A Morning at Dinosaur World

A few weeks ago as I was looking through the SOKY Happenings magazine, I noticed Dinosaur World was offering a Dinomite Dollar Day. We decided to take advantage of the $1.00 admission and enjoy a morning with the dinosaurs.

The dinosaurs were life-size and the whole place was set up sort of like a zoo.

We visited the Woolly Mammoths.

When we would pass by a dinosaur Seth would point and then keep pointing for several seconds after. It was so cute.

Seth posed with the dinosaur that you can see along I-65.

He is so tiny standing in the right claw.

Of course, he had to ride some dinosaurs.

I am not sure the place would have been worth the $12.50 regular admission fee, but it sure was worth the two dollars we paid for our morning with the dinosaurs.

It's Looking Like Autumn

I love to decorate, and when you combine decorating and Autumn I get very happy. Here's a look inside and out this year...

I used Spanish moss, leaf garland, and pumpkins in the flower box. As much as I love flowers, I absolutely love this look and it is maintenance free.

Inside I love using gourds and pumpkins to decorate. I used $0.35 gourds in a basket to dress up a candle.

I also love to fill glass containers with seasonal things.

Pine cones, potpourri, acorns, and berries fill this one.

The mantle is decorated with small pumpkins, pine cones, and votives. The tall candlesticks and the green vase stay pretty much all year except during the Christmas season. I just add twigs and berries to the vase for Autumn.
Here's a look at the whole room.
I am so glad Autumn is here!

First Day of Autumn Celebration

Autumn is my most favorite season of the year. I love everything about it! Since we were adjusting to life with a little one this time last year, I didn't get a chance to do a First Day of Autumn Celebration. This year I knew it was just going to be wonderful! My friend Carmella and her daughter Jaynie Beth came over to celebrate with us. We made lots of autumnal crafts like...

the acorn wreath and Carmella made a candy corn wreath that is still drying.

We made a pumpkin bird feeder.

Then we ate Apple Cheddar Squash soup and

some delicious Cream Cheese Pumpkin Spice Cake.

After lunch we made a "5 Little Pumpkins" craft.

Seth loved helping glue on the pumpkins.

Jaynie Beth liked helping with the pumpkins, too.

Because we had so many crafts to do with two babies, we actually had to finish up some things today. I made pumpkin bib clips so that we can attach a cloth or napkin to use as a bib. It's just suspender clips, a ribbon, and two felt pumpkins glued to the clips.
To finish off our celebration, we made aromatic autumn garland again. I found this idea on Skip to My Lou last year. I was able to find alphabet cookie cutters so I was able to actually make the garland the way I had wished to do last year. After making it two times, the second time with two holes in each letter/shape so that they would hang flat on the string, hotgluing the "V" together after it broke, and making another "K" because it crumbled to bits, it finally looked like this...
I have to say it has been one amazingly fun First Day of Autumn Celebration! What a wonderful way to start the season!

Acorn Wreath

When I made my lima bean wreath I knew I that I wanted to try making an acorn wreath as soon as I could get a hold of enough acorns. Last weekend while I was at Bryan's company's picnic, I probably looked like a lunatic foraging around the ground while everyone else was playing cornhold, but I found enough. After a couple hours of hot gluing and arranging acorns, here's how it turned out...

Pumpkin Bird Feeder

Autumn officially began late last night here in BG. So while today is technically the first full day of the fall season, Carmella and I made an easy pumpkin bird feeder yesterday to kick off the festivities for our "First Day of Autumn Celebration." Today we have a few crafts for the kids planned, a few crafts for us, and some tasty fall foods on the menu. It is going to be one fun filled day!
Many of the ideas for our celebration have come from blogs or magazines and when I spotted this pumpkin bird feeder on Martha Stewart's website, I knew we had to give it a try. Here's how we made ours...

Step One: Find a small pumpkin. We used the pie pumpkin size.

Step 2: Slice the top off and scoop out all the seeds.

Step 3: Glue two pieces of ribbon to the bottom forming an X so that the pumpkin will sit in a ribbon cradle when it is hung. Attach twigs for the birds to use while eating and then fill with birdseed.

Step 4: Hang from a nice spot in the yard.
Sit back and wait for the birds to enjoy a nice Autumn snack.

So simple, so easy, so inexpensive, and super cute!

Two Weeks Ago

Two weeks ago Seth and I went to our weekly story time at the library. Thanks to facebook and this blog we were able to meet some new friends that recently moved here but are from Jackson, where we grew up. It's funny how some things work out. Two weeks ago I would have never thought I would be doing crafts and shopping and enjoying the company with a fellow schoolmate's wife and daughter. It's only been two weeks but it feels as if we have known each other for a long time. I am so glad this family became a part of our lives two weeks ago.Let me introduce you to our new friends, Carmella and Jaynie Beth. For the last two weeks we have spent hours together. We have had lots of fun and they are such a blessing. Daniel, Carmella's husband and my high school friend, is an engineer like Bryan and they have really hit it off well. Unfortunately, the boys don't get to be in all the pictures or enjoy all of our fun because they work hard all day so that we can be with our little ones. We have all been able to enjoy some time together on the disc golf course, and we have had dinner together a of couple times. Two weeks ago we met new friends and I think it's the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

A Few More Firsts

Today I had a few firsts:

For the first time since Seth was born, I did not nurse. Seth is fully switched over to whole milk and I think he loves it.I baked acorns which by the way makes the house smell really weird.

I drove down a one way street going down the wrong direction. Yikes! Luckily I was able to turn into a parking lot immediately. Then I drove off a curb. It was quite an interesting two or three minutes.

Not the Typical Sound

This morning I held Seth in my arms. He had just fallen asleep for his morning nap. He was resting so peacefully and he looked so beautiful. I put my hand on his chest and I felt his heart beating. It was such a special moment. One of those moments that make you teary eyed because you are so grateful for the little one that God has given to you. It was at that moment that I knew why God provided us with children. It was so that we could see an inkling of how much He really loves us especially since He gave his only son to save us. As I sat rocking Seth, a fear of something being wrong with Seth's heart crept into my mind and I realized the magnitude of God's gift.
When we went to the doctor on Wednesday for Seth's 1 year check-up, I answered all the questions that they typically ask you. Then we moved on to the physical exam which included ears, nose, chest, etc. Our doctor listened to Seth's heart and then asked if we had ever discussed a heart murmur. I told him no. He confirmed with Seth's chart and then broke into a lengthy explanation about heart murmurs that I somewhat understood while still trying to stay composed and keep my panic face from showing. He suggested that we have an echocardiogram done to see if there is actually a murmur or some other problem or nothing at all. He said not to be concerned until there is actually something to be concerned about. I am not sure if that actually made me feel much better, but we scheduled the test for today.
After reading some information about heart murmurs on the Internet, (it's funny how we rely so heavily on the random information on the Internet to deal with most everything involving raising a child or any other random thing we go through) Bryan and I felt much better. Apparently they are very common and most kids have a murmur at some point during their childhood. It's any sound that is heard that is not the typical lub-dub sound, which could be caused by so many things, circumstances, etc. We decided to not worry too much about it and wait for the results of the test.
This morning Seth had his ultrasound on his heart. He did really well and only had a few moments during the beginning of the test of crying. After realizing he wasn't getting any shots and eating a vanilla wafer he was all good. The tech said God blessed him with a beautiful heart and as we were heading out the door she said she everything looked just fine. Seeing as how techs are usually not supposed to say anything I think that was a good sign. Either that or she doesn't have a clue what she is talking about, but I don't think that is the case. If there is a concern we will know in a couple of days. If it is no big deal then we probably won't hear anything and the cardiologist will mail a letter to our pediatrician letting them know it's no big deal. So in this case no news is good news.
While we still aren't in the clear and there still is a possibility that something could be wrong, we have a peace about what ever happens (and boy, those little bonus God-showing-us-His-love moments are awesome!).

Seth Turns One

Today Bryan and I are the parents of a 1 year old. In some ways it feels like it has been the fastest year of our lives and in other ways it feels like we have always had Seth around. Because we take a ton of pictures we thought it would be only appropriate to make a photo/video montage of Seth's first year. Here is a look back at the past year in somewhat chronological order...

Best Baby Investments: 12 Months into Parenthood

We think it is neat to look back at some of the things that have helped make parenthood just a little bit easier. You can find out our newborn essentials and our 6 month list by clicking on the links. Here's what we have loved during the 6 month to 12 month stage:

Top 100 Baby Purees: 100 Quick and Easy Meals for a Healthy and Happy Baby by Annabel Karmel- This book made making purees so easy and everyone of them tasted delicious. I have my Finger Foods cookbook by Annabel Karmel ordered right now. I highly recommend this book if you have any desire to make your baby's own food.

Food Processor- Used daily to make purees.

Ice Cube Trays- A must if you make your own baby's food. We didn't buy any fancy trays that were expensive. The kind with lids would have been nice, but we just used Saran wrap to cover them until the food was frozen. We went with the Rubbermaid kind at Wal-mart. I would not recommend the kind at the dollar store. They broke very easily the few times I tried using them. Thank goodness they were 2 for only a $1.00.Orajel- This provides instant relief for Seth when he is teething. Because his teeth have been coming in two at a time, the Orajel really helps him sleep better and feel better during those few days when he is most uncomfortable.

Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster Seat- I know I have said it before, but this little chair is so handy. It makes eating out a breeze and we don't have to have a high chair taking up space at home since it sits in one of our existing chairs.Walker- I found a walker at the consignment store for $8 but we have recently received a race car walker/rider that we are going to use instead. I think these have really helped Seth become more confident in his walking skills. He is not completely walking but he is definitely toddling around.

Stacking Cups- found at the Mighty Dollar, these stacking cups entertain Seth for long periods of time. He loves to stack them, nest them, scoot with them, and even rub them on stuff. This video was taken a couple months ago but is an example of how Seth likes to play with these cups from Mighty Dollar.

BumGenius 4.0 with Snaps- We started our cloth diapering journey with Fuzzibunz. We recently had some diapers given to us which included Swaddlebees, Blueberry Diapers, Preston's Pants, and others. So we have tried quite a few kinds. Since we bought perfect sized diapers in the beginning we had to purchase larger diapers when Seth was about 9 months old. We opted to go with the one sized new BumGenius 4.0 with snaps. They are amazing! We love everything about them.

Future Photographer

On Saturday, I had to attend a meeting in Lexington, KY. While I was away for the day this is what Seth learned how to do from his daddy...

Looks like Seth is ready to join the photography fun. :)

Black Corinth Table Grapes

It's funny how you can come across something that you really needed at one time but just couldn't find and then when you aren't looking for that thing in particular it seems to be so accessible. Seven years ago I really needed these mini grapes. I wanted them to be on my wedding cake which was covered in fruit instead of flowers. I searched and searched and could not find these little grapes anywhere. We had to go with the traditional size in the end and all was fine, but oh, how I would have loved to have found these grapes.
Last night while we were at Wal-mart for a quick stop I spotted them. It took seven years, but I finally found them right there in the produce department. Although I really didn't need them, I probably should have just bought the regular grapes, we bought a container of them. They are just so darn cute. They are not local and they are not cheap, but they are fun to eat. It was a nice little treat that brought back fun memories.

Walking

Seth started taking his first steps a couple of weeks ago, but we haven't been able to get a good video of it until tonight. He can now walk with only needing a little motivation and he is able to steady himself enough to keep from falling down so often. Today he has been walking between different pieces of furniture on his own. I think we are very close to walking being his primary mode of mobility.

The first video is hilarious and one I had to include because of Bryan, but the second is actually a good video of Seth walking by himself.

Still Thriving

It feels as if the gardening season at the Tillery household should be dwindling to a close. But we still have tomatoes, okra, one pepper plant, and my herbs thriving. I just cannot believe how successful the garden has been this year. It has required some hard work, but it has been so much fun going to see what is ready to harvest each day.

Homemade Sock Puppy

Bryan and I are kind of weirdos when it comes to holidays and birthdays and our parenting methods. I am sure if you know us even just slightly you already picked up on that. When it comes to birthdays we really don't think that you should have a "gimme, gimme" attitude. We think some people put too much emphasis on receiving stuff on their birthdays. We would rather teach Seth that we are celebrating him. There is nothing wrong with receiving gifts. We just don't want that to be the focus of a birthday celebration. We put a lot of thought into what we wanted to do each year and we decided a small gift or two was o.k. if it was meaningful/homemade and something we knew that he would truly enjoy. We also thought that it would be neat to provide some kind of special experience as a family. So for this year, he received a small set of foam lincoln logs, a homemade sock puppy, and we plan to go to the Nashville zoo in the next week or two. Here's a closer look at this year's homemade gift.I started working on the homemade puppy last week and made him from a pair of socks that I got at Mighty Dollar. I used a pattern that I had found from the book Sock and Glove by Miyako Kanamori at the local library. It was pretty easy to make but next time, I would like to shorten the arms and legs. The pattern didn't specify to do that so I didn't. The result was a little sock puppy with extremely long arms and legs. I also had to redo the ears three times before I was satisfied with them. The whole project took about three hours and I realized I am really not good at using embroidery thread. I need more practice hiding my knots. Overall though, I think he turned out pretty cute and I think Seth was appreciative of his gift made with love by mommy. He started clapping after throwing him around a little bit.

Seth's 1st Birthday Celebration

This past weekend we loaded up the car and headed to Jackson to celebrate Seth's 1st birthday just a little early. Our party was simple and we had lots of fun with family.

We opted for homemade cupcakes for Seth's first taste of cake with icing. He was a big fan!

He liked holding his number 1 candle!

Next we had family portraits taken. I saw this idea just the other day and had to include it for our celebration. I think it might be a tradition each year and a great memento of the day.

Then Seth opened a few small gifts.
He also got a wagon from everybody, but it was already at home.

We played with bubbles for a few minutes.

Before ending our celebration we spent some time on the playground having some fun on the slides, the see-saw, swings, and other equipment.

I think we all had a fantastic afternoon. We hope that our little man learns from our birthday celebrations that we are celebrating him and how happy we are to have him in our lives!