I can't blog because I'm in the bathroom!

Got your attention? Someone PLEASE tell me why potty training is so difficult? Why is it SOOOO hard to understand for a 2 year old? We have spent every waking minute in the bathroom. She figured out VERY QUICKLY that if she just goes a little bit, she'll get candy. Well she never "empties" herself so she has to go again 5 minutes later...therefore more candy. 5 minutes later....again. She literally goes every 10 minutes ALL day long. Then yesterday, she began wanting to undress herself with no help. (To clarify, my child is not a climber or a streaker.) Well it takes her (no lie) 15 minutes to undress herself because she can't just pull her pants down....NOOOOO, she has to get COMPLETELY undressed to go potty...hairbow and all. So 15 minutes later, she has either already gone in her pull-up or has since changed her mind (again). I almost took my lunch into the bathroom with me. Seriously, I might lose my mind in a bathroom.

I had my monthly checkup with the doctor this morning aaaannnnndddd I've gained NINE pounds in 1 month. Wow. A total of 14 pounds so far. So she told me I could slow down now and aim for 1 lb a week. Ha! You're telling a pregnant person to slow down at Thanksgiving and Christmas time??? I go back in 3 weeks for my glucose test, then I start going every 2 weeks. ALREADY??? That caught me off guard. All I can say so far is that Mattox has shown me a whole different side to pregnancy and I can only imagine what it will be like when he gets here. Hopefully not a rude awakening but I'm getting that impression.

I mailed Christmas cards yesterday, so if you don't receive yours (I have terrible postal luck) please let me know. I promise I mailed you one! :) Jeanelle Caraway did the pictures and the cards. I am already looking forward to next years' card...what do I do with TWO kids?

Well if I don't blog, like I said, I'm in the bathroom. Just kidding... but things are getting very hectic around here with the holidays so if I don't post I hope everyone has a stressfree and wonderful Christmas. Does Santa take requests for potty training?

Bunch of Turkeys

Here's a cute picture of my niece, who has a birthday coming up too. MC has had a blast playing with all her cousins this week. When they are here, she forgets anyone else exists...even the grandparents and mommy! Potty training was going well, but its definitely a work in-progress. When company arrived, she has been so distracted. We are trying to get back on track this weekend. I am so excited to have almost ALL (minus a few small things) of my Christmas shopping done and wrapped! Here's hoping to sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the rest of the season.

MC and Kendall enjoying their Thanksgiving dinner

MC also enjoyed Sarah's 2nd birthday party! It was one of our few success stories. No fits or tantrums and candy was involved! I have never seen MC on a "sugar high" before - so it was hilarious!

Happy Birthday to the sweet princess, Sarah!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mattox no doubt enjoyed his meals. Thank you to all the cooks! I'm also taking advantage of my parents being here to help me get Christmas decorations started. Thank you Mom and Dad. Oh yeah, it's official: they sold their house in Vicksburg! 3 years on the market and its finally gone. I'm a little sad because they probably won't be visiting quite as often now. It's been nice this week with a bunch of turkeys in the house! We've had lots of fun and I think I gained about 10 pounds in the last 2 weeks!!!!! Seriously.

Baby Update

Here's the latest picture of baby Mattox. I went to the doctor this past Tuesday, and I only gained 1 lb. (4.8 lbs total). I'm 22 weeks. So! Dr. T said if I don't put on more weight by next time she will discuss putting me on a "special diet." Not sure what that entails, but I'm gain for whatever helps me gain. After looking back, I had gained 10 lbs with Mati Claire at this point so I'm not sure what the problem is. Trust me, I eat everything in sight...good or bad.

Anyway, Mattox has moved from the 29% to the 34% overall. So Dr. T refers to him as "petite but not worrisome." They estimated that he weighs 1 pound! And still a boy! ha! They don't EVER need to put his private parts on a big screen ever again. Bit frightening. Apparently the 1 lb I gained went straight between his legs. ;) jk. I won't even post that picture.

Believe it or not, Mati Claire is starting to show some jealousy already. She will move my hand away from my belly and she is all of a sudden obsessed with laying on my belly (which isn't really possible). She likes to cuddle more than usual...which makes me think that she better get her time in. So, just an update on the pregnancy! Looking forward to a low-key weekend.

A Time to Fix

The phrase "don't fix it if it ain't broken" doesn't apply to my house lately. It seems everything has broken in the last few weeks. We finally called in the Geek Squad to fix our computer and printer (lets hold a moment of silence for the masters of technology...)

Okay. Our computer is fixed. We had several viruses that we didn't know about - we just knew that it was slow and nothing worked. It works great now, but I do have to say that since the IPhone was invented, our use of the house internet has greatly diminished.

Our washing machine was next. Lets just say the spin cycle died. What a shame. Ha! We don't travel to Metro very often - but when it comes to buying appliances we are required to find Sears. Kenmore - I love you.

Among numerous other things: pool pump, ceiling is fixed thanks to my Dad, the boat was broken (again), our yard needed a major overhaul (thank you Schoggens), and yes, even our door bell ringer needs replacing.

I was also in dire need of an attitude adjustment and overall self-fix. October was a rough month, and I am thankful for November so far. I (and Mati Claire) feel so much better and my attitude has improved. I've done some cleaning out and we are in the process of rearranging some things at the house (aka we will eventually move MC upstairs). Hopefully, the de-stressing will continue by completing a few procrastinated projects. All is well!

We are looking forward to Thanksgiving! We'll have both families here that week so that's exciting! Thank you Honeybaked Ham and Williams-Sonoma! hahahaha!

I'll leave you with one of my favorites, Ecclesiastes 3:

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

... "God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed."

The Incredible Hulk

Not really incredible. Just call me the Hulk. Green and mean and can't control emotions. Twice this past week, I have lost control and literally felt my skin tingle, shake, and there's no dam strong enough to hold the tears back. I know its hormones. I think its almost funny because I don't remember crying ONE time when I was pregnant with MC. Matt says it must be all that testosterone growing. If this is what it feels like - I'm glad I'm a girl.

My goal this week is to do as little as possible and STAY HOME! If I don't answer my phone, it's because I'm napping, dozing, or snoozing. MC is not feeling well this week so we're staying inside!

Here are a few pictures from the Pumpkin Party this past weekend. MC did NOT handle it well but at least I got a few pics in. The party was fun, and to no one's fault, the Miley girls couldn't help turning green. One of those days where we should have stayed in bed.

My little 50's girl. Hmmm...next year's costume idea just came to me: The Hulk.

Running back to Mommy screaming and crying

"This is all I want to do Mommy" -- I apologize to whoever these mums belong to.

In need of another vacation

Yes, I think I need another vacation...somewhere WARM. I don't care that I would look like a beached whale. Okay, maybe not quite a whale yet - maybe a shark. I am tired and in the worse possible mood today. Let me vent. First, I HATE cold weather. My skin is dry and itchy. What's the point in fixing your hair because the wind blows it to pieces. Why work out and attempt to look in shape when you just have to layer thick heavy clothes on? Clothes that shed and sweaters that ball up after 3 wearings. Obviously the sun hasn't shone around here or I'd be in a better mood. I totally lost it today at the mall and snapped on a few strangers. It didn't even bother me that I got the "you witch" look. Secondly, I am just plain tired. Physically and mentally. Might explain my shopping trip outbursts today. And hormones.

On a better note, here's a sweet picture from over the weekend of Payton and Mati Claire. Happy Birthday Payton, Landry, Paula (my MIL), and my Mom!!!!

Boston, Baby, and Blow-Outs!

Eating lobster at Legal Sea Foods. One of my favorite restaurants there.

Well we are back from Boston! I liked it but it was very cold and windy. I think I would have liked it better if I wasn't pregnant... wasn't ready for all the walking, the cold, crazy cab drivers making me car sick, and the smell of seafood in the air. We didn't get to do alot of sight-seeing, but managed to squeeze in a one-hour tour. LOTS of history there. I shopped with my friend, Sherry, while the hubbys were in conference. I scored a GORGEOUS new diaper bag that I can't wait to use. We spent the rest of the time with co-workers and dining out.

Looking down from the top floor of a 4-story aquarium. Amazing in person.

Shopping on Newbury Street. Stores looked like townhouses.

This was my dessert at dinner one night. A chocolate cake (ice cream on right) drizzled with GOLD. Not sure what the gold was made of but it was the neatest looking dessert I've ever had. It looked like liquid gold.

We were only home 1 day, and Mati Claire woke up this morning with vomiting and diarrhea. No fever! Someone explain that. She seems to be fine in between episodes. Not sure what it is.

Most of you saw this on Facebook, but prepare yourselves if you didn't. We have picked out a name! Mattox William Wesley Miley! Yes, 4 names. William is my Dad's and grandfather's name, Wesley is Matt's Dad and grandfather's name. But we still wanted him to have a name of his own. I like it spelled Maddox, but Matt is insisting on Mattox with a T. We are contemplating hyphenating the middle names, William-Wesley, if it makes the birth certificate or legal documents any easier in the future. I wasn't sure about 4 names, but monogramming still works since the middle initial will be W. So for anyone buying Christmas gifts or baby gifts, you can still use MWM or MMW. What's even weirder, is that William and Wesley are both the names our Dad's DON'T use. Weird how it works out that way. I am beginning to feel like George Foreman with 3 Matt's in the house. We'll have Matt, Mati, and 'Matt'ox. Honestly, this was NOT planned.

Here are a few pictures. I have to get back to cleaning up vomit and doing laundry! ha!