17 months 1.12.12

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's in Trouble

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

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

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

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

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

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)