This Is How It Became "All About Scout"

Adam and I are approaching the 2 year "anniversary" of becoming parents. I will let my pictures tell you the story...

I like to say it all started in Indian Shores, FL, but really, it all started when two people fell in love and decided to get married.

Our engagement photo shoot at World's Fair Park

The soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs.

Saying our "I do's" and making it official.
06/07/08

You may kiss your bride!

The first day of our new beginning! Mr. & Mrs. Gilreath

September 2008
Little did we know that this is where it became "All About Scout"! During our vacation to Indian Shores, FL, we got pregnant. Yes, we were trying and YES we knew the timing was perfect! ;-)

Nearly 4 weeks later, and "knowing" that I felt different, we got the answer we were hoping for! 10/05/08


The excited parents-to-be.


10/10/08
This is how we told my mom the good news. We went to Outback Steakhouse to celebrate her 49th birthday. We brought in this cookie cake to tell her the good news, her best birthday present, EVER! She screamed, literally, with excitement!
Of course, the waiter thought it would be funny to change moms age to 94.


10/11/08
At the Susan G. Komen's Knoxville Race for the Cure
This is how we told my dad and step mom, Lisa. Adam took the picture of me holding the pregnancy test and added the words "Help This Mommy-To-Be Support Breast Cancer Awareness". They didn't really notice, I had to point it out. I've never seen my dad light up like he did that morning.






My Belly Pictures
27 weeks 4 days


28 weeks 4 days
Enjoying the beginning of spring!


31 weeks 2 days
After my baby shower at Adam's work. This is in the nursery. My dad was in the process of painting it.


31 weeks 3 days
Easter Sunday, showing off my dads talent. He did an amazing job painting Scout's nursery.



33 weeks 5 days
Showing off my baby bump before we went to one of our baby classes at "Teddy Bear University, a.k.a. Parkwest Medical Center

34 weeks 3 days
My maternity photo shoot at Studio 102

34 weeks 3 days
Anxiously awaiting our baby girls arrival.


34 weeks 3 days
My absolute favorite maternity shot. Randy asked me to just stand there and think about my angel and my mind was flooded with so many emotions. I'll never forget that moment!


34 weeks 3 days
Mama angel, pregnant with a baby angel. You'll see Scout's angel wing shot on down the page.




The Creation of a Beautiful Life
7 weeks
The first glimpse of our angel. The emotions you feel when you heart your baby's heart beat for the very first time is the most amazing thing. How can someone deny God's creation?


9 weeks 6 days
Isn't it amazing how much your baby changes in just 2 weeks 6 days in utero.


12 weeks
My little pea in a pod.


12 weeks
A profile shot of my little pea in a pod.


16 weeks 6 days
You can already see formation of her beautiful face.


16 weeks 6 days
We were told we were having a GIRL! As you can see, it's hard to believe. I wasn't convinced! You can see her head turned to the side towards the back.


20 weeks 6 days
I had the ultrasound tech check the sex again. She's definitely a girl! It was a good thing, because Nana had already loaded us down with lots of girly clothes!


20 weeks 6 days
This was one of my favorite ultrasound images of Scout. Look at that perfect little body at just half way through her gestation.


20 weeks 6 days
Such a beautiful profile!


23 weeks 1 day
I thought it couldn't hurt to check the sex EVERY TIME! Yep, we're still having a girl! :)


23 weeks 1 day
Scout hiding her face with her arms and hand.


23 weeks 1 day
The back side of Scout. Look at her ribs! I love getting 3D shots of my baby at every visit!


23 weeks 1 day
Another face shot! I've been in love with that sweet, little face before I ever saw it!



23 weeks 1 day
Another face shot. It looks like she's popping her neck! Ha!


25 weeks 2 days
Another face/profile shot


28 weeks
Scout is getting bigger, therefore, the 3D images aren't as good. She didn't have as much room to move around.


29 weeks 2 days
Adam bought me a package to go to Focused Within to have 3D/4D ultrasound done. Honestly, I thought they would be better than what my OB offered, but they really weren't. It was still a nice experience. All of the grandparents gathered as they watched their grand baby move around in my belly.


29 weeks 2 days
Still in slight denial, I also had them check the sex. She's still a GIRL!


29 weeks 2 days
My angels head leaning back.


29 weeks 2 days
Face, arm, and very long fingers!


30 weeks 2 days
View of face, but looks a little distorted. You can see the definition of her lips.

32 weeks 5 days
Hand on face, she's already a drama queen!

34 weeks
Again, the hand is on her face. She still sleeps like this!


34 weeks
I asked for yet, another "pee pee" shot. Yes, she's DEFINITELY A GIRL! After this good 3D shot, I was finally convinced and at ease. I had 6 weeks to go and could finally stop worrying about the gender.


36 weeks
She's still hiding behind her hand, but you can see a smile out of the corner of her mouth. :)


36 weeks
Scout's last picture taken in utero. We'll see you soon!


38 weeks 4 days
The last picture taken at the house with Scout in utero. This was the day we left to go to the hospital for my induction. 05/31/10


05/31/10
At Parkwest Medical Center
Soon-To-Be Papa and Mama Gilreath
I was induced that night.


On 06/01/10 at 8:10pm, Scout Raylea Gilreath was born into this world.
6lbs 4oz 20in


My first time holding Scout. This was during our "bonding" time with her before the rest of the family met her. At this point, she was still unnamed.


This was just after everyone came in to meet Miss Scout Raylea.
I'm In Love!


Scout's Hospital Picture
06/02/10



Scout's Past 15 Months
Most of these pictures were taken on the 1st of each month, some are from her photo shoots.
Watch how Scout grows...


07/01/09
One Month
One of the only times Scout took a pacifier.


Scout's 1 Month Photo Shoot


Scout's 1 Month Photo Shoot
See, she is an angel!


08/01/09
Two Months
After having dinner with Uncle Six, Auntie Appen, and BFF Sam was still in Appen's belly. We met her 12 days laster!


09/01/09
Three Months


Scout's 3 Month Photo Shoot
Scout in her antique pram that GeeGee refinished.


Scout's 3 Month Photo Shoot
Scout was laying in my belly cast that Adam did (Lisa and Maggie painted) while I was pregnant.


10/01/09
Four Months
My two babies, Scout #1 and Lily #2!


11/01/09
Five Months
At cousin, Dylan's 2nd birthday party.


12/01/09
Six Months


Scout's 6 Month Photo Shoot
When Scout first started teething, she would stick her tongue out like that. About a week after this picture, her first tooth popped through!


Scout's 6 Month Photo Shoot
I LOVE my family!


Scout's 6 Month Photo Shoot
Little Red Riding Hood


Scout's 6 Month Photo Shoot
This was my fave picture from the entire shoot.


Scout's 6 Month Photo Shoot


01/01/10
Seven Months
New Year's Day, hanging out with GeeGee.


02/01/10
Eight Months


03/01/10
Nine Months


Scout's 9 Month Photo Shoot


Scout's 9 Month Photo Shoot
My little Diva, sporting her Heelarious Heels.


Scout's 9 Month Photo Shoot
She's so cute!


04/01/10
Ten Months


05/01/10
Eleven Months


06/01/10
Twelve Months
Happy 1st Birthday, Scout Raylea!!


07/04/10
Thirteen Months
I was slacking this month and forgot the take her picture on the first. This is as close as it gets! This is at Hornsby Hollow, the campground that Nana and Nappy camp at. We spent the 4th of July with them. Please excuse the way I look, after all, I was camping! :)


08/01/10
Fourteen Months
Sweet face!


09/01/10
Fifteen Months
My big girl brushing her teeth after her bath.

My mommy journey has been amazing. God has blessed Adam and me more than we'll ever deserve. With that said, I'll leave you with this...

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about." -Angela Schwindt

Walking? YES!!!

That's right, I feel like I can FINALLY say...Scout is walking!!! Nope, she isn't your average toddler that was walking 3 months ago at 12 months of age. She can, however, play a recorder instrument, like no other and blow her nose all by herself. :)

I didn't think this day was ever going to come. She's been "toddling" around for a couple of months now. She'd tease us and taken about 5 steps and then not walk for days. Well, today, Scout woke up and confidence and is now officially, a WALKER! Okay, I'm probably going overboard here, but I am little excited. I know she's still going to have "not-so-good" days, but I really think we've overcame this obsession with crawling. At least I'm hoping that's the case!

The only video proof I have is on my cell phone and I'm not sure how to get that on here. Maybe my computer savvy hubby can help me with that in the near future. :)

Scout will be 15 months on Wednesday. I'm hoping to find time to post pictures from the 1st of each month over the last 15 months so we can reminisce. My, how time flies! :(

I'll leave you with this picture. It shows so much of Scout's personality...She's ROTTEN!

There's So Much To See, So Much To ZOO

I finally took Scout to the zoo for the very first time. This past Tuesday, August 17, 2010 with the diaper bag packed, sippy cup full and Scout wearing her special zoo themed outfit that GG made, we headed to the Knoxville Zoo. We were so excited to have some company come along with us, my Mom, Craig (step-dad), and Allison (step-sister). They helped me out a ton! Scout doesn't like to hang out in the stroller like she used to.

We had such a fun-fulled day, but was it ever so hot and humid! By the end of the day, we were all dripping sweat. I've been wanting to take Scout to the zoo for some time, but wanted to wait until she was little older so she would enjoy it more. Scout loves animals so very much, so I knew she would be thrilled to see all these furry animals around.

We visited the zebras, elephants, giraffes, gorillas, chimpanzees, red pandas, rhinos, butterflies, baboons, birds, lions, African wild dogs, wild boars, meerkats, & chipmunks. Can you guess which of these animals was Scout's favorite? I'll give you a second a guess... It was the meerkats! She was fascinated by them. There was one in particular that was very curious and kept pacing back and forth along the window. Scout wanted so badly to touch him and love him. She loves to hug and kiss on animals.

Overall, our fun zoo day was a success! I can't wait to take Scout back when Papa (Adam) can go. We actually went to Kroger today to buy two more tickets because the buy one get one free special ended today. Next time, we'll be going in the fall. I'm really considering buying the family membership package for a year. The zoo can be so educational, especially at Scout's age. She can learn about all of the animals and get to see them in person. I am considering doing her 2nd birthday party at the zoo, too. I know it seems silly to plan that far ahead, but you can never start too soon, right?

Enjoy pictures below from our zoo experience.

Scout says, "Ohhhhhhhhh!"



A beautiful monarch butterfly.



I love zebras and zebra print! ;-)



Scout sees something else interesting.



I love that precious smile!



This is from Scout's amazing meerkat experience. I bet if she knew how to ask us, she'd be asking for one of this little fellers.



Pointing and "Ohhhhhing" with Auntie Allison



Scout loved drinking lemonade from Nana's tall cup!



Auntie Allison and Scout



Scout was giving the giraffe lovin's. She is such an affectionate child. I love it!



Here's the real deal, giraffe. I'm sure Scout would have loved on him, too.



The cutest zebra in the zoo!



The lion was snoozing. A lot of the animals were sleeping, actually. It was way too hot!



Three generations. Me, Scout, and Mom (Nana)



I loved watching this gorilla. He amazed me!



This chimpanzee is looking a bit old. He looks so bored.



This little guy was a hoot to watch. He certainly put on a show for the crowd. He was very cute and clumsy. He was do flips and fall. It was hilarious. This was probably Scout's second favorite animal to watch.



The cute, little chimpanzee again. I believe he was eating a slice of orange.



This little guy was sleeping and seemed pretty boring, but man was he cute. I stood there for about 5 minutes taking pictures before he finally turned around. I was so happy to get a face shot. Look at that sweet, adorable face. I love the red pandas!

Jean Louise Finch

"Neighbours bring food with death, and flowers with sickness, and little things in between. Boo was our neighbour. He gave us two soap dolls, a broken watch and chain, a knife, and our lives."

That is just one of many wonderful quotes from Jean Louise Finch a.k.a. Scout from To Kill A Mockingbird. What a wonderful, meaningful novel and movie. The novel is narrated by Scout explaining her journey through life in which she realizes that racism and inequality are rampant in her town. This year, Harper Lee celebrates the novel's 50th anniversary. She finally speaks out about the book, her life, and finally, her achievement.

Today, Adam and I went to see To Kill A Mockingbird at the Tennessee Theatre. Seeing this movie on the big screen in such a beautiful theater, makes it that much better. To Kill A Mockingbird was one of the first movies that Adam and I watched together in his apartment when we were dating. It's Adam's favorite novel and has a lot of meaning to us, especially since June 1, 2009.

On that warm, spring night, our beautiful baby girl was born. She was an angel sent from Heaven above on our cousin Tabby's birthday. I knew Tabby was watching down on us from Heaven as I delivered yet another miracle into this world. This tiny, sweet baby was to be unnamed until we met her, held her, and saw her face. We were in no hurry to decide on her name, we had a couple of days, although everyone was referring to her as "Raylea" which is her middle name. Raylea comes from my mother-in-law's middle name, Ray and my moms middle name, Lea. Adam and I had narrowed down our favorite names to just a few, Scout being one of them.

Scout was born at 8:10p.m. It seemed like an eternity before I got to hold her. The nurses did their thing, my mom leaves the room soon after to tell all of the family of her arrival, and finally, the makers of Scout get their special time with her. The moment I laid my eyes on her, I knew that she was Scout. It fit her best. I looked at Adam and said, "Scout, she's definitely a Scout!" After having our bonding time with Scout, we called the rest of the family in to meet the newest addition. Everyone was passing her around the room and adoring her and suddenly my mom goes, "So, what's her name?" I said, "Her name is Scout!" She claims she had a feeling she would be Scout. Adam and I had not disclosed any of the names we had picked out, but my mom remembered me talking about the name after Adam had mentioned it early in our pregnancy.

As I watched To Kill A Mockingbird today, I thought about Scout the entire time. I wondered if she will have that same spunky attitude that Jean Louise had. I am so thankful that she has such a meaningful name to Adam and me. It couldn't fit my girl, Scout, any better.

I will never do a post without a picture. With that said, I couldn't think of any better pictures to post than these. Enjoy all!

These pictures are from Scout's 3 month photo shoot. We wanted to use the book her name came from as a prop. She was so tiny, that was 11 months ago! Time flies! :(



This is the first page that Scout's name is mentioned.
This hardback book was bought especially for Scout and has a page dedicating it to her, from Mama and Papa.



There's my girls name and her precious, tiny feet.



I hope this is Scout's favorite book someday.