Big Potty News!!!

Presley had her first poop in the potty last night! I won't tell you what an ordeal it was to get there. Suffice it to say, we have been spending a LOT of time in the bathroom lately. There was a lot of whining, pleading, and even bribery. In the end, she was all alone in the bathroom when the big moment finally arrived. Then the whole family came in a cheered, clapped, etc.

I gave Presley her much-desired Hannah Montana microphone, and she promptly began to sing (while still on the potty), "You get the limo out front...whoa whoa... hottest styles, every shoe, every color..." That's the Hannah Montana theme song, in case any of you out there are living under a rock and haven't heard it.

Daddy had to run to the store to get Presley a big package of Reese's cups. (We had purchased these before, but too many stressful afternoons of waiting for Presley to finally go caused Mama to eat them herself.)

There is much rejoicing in the Gibbs household! We're hoping this is just the start of Presley's amazing potty progress!

Now that Christmas Is Over...

Now that the holidays are behind us (ours was good, was yours?), my thoughts turn to warmer climates and summer vacation. I'm a big planner. (That may just be the understatement of the year.) It's not that I'm not spontaneous. In fact, when I was younger...and childless...and single, it wasn't uncommon for my friends and I to decide on a whim to drive to the beach for the weekend. (And we're a good 7 hours from the nearest beach.) And, in the right frame of mind, I can be talked into almost any fun, SAFE adventure.

But now that I have a family, I've learned that the only enjoyable vacation is one that is well-planned. After much consideration of various destinations, we've decided to go to Disney World yet again this summer. Why? For starters, it just happens to be our favorite vacation spot. Sure, we were just there in April/May, but we just can't get enough of Mickey and the gang. Another good reason is that it's actually a very economical vacation for us. We drive instead of fly, and often we stay with family on the way down and back. We usually choose a nice but inexpensive hotel, and...well...we don't have to buy tickets.

Yep, that's right. We get in free. See, I have this fabulous friend who works there. She meets us at the park each day and walks us right in. We usually go for 3 days, which would cost our family roughly $750 without her. Did I mention that she is a REALLY GREAT friend?

My friend can walk in three people per day. Presley is free until her 3rd birthday (in June), another reason we're going at the end of May--it's our last chance for a completely free ride. Also, you never know when this dear friend might decide to take another job elsewhere. We're so thankful for her graciousness to us, and we want to enjoy it while we can!

This will be Presley's 2nd visit, Reagan's 3rd, and Scott's 5th. Me? I have lost track--at least 10th, but maybe even 12th. I'm a hard-core Disney fan. I'm even thinking of becoming a Disney travel agent at some point down the road. (I'm getting experience by helping friends plan their WDW vacations.) But for now, I'm enjoying making plans for our next visit!

BTW, even if you don't have a friend who works there, 2009 is a great year to visit WDW. They have some amazing deals, especially if you're active or retired military! And, if you need any help planning, I'm your girl!

It Has Been a Rough Day...

...ya know, one of those where nothing seems to be going your way. Presley is still quite resistant to the whole potty training thing. To put it delicately, she's doing pretty well with #1, but she's a no-go on #2. I've caught her in the act several times and rushed her to the potty, only to have her stop and hold it in. Seriously, the kid is going to end up constipated from holding it in!

So, today was a repeat of the scenario above. And then, when I finally gave up on the potty thing and decided to try a nap, she resisted there as well. Normally, Presley is a great napper--she goes down without any trouble at all. And she still naps pretty early in the day (sometimes before lunch) so that I can get her up in time to go pick up Reagan from school. But not today. She cried, she whined, and she even got out of bed (one of the downfalls of the "big girl" bed).

So I gave up. Decided to feed her lunch instead and try again later. I had gone downstairs to fetch her a drink or napkin or something, and when I came back up Presley asked, "Mama, are you frustrated?" Not "angry" or "mad"--"frustrated."

Yes, Presley. That's exactly what I am. Frustrated. (But amused. How can you not laugh at that?)

Little Mommy

Last night we watched the 2009 Disney Vacation Planning DVD. Scott and I often joke about retiring to DW and working in the parks, just so we can enjoy the perks. We were once again discussing this when I asked, "Reagan, do you want to work at Disney World when you grow up?" Her immediate response was an emphatic, "No!" When I asked, "Really? Why not?" she replied, "Because I wouldn't be able to take care of my children." I sure hope she meets and marries a man who is as traditionally-minded as her, so she can experience all the joys of motherhood. (I hope I'm still around to see that for so many reasons!)