Belly Pictures

Here are some of the pictures I have pulled together to show my ever changing tummy!

 Not really sure when these early pics were taken.

My mom took them with her camera and I just bet she could tell you exactly!

 Once again not sure how many weeks....I know...I have been awful at this belly picture thing!

 I wold guess somewhere around 17 or 18 weeks along....

 

This is over spring break with my preggo friend KT!

 This is at a baby shower for Lesa Addington and all the soon to be moms in order of when we are due.

I think I was about 24 weeks here.

This is over Memorial Day weekend when we were at the lake.

This is Ryan and I cutting our anniversary cake.....late....I must add.

I was 28 weeks here in this picture.  Sorry it isn't a good side view! You can just trust me when I say that baby Wyatt is growing and right on track.  My doctor says I am measuring perfectly!

Ocean Isle Beach Week 2011

I have an amazing extended family!  I am sure that many of you would argue that you do too, but I have to brag on my family and their commitment to getting together every year.  We have traditions on both sides of my family.  On my dad's side we a memorable Thanksgiving each year and on my mom's side we have a Christmas family reunion the second Saturday in December and a Beach week each June. 

We just got back from our week at the beach and I want to share some pictures from our time together.  Keep in mind that we require a house and a condo to accommodate all of our family members.  We like to say that we spend most of the time talking about food and eating food!  I just try to make sure and take a nice long walk on the beach everyday and stay out of the kitchen as much as possible.  It is so much fun and makes so many lasting memories that bring a smile to my face all throughout the year!  Enjoy the pictures!

 Me, Aunt Melanie, Mimi, and Mom in matching PJs

 Me with sweet Cindy

 Ms. Abigail with her delicious Ocean Isle Beach Cake

 This is half of the group as we are about to pray before dinner

 We had a few floats to enjoy at the pool.

 My handsome husband

 Mom and Gina who was able to come for part of the week

 My parents!  

 Group picture! 

One Year Anniversary!

For the last week or so Ryan and I have been talking about our plans for celebrating our first anniversary.  We looked into going to a Bed and Breakfast or travel somewhere for the weekend.  After looking online, we decided that we would have a "staycation" and do some things around town that we had never done before.  Our plans were not really set in stone but I knew we would have a great time.  We always have the best times when we do things spur of the moment. 

Friday was a great day until I went to take a tour of the kennel where we are going to be leaving our dog when we go to the beach.  I have been very nervous and sensitive about the thought of leaving our baby for the first time in a kennel.  He is quite spoiled and I know he believes he is a person.  Back to the tour...my mom was out shopping with me for maternity clothes when we decided to swing by and check out the kennel.  The kennel was fine and everything I expected but as the nice lady was showing us around I had the hardest time not breaking out in tears.  I just couldn't imagine leaving my four legged baby there for a whole week in one of those little runs.  I went ahead and did the only thing I could and upgraded him to a "luxury suite".  He is also going to get at least three trips to the pool during the week and possibly some other special "extras".  I think all these extra things will really make me feel better for leaving him.  After leaving, my mom and I got in the car and she asked me, "How do you feel about it?"  As soon as she said that the pregnant and hormonal flood gates opened and I burst out into tears.  All I could say was, "it is so awful" and "I'm just pregnant".....stuff like that. 

This side story about the kennel tour and my emotional meltdown do fit together with our anniversary!  Let me explain how the rest of our day went on Friday.  I sent a text to Ryan and told him about the experience at the kennel and I think it made an impression b/c he knows I rarely cry.  Before I knew it he was calling and asking if I would want to go to a cabin in Pigeon Forge for the weekend and....take Winston with us.  He was so sensitive to my new and overblown (not that I could control it...if you've been pregnant you understand these things) needs that he made sure to find a cabin that was pet friendly! 

Thank you Ryan for loving me so much and for this special trip to the mountains!  It was a beautiful weekend and the perfect way to celebrate our marriage and the many good gifts we have been given over the past year!  Winton, if you are reading this (hehe), you are the best dog ever!  Ryan, I love you!  Thank you for an amazing year together! 

Here are some pictures for you to enjoy!

                                                    outside our cabin "Wildflower Vista"

                                                   Cades Cove, Smoky Mtn. National Park                                                               mama bear and her cub

                                               enjoying our road tour with the windows down

                                              Inside the Historic Baptist Church along the way

                                                     Family pic with the beautiful meadow view

                                                                       deer sighting

                                             Winston loves to stick his head out the window!
                                                This picture was taken in the rear view mirror!

                                                               A beautiful overlook

                                                                    Two happy boys!

My Latest Reads....

I have been reading more this year since I haven't been teaching full time.  Here are two books that I highly recommend!

Book #1

I read this book after a few people had suggested I read it.  I really learned a lot about how to start the process of feeding/sleeping from the very first week.  I am sure that it will be much harder than the book makes it seem but I am definitely going to take the things that I learned and try to use them with my little one.  If you are thinking of reading this book I would suggest buying your own copy.  I underlined and wrote in it a good bit.  I knew I would forget between now and September so I figured I better highlight the important parts.  Plus, I am going to try and have Ryan read it and the underlining will help him as he skims reads through the pages.  ***Good book and I will definitely be reading the rest of the series!

Book #2

I am still in the process of reading this GREAT book!  Ryan and I took a one day class at church about preparing for parenthood and this is the one book that they said was a must read.  It really points out how our culture is so wrapped up in appearances and how that affects our approach to discipline as parents.  We don't like our child's behavior so we get scold them in hopes to change their behavior to what we want.  This may work for a short time but it won't for long.  Instead, this book makes the point that we need to focus on our child's heart.  When our child's heart changes than their actions will change.  Remember they are sinners like  you and me and they need to be taught their need for Jesus!  I'm excited about reading the rest of the book!

 

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

I know...go ahead and say it!  I am the best and most consistent blogger there is.  We can look at the posts I have written and see that isn't true!  What is the fun in blogging if you have to do it on a schedule?  For me it is like a recipe....I have to have some key essential ingredients.

1.  Time
2.  The desire
3.  a good reason to write

So I can definitely say that I have all the ingredients to write a new post!  I have been very busy since my last visit to the blog world.  I have been going through my daily life and enjoying my pregnancy.  I have a lot more energy now and a much better appetite!  Except for the occasional backache, I have to say that I like this point of pregnancy.  We are getting more and more excited about the arrival of Tidbit in September.  I am 21 weeks now which is amazing.  Time is really going quickly.  So far we haven 't done much to get ready for this little one except read books, visit the doctor for regular checkups, and purchase my new MOM MOBILE!  Don't worry, it isn't a mini-van.  Ryan would never let that happen and I wouldn't be too excited about it either.  My old faithful Volkswagen, Lena, was making some really weird noises and has lots and lots of miles on it.  We thought that it was a good time to make the switch to something safer for our growing family.  Ryan and I knew we were interested in the Ford Edge. So, after a little research and emailing on Ryan's part, we ended up making our most expensive purchase as a married couple.  I love my new car and I am looking forward to having my sweet baby as a passenger.  Oh, I can't forget to tell you that we named the car "Edge-Elina".  This is what it looks like!  I love driving in my sporty and cute new vehicle.

 Last Friday, May 13th, we had our much anticipated 20 week ultrasound.  Everything went so well!  I had been looking forward to seeing our baby since the last ultrasound and it did not disappoint!   Ryan had planned to take the day off and go with me to the appointment.  Finding out the gender was on the top of our list but, we really wanted to know that everything was growing and developing the way it needed to be.  It was music to our ears to see our little one and find out that everything was normal and as it should be.  It was also thrilling to find out that we are having a BOY!!!!!  I had the feeling that it was a boy since the 12 week ultrasound.  I saw those long legs and just knew it was a little Ryan!  We went to lunch with "Onna" and "Papa" to tell them before they left for their trip to Charleston.  They were thrilled!!!!!!  Then we had a little gender reveal party that night to announce it to my parents, "Grancy" and "Pop", and Uncle Alex and Aunt Katie!

I loved seeing the hands, feet, and especially the heart. 

We were able to see all four chambers of the heart!

His heartbeat sounded so good!

Here is Tidbit at 20 weeks!  14 ounces and growing strong!

What's that pain?

March 16

 My last post is kind of ironic considering the last week in my life.  I was loving teaching and really getting in the groove of planning/teaching my new first grade class.  I was also excited to be going to a faculty meeting and getting a few extra professional development points towards my re-certification.  I was sitting in the faculty meeting and felt the first pain.  It was on the right side of my back just above my natural waist.  Man did it hurt!  I kinda started to get warm and eventually I had to step out of the meeting.  When I made it home that afternoon I went straight to my bed where the pain quickly escalated for the rest of the afternoon and night.  Ryan made it home and he immediately started to help.  He went out and bought me Tylenol extra strength and a heating pad.  I went ahead and got a sub (for the sub) for the next day knowing that I couldn't teach in my condition. 

March 17

I made it through that night but I decided to go to the doctor on Thursday.  They worked me in, did a couple quick things, and told me I probably had a kidney stone.  I was hit with emotion when they told me that they were going to do an ultrasound to check.  This really hit me hard because my first ultrasound was scheduled for the next Monday and Ryan was planning on going with me to see our Baby.  I was more upset about him not being there than the possibility of a kidney stone.  When they did the ultrasound this is what they found.....

 

What they say is a kidney stone (See the bright white dot)

"Tidbit" Tiller waving at Daddy who wasn't able to be there.

It was such a bittersweet appointment because of the news of the kidney stone and getting to see our beautiful and healthy baby.  The best part of the visit was the decision they made to allow us to come back the following Monday for our original appointment so that Ryan could experience the ultrasound with me.  I was so thankful.  Keep in mind I was still in pain.  The doctor told me that I needed to be drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day and if the pain got unbearable to go the hospital.

March 18

At 3:00 am I woke up in pain.  Ryan decided by 4:00 am that we were going to the hospital.  I agreed.  Once there we didn't have to wait long before being seen by a doctor.  They gave me a big shot in my hip which really hurt and within five minutes I felt uncontrollably drowsy.  That is the only way to describe it.  They also monitored me for a little while, wrote me a prescription for pain medication, and then sent me home.  My mom was taking the day off work to stay home with me so Ryan took me and dropped me off at my parents house.  I think he stuck around for a while but I don't remember anything about that day until about 3:00 pm.  That shot really knocked me out.  The pain meds started to kick in and help the pain but they also made me very sick to my stomach.  The events of that day included sleeping, trying to drink fluids and eat, and getting sick.  Ryan came and spent the night there with me at my parents.  I slept through that night without waking up from pain!  

March 19-20

We went to the lake for a change of scenery.  Remember that at this point I was waiting to pass a kidney stone and hoping it would come soon.  So, I figured it didn't matter where that happened.  Sunday rolled around and still no change.  One thing that happened over the weekend was that I realized that taking a bath allowed me to relax and eased the pain.

March 21

I was really looking forward to this day because Ryan and I were going back to the doctor for our ultrasound.  I woke up feeling good.  I took a shower and rushed out the door to get there on time.  I had a tervis tumbler of water (trying to get my 64 ounces off to a good start for the day) and a few peanut butter crackers on my stomach along with my pain pill.  I felt fine in the waiting room but as we waited the pain and nausea started to increase.  We had the ultrasound which was wonderful!  Our baby was moving around, stretching its long legs, and opening and closing its mouth.  It was a great experience except for the pain.  They also did an ultrasound on my kidney and found that the stone hadn't moved since last Thursday.  I got sick and ended up throwing up two times while I was there.  I was so bad off that the doctor went ahead and made an appointment for me to see a urologist that afternoon.  They even rolled me out in a wheel chair to the car.  I got sick once on the way home....poor Ryan.  Once at home I took a bath to try to ease the pain.  That just caused me to get overheated and faint feeling.  I got out of the bath and finally got control of myself.  Ryan's mom came over and helped out so much.  She went to have a prescription filled and brought me a lemon pie from Chick-fil-a.  I barely started feeling good again before it was time to load up and go see the urologist.  Ryan, my mom, and Donna all went with me.  At that point I was so glad to have the support.  The urologist was interesting....you can ask me about that experience in person if you want to know the details.  When we made it into the conference room to hear from the doctor we basically got this message........The bottom line here is that I can't trust an ultrasound to tell me if you have a kidney stone.  We can't do any other tests to see if you do have a kidney stone. 85% of the time the pain you are experiencing comes from uterine ligament stretching which can be "debilitating" for pregnant women and may last the duration of your pregnancy.  STOP taking all meds right now.  They are not safe for your baby.  TOUGH IT OUT.

Did I just hear him correctly?  This pain might last until delivery?  I just have to TOUGH IT OUT?  I walked away from that appointment realizing that I couldn't put my trust in doctors to heal....I COULD ONLY TRUST IN THE LORD TO BE MY HEALER!

I went off the pain meds that day.  Tuesday I took five baths and stayed on the heating pad almost all day.  Wednesday my mom and Gina came to stay with me while Ryan was a work.  I took two baths that day to ease the pain.  Wednesday I didn't have to take one bath.  I just used the heating pad a few times and had very minimal movement.  Thursday and Friday I was able to get out the house and walk around without feeling any pain.  Saturday, which is today, I have again felt no pain!  PRAISE THE LORD!  

I realize that the pain could return at any moment but I am trusting in the Lord through all of this.  I know that he goes before us and that he will carry me through whatever struggle he wants me to go through.  It will all be for his glory.  And don't forget that he is forming this most precious life inside of me!  He is going to take care of us!  I have such peace knowing I am loved by my Savior.  I gave up the long term substitute position, knowing that I needed to take care of myself and avoid any setbacks.  Everyone up at the school was wonderful and I felt their prayers for me.  

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me throughout the past week. 

My bottom line:  I may not know the source of the pain, but I know the source of my healing.  Jesus!  Jesus!  Jesus!

teaching + pregnant = exhausted

Dear pregnant teachers.....I have a new respect for you!

Many of you know that I taught second grade for three years at Taylors Elementary.  Those three years of teaching were wonderful and I never imagined that my life would change so much after three short years.  I was/am passionate about teaching and I know that it is a calling in my life.  I find so much joy in working with young children and making a difference in their life.  It truly energizes me to see them grow so much in a matter of months!  SO, when Ryan and I started dating and became engaged (in a matter of months) my world was turned upside down.  I knew that I would be moving from Greer to Fountain Inn.  I have to confess that I am not a morning person.  This is relevant because even after three years of waking up at the crack of dawn, I still didn't enjoy waking up really early to be at school.  FI is between 40 and 45 minutes from my old school and I immediately started to dread that daily commute.  Also, we knew that we would be trying to start a family in a year or so (didn't quite make it a year!)  and I didn't want to transfer to a new school and only be there for one year.  So, after much prayer and a lot of encouragement from Ryan, family, and friends I resigned.........I still pinch myself sometimes and ask, "After all that school you really just quit?"  But I did.

Some of you (katie baggott)  will laugh as you read this b/c it is turning into a novel!  The last paragraph was all to lead up to the fact that I have been substitute teaching this year.  I am have really enjoyed it over all.  I started the year off with a long term sub for about 8 weeks.  That really helped b/c I was sad about not having a class of my own to prepare for at that point.  But, as that job finished up I was very glad to have the flexibility of subbing!  I have worked a lot this year and have been able to be in numerous classrooms and gain lots of new ideas just from observation.  A week and a half ago I started another long term sub position in a first grade class.  I will be there for six weeks for sure.....it could be longer but I haven't been told that yet.  The class I am teaching is really fun!  I can tell that their teacher did a great job training them in classroom procedures and I am very thankful!

I am 11 weeks pregnant and I was nervous about the combination of teaching everyday and feeling sick.  But I really can't complain about how it is going so far.  My best part of the day is always in the morning when I feel more rested.  I just have to make sure that I eat a good breakfast and have good snacks to munch on throughout the day.  I feel my worst from about 5:00 onward.  Last week there was one night I went to bed at 7:30.  It felt so good!

The worst moment so far:  The second day of this long term sub we went on a field trip.  I sat in the front seat of the bus but that really didn't help.  I still felt sick as we made our way up to the top of Roper Mountain.  Then we went to the planetarium where we watched the most dizzying movie for an hour.  I had my eyes closed most of the time!  I couldn't handle it!  Yuck!

My best moment so far:  Last week the class worked on writing stories about an animal who had a problem and solved it.  At first they weren't really excited but after some fun brainstorming they came up with some really good stories!

I am not under the pressure that a regular classroom teacher is under.  I don't have to worry about being evaluated or end of the year testing.  So, I don't truly know what it would be like to be working the rest of the year pregnant, but I am definitely impressed by all the teachers that do it everyday.  I only have a matter of weeks were I will be teaching full time.  Having an end in sight (other than June) changes everything about my perspective.  I can definitely do it and do it well!  Hats off to all the teachers that spend their whole pregnancy teaching!