Last but not Least

Here's just one of my favorite things from 2009:


Probably the best picture we got.



Waving to us! I know these pics can be a little scary (that's cord over on the right). The fluid and cord can distort the images so they aren't as clear as people would like...but you get the idea.



Right hand up by his ear.



Grimacing at us and covering his face up with his foot. He wasn't happy about us moving him around.



We got back from TN late Tuesday night, then I had a 7:30 doctor's appointment Wednesday morning. It started with my 4D Ultrasound. I had talked myself out of getting this done 2 weeks ago...then people kept giving Matt the same Christmas presents that I had bought him. And I wondered - what can I give Matt that no one else can wrap? A picture of our son! Ha! And then 20 years from now I don't want to hear from Mattox, "you did it for MC and not me???" (you second child syndromes out there know what I'm talking about). I thought he looked EXACTLY like Mati Claire. I guess I was expecting something different since the pregnancy is so different. Of course MC didn't look like her pictures to me after she got here, so he may still look different. But for right now, he could be her twin.


Well, he cooperated pretty well I thought but the cord kept getting in the way, so the sonographer wanted me to go ahead and drink my cola for my glucose test...to wake him up a little more. So I never got to eat breakfast (I was supposed to leave after my sonogram - eat breakfast - then come back - drink the cola - get blood drawn).


One hour later they drew my blood. I failed my iron test, so I'm on iron tablets now. Then my glucose was 138. Failing is 140. They said it should have been even higher because I was supposed to eat breakfast. Dr. T said she was between a rock and hard place because I need to be on the gestational diabetes diet but she didn't want me to lose any weight. I did gain 4 pounds this month. So she compromised by not putting me on the strict sugar busters type diet but told me to cut out any "extra" sugar (not necessarily carbs). So obviously my pop tarts, cokes, cake and chocolate are out. Uggghhhhh!!!! Then Mattox has fallen back to the 27th percentile. They estimated that he weighs around 2 and 1/2 pounds! He's just a small baby that keeps the doctors on their toes...watch him come out to be a whopper of 8 pounds!


I can't believe I only have 2 and 1/2 more months til he gets here! 2009 has been a busy year. I turned 30, I went from working full time to part time to PRN to NO time, we hosted the Superbowl party, attended birthday parties, wedding showers, baby showers, hosted an Easter Egg Hunt, hung out at the lake every other summer weekend, exercised, went to New Orleans for our 5 year wedding anniversary, MC turned 2, traveled to Tennessee, had playdates and lunchdates, fixed houses, found out I was pregnant, had morning sickness, doctors appointments, had friends visit from St. Louis, funerals, Mother's Day Out, went to Boston, watched so many movies even at 8 am and midnight, spent spare time at the spa or shopping, survived Christmas, and now we are welcoming 2010 and baby Mattox to the family! What a year and I loved every minute of it!

Christmas 2009 Part 2

I figured I better get this post in before the New Year rings in. Here's a recap of the last week for family:

Christmas morning was wonderful! I had to wake MC up at 8:45! I had a breakfast casserole in the oven and presents were waiting! It was just the 3 of us til about 1:00. Then the Miley's came over to see what Santa brought us. It was nice to have new toys keep her attention for longer than 5 minutes. Then we all headed to the movies to see "Up in the Air." I had to come back to pack for our trip to TN the next morning.

Our trip to TN was good! Traffic is never good, but we got through it. I think MC would move in with Gigi if she could. Kerigan and Kennedy always keep her busy! Dad, Matt, and I somehow managed to go to the movies in Knoxville at 8:00 in the morning to see Avatar in 3D. Great movie! I can't say I've ever had movie theatre popcorn for breakfast before.

We came home late Tuesday night and the Christmas tornado had still hit my house. So I've been trying to unpack, clean up, undecorate, put toys together, and recuperate from Christmas and its already New Years Eve! Where does the time go?

Playing with her new dollhouse; giving baby milk

MC doing gymnastics with Kerigan

Dancing to the Chippette's (sp?) CD "All the Single Ladies"

"Oh White"

Christmas 2009 Part 1

I would seriously consider changing my son's name to Chevy Chase. We were going to give him Chase as a middle name until we felt we should name him after our dads. My point? National Lampoons Christmas Vacation is one of my favorite movies of all time. I still laugh even though I've seen it a hundred times. It gets me in the Christmas spirit every year!

I am feeling guilty about not taking Mati Claire to see Santa this year. Does that make me a terrible mother? I never knew his where-abouts honestly. I feel terrible. Luckily I found the energy to decorate like I normally do and we are putting "reindeer food" out in the yard on Christmas Eve. I haven't bought the "Elf" yet...I thought that was a little over her head...so next year for sure! She doesn't understand the potty yet...so I don't think she'll understand Santa's specifics.

We celebrated Christmas on the Miley side this past Saturday. After all the presents were opened and the tree was somewhat bare, Kendall and MC dragged 2 chairs to where the tree was standing. We found them like this. Talking to each other. Staring at the tree. Kendall was explaining to Mati Claire who "Crusty" the Snowman was and pointing out each color of light. So precious. My camera did not do this picture justice...

Say Cheese!

My niece, Kendall, celebrated her 3rd birthday last week. It's hard to believe she's 3 already. So we had our first adventure at Chuck E. Cheese! wow. I see why parents avoid that place like the plague. We had fun but I was so exhausted by the time we left. Mati Claire took awhile to warm up to the place, never got too close to Chuck himself, but finally managed to enjoy herself. She quickly picked up on how to put the coins in the slot and pulling the tickets out! That was her favorite part. Here are a few pics:

Christmas Tagged

I do have LOTS of pictures to post. But I will post them later. I just thought this tag was cute and I could answer it quickly.

1. Wrapping paper or Gift bags? Wrapping paper. I try to avoid bags at all costs but sometimes its a must. I usually go buy a box to put it in so I can still wrap it.

2. Real or Artificial tree? Artificial (this year). I insisted on real our first Christmas in our new home...then it fell over at 3 am one morning and broke almost every ornament I had. Not to mention the needles that went flying and covered our living room. So my husband now insists on artificial.

3. When do you put up the tree? Around Thanksgiving. My deadline is Dec.1.

4. Do you have a Nativity Scene? No. Although I am in the market of buying a really nice one one day. I want one for the dining room buffet table.

5. Photo card or Traditional? Photo.

6. Clear or Colored Lights? Clear.

7. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night.

8. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Nope.

9. Angel or Star on top of tree? Neither. Giant bow.

10. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wrapped!!!

11. Do you hang mistletoe? No, but I would love to. It would have to be real mistletoe though. And I never come across real mistletoe while shopping. Where can you buy real mistletoe?

12. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Oh my sister ruined it for me when I was around 9 or so. It was Christmas Eve and I was going to sleep like a "good little girl" so Santa would come and even though I was beginning to question the logistics of how Santa worked, I still believed. My sister said, "Carrie, you know Santa doesn't really exist right?" 20 years later with kids....Santa still exists at my house.

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!

It's a WHAT???

About a month ago, I started having alot of cramps. Some sharp and very painful and now mostly dull that lasts from 15 minutes to hours. When I went to the doctor yesterday I had lost another pound. How can that be?? Suddenly I became overwhelmed with the sense that something was wrong. With tears in my eyes, I dealt with the nurse that gave me attitude. Finally, my doctor came in and decided to do another sonogram! They checked my cervix and said everything is okay...oh and by the way it's a BOY! It's a WHAT??? The sonographer said she was 100% positive. The pictures are not convincing to me for some reason but the little stinker wouldn't stay still long enough to get a good clear picture.

So I thought the blog could use a little blue update. For those of you that don't know my family very well, we have ALOT of girls in my family...if not ALL girls. I have 3 nieces, 1 sister, and 2 sister-in-laws. Matt's family is a little more diverse and I realize it's not up to me. So this will be a big change for us! We're excited but still in shock. I've never even changed a baby boy's diaper! I will DIE the first time he pees on me. Inevitable, right?

The doctor gave me a prescription for heartburn medicine to see if that helps my appetite. She also said she would write me one for milkshakes, ice cream, smoothies, or whatever else helps me gain weight. I'm trying but I don't know what's going on.

Baby boy is doing fine though despite my weight and cramps. He's growing and VERY ACTIVE! Mati Claire said she's having a baby "butta". She didn't cooperate in her sonograms because she was too still and tight-legged and kept her face covered. This one wasn't cooperative on the opposite hand - he wouldn't stay still long enough to look at him! "Spread eagle and very proud of himself" the sonographer said. Ha!

Like I said, the pictures are not as clear and consise as I would have imagined, but she said that was as good as it got for today. She was hoping to get better shots next month when they check the organs and measure everything.

My Favorite Things

well, actually, just 1 new favorite thing. This may be old news, but I came across a new-to-me CD at Walmart while buying diapers: Jewel's Lullaby. I LOVE it! I think it works on me too! It has widely-known songs as well as some I've never heard before.

A Few Requests

Request #1: Please pray for Matt's family. His grandfather passed away last Friday (I say suddenly even though he was in his late 80's). This past weekend was very difficult for everyone and has completely drained Matt... as if he could be any more tired. During the visitation Sunday, both baby Mileys decided to give me a hard time so I tried to sit as much as possible. I don't think its anything serious, but I cramp more with this baby. Everything hurts worse this time around. And MC was running on all cylinders. Needless to say, I didn't make it to the funeral Monday. I apologize to my extended family for my absence.

Request #2: Matt was a little surprised by my reaction to his latest request. He wants to go snow-skiing with some guys from work! Please persuade him to go! He wants to - but says he doesn't have time. Tell him to find a long weekend. If he had asked me next year, I most definitely would have said no. Obviously I can't go this year or next. I couldn't water ski at the lake this summer. But as a way of saying thank you to my dear hubby - who lets me do pretty much whatever I want aka shop. Shop some more. Doesn't put me on a budget to shop even more. Lets me tag along to conferences so I can shop til I drop. And he's been especially helpful on his days off lately so I can relax and take a break from MC. In March, I won't let him out of my sight. ha! jk.

2 and Terrible

This is how I picked her up from church Sunday. She refused to remove the sticker off her forehead. How funny. But she's upset here because I was taking her picture! The terrible 2's have hit hard. My head is still spinning - what did I do to deserve tantrum after tantrum? She'll throw another one just because I got onto her for the first one. Any tips on how to handle this stage??

Mother's Day Out is going very well! She didn't even notice me leaving today! No tantrums! She started napping on her nap-mat, so I didn't waste any money there. But she generally "pays me back" for my few hours of freedom when she gets home. Attitude, back-talking, fits/tantrums, throwing things, demanding things, you name it! Ugh!

Not Thinking About it

Anxiety, stress, worry. MC started her first day yesterday...so I just didn't think about it. I didn't even take my camera inside with me...for fear of ME crying - not her. I have a better feeling about this year than last years. She is with ME ALL the time, it was hard to let her go... even if its only for a few hours. I know a few of the teachers and MC's teacher also keeps her at the gym (when I go). So it was nice for her teacher to recognize her when we walked in! What a surprise for me. They said she did really well, but afterwards was a different story. She didn't take a nap all day so I traded a few hours of freedom for a few hours of pulling my hair out.

We spent our Labor Day weekend with our friends from St. Louis! It was wonderful getting to catch up with everyone (hadn't seen them in a year). They brought their 2 year old twins so MC enjoyed their company as well! Here are a few pictures of the kiddos - I promised I wouldn't post any pics of the adults in swimsuits! Getting a picture of all 3 together was as difficult as it sounds.

Gigi was here all week so we let her give MC her first "official" haircut!!!! Yay! You can see the after-shots above. But now everyone is gone, and we're getting into our new regular routine I think. Although there is nothing routine about my belly getting bigger and BIGGER! Aaagghhh - it doesn't stop! ;) So I'm just not thinking about it!

Where are my pants?

Well I was planning to scan an ultrasound picture to show you - but my scanner isn't cooperating. I had my second appointment yesterday and I was pleasantly surprised to get another sonogram! This child seems to be quite the opposite of MC already! It was so active and looked like it wanted to stand up and do jumping-jacks! It waved at us and just moved all four limbs like it was running in place! Anyway, I was just so shocked to see such a big change in 4 weeks. It went from an immobile "blob" to this full-out active person with body parts! I also have a made a big change... going from "yeah yeah don't remind me that I'm pregnant because I don't feel good hag" to a very excited and feeling much better mommy! Not that I wasn't excited before - just didn't feel well enough to enjoy it yet.

I haven't gained any weight - so the dr wanted me to work on that. Ha! I thought I was already eating for an army. But oh I know it's coming. I have no doubt.

So with pregnancy, I have absolutely lost my mind. I forget EVERYTHING lately. Mom surprised me Monday morning by getting here a day early, so I have some help this week! We went to lunch yesterday and MC drank so much tea that her diaper leaked. So I changed her in the car but we were going straight home and just put her in the car seat. Put the wet pants in a bag. After I buckled her up, she had the most shocked look on her face and threw her hands up in the air and yelled "Where are my pants????"

Yes, I have days like today where I went in a local gift shop and realized I was still wearing my houseshoes. At least I had pants on.

I'm Officially Old

Yep - we spent our Friday night watching Sesame Street Live/Elmo's Green Thumb. We took MC and she LUUUUVVVVVVed it! She clapped and danced through it all. Her favorites were of course Elmo and then Ernie. When we were leaving, she said "Want to go back!" So I guess we're on the next time Elmo comes to town. As weird as it sounds, I actually had fun too...watching MC get so excited... it's worth every penny.

Just thinking aloud

I THINK I see a light at the end of my tunnel. Maybe its my concoction of B6 and Ginger capsules that's holding off my nausea, but I am beginning to feel better. Of course, now I say that, watch tomorrow come back with a vengeance. I didn't start feeling better with MC until around week 15...I'm only 10 right now. I know I know - don't compare, right? On one hand its the EXACT same and on the other its the COMPLETE opposite.

Only 14 more days til Mother's Day Out starts! Yay! I needed a break from her this weekend so I could indulge myself in movie-theatre popcorn and a good chick-flick. We took a girls afternoon to see The Time-Traveler's Wife. Take tissues with you if you go see it. I wanted to see it after I read an article about it. And then Sunday's worship service just added to my enthusiasm. The sermon and the movie are about "living like you were dying" and "what would you do if knew death was coming soon." Lots to think about there. Interesting Sunday anyway.

It's 5:00 Somewhere

Seems it's always 5:00 pm here at my house. My death hour. I feel so bad at that same time everyday. You can pretty much count on there NOT being dinner cooked...and me being asleep EARLY! Matt has been wonderful these last few weeks - yep, I've finally got him cleaning the kitchen and doing the dishes and putting MC to bed for me. I thought it was a little ironic last night because I felt like I had a hangover...the room was spinning and then I was nauseated. It was 5:00 and I haven't even had a drink! Someone out there drink one for me!!!

We're trying to enjoy the last few weekends of summer at the lake. Here's MC playing with Sam and Sarah, and some on the boat. I didn't feel well enough to ride. I made the mistake of riding the zoo's carousel on Friday. I posted a picture of about half the group that went. Remind me to never go to the zoo in August...pregnant.

Please excuse my pessimistic attitude. I'm trying really hard to get out of it for MC's sake. I need a drink. Is it 5:00 yet? ;)

Sam, Cole, Payton, MC, Jack, Sarah, Jordan Ann, Cooper, Walker

(minus Caitlyn and Brady)

She's actually not screaming here - just a bad picture. She loves the boat!

Saying cheese

Home Away From Home

Thought I'd show yall the new pier! We're excited about it! Thanks goes out to Bill and James for helping Matt finish it/baby-proof it. We can all enjoy it now WITH the kids. Looking forward to making many memories in the future there!

Mati Claire is getting some of her 2 year molars! It explains her lack of napping and eating lately! Then again, she's always had a lack of eating. She's been fussy the past few days so I'm trying to ignore it the best I can...and not let it drag me down any further. How much worse can I feel right now?

Starting to feel the stress of a new school year. We haven't even reached Halloween yet, and I've already ordered her Christmas dress. And then I got an email about ordering Christmas cards. Is it that time already???? I'm at a loss as to what MC should be for Halloween. Any ideas? I'm sure I'll be resembling the great big pumpkin by that time!