Wordless Wednesday: Mom Purse

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

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

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!

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

 

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!



And They're Off...

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!

Sign in drive way "welcoming" folks to...

Our Churchill Downs

Winners-The Fastest, Best Bet, and Trivia

Winner-Best Dressed

Does your child sleep this hard?

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

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

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!

Boys

"Boys are found everywhere -- on top of, underneath, inside of, climbing on, swinging from, running around or jumping to. Mothers love them, little girls hate them, older sisters and brothers tolerate them, adults ignore them and Heaven protects them. A boy is Truth with dirt on its face, Beauty with a cut on its finger, Wisdom with bubble gum in its hair and the Hope of the future with a frog in its pocket.”

– Alan Marshall Beck

Flashback Friday

When people see Tillman for the first time, they are say "Oh, he looks just like his Daddy;" and he really does.  I do know that he gets his full head of hair from me.  Nick and I dug out some of our baby pictures this week to see what we looked like when we were newborns.  It was fun go through all the pictures!

Here's a newborn picture of yours truly 29 1/2 years ago today (to the date)!

Check out that HAIR!  Mom should have brought a pony tail holder to the hospital!  I can see some of Tillman in my picture. 

Hormones

I think it is really funny how people speak of pregnant lady hormones.  In my case, I've hear men refer to them more than women which is truly frustrating.  Speaking from my case, I don't really think I have been off my rocker the past 9 months.  I know you are thinking..."oh, she just doesn't know," but Nick will be the first to back me up on this. 

Beyond the hormone subject, I also haven't felt it to be too necessary to pull "the preggo card."  When I refer to this, I mean-walking slow and big-foot like, using pregnancy as an excuse (I can't pick up that 5 lb box...), taking those annoying deep breaths, rubbing the belly (you don't have to do this...everyone knows you are pregnant!), holding the back and leaning backwards (PS I've hear this only is a quick relief and really isn't good for you) just to name a few! 

So...it really infuriates me when someone says..."oh, you know...she is pregnant, and her hormones are all out of wack."  Lucky for them, they haven't mentioned this to my face, but seriously?  I love to have someone talk that way about me...not!!!  I think this is their way of making themselves feel good by doing inexcusable things and having an excuse for themselves (oh, the pregnant part of the lady is the problem....If she wasn't pregnant, it wouldn't be this way).  However, when you do inexcusable things, you can expect a reaction-pregnant or not!

There you have it for today...hormones are not an excuse for Mrs Pregnant in the Lowcountry, and they are certainly not a "blame" excuse for others!

Around the house...Wordless Wednesday

Have you heard that song about the 21st of September?

This was a question I got asked this week.  I am pretty good with song lyrics, but I never know the names of songs.  When asked this question, I was completely stumped! 

I am beginning to learn a lot of significance for the 21st of September, Tillman's due date.  For locals, it is know as the anniversary of Hurricane Hugo.  For family, it is know as Nick's Grandfather's birthday.  To most other people, it is know as the first day of fall (or some one's birthday....I have heard more "that's my birthday" than anything!).

Tillman has a lot of pressure to be born on his actual due date! 

So, have you thought of the song?  You know this song....Earth, Wind and Fire- “September” (thanks Beth!)



Do you remember the 21st night of September?
Love was changing the minds of pretenders
While chasing the clouds away

Our hearts were ringing
In the key that our souls were singing
As we danced in the night,
Remember how the stars stole the night away

Ba de ya - say do you remember
Ba de ya - dancing in September
Ba de ya - never was a cloudy day

My thoughts are with you
Holding hands with your heart to see you
Only blue talk and love,

Remember how we knew love was here to stay
Now December found the love that we shared in September.
Only blue talk and love,
Remember the true love we share today

Ba de ya - say do you remember
Ba de ya - dancing in September
Ba de ya - never was a cloudy day

Ba de ya - say do you remember
Ba de ya - dancing in September
Ba de ya - golden dreams were shiny days

Don't do this to a pregnant lady!

This is a completely random post.  I am sure that I am "preaching to the choir," but I feel it must be said. 

Don't tell a pregnant lady (especially someone you don't know) "Oh, when are the TWINS due?"  Really....do you want to be slapped?  As if I am not feeling pretty huge right now, a MAN has got to say something like that!  I was shocked and said "I'm not having TWINS...and HE is due the 21st!"

Don't tell a pregnant lady after you have been in her office for an hour that you have a BUG, you think it will turn into bronchitis, and that you have not gotten your prescription filled yet!!!  I have gone this entire pregnancy without a sickness, and don't need one in the last few weeks.  Do you not know that pregnant ladies are limited in the medicine they can take? 
P.S. on this one....I hope it is my paranoia, but I have been sneezing and sniffing this morning.  Dang!  It better not be!  I've Germ-Xed my office this morning.  If my keyboard stops working, I know it will be from all the hand sanitizer dripping into the keyboard controls.

These two things happened yesterday afternoon, but good things happen too.  Nick isn't a follower of the blog, and you won't see him comment; but he does read my post.  Here's his response to yesterday's post!

"Even though you might feel big, I think you are doing much better than you thought you would be at this time. If that makes any sense. I think you are going great. Look at it this way, your a** is flat. It could be sticking out as far as your stomach.
XOXO
By the way the couch is mine."
 
Nothing like a peep talk from the husband to keep the spirits high!

Family Pictures

The week before Christmas we're doing family pictures with Nick's extended family (four generations in the photo).  Since Christmas shopping will probably be at a minimum this year, we thought this would be a great gift and a good time to capture the moment.

We've set the date, Nick's mom found a photographer, and I think his mom and sis have couple places (an airplane hanger or an historic house) in mind.  The only trouble seems to be what we should wear.  Nick's mom suggested black tops and jeans.  At first, I thought, I wouldn't be able to find anything for "my guys" to wear, but being winter, Nick has a black sweater or two. 

As for Tillman, is there a such thing as a black onesie?
I'd never seen one.  It isn't typical to see infants dressed in black.  With a quick Google search, I found what I was looking for!

It's even long sleeve!!!  Perfect.  I think we'll order this for picture day!  Of course, no onesie is complete without a monogram...right?  I think we'll have to put one on there to dress it up (Nick suggested we monogram Purdue on it, but I think for this it will be TAS)!

Now the only other issue is....weight loss!!!  Maternity leave will include lots of walks, healthy eating (ugh!), and the motivation jeans will be prominently displayed! 

34 weeks

Here's babycenter.com's update: "Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies."

This weekend for us or should I say all day Saturday consisted of Childbirth Education Class (9AM-4PM).  ¡Ay, caramba! 

As far as the way I am feeling this week, it is much the same.  I do find myself wide awake at 5AM (7AM on the weekends...booo!).  That last for about 15 minutes, and then I want to go back to sleep...a deep sleep!  Also, I'm getting up more frequently through the night to "potty."  I heard in our class this weekend (and I've heard it from others) the potty breaks at night are preparing me to get up with Tillman for feedings. 

So, maybe I should have put one hand on the top
and another at the bottom...looking like a huge blob today!

One funny thing I've noticed is our dog, Graham.  He loves to lay on the hardwood floor to stay cool.  I just step over him when trying to get around him.  It isn't a problem, as he doesn't move (although I know he has always slept with one eye open).  However, he must notice that I've gained a few "lbs" because when I start walking towards him, he immediately get to his feet like he is about to play defence.  He wants nothing to do with me stepping over him (I guess he is scared of the potential consequences!).

Graham's "deer in the headlights look"
when I'm coming towards him!

Daddy Likes Help....

"Don't get my wrong...my kids are my best friends, but they are like best friends that bum rides off of you, crash at your place, drink all your milk, and then they mess with your stereo."

Too funny!  Toyota, I love your Swagger Wagon family!!

Fashion Friday...no so much

I know...I know it is supposed to be Fashion Friday, but I just can't think of anything.  No matter where you are in the country, it is HOT everywhere.  My AC is on full blast no matter if I am in the car, at work, or at home (got the ceiling fans whipping there too). 
My fashion lately is what is the coolest thing I can get by with and still be appropriately dressed for work.

My employer's dress code in a nutshell:
-Official badge must be worn at all times. (no biggy with that)

-Hair, beards, and mustaches shall be clean and neatly kept.  Extreme hair colors, hairstyles, and hair ornaments should not be worn in a professional health care setting. (as long as I stay away from "sun-in" I should be "a ok" with this one)

-Cosmetics should be used in moderation. (I wear less and less...its just too HOT)

-Perfumes, colognes or heavy fragrances should not be worn, as many patients and staff members are offended, become nauseated or experience respiratory distress when exposed to chemical scents or odors. (Thank you for this one...Especially my first trimester this stuff was awful!  Save that smelly stuff for your date night)

-Undergarments: Appropriate undergarments must be worn under uniforms and must not be distinguishable through attire. (It is kind of like the warning labels on electronics...someone had to try it for those labels to exist.  I wonder who didn't do this....)

-Non-direct patient care employees will wear professional business attire which is clean, neat and conservative. (Don't worry, I'm not going to come to work with my baby bump hanging out although it is a 100 degrees)

-The following will be considered unprofessional, inappropriate attire:
1. T-shirts and sweatshirts (worn as an outer garment)-no, you can't wear your sorority and fraternity shirts to work people!
2. Isolation gowns or patient gowns (who does this???)
3. Recreational attire including exercise/jogging shorts or sports outfits-I don't think I've owned a pair of "jogging shorts" since the 80's...I imagine these as the ones with the R on the bottom, and they come to your knees.
4. Mini skirts, sun dresses, halter tops, tank tops-I get these, but sun dresses? I may be in violation
5. Blue denim jeans and pants made of spandex or lycra material-no leggings??? My personal fav
6. Party clothes such as glitter, sequins, or other evening attire-Who did this????  Does Tina Turner work here?
7. "Revealing" clothes such as low-cut, sheer, see-through, or tight/form fitting attire-The bigger I get the more in violation I come of this rule. 
8. Leather clothing-Don't worry...I don't own any
9. Dark glasses (except for documented medical reason)-you mean I can't wear my Jackie O's to a meeting?
10. Head wear including hats, sweatbands, and bandannas-man, I was hoping to wear one of these to catch the sweat during meetings (especially those meeting I have not control over the thermostat)....guess I'll go to plan "B."

-Hosiery is encouraged. Socks may be worn with slacks. (this must only apply to the winter months...I've been in violation for sometime...nothing is worse than sweating in hose....)

-Footwear/Shoes: Shoes worn by direct patient care employees must be clean, well kept (with laces tied) and should have an enclosed toe. So I guess the day I wear Jack Rogers, I'm technically not in any patient areas....

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!

Mommyhood...A special society?

I'm switching things up this week.  Fashion Friday is a day early due to my growth study and 29th week appointment being this afternoon.  I'll be blogging tomorrow with an update from both appointments.

Mommyhood-I guess that is what I am joining in September.  There are some that say, you're not a mom until your child arrives, but I think ladies are inducted into the Mommyhood Society as soon as the belly starts to sprout (Nick irks me when he calls it Buddha...ugh)!  The reason being is this is when the advice, stories, and the best part, maternity clothing offers begin!

I have been very fortunate to not have to purchase a whole new wardrobe during this time.  I'm very grateful to my friends, Jennifer and Sarah, and my cousin, Erica, who gave me tons of clothes from their pregnancies.  Just this weekend, I got an over flowing bag from Erica (she refers to maternity cloths sharing as the "borrowing-chain.").  When I showed up with the clothes, Nick said "this is the one time all women come together."  He goes on to say "it is like you've joined a society or something."  I must say, I agree with him.  The clothes offering is like being inducted into the Society of Mommyhood (also these maternity (big tent) shirts make me think of no more bikinis too...but I digress)!

The one thing all of these ladies mentioned to me is that other mothers were so generous to them that they would like to pass along the favor.  This warm welcome into Mommyhood certainly gives me the feeling to pass along / pay it forward to future moms.