18 month Check Up

Tillman (bad boy) sticking out his tongue!
Playing at Battery Park

Tillman went for his 18 month check up on Friday to see Dr. Clifford.  All and all, Tillman got a great report, Dr. Clifford said he was glad to see that his height and weight were proportioned well (higher percentile in height than weight).  In his 5 minute observation of Tillman, he thought that his motor and language skills were right on target.  We did discuss his EARS!  Poor Tillman can't catch a break with his ears or get his vaccinations on time due to the ears.  We talked about language development with his ear constantly being infected, discussed if he doesn't get better after a round of steroids that we'd need to see Dr. White, ENT, again to check about taking out adenoids.

Waiting on his exam

Dr. Clifford feels that Tillman's inner-ear is inflamed.  If this is the case, then none of the ear drops are getting down to the source of the infection since there isn't a passage way (hints the smelly ear and no ear drainage).  He felt like steroids would reduce the inflammation and allow the drops to get to the source and allow the drainage release. Tillman goes back to Dr. Clifford in two weeks for a check up and hopefully his vaccination.  If it isn't better then, then off to the ENT we go.

Eating Gold Fish to pass the time

Currently Tillman is on an antibiotic (twice a day), a steroid, ear drops, nose spray and Zyrtec!  I feel like he needs one of those weekly pill boxes that has the days of the week on it.  Oy Vey!

Climbing...of course

Although Tillman has ear troubles, it doesn't slow him down one bit!  Yes, the "roids" make him a bit ornery, but he is as rambunctious as ever.  In fact, he has 4 bruises (one of the cheek and three on the legs) just from yesterday to prove he is not slowing down.  Tillman decided to climb on a chair and then on the chair arm.  He lost his balance, hit a plant stand with his face, and down on the carpet he went.  I think it scared him more than anything.  He wanted a hug from Nick and then me, and then he was on to the next "Evel Knievel" trick!

Snacking with Daddy

Tillman's Stats:

Weight: 22 lbs 6 ozs (9th percentile)

Height: 31 inches (15th percentile)

Head Circumference: 18 inches (6th percentile)

BMI: 16.4

More words from Tillman: book, dog, hot, no no, thank you, milk, more, momma, daddy, banana, truck, basket ball, ball, football, nose, push, and bye-bye. (For some of these, I know what he is saying, but still a little rusty. I'm sure I'm leaving something out.)

Attempting to get a Father Son photo...
at least one was looking at the camera!

15 months 12.12.11

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!

10 months 7.12.11



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)





I Spy...

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!)

Charleston Shower

Cute wreath to welcome all the ladies to the shower.

Mary-Margaret made it! To learn how to make it, click here.

I can't wait to hang it on our door when Tillman arrives!

Check out the bow detail!

Yummy Lemonade and cute preggo mannequin. 

(To order, click here)

Can you tell Mary-Margaret and I follow Pluff Mudd Studio blog?

Cute favors at the door for all the ladies.

My sis-in-law made these little

diaper favors filled with candies.

Catherine hung these cute onsies up to decorate.

She also opened her house for the shower!

Check out her applique and monogramming skills!

The CAKE table!  I love cake and sweets.

Catherine made the cute cup cakes with wonderful icing

and added cute little rubber duckies to top each.

My sis-in-law made the diaper cake! 

Beside the diaper cake is the invite that Jennifer designed!

Here are all the wonderful hostesses of the shower

L to R:

Catherine, Jennifer, me, Julie (sis-in-law) & Mary-Margaret

Freshman year roomies at College of Charleston.

 This group hasn't been together in 10 years!

L to R

Jennifer, me, Sam & Mary-Margaret

Jennifer had everyone fill out a prediction sheet about

Tillman (weight, eye & hair color, career, favorite sport, etc).

I'm reading them aloud to everyone!

Can't wait to see who is right in 25 years!

Gift opening

The prediction book

Special Treatment?

Last week during our travels to Ohio, I had several encounters in the airport.  All were very positive and really took both Nick and me by surprise.  The first was on our first flight. Since we booked our tickets at the last minute, Nick and I didn't sit beside each other.  It appeared as though I was traveling alone to anyone who got on the plane after us.  I was in the middle seat (yuck...of course).  I didn't speak to either of the two men beside me, but when the plane landed, everyone was out of their seats getting their stuff from the overhead bins.  The man on the aisle, said "I hope you don't mind, but I'd really like to get your bag for you."  In my head I was laughing because Nick was right behind me in the next row.  I said "oh sure, thank you!"  The aisle seat man seemed rather concerned with me and how I was going to carry this bag off the plane.  He nicely set the bag up for me, so I wouldn't have any troubles.  While getting off the plane, he kept looking back to make sure I was managing ok. Super nice guy!!!!

My second encounter in the airport was on the way back.  We had to hop the train in the Atlanta airport to get to the correct concorse for our connecting flight.  As soon as I stepped on the train, this lady in the back starting saying LOUDLY "Ma'am Ma'am...you need to come back here and sit down."  I said "ok." (It was in the handicap seating area.)  There I sat between two ladies.  Both who had children.  It was like I had sat down for "story time."  On the quick ride, they both gave me advice for the future and basically told me I would worry for the rest of my life!  The older lady said her daughter is 40, and she still worries about her all the time.  In fact, that is who she was traveling to see.

Other little things Nick noticed was when walking in the airport, people would just immediately get out of my way or move.  I think he really noticed this because I only was carrying my purse, and he had our luggage.  He was having to "bob and weave" through the crowd, as they gave him no space.  This was the same case when it came to boarding the plane.  I got to go 10-15 people ahead of Nick to board the plane simply because folks would just let me go ahead.  Meanwhile, Nick is in the back of the line waiting patiently!!

While this "special treatment" was very nice and much appreciated, I have certainly received some negative "special treatment" lately too.  For those who followed me on my other blog, Soirées & Shenanigans, know that I have to ride a bus into work everyday!  I don't mind this bus ride, but you certainly have to take care of yourself because in general, everyone is trying to get to where they are going without much regard for the neighbor (Isn't it strange that people are more courteous in an airport than a daily shuttle bus?)

Well, Monday I was "scurrying" to the bus and right when I got to the doors, the driver shut them in my face (literally...no exaggeration...it happened just liked that)!  I was like "oh well," but there was this other guys running and "flailing" his hands at the bus to stop for him.  Of course, I took advantage and got on the bus too.  I was thinking to myself, you'll stop for him, but not a pregnant lady (It is 100 degrees out here)?  When we got on, she was shaking her head and acting all mad she had to stop (I'm thinking to myself; has this women never had kids before...what is her problem?). 

I get off at the first stop and a man got off with me.  He came up to me while walking to my car to apologize for the bus driver.  He said "I can't believe she did that to you...you're pregnant!"  I told him I really appreciated his words.  Also I told him that if the "wrath" of a pregnant lady doesn't get to her then certainly Karma will!!!

Special treatment to those in certain stages of their lives (pregnant, old, handicap, etc) is nice and certainly very appreciated; it is something each of us must appreciate when it is given.  For as if you don't, then you'll be treated with a door shutting in your face with no regard!  I make sure to say an extra thank you to everyone who provides that little extra special treatment.  Also, I make sure to "pay it forward" to other.  One key point in closing (especially to ladies), don't ever turn down someone for trying to do something nice (offer you a seat, carry something heavy, etc), once this person is turned down multiple times, they feel no one needs help, and there is not point to be curteous anymore.  They turn in to the cold hearted bus drivers.  Do you really want your life to be filled with those type people?  I'm sure your answer is NO...accept the offer everytime and say THANK YOU!

Travel

This week we had some unexpected travel since we came to Ohio for Nick's grandmother's funeral.  We were certainly glad we came, but wanted to check with Dr. Villers before planning.  At first, I thought it was no problem to travel, but after telling people of our plans, we kept getting asked "are you sure you can travel?" 

Dr. Villers said it is fine to travel until 36 weeks.  The only issue with traveling with a normal pregnancy is you take the risk of having to deliver elsewhere if something were to occur.  As long as you're willing to take that option, then there is no risk.  Of course, most people want to play it safe (including me).

A few of the airlines require you have a physician note to travel after 36 weeks.  However, most airlines leave it up to your judgement.  At first, we were just going to take the long drive, but that was really going to be "taxing" on us both, so we researched flights.  After doing the math of the expenses of flight vs. driving, we decided on a combo of driving and flying.

Our travels included, driving up to Columbia on Monday night.  We stayed with my parents to have some of the drive behind us.  We woke up on Tuesday and drove to Charlotte, NC.  We hop a flight from Charlotte to Ohio.  This way was a lot less drive and a lot less expensive (plane tickets out of Charleston are through the roof...can't wait for Southwest!).

We're traveling back today, so wish us luck on having a smooth travel back to the Lowcountry!

Atlanta Trip

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

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

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

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

A sunflower grows taller than me!

This taken also in the Children's Garden.

Nick insisted that I get a picture with the cow,

since my nick-name is Moo

(my Dad gave this to me years ago)! 

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

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

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

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

Me and Nick in our cool 3-D glasses!

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

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

the Beverly from Italy

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

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

Nick and HUGE me in our seats. 

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

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

This was the winning hit of the game!

The game ended in a Braves' celebration!

Me and Nick after the game. 

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

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

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

Tillman goes to his first Indy 500!

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

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

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

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

Here are some videos and pictures from the race!

Us before going into the race gates.

Nick, Me and Tillman's Mimi in the stands

Turn 2

Our Tickets

A Wreak...racer getting into the SUV

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

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

Is it safe to ice-skate while pregnant?

It was raining on Sunday, so we were not able to make it out to the Flowertown Festival in Summerville, SC this weekend.  We didn't want to be stuck inside all day, so we decided to go ice-skating!  I am glad I didn't "goggle" is it safe to go ice-skating while pregnant because this among other things came up telling me how unsafe it is.  Of course, an expert is not going to get on Babycenter.com and tell you "sure...break a leg...get out there!" But honestly, if you "goggle" to see if any activity is safe while pregnant, you will be sitting on your *tushy* for the next 7 months eating ice cream sundaes!

This is where I think us, pregnant ladies, just have to make good judgment.  You know yourself (cluts level), and you know that you aren't going to go out there and use the ice rink like a "slip and slide" as we did when we were kids!

I had business to take care of on Sunday.  I have high expectations for our little one, so we have to start him/her out young (14 weeks gestation).  We are training the next Olympian after all.  We're thinking we'll have the next Apolo Ohno or Dorothy Hamill after our ice skating adventure!

We had tons of fun at the Carolina Ice Palace.  Nick fell down a few times, but he pushed himself to the limits and wasn't scared to fall.  I slowly went around dodging all the little kids with the "ice-skating walkers."

This "sport" really gets the heart rate up.  Since it is 57 degrees in there, I didn't realize I was getting some exercise, as I wasn't sweating.  We took a break, and I could feel my heart was pounding!

For those who know me from Soirées & Shenanigans, you know I didn't go there without a coupon!  Click here to get free skate rentals. 


**Reader Footnote: I felt comfortable going ice-skating this weekend, but I'll have to see in future weeks, as I know my balance will be off with the baby bump.  I'm going to use good judgement each time before putting on a pair of skates.  However, I'm not going to be that person that sits at home and does nothing!