Randa was right...

I was watching a show last night called Start Ups on Bravo.  It's a reality show following young people in Silicon Valley with tech start-ups.  As I watched, I found myself saying "wow these people are just wired differently", and the more I watched I realized these people are MY HUSBAND in a nutshell. Let me explain, they thrive on doing the things that would make me want to curl into the fetal position in a cold sweat.....like presenting a million dollar deal to a venture capitalist on the hope your app is well liked upon launch, or even works as planned. They research all day everyday to predict tech trends, plan 24 months out for what apps/technology people will find valuable, participate in online forums with other wickedly smart techies talking iOS, drones, geo-locating, and angel funding. Huh????

I just wait for Apple to apply a catchy soundtrack and tell me what I need on a commercial.

So this blog is dedicated to my very own techie and all he is doing.  Right now he is working constantly on growing and franchising PushLocal, his newest app.  Pushlocal is a web service that allows your business to deliver events, deals, and updates instantly to customers`mobile devices.  I love the app because I am always so busy and used to always miss things but now the businesses, clubs, organizations, first responders, etc. that I subscribe to send notifications to my phone for sales, daily specials, emergency notifications, community events, concert times, and even lost dogs!  It rocks!!! Because unlike most social media where you have to dig for your info....it knows what you like and the info comes to me....with really cool sound effects too!! (He thought of everything!)
He has seen huge local successes in Natchez and the board of investors is currently working on franchising the business to the first round of cities! He is constantly developing design mock-ups, wireframes, and functional requirements for Phase 2.  There are some exciting things around the corner and we can't wait to see it all come to life.  The new website alone is amazing...i get secret VIP viewings every night :)

Next week we are all headed to Jackson (me, Zach, Dad, and the other investors) for the Annual Tech Conference- basically the largest annual tech event in the state of MS.  Zach was chosen to present for the Investor Spotlight portion-   HUGE honor!  I can't tell you how proud I am and nobody knows more than I do how many hours he put into this venture so this success is well deserved.

Also he started his position with the family court on Nov. 1 as an attorney advisor to parents going through the custody cases. He will be doing this on top of his normal practice, it is a great opportunity for him to learn more and it was wonderful news coming on the heels of finding out we were growing our family.  He takes every free moment he has to hang out with me and Austin and makes us laugh like nobody can!  Like I said, busy guy, but he keeps it all afloat with ease. 

I have been thinking about him a lot lately wondering how he does what he does with the passion that he does it.  As our maid told me "you better not let him go".  Not planning on it Darlene!  I am very aware and thankful for Zach.  He has a mad passion for changing this world, not just existing it it.  He wants to impact people in a big way.  I guess the late Randa Jex was right, he is destined for greatness. 

Hopefully our little guy will be tech savvy like his daddy.... and not tech challenged like his mommy!

I couldn’t have asked for a sweeter son!

Zach and I have been left speechless by our little guy recently.  It seemed like right around the time we found out we were expecting, Austin discovered his attitude and it was wearing me out.  I asked a lot of close friends how they handled it and my favorite response came from my BF Lisha when I asked my if she read any good books on disciplining…she replied “The Bible”.  I told her that was a long read I was on a short timeline with this kid.  I think after learning his queues and implementing “time out” we have gotten a pretty good handle on him acting out.  The key was to just not pay attention when he did it.

But back to us being speechless-  lately it hasn’t stemmed from frustration, but instead love.

Austin has been so loving lately.  And not prompted loving like “give mommy a kiss”, totally voluntary and spontaneous sweetness.  He has always been a sweet little boy that outwardly shows affection for “his peeps” but lately he is just an uncontrollable love bug.  Last night I just stubbed my toes really hard on one of the kitchen barstool and knelt to ground to rub the pain out and said "ouch" a few times. Austin was playing in the pantry and he stopped playing, walked over to me, wrapped his sweet little arms around my neck….hugging me while saying "owww", and then sat on the knee I had bended.  He just sat there like he was there if I needed him but he was just waiting for mommy to get better. It was the sweetest moment imaginable!  I totally forgot about the pain and just hugged the little guy as my mommy heart just melting inside me.

This morning and last he gets up earlier than normal (thanks time change) and since it’s too early to get moving we all just lay there and he is a little snuggle bug. He lays his head on the pillow next to yours and looks at you and he sometimes will reach over and hold the sides of my face and smile like he is studying me.  {insert mommy heart melt, again}.

Last night he leaned over, took his paci out and gave Zach a kiss…not once but twice.  Yeah daddy was jello after that one. 

Oh and one more sweet little thing he does.  Every night after he brushes his teeth (his favorite thing ever), he insists we go to his shelf and kiss all his figurines good night.  Zach had the characters from Lion King in a box of his childhood toys and they are too small for Austin to play with so they sit on the book shelf.  He takes each character off the shelf and kisses it, then puts it back on the shelf and reaches for the next one.  Then we take the Wise Men snow globe, shake the snow and kiss the Wise Men goodnight. Then we put him in the crib and he picks up his plush Ducky and gives him a big hug before rolling over to go to sleep.  I love his gentle and sweet nature and his calm nighttime routine! And I feel very lucky he makes it so easy on us. 

We often discuss how we will ever be able to get mad at him because he is so sweet and cute. 

Happy Halloween Y'all!

I YAM WHAT I YAM....

 

POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN says Happy Halloween!

Mom and I got to work (mostly MOM!!) and created Austin's costume.  Mom actually made the entire outfit...impressive, I know!

Tonight we are headed to the Fall Festival at church, maybe an apprearance at Running Club/Malt Shop fundraiser at Fat Mama's and onto our friends neighborhood for trick-or-treating!  I will have to try and distract Austin and take a few pics of him with his hat on and his can of spinach (aka a sippy cup with a spinach exterior). Should be a fun night!  Can't wait to see his reaction to the other kids!



The Jex Crew +Popeye and a Fairy

Grammy, Papa and Popeye

Longwood decorated for Halloween- pure awesomeness!

Hope everyone has a safe and spooky Halloween!  I can't wait to see what yummy treats Austin gets!!!

"Sweetpea" Updates

I feel really bad that it has taken me over a week to post this update on Sweetpea (aka baby 2.0). I feel like I had blogged by the time I got home from the appointment the first time around but that is because these days I am time-poor with a toddler running around. But I promised myself not to make excuses and make sure I do everything for Sweatpea (or close to) that I did for Austin.

So let's rewind and here is the update from the 9 week appointment and the 13 week appointment. The comments in RED are the notes from the corresponding weeks from when I was pregnant with Austin for the sake of comparing. In my mind Austin's pregnancy was a breeze compared to this one but I am sure I just conveniently forgot all the bad stuff.

9wk Side View "Hi Mom"

9wk Front View of the Gummy Bear "Hi Dad"

9wk Heartbeat (most beautiful sound ever) 164bpm

September 17, 2012: 9 Week Appointment
Expected Due Date: April 22, 2013
Next Dr. Appointment: October 15...second sonogram!

Size of baby: Sweatpea is the size of a prune...1.5"

Doc Says: Heartbeat is 164 BPM (great) and body is measuring 9 weeks. 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: No weight loss/gain.
With Austin: Lost 1.5lbs but don't you worry I have been eating like a 300lb truck driver. My theory is this lil baby must be a Jex Boy and requires A LOT of nourishment just like his daddy.

Maternity Clothes: Not yet.
With Austin: Not needed yet

Gender: ??
Sickness: Not much, some stomach aches at night.
With Austin: I don't always feel so fabulous right before I go to bed but wake up feeling normal.

Workout: Maybe get in one workout a week, I have been working way too much and got super lazy. 

With Austin: Working out 3-4 times a week. Still doing Turbo Kick but at a much lower intensity than I used to. Would love to still be running but it is way too cold outside!

Movement: Not yet

With Austin: Won't have any for a while...Sweet Pea is too small.

Sleep: Too much, I am falling asleep everywhere.
With Austin: Like a log as always.

Pregnancy Highlights: Not too many symptoms, didn’t think it was real until the appointment.

With Austin:  It's been great so far, if all of my pregnancies are like this I might have 10 kids.

What I miss: Never really started drinking caffeine again after Austin so I don’t miss it.
With Austin: Clear skin. Sometimes I miss Dr. Pepper and Sweet Tea, I gave up caffeine altogether.

Cravings/Aversions: Baked Potatoes and Cheetos!

I crave Baked Potatoes- I literally could have them for every meal. Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches are always yummy in fact I have one every night as my second dinner. I cannot stand the sight of grilled chicken or fish.

Symptoms: Light headed, tired, Broken out skin (that was the first indication I was preggo)

With Austin: Hunger, Bust has grown a size-boooo! Sleepiness- not during the day but around 9pm I feel like I have been drugged...I was a night owl, not anymore.

Best Moment this week: Going to the doctor and seeing the baby and finally being able to confirm we have another miracle on the way!  This baby was such a surprise that for the last 5 weeks since the positive test at the doctor’s office I have been so nervous/hopeful/skeptical.

13wk Side View- Precious Profile

13 wk Front View- "Hi Big Brother"

 

13wk Heartbeat- 146bpm

Waving Hi!

 

October 15, 2012: 13 Week Appointment (2^nd Trimester!!)
Expected Due Date: April 22, 2013
Next Dr. Appointment: November 12

Size of baby: Sweetpea is the size of a peach!
Doc Says: Heartbeat is 146 BPM (great) and the baby is measuring right on time. 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 3 lbs (not sure if I should attribute that to lack of exercise and poor eating or is it legitimately the baby??)
With Austin: Gained 1/2lb!!!!!I have worked hard for that ½ lb too.

Maternity Clothes: Pants are really snug so I wear dresses all the time, can’t wear button up shorts anymore.  So I guess the answer is yes.

With Austin: Not yet

Gender: ??  (First I wanted another boy so we could have a Zach/Kellen repeat, now I am not sure I ever want to be pregnant again so I want a girl to complete the ratio.)

Sickness: 1^st Tri was AWFUL, never actually got sick but felt nauseated all day every day.  Bad headaches, really tired and sick to my stomach after meals.  Starting to feel more human lately.
With Austin: As of NYE I have been feeling great!

Workout: Rare if any.  We go to running club once a week but I don’t do the full run. I am starting to consider chasing Austin my workout.  I know that is pitiful but I have felt terrible. Hope to get active soon!  I don’t feel like myself.

With Austin: Working out 3 times a week…can’t wait for spring to be here so I can get out and run/walk again!

Movement: I have felt strong flutters.
With Austin: Not yet.

 Sleep: I think I am narcoleptic. It’s pitiful.

With Austin: Sleeping well!

Pregnancy Highlights: None yet, this one is a doozy. My teenager skin cleared up, I guess you could call that a win.
With Austin: Being able to eat more than normal and actually wanting to gain weight!

What I miss: Having the energy/drive to workout, feeling normal.

With Austin: Still miss that clear skin...but it is getting better.

Cravings/Aversions: Nothing stands out at this point.

With Austin: Bagels, Baked Potatoes, Fruit, Sushi (only the cooked rolls I know!) and Hummus w/ Pita Bread (yeah I know it’s crazy)

Symptoms: Big ole’ boobs, stomach is expanding faster, tired, light headed

With Austin: I feel pretty normal at the moment (Thank God!)

Best Moment this week: Seeing Austin interact with his cousin Julia Claire and other kids and thinking how much he is going to love having a sibling.  He loves kids and plays so well with others.  He is gentle and shares.

So proud of our little boy

The last week I have been blown away on a daily basis by things Austin is doing or saying.  I guess as parents we are always talking to him and explaining the world and when they start picking up on things you said it just takes you a minute to realize what just happened.

I wish I had a reality show following this kid to get it all on video. Sorry for lack of pictures but here are some fun things going on in the world of Austin:

• Sunday morning I was in the kitchen cooking breakfast for everyone and I had Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on in the den so Austin could have something to watch while drinking his milk, although Austin has absolutely no interest in that or any other cartoon.  He was playing in the kitchen and I said "why don't you go watch MMC and drink your milk" and he looked at me and walked out of the room.  A minute later he returns to the kitchen wearing his giant Mickey Mouse hands.  I fell out laughing that he made that connection since he only had those gloves for a day.
• The ladies in his daycare class told me today he is adjusting great to the big boy class. He loves to play with the other kids and is an excellent napper.  They said even if he isn't sleepy the whole time he lays on his mat quietly the entire 2 hours until nap time is over.  What a big boy!
• When i put pancakes on his highchair he hovers his hand over them first to make sure they aren't hot.  Smart boy!
• Every night when I say time for bed, he drops what he is doing walks towards the staircase and signs "brush teeth"
• He can now open and close the front door.  He knows it takes a lot of leverage so he puts one hand on the lever and one hand on the door pull and pushes the door open. Then he scoots over to let me come through and shuts the door behind us.
• He can identify all his common body parts- ears, eyes, nose, head, belly, feet, hands.  I love when we say "blink your eyes" and he squints really hard like he's starring at the sun.  
• If he sees a brush or comb he pics it up and brushes his hair.
• Saying WOW and BOOM at the fireworks and the hot air balloons.
• Picks up a book or paper and starts jabbering non stop like he's reading it.

This is such a fun age and he is such a happy little guy.  I don't think I heard him cry one time the entire weekend with all the company in town.  He is full of so much life and laughter!

I couldn't ask for more as a mother.  I feel so blessed!

le bebe #2

As most of you know, we are expecting our 2nd child!  We had been keeping the secret for almost 2 months so it feels really good to finally be able to tell everyone our good news. 

I have been keeping a private journal/blog since the day we found out and I might post those later.  I try to keep all the details recorded so I can look back and remember the small things, okay who am I fooling, I need help remembering the big things these days!  I love looking back on my journaling from Austin's pregnancy and comparing the two....night and day!   Many have told me that's a sure sign of a girl but as one of my straight-shooting medical friends told me, "it means nothing". So we are excited to find out what we are having this time around since I have felt so different than I did the first time.  I find it entertaining that before we knew we were pregnant I swore I didn't want to know the gender of baby #2 but within minutes of finding out we were expecting I knew we had to find out!  So I think we will be finding out the week of Thanksgiving.

One Talented Family

I was going through pictures on my computer the other day and realized that most of my favorite pictures over the past 15 months came from 3 talented women that all have one thing in common....they are a Tillman.  I would like to think Austin is just "that cute" but in all reality these girls can do things behind the lens that is nothing short of magic.  They each photographed him at different ages yet captured his personality.  That might not mean much to you if you aren't around him often but it's amazing when you see a picture of your child and immediately think, "that's Austin to a T".

 

I have to admit that over 95% of the pictures I have taken of this little love bug have been on my iPhone, yeah I know slap my wrist!  Katie told me she was taking an online class to become more skilled and it kindled a little fire within me.  I set a goal to get out the Canon Rebel, dust it off and learn how to really use the darn thing by the time Baby 2 arrives.  Thanks Katie for inspiring me!

 

Let me make one thing clear, don't expect Tillman quality the day I deliver, or even 6 years later for that matter.  Just be patient as it will be a work in progress and expect many imperfect yet sweet pictures.  I just want to be able to get the basic skills down now that there are about to be 2 tiny Jexes in this world.

 

 

So on to the good stuff:  Here are my favs!!

 

 

Courtesy of Katie G. Tillman

www.katietillmanphotography.com

 

Austin @ 14 1/2 months

 

 

 

 

 

Courtesy of Becky T. Jex

http://rebeccajex.blogspot.com

 

Austin @ 12 months

Austin @ 9 months

Courtesy of Amanda T. Shea

http://amandasheaphotography.com/

 

Austin @ 3 months

 



 

 

 

Go ahead, say it........these ladies are good!!!