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!
Our little boy turned 18 months/ a year and a half today! As everyone says "boy, does the time fly," and yes, it DOES! Mr. Independent is walking running everywhere, climbing on everything and eating Cheerios! His favorite past-time is standing in chairs (high chairs, kitchen chairs, couches, stools....you name it). It doesn't bother him that it is a "no no," because after all, all "no no's" are "uh oh's" to him!
Tillman at CiCi & JRS's house...
standing in the chair, of course
Tillman has added words to his vocabulary this month, but when he does a "no no," he always says "uh oh." A new word T has is "daw" (dog), he event makes a "woof woof" sound. Funny thing is that all animals with 4 legs are dogs. We where in the grocery store and he pointed to a picture of a pig and starting making his "woof woof" sound. It was too complicated to try to explain at the time "that's a pig, Tillman...oink oink" because he was so sure of himself.
Tillman "spunk" wasn't damped by the RSV, ear infections, and fevers this month brought him. He stayed a week out of school this month. At the doctor's he got a fun RSV swab (positive), throat culture (negative), breathing treatment (horrible for everyone around) and some ibuprofen. When we were leaving MUSC After Hours Care, the registration staff asked why Tillman was all red and "wet." I told them he had been screaming and crying through a breathing treatment for the past 15 minutes. His hair was soaked, his face was beet red, and he looked like he was ready for a nap. Me? I was read for a drink and dinner...oh and some headache meds!
Tillman's treat after a breathing treatment at home
Nick and I really thought if we could just be religious with the breathing treatments at home over the next day, he would be good to go back to school. Well, RSV told us differently. We ended up calling out the troops for HELP! We traded off one day (I took morning and Nick took afternoon), the next day Tillman went to work with Nick and he and his dad watched Tillman, and then Cici came down and kept him Thursday and Friday. By Friday, he still wasn't better, so we took him back to the doctor. Seems like he got a sinus infection on top of the RSV, so we got an antibiotic. You'd think (if you have read this far) that he would be all better. Well, we are going back to the doctor today. He finished up his meds yesterday, and is still a snot nose kid with a smelly ear. According to Google, a smelly ear is a type of ear infection. Tillman has had lots of ear infections, but I have to say that haven't stunk! Well, now he has the smelly ear too!
Work day with Daddy and PapPaw
He went back to school last Monday, and he was in a new class. They sent us home with all of his sippy cups. In this class, they drink from a cup without a lid, eat with no assistance, sit at a table to eat (not strapped in) and take naps on a mat (on the floor). This is a huge transition, and based on the number of clothes he has messed up at daycare, I'm glad they are helping him through the transition because drinking from a cup is serious business! The sleeping on the floor has also been rough. Tillman generally takes a 1-1.5 hour nap each day, and on Friday his nap lasted 20 minutes! He is certainly ready for "Nigh Nigh" when he gets home, but man, he needs his nap to function! I'm sure he will get in the swing of this new class, but with every change is a little bit of growing pains. The "growing pains" were evident when I took him into daycare, as soon as he saw his "new teacher" he crinkled his nose and began to pout! I'm sure he was thinking...."boot camp again?"
Tillman watching the water at the Battery
More to come this week, when he goes for his 18 month check up!
Wells Fargo Stage Coach at
MUSC Children's Hospital
So, this is a 17 month-ish post. Yes, I'm a little behind in blogging. Between Tillman, work, and everyday life, the blog has taken a backseat for about a month. Our family has been well and no doctor visits for Tillman this month. His ears tubes are serving their purpose.
See the dog on top the Stage Coach?
Tillman loved the ride!
17 months brought more independence to Tillman. He is officially "off" the bottle and is eating a lot more foods. He sure loved his bottle, and in hindsight he would not eat as much solid foods and wait for his 8oz of milk. Now that he's not getting that, he is eating away (in fact, he doesn't drink much milk at all. I was depressed to have to throw away 3/4 of a gallon of milk last week since it expired before T drank it).
Nick and T by the BIG truck!
He is learning how to use a spoon and feed himself. He does very well with finger food (or anything that he can pick up and shove in!). The other night we fed him green beans and potatoes, and he ate the entire can! Yesterday, he at 2 bananas for dinner. He will eat veggies and fruit, but don't get me wrong, if he had his choice he'd eat Cheerios and Ritz every meal.
Wild man with a bump on his head
and his hair in need of a cut!
With his independence we've tried to work with him to tell us what he wants instead of pointing and waving in the direction of the item (his actions remind me of how Curious George acts on all of his videos when he only points to get things). This has caused a melt down or two at our house. Tillman will point at what he wants, but his pointing isn't clear. He points do the side of he room. We've tried to guess and get him what we think he is requesting, but after a few tries he gets pretty darn out of sorts with us and then it doesn't matter what he originally wanted because now he is upset...and when I mean upset; I mean UPSET!
Tillman checking out the SEWE brochure
So, the talking and words are coming. This has really started to happen over the past couple of weeks. Now, he does have to be in the mood to talk instead of point, but I we are making progress. More words from Tillman will equal a happier boy and parents.
He knows:
Nigh Nigh (Night Night)
Nana (Banana)
Bye Bye with a wave
Dada
Momma
Mo (More)
Tillman's motor skills are improving as well. I mentioned him using a spoon (would love to get him a child fork), but he is also a very good climber! He is getting up some stairs without crawling, he can climb into our kitchen table chairs unassisted (yikes), and he is RUNNING (all over the place)!
Enjoying a grape juice sample from the
Made in SC tent at SEWE
Weekend outings these days have to be thought out, as we can't just strap him in a stroller and expect him to be good for hours. The stroller is a necessity when we go out and about, and Tiny T has an endless cup of Cheerios to accompany his ride. The photos in the post are from the Southeaster Wildlife Expo and the Wells Fargo Stage Coach visit at MUSC Children's Hospital. Tillman 17th month also included a trip to his cousin, Colin's, basketball game and a trip to CiCi and JRS's house.
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
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!!
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).
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 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)
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!
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
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)
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
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!
I’m a southern mom of two married to a midwestern Boilermaker living in a small southern town. 2010 I began blogging, and this blog has turned into a baby book for the kids and a way to keep up with family! I enjoy getting a great deal, couponing, shopping, learning how to be a mom and making our house a home. Please follow Mrs. Pregnant in the Lowcountry to hear my passions, mishaps, and funny stories!
