them pop out in the next month or so.

Tillman slept most of Christmas day. We woke him to open presents at my parent's house with our family (just didn't want him to miss out on the action on his first Christmas); although, I think he would have rather slept.

After the festivities at my parent's house, we all went to my aunt's house to enjoy Christmas night with the extended family. Let's see....there's only one way to say this...Tillman did NOT enjoy himself. He let us know right quick that he wanted his swing and sleep. Nick ended up leaving early and taking Tillman home. I, the milk maid, had to leave soon after as well.

Wow Mommy, check out all my loot!

Daddy's little boy

Cousin Colin, and Cousin Logan putting bunny ears on Colin

Cici's and JRS's 4 Grandboys

Christmas Week to Christmas Eve

2011-01-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Tillman sporting the outfit Cici made for him!

We spent Christmas in Lexington, SC this year at Cici and JRS's house. We've alternated each year between Ohio and Lexington since we've been married. Either the week before Christmas or the week after Christmas, we visit both sides of the family.

We arrived back in Lexington from Ohio on Tuesday, 22nd. Originally, we weren't to come back to SC until Wednesday, but the weather report didn't look very good for Wednesday, so we headed back a day early. The drive back was very rainy, and Nick didn't cut off the windshield wipers until we were in SC. It went from snow, to a wintry mix, to rain the further we drove south.

We didn't get on the road until around 9AM, so the last hour of the trip, we had a screaming baby! Tillman was absolutely DONE with the car! We pulled over at one point, got him out the seat, and he did great! As soon as we sat him in the seat, he was angry! We just decided to drive on and listen to him scream! Nick and I knew that the end of the drive was in sight, but Tillman was letting us all know that he wanted out!

During the week, we just bummed around Lexington. It was nice to have a "do nothing" few days. The only things I wanted to get done was to get the car washed and to have a movie date with Nick! Man was our car a mess after being in the snow.

We went and saw the Little Fockers. It was ok...like most every one's review of it, but it was great to have a date with Nick. Tillman and Cici hung out while we were going.

Family photo before Church on Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, we went to the 5:30 service at my home church, St. Peter's Lutheran. This was the first time we'd been to that service. In the past, it has been a tradition to always go to the late service, but 10:30 wouldn't have been the best time for Tillman. Plus, I am sure people attending worship would be less forgiving if my child had an outburst (if you can relate to people shooting daggers at you when your child makes a peep)!

We arrived at church at 5:25, and I won't make that mistake again! We ended up on the FRONT row, organ side! Usually this isn't a big deal, but Tillman is not a fan of loud, sudden noises. He was chilling out in his car seat, and once the organ cranked up, he "primpt" like he was going to burst into tears. I rescued him out of the car seat, and held him for the service. He did really well through the service, but the last five minutes, he had to be taken out! Nick was on duty for that, so my parents and I enjoyed the remainder of the candle light portion of the service.

After the service, we went home, got in our jammies, and settled in for the night.

I Spy...

2011-01-06T07:00:00.004-05:00

Remember that game?

Well if you're out shopping at Citadel Mall, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for Tillman.

We went to Citadel Mall right before Christmas this year to get our yearly ornament from Hallmark. Nick and I have gotten one each year. In fact, we both gave each other an ornament as one of our first gifts. It just so happened; we didn't plan it.

This year we got a baby's first Christmas ornament for Tillman.

Like every year, Hallmark was busting at the seams with people and was super busy. We left Nick at the check-out while Tillman and I strolled around the mall. We found Tillman's picture on the kiosk right outside of Claire's and Hollister!

If Tillman were one of those E-Trade babies,
I wonder what he would be saying in this photo.
He wasn't the least bit interested in getting his photo taken
(as if he was embarrassed or something!)

Cozy T

2011-01-05T07:23:00.003-05:00

Tillman's Mimi got him a "bunting suit" since this southern baby doesn't have much for snow or cold weather. Tillman really enjoyed this suit. In fact, he wears the suit all the time now! This kid likes to be cozy and warm.

Afterall, that is when he gets his best sleep!

Check out those pink rosy cheeks!

Tillman Meets Some of His Family

2011-01-04T07:02:00.001-05:00

Tillman with his Great Grandmother
(her husband is who Tillman is named after)

Tillman got to meet his Great-Grandmother, Nick's sister's family, and the extended family on Nick's dad's side.

We had family pictures made the Sunday before Christmas. We wore black tops and jeans. Anxiously awaiting to see how those turned out. Hope to post some of those.

Tillman didn't get changed into his outfit until the last minute. Never know what could happen if we put it on him too soon!

Road Trip-Ohio Bound

2011-01-03T08:59:00.001-05:00

Check out my moves now that I have a clean diaper and am fed!

On the night of December 16th, we left our house for "Christmas Vacation." The first leg of the trip would take us to Lexington, SC for the night. We stopped in at my parents house (JRS & Cici) to drop off 1/2 the car load of Christmas gifts, shave two hours off our drive, and to get a good night's rest before traveling to Nick's mom's house (Mimi) in Dayton, OH (9 hr drive from Lexington).

Tillman making a high pitched squelling sound

We got on the road at 5:30AM to head to Ohio. Tillman does really well in the AM and is generally a little "sleepy head." We've learned from our other road trip to VA it is best to get on the road as soon as possible.

Tillman kickin' it in the SMKW's parking lot

Nick was hoping he'd make it to the Smokey Mountain Knife Works exit...this is in TN (exit 407 off I-40-Kodak, TN...in case you're curious)! I had my doubts, and really thought we'd have a hungry boy on our hands before we got there. Tillman granted Nick's wish and lasted until we got to SMKW. Nick is a Case Knife collector and enjoys stopping in to SMKW to see what is new. Tillman and I hung out in the car. We fed, did a diaper change, and got Tillman some out of the car seat time! As you can tell by the photos, he was loving being out of the seat and enjoyed kicking around.

Bubble Machine

As expected, Tillman got cranky about an hour after we got back on the road. He really wanted some attention! We pulled off the interstate! We did a little shuffling around of stuff, and Nick was offically our chauffeur! Tillman summons me to the back seat for the remainder of the trip!

After that stop, we didn't stop the rest of the trip! I over came my fear of feeding Tillman in the car seat...not completely...I still think it could be dangerous, but I try to be smart about it. I've found that if he is really hungry, he doesn't mess around with the bottle and sucks it down! If he is not totally hungry and using the bottle as a passifier, that is when he tends to choke on the milk (scairy when a child is bucked in the car seat, and the car is going 70 MPH plus!)

"Maybe if I smile at Momma, she'll let me drive?"

Nick and I were listening to his new book on tape, Decision Points by George W Bush, for the drive. Whether you like "W" or not, I think it is a great book, and really helps one understand him and the tough decisions of The President. I also really enjoyed that he was the voice of the book (authors aren't always the voice).

Nick is a huge book on tape fan (his lovely wife purchased him this book on tape...CD). The thought of the word, "book," about puts me into a coma (not much of a reader beyond blogs), but this one kept me awake and interested!

We arrived in Dayton around 3:30pm. Snow was on the ground (6 in or so).

Oh it's 7PM, well that could only mean one thing....

2010-12-21T08:55:00.004-05:00

It's bath time!

I have a feeling this will be the "oh Mom" look
I get when he is a teenager! I think he is thinking
"dude, put the camera up, I'm naked!"

Tillman loves the bath! He gets one about every night. We asked the pediatrician if that was ok, and of course it is! We just can't use soap every time! Bath time is part of his nightly routine to get him ready for bed.

kicking in the water

"Mom, put the camera down! I need to
get bathed before this water gets cold."

He keeps that fists clinched all the time.
Boy, does it get smelly!
The hands are the first thing washed, and
they do get soap everyday!
Those fist are lint traps! YUCK!

Keepin' Up With The Baby Jones'

2010-12-17T08:45:00.002-05:00

My competitive side needs to tell you this picture
was taken after he had been in the seat for a while.
He can and does hold his head up straight.
PS Check out his fun "shoe" socks

I'll be the first to admit I am competitive. I guess that come from being the baby of the family. My older brother and sister always did things before I did, and I was always trying to keep up. Personally, I feel that most "youngest child" folk tend to have a competitive nature.

With that being said, I tend to closely watch other babies that are Tillman's age or ask parents of older children what their child was doing at 3 months. I know that every child develops at different rates, but like everyone, I don't want Tillman to be last.

So, the other day I saw that a child close to Tillman's age was in a Bumba Seat (we actually have the bebePOD). As soon as I saw that picture, I said to myself "when I get home, he is going in that seat!" He did well with it, and it really works him out. He had to take so much energy to stay up right in the seat that he ended up wearing himself out! He feel asleep slumped over after about 30 minutes in the seat.

Tillman was sleeping when I took
this photo, but woke to the flash!

I have been putting him in it every chance I get!

Although, my competitive side pushed me to put him in the seat (I actually was going to pull it out after Christmas), I am glad because he was ready for it! He had already been lifting his head up to look around when in the bouncy seat and swing, so I knew his neck was getting close to handling sitting up!

Tillman's more concerned about the camera
towering over him than the fun toy!

If you are looking at the background in these photos, yes, he is in the bathroom! He hangs out in his seat while I get a bath and then I bathe him right after I get out. Maybe that is TMI, but hey, it's my blog and I can say what I want! :-)

3 Months Old (12.12.10)

2010-12-16T07:16:00.002-05:00

12.12.10 - Tillman's 3 month birthday

On Sunday, Tillman turned 3 months old. It is so hard to believe! Looking at pictures, I can tell that Tillman has certainly grown a lot since he was born. Nights have certainly gotten easier since he is in a routine.

At 3 months, he has an established bed time of 8 PM. Tillman usually gets a bath in the 7 o'clock hour and feeds. Normally right after the feeding, he is ready to be swaddled and put in the moses basket (Thanks Emily for letting us borrow yours!). Tillman will sleep his long stretch of the night, and that usually last until 2:30 AM. When he wake, he is HUNGRY! He feeds, we change him, and then put him right back to bed.

3 month old Tillman drinks 4 ozs., and so far, he has only received breast milk. We think Tillman is around 12 lbs; although, we have not weighed him since he went for his 2 month appointment. At his last doctor's appointment, she said he could drink 5 ozs, but we feel he is satisfied with 4. If we feed him more, he normally gets upset and shakes his head to get away from the bottle.

Smiling to crying in .2 seconds!

Tillman is still in 0-3 month clothing. This size fits really well, and I think he'll be growing out of a few pieces very soon. I have already started to pull things out of the drawers that don't fit anymore, mostly newborn size.

Tillman hanging out on the bathroom
counter while mommy gets ready

We've certainly seen Tillman smile a lot over the past few months, especially when he wakes up (if you catch him before he starts whaling and screaming). I think he will be a morning person! He also is starting to make lots of cooing sounds and even does a "fake cough." He seems so impressed with himself when he makes these noises too! (I guess we get to look forward to when he knows he can scream without crying.)

Tillman happy after his bottle

I have to say that Tillman's #1 thing to do in the past few weeks is blow bubbles. These are hard to catch on camera, as they don't seem to show up in the photo. He'll get a lot of bubbles going, and his mouth and chin will be covered in drool. We've had to start using more burp cloths and bibs lately.

Bubble Machine-click on photo to really see the bubbles

Bubble Machine-can someone wipe his mouth?

Tillman's daily routine for the past month and until Valentine's Day is going to work with Daddy! Most days he is out the door by 6:30 AM. This week especially, he's had to bundle up (burrr...27 degrees). Tillman has his own lunch box filled with 3-4 bottles to get him through the day. He doesn't have a Sunburst Landscaping uniform yet, but I am sure he'll have one soon! Tillman has even had a few play dates with some of Nick's Seabrook clients. Two ladies have wanted to keep Tillman for a few hours during the day. Also, Nick's dad (PapPaw) also lives on Seabrook and has watch Tillman during the day when Nick has to go to meeting and things.

Tillman packed and ready for work with Daddy

We're really glad it has worked out that Nick can watch Tillman through the winter. It sure helps out in lots of ways--they get to spend lots of father son time together, no daycare expense, no daycare snotty nose yet, etc!

Tillman eyeing his bottle right before
walking out the door...not the time to get hungry!

Silly for a Wednesday

2010-12-15T07:52:00.003-05:00

Thanks Julie for the "silly little something" you got Tillman!

For those of you who know us personally, this bib is funny!

PS Tillman frequents Hollywood!

Size 1 is how big?

2010-12-14T07:52:00.000-05:00

Nick was making fun of me on Saturday for playing "dress up" with Tillman. I am sure glad we did because a size 1 IS NOT 3 months! You may remember I went to a sale while pregnant and did a blog post about "T-bro's closet." I purchased a few outfits for Tillman, and this was one of them. I thought this was going to be his Christmas outfit, but I guess we'll have to use it next year!

Even Tillman was unsure about the outfit! He was on the verge of tears in this photo. The look on his face is "Mom, you are nuts if you think this fits!"

To all the seasoned moms out there, what is a size 1? 12mos?

Mommy Necklace Take Two

2010-11-30T07:26:00.000-05:00

November 10th was our 3rd anniversary, and Nick got me a few new additions to my mommy necklace! He added "November colored" beads to represent our anniversary and his birthday! Nick just celebrated his birthday on Black Friday (what a lucky guy!).

Happy Thanksgiving From My Bouncey Seat!

2010-11-25T10:38:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Tillman had his Thanksgiving meal on Tuesday night. He took 5 ozs at his night feeding! We were very impressed, but it didn't keep him from waking through the night!

Did I mention he loves his swing? (Wordless Wednesday)

2010-11-24T07:28:00.000-05:00

Bed Time Routine

2010-11-23T07:03:00.000-05:00

Since I have gone back to work, I have been trying to establish a bedtime routine for Tillman. This is all in hopes that he will begin to understand it is time for his long sleep of the day (7 hours...please).

Our bedtime routine so far includes, getting a bath, changing the lighting in his sleep area, swaddling, feeding and putting him down to sleep. We start the routine around 7PM, and by 9PM, I hope I'm in bed.

These pictures were taken right after getting out of his bath. He LOVES the bath. The warmer the water the better. The only time he gets fussy is when the water cools down. It took me a while to figure out what was going on with him when he got fussy in the bath, but it is clear we need a bigger hot water tank in the future. Tillman and I will be fighting over the hot water in a few years!