The Princess Sleeps...sometimes

Since Morgan was born, my dad has taken to calling her the Princess. Well, she certainly is living up to that these days. Little Miss refuses to sleep unless she is rocked, bounced or otherwise cuddled. Sometimes she refuses to sleep unless she is in my arms or in my bed next to me. Me only...not daddy or anyone else. And if she is in the bed with me, she has to be touching me somehow. At the moment she is laying here next to me on the bed (we got a new laptop from Joel's dad) sound asleep right up against my leg. I know, I know, someday I will miss my little girl all snuggled up close to me, snoring her little baby snores, her fingers twitching...but right now, oh man, I could use a good night's sleep. I have been sick for what feels like weeks now. Colds, conjunctivitis (yuck!) and now a strange itchy rash-type thing on my fingers. I'm sure all these maladies would be cured with a few nights of uninterrupted sleep. I know what you are thinking, "Just get Joel to take over for a few nights." Ah, if only it was that easy. One - Morgan cries even harder if the person picking her up from her crib is not Mama, and escalates until Mama is fetched and she is placed in her arms, at which point she stops crying immediately and snuggles in and falls asleep. And B- Joel is pretty much comatose at night and doesn't really function well if he is awakened . Sometimes I fear for the children's safety when Joel is tending to them in his mid-night state. Most of the time he has no recollection of what happens, too. So, I am awake the whole time anyway making sure he doesn't put the baby in fridge and tuck the milk into bed or something strange like that. Anyway, any advice would be lovely for getting the princess to sleep all by herself.
Merry Christmas everyone!

Third Time's the Charm

So, after three applications and three interviews, I finally got a job! Hooray!! I'll be working for an after school program in the town I grew up in. The hours are great (2-6 most days) and the pay is good, too. I am so looking forward to being able to pay all of our bills with no problem. I just wish I had some of that money now so that we could pay our rent this month...
In other news, I am ready for Christmas. All my shopping is done except for my gift for my parents which is turning into quite a project. I am trying to make an appointment to get a professional picture taken of all of their grandchildren. Hard to coordinate with 4 families and find an open appointment. It is looking like Saturday is going to be our best bet. Cutting it a little close if you ask me. Oliver and Morgan opened their first stocking gifts today. We are carrying on a tradition from Joel's family of opening one stocking gift a day for the week leading up to Christmas. Fun for the kids and good for me because I cannot wait for Christmas morning. I might be tempted to let them open all their gifts early otherwise. I think I enjoy the anticipation of seeing someone open the gift I got them more than opening my own gifts. Especially my kids. I just can't wait to see Oliver's face when he opens his giant set of play food or his stuffed Elmo that Grammie got him. Ugh - can't I just give it to him now?!
This Christmas season has been great with Oliver being a little older now. He can really understand and participate. And with Morgan here now, I just feel like our little family is complete. While we were decorating our tree, I almost cried with joy because of my sweet little family. We had Christmas music playing, Joel was stringing the lights, Oliver was placing ornaments in the tree, Morgan was playing contentedly in her Exersaucer. It was so Norman Rockwell.
Best Christmas season moment thus far: Oliver kissing the Christmas tree goodbye when he was going out with my sister for a while. He's too much!

Chicago Recap

We had a good time in Chicago. 2 weeks was definitely too long, though. On one hand , it was good that the kids were able to settle into a routine and get to know their aunt, uncle and cousins very well, but it was a LONG time to be away from home. The kids did so well on the plane that I am actually looking forward to flying again with them. ( February to Florida. Merry Christmas to us!!) We had a nice mix of down time and busy time while we were there. Our hosts worked alot, so we had that time to chill at their house, also known as Junk Food Central, and play video games while the kids were sleeping. We went to the aquarium and the zoo (twice) and that was so fun, especially since Oliver is old enough to enjoy it now.
I will say, though, that it is so hard being a guest at someone's house, especially when it is your in-laws and there is that weird in-law dynamic. My MIL and two SILs talked (read:guilted) me into going shopping with them at 4am on Black friday. There 's a reason it's called Black Friday. I think the closest thing to Hell that I have experienced is standing in line at the world's smallest K.B. Toys with about a million people around me at 7am. Not worth the buy2 get 1 free Fisher Price toys if you ask me. I will NEVER do that again. I think I would rather spend the full price on something than get up that early and fight the crowds. Ugh - I am not a shopper anyway. I have to really be in the mood and that is rare. When I do my Christmas shopping, I have to know exactly what I am getting and where I am getting it. Then I get in and get out. My family this year has decided to do some homemade gifts. I do believe that I have come up with the best homemade gift idea. I have made fabric covered bulletin boards, criss-crossed with ribbon. They are so cute, so easy and so cheap (shhh..don't tell) . 5 gifts crossed off with these beauties! Woo Hoo! My biggest dilemma is what to get for my hubby. He has mentioned a bunch of things, but I like to come up with something really thoughtful. So far, I haven't thought of anything fun - just boring things. I did have a great idea, but then I realized it was what I wanted, not him.

Anyway, I will try to be a better Blogger now that we are home and settled in. I promise!

Help!

I'm stuck in in-law land. Be back soon...I hope.

Lots to Talk About

Part 1 For the past two weeks, my babies have been runny, coughing, phlegmy, all around slimy kids. We ALL had this cold, but with the kids it is hanging on FOREVER. We took them both to the doctor today because Morgan has not been sleeping well and I kind of suspected an ear infection. Since we will be flying next week (more on that in a minute) I wanted to make sure all was well. I expected the doc to tell us that Oliver was fine and we just need to wait it out with him and that Morgan had the infection and needed antibiotics since she seems worse to me. It was just the opposite!!! Oliver has an infection in both ears and Morgan's are totally clear. Good thing we brought them both. Anyway, she recommended some over the counter stuff to help with the runny noses and coughing. Apparently there is a new law here in MA (not sure if it is everywhere) that limits the amount of products containing psuedoephedrine you can buy at one time. I went to the store to pick up Oliver's prescription and the Children's Motrin Cold. The Motrin was behind the counter in the front of the store and they wouldn't let me pay for it at the pharmacy counter. So, I went to pay for the Motrin first and also picked up some Nyquil for Joel who is still coughing a bit, too. I had to show ID and sign a form in order to get the Motrin and then they wouldn't let me buy the Nyquil because that exceeded the limit for psuedoephedrine. So what are people supposed to do when everyone in their famliy has a cold and needs medicine? I guess they do what we did - go to another store and buy the Nyquil there. Could it be any more difficult for sick parents with sick kids? It's not like the people who are buying this stuff to make meth (which is what I learned when I questioned the poor CVS girl who was just doing her job) will be thwarted by these guidelines anyway. They will just go from store to store instead of getting it all at once. It just makes life more difficult for good, upstanding, law abiding citizens like me. Part 2 We went to a friend's wedding on saturday night. It was so much fun! I got to see alot of people I have not seen in a long time. People I spent a whole lot of time with in high school. It was so fun to think back to all those times. Just seeing these people again made me smile. Plus, it is always nice to go to a wedding when you feel very happy for the couple. I mean, you always are happy for them - who doesn't love a wedding? - but I think this couple is really great and I care so much about my friend that I was just so happy to see him so happy. Know what I mean? The funny part is - there was a time that I thought I was going to marry this guy. Pretty much all through high school and part of college I thought for sure he was The One. I'm glad things have worked out the way they have. We're both happy and that's what is important. I did have some strange dreams about this wedding. I don't know why. Nothing happened that happened in my dreams, though. I didn't cry every time he kissed his wife and my bridesmaid dress did not get stuck in an escaltor and get ripped off my body. Sometimes I wonder about myself... Part 3 We're going to Chicago next week for two weeks to visit the in-laws. I have mixed feelings. I am looking forward to seeing them and to them seeing the kids. Some of them have not ever seen Morgan and have only seen Oliver twice. So, it will be nice for the kids to connect with Daddy's side of the family. But two weeks, man that is a long time. What will we do with ourselves for two weeks with no car and no money in Chicago? Any advice on flying with kids? How about on flying with a kid with an ear infection? Should be a blast...

Luxury

I hope you are all still alive after the deluge of cuteness in the last post. Guess what I did today? I painted my nails! Fingers and toes! I haven't done that in...hmmm...a long time. Maybe close to two years! (Wait, I take that back, I did get manicured and pedicured once during each pregnancy) But today I did it myself. Managed to get both kids down at once. Well, in their beds at least. (Oliver is still whimpering in his crib.) They look pretty good, too. We are going to a wedding tomorrow and I am so excited to get dressed up and go out without spit up or snot on my clothes. I might even do my hair, too. I'll let you know about that one.

He's a Giraffe

Halloween was fun. We went to Scituate Harbor with the cousins and their friends. That is the best place to trick-or-treat, if you ask me. They close the whole street down and the stores and shops hand out candy. Fun and safe! If I do say so myself, my cherubs were so darn cute. I couldn't stop looking at them and laughing at the cuteness. I'm thinking next year I might dress them as a bride and groom. Is that too weird? Warning: don't look at these pictures too long - you might die from the cuteness...really.

I can't help but think back to my trick-or-treat days and how they were so much different. I would get together with a big group of friends and wander the whole neighborhood, going to every single house. Things were so much more innocent then. Not as much worry about kids wandering around alone, going into people's homes, literally taking candy from strangers. Never in a million years would I let my kids do that now. But, back then that feeling of freedom and independence was the best. What are your favorite halloween memories?
Oh, and I was sorely lacking in the creative costume department. I always thought I was creative, but it never amounted to anything. I always ended up as a baby or something easy and boring. I always envied my friends who were super creative and fun. I remember one year, I had a friend who dressed up as a tomato. That was funny. What was your best Halloween costume?

Sick Day

I think one of the hardest things about being a stay at home mom is that you never get a sick day! I could really use a sick day today. Sore throat, headache, tired, cough, runny nose...the whole nine. I wish I could just lay in bed all day with a cup of tea and a book, dozing off when I feel the need, only to be awakened when I have to go to the bathroom. HA!!! Reality is that I woke up with Morgan at 6, fell back asleep with her at 7, woke up again with both at 8:30, now they are napping and I need to fold laundry and put away some toys, then they will wake up and need to eat and want to play and listen to Raffi. (By the way, Nathan, if you are reading this, we have been listening to Banana-phone these days and it makes me miss you so much it hurts.) Ugh, and it won't be much easier when hubby gets home either. There's dinner and clean up and baths and bedtime and more cleaning. He's not the most helpful these days. But that's a whole other blog in itself...
Anyway, any ideas on how to keep an 18 month old and a 5 month old occupied while I lay on the couch and wallow in this cold?

A Kid Again

Do you have people in your life that instantly transport you back to your childhood whenever you are with them? I do. I am reading a book in which the main character talks about a friend that always makes him feel 8 years old and it made me think of the people in my life that make me feel this way. It's the good kind of feeling like a kid, not the "You're only 8 and you don't know anything" kind - which I have plenty of also, especially being the youngest. Anyway, my grampa was one of those people and so are my godparents. My grampa always made me feel like a little girl again. I loved the way he would always refer to me with either a nickname (ReeBee, Baccala or Pooh to name a few) or my full name, never Becka which is what everyone else calls me. And he would try to get me with the same jokes and stories that he did so many years ago. I miss him terribly and I wish my kids had the chance to meet him and hear the stories and jokes.
Also, my godparents, good old Auntie Flo and Uncle Frank. I never fail to feel like a little girl when I am in their presence. Even when I introduced them to my husband and my children. The first time they saw Oliver I felt like saying "Look what I made! Don't you want to hang him on your fridge for everyone to see?" I love that my Auntie Flo works in the nursery and takes care of my babies while I am at bible study. To see Morgan asleep on her lap, in the same way that I was so many years ago is amazing and wonderful.
Sometimes it is good to feel like a kid again. I wonder who those special people will be in Oliver and Morgan's lives.

Cleaning House

You know when you are having company and it inspires super-human cleaning power? You clean and de-clutter and dust and sweep and scrub so that your company is fooled into thinking that your house always looks like this. Well, I'm feeling this way about my blog this week. I got an e-mail telling me that my kiddos and my blog are going to be featured in the Fabulous Friday over at Diary Of a Playgroup Dropout. Basically there will be a little blurb about us, some pictures and a link to this blog. I'm excited. (It's the little things, people!!) But, I feel this incredible pressure now to make my blog interesting and witty and worthy of millions of comments so that I feel loved. So, if you have any suggestions for how to improve my blog before Friday, let me know!

Torn

I had a job interview today. It was at a school for children with autism. I am completely overwhelmed and confused. On paper, everything seems great - I'm qualified for it, the pay is great, the benfits are good, not too far away, etc. but I'm just not sure. I've never worked with kids like this before and, to be honest, I was a little uncomfortable . These kids can be violent and have some strange behaviors. For example, they bite, kick, punch, pull hair (which I observed today), undress, touch themselves, and one even smears his poop all over the place when he goes. I'm not 100% convinced I can handle that. I also am struggling with not really wanting to go back to work full time because I just want to be at home with my babies. That's why I had them, so I can be with them. Unfortunately, if I want them to have a place to live and food to eat, back to work I go.
So, I'm torn. I think I'll take some time to think.

I'm Too Sexy For My Shirt

Check out my nephew! He's modeling for a friend's new t-shirt company. The pictures are great, but Im not sure about the shirts. Funny "small world" story about this guy. He went to Wheaton at the same time I did and my roommate and I were in love with his roommate. So, we hung out a bit all together. I remember going to see The Net with both of them and feeling so cool that we were out with sophomores! Anyway, fast forward nine years and I start hearing Matt talk about this new cool youth leader he has with the same name as my college friend. "Hey, I used to know someone named (new youth leader)!" Sure enough, at church one night I saw him and it was the same guy! Now Matt is really good friends with him and hangs out at his apartment. Everyone sing, it's a small world after all, it's a small, small world...
By the way, isn't my nephew a cutie?

I Should Blog But...

My children have been keeping me awake at all hours of the night. Therefore, I have mush-brain and I cannot put together a sentence, never mind a whole blog entry. Really, it has been bad! Monday night I got about 4 hours of sleep and half of that was on their bedroom floor, wrapped in a Sesame Street comforter, using a Boppy as a pillow. The problem is, we moved little Morgan into her crib in Oliver's room. The first few weeks were fine and then Oliver decided that he can't live without me - even for a minute. Everywhere I go it's "Mama, mama." (Not that I am complaining, I love hearing that little voice call me Mama. Melts.My.Heart.) BUT, at 2am when Morgan wants to eat, little Ollie decides he needs his mama and Mama just wants to be back in bed. So, most of the time I stand in there until he is back asleep, or almost asleep so he doesn't realize that I'm gone. But, Monday I was so desperate for sleep that I just crashed on the floor. They were tag-teaming me - one up, one down, the other up , the other down and so on... until I felt like I just wanted to yell at them, "You're being such a baby, stop crying and go to sleep!!" Oh, right, you are just a baby. My bad.
We bought Morgan a Pack-n-Play for our bedroom and she will be joining us again in there until she can sleep through the night. Lastnight was the first night with that, and I was only up twice to feed. Glorious!

Anyway, there's more to say, like how awful that shooting in the Amish schoolhouse was and how I can't get over it, and how I've been having weird dreams lately and wondering why we dream, and how Oliver (and Joel) had roseola last week, and how I have already started thinking about what to get (or make) for people for Christmas and how my famliy has decided to do home made Christmas gifts this year and I need help, people, BUT it will have to wait. Now, I shall get dressed, finally, and try to get something done while the kids are asleep.

Shave and a Haircut

Well, a haircut, at least. We did it, we finally got the boy a haircut. Now maybe people will know he is a boy. Though, thankfully, he still has his curls. They just aren't as unruly. I held it together well. I thought I might cry. Here are some pictures:

"You're doing what?!"

He wasn't too thrilled with the process.

On the other hand, he was very thrilled with the lollipop.

5 Foods To Eat Before You Die

I saw this "meme"* on another blog and for some reason I find myself thinking about it at night when I should be sleeping. (Although, lately, I am not allowed to sleep, apparently...) I guess it stems from my obsesson with food. I do love to eat. I don't think I have "food issues" though. Anyway, I digress...

1. Lobster - preferably eaten with melted butter, in NewEngland, outside, in the summer. The deliciousness is the reward for the hard work and messiness. Oh, that's another thing, you must be responsible for getting the meat out yourself, none of this sissy pre-shelled crap.

2. Lobster Tail Pastry - not related at all to the lobster in #1. This is a pastry from Mike's Pastry shop in the North End. I don't know, they might be made in other places, too, but as far as I am concerned, Mike's is the only place. Here's a description if you are interested. How wonderful, indeed! Basically, it is a light, crusty shell in the shape of a lobster tail, filled with a little bit of heaven. If you want to score points with me, buy me a lobster tail.

3. Cheese Pizza from Pizzeria Regina - Also in the North End. (The mall versions are NOT the same). Thin crust, yummy sauce, perfect amount of cheese. Get some!

4. Mama's Meat Sauce - I need to have something homemade on here. My mom makes the best spaghetti sauce. (Don't ask Joel, though. He disagrees!) Preferably served on ziti with lines.

Only one more! How do I choose?!

5. Ben and Jerry's Mint Chocolate Cookie - There are whole Oreos in this ice cream! Love it!

So, those are my five. I'm sure I could come up with a new five every week. I showed you mine, now you show me yours!

* What exactly is a meme? I looked it up, but the definition didn't help.

S.O.S

Save Our Sleep!! Please, we are desperate!

For the past two nights, Oliver has been unable to stay asleep. Saturday night he was awake (and screaming) from midnight to 4 am. Lastnight, he was up from 11:00 to probably 1:30 or 2:00. I stopped looking at the clock. I can't figure it out - he seems like he is afraid of something. He also seems to be getting a stuffy nose. Maybe that wakes him up and then he is afraid to be alone. I ended up camping out on his floor lastnight until he was asleep. Not fun. What is also not fun is trying to be civil to my husband when we are operating on no sleep. I'm pretty sure it is just separation anxiety and the cure is a good dose of tough love, but that's not as easy as it sounds. At the moment he is in his room crying because I left. It breaks my heart, but he's got to learn to go to sleep. Hear me, Oliver? Go. To. Sleep.

Morgan, You Need These

Oliver had a mission the other day. He decided to pick up the pile of stuff on the floor in his room...

and deposit it on his baby sister. He was so serious and determined about it.

Poor Morgan wasn't too thrilled. I wonder what Oliver was thinking.

Disappointment

WARNING: This blog contains massive amounts of complaining, whining and self-pity. Read at your own risk!

Well, I did not get the job at the library. I am really bummed out. It seemed like the perfect job for me. I think I would have loved it. I also think I put too much weight on the importance of getting it. There were so many possibilities that came with it: the possibility of an extra paycheck, the possibility of better health insurance, the possibilty of getting out of the house for a little bit, the possibility of making new friends, did I mention the paycheck... Anyway, it is back to the drawing board now. This really sucks. My original plan was to call the library back and see if there are any other openings there, but now I don't even want to go there again. I think I'll get over that, though. I do need to find something else FAST. Our finances are crashing down on us now. Everything is catching up with us...if we don't do something soon many cancellations will be upon us. I just feel so useless not having a job right now when that is really what my family needs. UGH!

Blame It On The Moon

Full moon lastnight. It wreaked havoc on our evening. I do think it affects people somehow. I should research that... Anyway, Oliver went down without incident, but Morgan was rotten! I woke her (BIG mistake) at 8:15 to give her a final feeding and change her and put her jammies on hoping that she would fall right back to sleep. She seemed droopy while I was feeding her so I held her a bit and then put her in her bed. She has been trying to roll and was getting all of her practice in, it seems. Then she would pull out her binky and cry. It was so frustrating! Finally after an hour or so of trying to get her to go to sleep on her own, I realized that something was wrong, this was not normal going to sleep troubles. She didn't even fall asleep in our bed! So, I moved her legs, trying to get out any gas, patted her back trying to get out any burps, rocked her, snuggled her...nothing. Finally, she pooped. So, on goes the light, change the diaper, try again in the cradle. Still no sleep, much crying. Now, I am getting super tired. So, I brought her out to the living room and put her in her bouncy seat and bounced her to sleep.
10:30 pm - Morgan asleep.
12:00 am - Oliver wakes up screaming. Scared the poop outta me and I flew into his room. Nothing was obviously wrong, no injuries or scary men in the shadows. I think he must have been dreaming because he kept pointing and grunting. (I can't wait for him to talk!) We rocked a bit, walked into the living room and got his stuffed dog, rocked some more, I put him in the crib and he rolled over and waved to me and back to sleep he went. My heart was still racing from being startled out of my sleep and it took me a few hours to finally fall back asleep. (Funny side note, when Oliver woke up, Joel came into his room to see if he was ok. This morning I mentioned it to Joel and he had no idea what I was talking about. Must be nice...)
2:30 am - Mommy goes back to sleep
4:00 am - Morgan wakes up to eat. Thankfully she goes right back to sleep.
5:30 am - Joel's alarm goes off and I am in charge of hitting the snooze button a bazillion times until he decides to get up.
6:00 am - Mommy goes back to sleep.
6:10am - Joel comes back in to the house and reports that our debit card has been deactivated. Money sucks! So, I am up for the day. Trying to figure out what to do. Willing the library to call me and tell me I have a job and I start NOW and get paid tomorrow. Waiting sucks, too.
So, now both babies are napping and I suppose I should be too. I'm afraid I won't want to wake up when they are ready, so I will stay awake hoping that tonight will go a bit smoother.

Heavenly

The past few days with my babes have been so much fun. My parents are away so I have their car for the week. (Mine has been broken all summer with no fundage to fix it...) It has been so nice to pack them up and go wherever we want, whenever we want, without feeling like we are imposing on Grammie to give us a ride. Not that Grammie minds seeing her babies every day! On Wednesday we went to the play ground. Oliver had fun in the sandbox while some little girls gazed at and patted Morgan. They were enthralled by her. Then, I made a really healthy dinner which Oliver and Joel both ate and liked! I felt like SuperMom. Then yesterday, we went to a Farmers' Market in Cohasset. What fun! It was a perfect late summer day. Warm, with a teeny little nip in the air - not enough to make you uncomfortable though. The large common was teeming with people and fresh fruits and veggies. We bought corn, zucchini, green beans, strawberries, carrots and raspberries. We sat on the grass eating the raspberries and listening to the live music. Oliver layed down and pointed at all the airplanes that flew by. He would try to run away so I would catch him and tickle him. Morgan cooed happily from her little seat. It was just one of those times that I wish I could bottle and open up again and again. I'm sure it will be one of my favorite memories when I am old and lonely for my baby days again.

Big Hug

So Precious!

You Want Me To Do What?!

Part One
Our dishwasher broke the other morning. This is a tragedy. No one else seems that disturbed by it. Probably because no one else washes our dishes. I am very depressed because not only do I have to hand wash all of our dishes now, but I have to take out all the dishes that were loaded into the dishwasher and wash them. Nothing could be worse. They are sitting there mocking me now. What do I do with a broken dishwasher that has a few inches of water sitting in it? Unfortunatly, it will probably end up sitting in the kitchen mocking me for months. Send gloves!

Part Two
My mother, being convinced that Oliver is the most smartest boy on the block, decided that it is time for a potty chair. So, yesterday Oliver was introduced to The Royal Potty. It plays a royal fanfare when he goes. When he awoke from his nap dry I thought that would be a perfect time to try the potty out. He is pretty skilled at peeing on demand. (Daddy jokingly told him to go and pee on Mommy a while ago before bathtime. He marched his little naked self into the living room, aimed and fired. Missed me and the couch thankfully... Now Daddy knows that Oliver understands and obeys everything!) So, I let him check it out with his diaper on first and then we took off the diaper and tried sitting on the potty. No pee pee. That's ok, we're not pressuring at all, he's still so young. So, I went to get the videocamera to document the first potty experience and he is crouching on the floor in front of the potty facing it. I turn on the camera and tell Oliver to sit on the potty and go pee pee. Next thing I know, Oliver is sitting in a puddle on the floor. So, he gets the peeing part, just not the potty part. We're getting there. I'm afraid that he is going to want to try the potty all the time now which means that there will be puddles everywhere!!

Vacation All I Ever Wanted...

We went to Maine this week with my parents and Joel's sister. Stayed in a beautiful log home in the mountains. It was wonderful! This was our first vacation with kids...not the same at all. There was no lounging around and sleeping until ten, no spontaneous outings, no quiet. It was work!! (Though I did get to shower and go to the bathroom ALONE and witht he door closed. Every time.) Especially staying in someone else's house that is not baby proof. Poor Oliver heard more no's than he has heard ever. But, we had a great time and all of us loved being outside so much. We also took a little day trip to StoryLand. What a great place to go with little kids. I highly recommend it. They had rides geared towards little ones and big ones. Oliver went on the Teacups, the Tilt-A-Whirl and the Log Flume! He's such a little stoic though. Not a smile, laugh or even a cry during the rides. Just a strait, serious face! The best part about the place for me was the Mama's House that they had connected to each bathroom. This was a little room especially for nursing mothers. They had a few rocking chairs and some changing tables. How nice to be able to sit comfortably and nurse without having to find a shady bench outside and worry the whole time about who you were going to offend.
It was a good vacation and today it is back to life. Joel is working, I am unpacking and cleaning and tomorrow I have a job interview. I'll keep you posted!

Hair Today...Gone Tomorrow ?

Why is deciding to get my son's haircut such a big deal? He very clearly needs it cut. He has gotten so many girl comments and the curls are getting a bit unruly. But, the curls, oh the curls. They are so beautiful...so baby-like. I feel like I am saying goodbye to his babyness if I cut those golden curls. My mom thinks we should wait until he is two, I can't imagine another year of growth. Joel thinks we should get it done ASAP. I don't know. I think he will look so handsome with a big boy haircut, but I do love those curls. I get sad just thinking about it. Advice? Encouragement? Opinions?

Second Child Syndrome

Most second children complain that there are not as many pictures of them as there are of the first. I guess that is true in our case, too. We have a bazillion pictures of Oliver and only a million of Morgan. I realized this morning that there are no Morgan pictures on this blog. So she can't accuse me of loving Oliver more than her, I give you a Morgan Montage:

Shirts

Now these are great. I think I should get Oliver the "I'm not a girl!" shirt.
Either that or I could get his hair cut.

Hiccup

So, I've had the hiccups for over an hour now. They are starting to hurt. Nursing was a challenge. I kept startling Morgan and she would cry. Maybe I should try a remedy. Here are some hiccup remedies I have heard of:
Eat some sugar.
Drink water.
Drink water upside down.
Hold your breath.
I just tried this and it worked!!! Now Morgan has them...

Blueberries for Oliver

We went blueberry picking yesterday. It was really fun! Oliver ate so many berries, and still will eat them when I offer them. He is sure to be pooping blue for a while. Anyone have any good blueberry recipes?

Lastnight

Crying in the night.

Frustration.

They are both awake.

We are both asleep.

Tiptoe in.

Lift him up.

It's okay, Mommy's here.

Frustration melts away.

Chubby fingers caress my neck.

Long lashes flutter against my cheek.

Peace.

I savor the moment.

You Better Sit Down

Two posts in one day, people, this is nothing short of miraculous. Babies are sleeping. Hubby is otherwise occupied. Mommy is ALONE (yes, I said ALONE). Amazing.
I got my new issue of Parents magazine the other day. I went through my usual routine. Thumb through the magazine and read the really short stuff. Browse at the rest of it and put it in the bathroom which is the only place I can get any real reading done. Today while I was umm...reading...I came across an article about how to look better in a bikini. There were pictures of all these skinny, tanned, flat-stomached women in bikinis. Hello, is this not Parents magazine? Does that not imply stretch marks, a saggy stomach and boobs? This article was wrong in so many ways. Most mothers are not skinny and flat stomached (and if you are, I don't want to talk about it) due to the lack of time to go to the gym and the diet of baby's food leftovers. Also, who has time to get a tan?? Two summers in a row of no beach for me - two summers, people. (Ok, so that is sort of my fault). In my opinion, there was no need for ten ways to look good in a bikini. There is only one - "Don't have kids!"

ps. I'd much rather have kids than a bikini body anyday!!

Checking In

Ahh, a moment to Blog. We have been super busy lately and the babies have not been napping at the same time. Right now they are both asleep so I thought I'd take some time to Blog. I had written an entry about the 4th of July parade, but for some reason it got lost in Blogger space. It was fun and Oliver enjoyed it. He wasn't as excited as I thought he would be though. He just stared at everything going by wondering what the heck was happening. (Darn it, Morgan's awake!) He had more fun back at my parents' house running from pool to sand box and back all afternoon.
So, I have been surfing around checking out some other Blogs lately - mostly Mom blogs - and I have discovered that there is a term for people like me and most people who read my Blog. "Lurkers". Doesn't that sound creepy? Apparently that is what people are called who read other's blogs but don't comment on them. I understand that people want comments on their blogs (hint, hint) because it makes you feel like people are actually enjoying what you write and that you aren't wasting your time by writing. But, is it so bad for someone to just read it for the sake of reading? I don't know. I guess I do want to know who is reading my blog. But there are some people who have like 32 comments on each entry - does it really matter to them who else is reading? I will admit there are some blogs that I would NEVER comment on because they are people who I knew through other people at Wheaton and they would probably find it strange that I am reading about their daily lives. But it is so stinking interesting and now I am hooked. I don't like being called a "lurker" though. Makes me feel icky.
How about you? Are there blogs you read that you don't want to the writer to know about? Let's discuss...

Twitchy-Eyed

I have been so tired lately. So tired that my eyes twitch when I look at something too long. Maybe the middle of the night feedings and lack of napping for the past few weeks have finally caught up with me. Maybe it's the fact the Morgan cries all evening and once she is done crying, THEN I have to go and clean up from the day: toys, dinner dishes, the bathtub that is still full of water... Maybe I'm coming down with something or I have allergies. Maybe I am just lazy because I have been stuck in the house with no car. I don't know what it is, and NO I AM NOT PREGNANT!!!
Speaking of which, I made an appointment to get my desired method of birth control and it is not until the end of the month. The doctor said I should not have to worry about getting pregnant in that time. But, she is still going to do a pregnancy test first. OK, that sounds a little risky to me. Do I trust her or do I insist that Joel heads on down to CVS for some protection? I'm scared.
So excited for the 4th of July next week. I cannot wait to see Oliver's reaction to the parade. It is everything he loves - sirens, waving, music... oh the joy! I hope little Morgan cooperates so that I am able to enjoy Oliver's reaction. We may have to ice down Oliver's arm afterwards, what with all the waving he is going to be doing. He does love to wave. He even waves at the mannequins in Kohl's! The best is when the Today show is on at my parents' and they show the crowd waving outside, he waves and waves at them all like they are waving at him. My funny, friendly boy... I wonder what Morgan will be like at that age. She'll probably cry at every stranger and mannequin that looks her way.

Tantrums, Teething and Tushies

Sorry for the lack of blogging these days. I'm lucky if I have a chance to go to the bathroom lately. Things have been pretty hectic with two babies. We're getting the hang of it though. Now that I have pretty much recovered from the whole giving birth thing, it is time to clean this house. I have been taking one room a day - which is all I have time for - and giving it a good cleaning. So far the bedroom and bathroom are done. Today is kitchen day. That's why I am sitting here at the computer instead of cleaning right now. I hate cleaning the kitchen. But, it must be done. Tomorrow will be the living room and the babies' room and then I'll start it all again on Monday. Ahh, the joys of being a housewife. Which, as it happens, it looks like I won't be much longer. Joel and I have decided that I must get a job. Any suggestions? Kohl's is hiring and my sister has suggested tutoring. I don't think I could handle babysitting. I'm really sad about leaving my babies, but we have to eat and pay the rent...
Oliver's molars have been trying to come in for weeks now. This makes for a very cranky and drooly little toddler. He has been having these little tantrums lately and they're actually kind of funny. He has them over the littlest things too. Like, today I wouldn't let him hold his cup of cheerios so he crumpled up into tears, leaned down and rested his head on the floor and cried it out. Once he realizes I cannot be swayed, he gets up and goes on his merry way. He also has a terrible diaper rash, the worst I've seen - which makes changing time almost impossible. Last night he couldn't even sit in the tub. Poor guy! I'm tempted to let him run around naked all day, except the reason for the rash is frequent pooping and I don't want to be frequently cleaning. Any rash advice out there?
Morgan is doing well - screaming at the moment, but that seems to be what she does. Alot. She is growing fast and is more and more beautiful each day. Even though it has been only a month, I feel like she has been part of our family forever. Just think, in a few short months, she'll be teething and tantrumming, too...

Joyful times...at the Mall?

Today Grammie, Oliver, Morgan and I ventured out to the mall. Usually a destination that I dread for a plethora of reasons. Today, there were two things that made me happy. ONE - I found a pair of jeans that fit me. Old Navy "Curvey" jeans. And I had a gift certificate so that was even better! (Though, if I keep eating these brownie bites they won't fit much longer!) Old Navy wins the award for most annoying music played in the store. TWO - As we were walking towards Wal-Mart I stopped dead in my tracks and a grin spread across my face as I saw ORANGE JULIUS!! It's back at the Hanover Mall! It has been gone for probably close to 15 years. It was good, it was so good. Not much is better than a hot dog with mustard and relish and a cool, frothy Orange Julius. (Well, maybe these brownie bites...) Oliver refuses to eat hot dogs though. He tried one once and spit it out. He's smarter than we know. He did enjoy the Julius though.
In other news, Morgan is doing well. She definately cries more than Oliver did, so that is an adjustment. Another weird thing is that she doesn't seem to like the car very much. Most babies love it. Makes for stressful driving. She's getting bigger, probably not even 8 lbs yet, though. Today, Oliver gave her a hug and a kiss without being prompted. It was too cute!

Movie Night

Joel and I watched Grizzly Man lastnight. It was hysterical...I don't think it was supposed to be though. If you had told me it was a Christopher Guest movie, I would have believed you and thought it genius. It wasn't. It was about this NUT job who lived among the bears in Alaska every summer. I am ok with studying nature, but to stand there in front of this massive, hungry bear and say "I love you! I love you! I love you!" that is kind of crazy. By the end of this movie, Joel and I were looking forward to this guy getting it from the bear. (We're cruel, cruel people. I know) And everyone else in the movie was just as goofy as Timothy Treadwell - the main character.
Anyone else seen it? What did you think? I think Treadwell wanted to die with the bears and he saw it as the only way his "work" would be made known.

Mobility Achieved

I did it. I left the house with both babies today! No one got forgotten, everyone was dressed (including me), and I even stopped for coffee. I am so proud. We went to my mom's house so that Oliver could play in his little pool. It was much easier than I thought. I was able to carry Oliver and the car seat. I feel like Supermom. Unlike lastnight when I felt like Failuremom because Morgan cried for 2 1/2 hours unable to be comforted. It was horrible. I really do think babies have an ability to know when their mothers are sitting down to eat. As soon as I started eating dinner she started crying and didn't stop until we both fell asleep. So much for a relaxing evening. Oh well, this too shall pass...

The Waiting is Over...

We are happy to announce that Morgan Hannah has arrived! I went in for an ultrasound on Thursday morning and they decided to induce me because of low amniotic fluid. I was so excited, especially because I was so uncomfortable. So, I called Joel and he headed home from work while I got things together for the hospital and for Oliver's stay at Grammies. They started the pitocin in the afternoon and by the evening realized that I wasn't really dilating so they took me off the pitocin and gave me something else to make me dilate. By Friday morning was fully dilated and effaced and having contractions on my own. I decided to get the epidural around ten or so when the contractions hurt enough to make me cry. Then I forgot how much I hate getting the epidural. I get so scared and anxious and tense. He took forever to do it and it was the most traumatic part of my labor and delivery! An hour or so later they checked me and realized I was ready to go! I pushed five times and out popped our little brown haired girl. She has quite a head of hair!!
Recovery is going well. Sleeping is not. Today's goal is to get Morgan on a nursing schedule so she is not up every stinkin' hour wanting to eat. My poor, poor boobs!
Having a baby really changes the way you think. For example, for the past three days, whoever asked to see my nether regions, saw them with no argument from me; four hours of sleep seems like alot, and I am walking around the house with my boobs hanging out all the time. They are huge by the way. I"m afraid I am going to smother the poor child.
Joel is in charge of Oliver as I am not allowed to lift anything and he is also in charge of housework which means that hte house is a mess! Already! We've only been home a day and I can't go into the kitchen because I can't control my urge to clean. He leaves his little trail of destruction everywhere he goes. In a way it is nice to not have to worry about it.
Well, to quote another blogger mom, "My life is full...and so are my boobs."

The Waiting Game

Seems like all I am doing lately, waiting. At the moment I am waiting for Oliver to go to sleep. We've been trying the morning nap thing on and off since about 8:30. It's almost 10:30 now. The thing that gets me is that he is so tired. He NEEDS to sleep and I need him to sleep. I was able to squeeze in a 15 minute nap earlier while he was quiet in his crib, but that is about it. I have a feeling the mommy nap will be lost today too.
I am also waiting for Oliver's sister to remove herself from my body. I am so done with being pregnant right now. I wake up every morning thinking that maybe this is the day, only to go to bed disappointed that it wasn't. At the doctor yesterday, she said that she still thinks it might be sometime this week or next. I told her she got my hopes up and now I will be disappointed if it isn't. She is on call at the hospital this week and I would really love for her to deliver the baby. I like her and feel comfortable with her. But when it really comes down to it, I will like anyone who takes this baby out of me! I am actually looking forward to the delivery a little bit, now that I know what to expect and I know that the epidural is a gift from the heavens. This time around I want to pay more attention to what is happening rather than get all caught up in my own distress.
I was thinking that today, Cinco de Mayo, would be a perfect day to have the baby since I have been craving Mexican food since day one of this pregnancy. I asked Joel if he thought she was part Mexican...he didn't really laugh.

Friend Dating

Making new friends is alot like dating. I went on a "first friend date" today. There is this girl at my mom's Bible study group that I have been talking to and it seems like we have alot in common and would be good friends. I have been trying to make an effort to get to know her all year. Today she asked me to go out for lunch with her. I seriously felt like it was like being asked out on a first date. I had that "wow, she really likes me" feeling. All year I have been wondering if she likes me or finds me annoying and is just pretending to like me - alot like how you feel when you are wondering about that certain someone that you want to ask you out on a date. Don't misunderstand me here, there are no romantic feelings involved in friend dating, but alot of the same self-consciousness and wondering what the other person thinks of you. Anyway, we had a nice time and the conversation flowed well. Yay for new friends. I think this is my first new friend since college. Pretty sad, huh? Unfortunately, I sometimes feel like I can't be bothered with this long process of friend making. Just stick me with my comfy, old friends and I am happy.
In other news, I had a doctor's appointment today and she said she thinks I might have this baby in 2 weeks! I hope she is right. I am about 1 cm dilated and have been having tiny, irregular contractions. When I left she said she would see me next week for my appointment and then she thought that would be it. Again I ask, is this really happening??

Breathe

No, I'm not in labor, yet. But I can finally take a moment to breathe after a crazy week! Joel's mom was here visiting before Easter so we spent some time with her and then Joel's grandfather passed away so we had more family in town for that. Then we had the wake and funeral in Rhode Island and then we had Oliver's birthday party on Sunday. Needless to say, we are exhausted! My house is a disaster - so not ready for a new baby. But, for my faithful blog readers, I take time out of my nap time/cleaning time to update for you. This is more fun than cleaning anyway.
Oliver's party was fun, a little crazy, but still fun. He held it together really well. No melt downs or anything. And, the choo-choo train cake that I have been thinking about for months and that took me three days to finish came out great! I was so proud of myself. Oliver throughly enjoyed it, too. Blue frosting EVERYWHERE! I think that for Morgan's cake next year we will make an angel cake with whipped cream frosting. Much less messy! Actually, to be honest, I am already thinking about what kind of cake to make for her.
So, my next step is getting this house ready for little Morgan. Joel has promised me (again) that he will put together our IKEA dresser tonight, and if he doesn't then I have permission to call in back up. So that WILL be done this week. Then I can put all the clothes away and get the room rearranged. Then we can focus on our bedroom and making a space for the cradle. I also need to get my bag all packed. It is started, but not everything is in there. I'm definitely not bringing as much as I did last time. I can't believe this is really happening...

Clorox Response

Dear Mrs. Bielawa,
Thank you for contacting us about Clorox Anywhere Hard Surface Daily Sanitizing Spray. We always appreciate hearing from our consumers.

We are pleased that you think so well of us that you want to help us develop our product line. I would like you to know that we do appreciate consumers' suggestions and I am forwarding your's on to the appropriate department. Unfortunately, however, we cannot always use them for one reason or another. For example, an idea may not be new to us, even though it is new to the person submitting it. It may be impractical to manufacture or market. It may be something that we already are working on or that someone else has submitted. Finally, the idea simply may not fit in with our long-range plans.
Again, thank you for contacting us.
Sincerely,
Angelica Green
Consumer Response Representative
Consumer Services

Hmmm...not sure I see millions in my future...

Anniversary

Three years, two children (almost), 4 homes, many arguments, many more I'm sorries, too many kisses to count and I am still in love with my Joel. Happy anniversary, honey!

Suggestion Box

Today I did something I have never done before - I sent in a suggestion to a company for a new product. I recently bought a bottle of Clorox Anywhere Sanitizing Spray because it seems like it is really handy for moms. It is safe to use on just about anything and with a baby who gives everything the taste test I thought it would be useful. Well, my idea is that they should make it in purse sized bottles so that we can stick it in the diaper bag and use it to spray down high chairs, carriages, changing tables, table tops, etc. in public places. Maybe I am the only crazy mom out there who dreads putting their baby in a high chair or carriage covered with another baby's drool and who-knows-what-else, but I don't think I am. Good idea, right? So, if you suddenly see said purse-sized bottles in the store remember who thought of it first! And hope that the kind people at Clorox decide to share their riches with me for being so smart.

Rand-tucket

Thanks to my old pal, Randy, Joel and I got to spend a night in Nantucket this past weekend. It was fun and, yes, my emotions were well behaved. It was much easier than I thought it would be to leave Oliver for the night. I shed a few tears at goodbye time, but thoroughly enjoyed our time away. I guess 11 months without a break is long enough, huh? We stayed at a cute little inn, ate tons of expensive food, walked around and went to the Nantucket Whaling Museum. Not much was open because it is off-season, but we enjoyed the quiet and solitude.
Our waitress in the Rose and Crown for lunch on Sunday commented at length on what a cute couple Joel and I are. I told Joel that by cute she meant short... Anyway, she said we were going to be like one of those old couples that you see walking down the street holding hands and you think "How cute!" I hope we still hold hands when we are old.
In other news, I went to IKEA for the first time yesterday. I think I am in love! Everything was so nice and so CHEAP! We bought a dresser for the babies' room. I can't wait to put it together and organize their clothes. I am totally into organization these days. Gotta love the nesting instinct. I cleaned out the fridge today and even wiped down the shelves. But, back to IKEA, if I could I think I would furnish our whole apartment with IKEA stuff. Oooh, an IKEA shopping spree, how fun! The only thing that disappointed me was their lack of trash cans. I need a new one for the kitchen and they only had 2 to choose from and neither were to my liking. Maybe I will check the website. Uh oh, this could be dangerous.

Emotions Gone Wild

If my emotional state during this pregnancy is any indication of how my daughter is going to be then we are in big trouble, people! Yesterday was pretty much the most emotional day I've had yet - and nothing really happened. We went to breakfast with my parents and some family members and I had no patience with Oliver throwing every blessed thing on the floor. I could feel myself getting flushed and frustrated as the meal progressed. Then, we decided to let Oliver go with my mom to a St. Patty's parade in Scituate while we had some alone time. You would have thought I was sending him to East Africa for month. I felt guilty and sad and cried almost hysterically after they left. Then, we decided to go to the movies. We are totally ignorant of what is out there, so we chose "The Hills Have Eyes" thinking it might be a cool science fiction story. First of all, the volume in the theater was so loud that I was tempted to go and ask them to turn it down. Then, the movie was super bloody and gory and STUPID! At the "climax" of the movie, the blood and guts was getting to me, the extra loud screaming was getting to me, and the scene of the guy biting off the head of a bird and drinking the guts out did me in. I was crying and I got up and left the theater without even saying anything to Joel. How humiliating to walk out of a dumb movie, that wasn't even that scary, crying. I just hope maybe people thought I was in labor and not a big, giant wuss. So, not so much of a fun day with no baby. We're taking an overnight trip to Nantucket next weekend to celebrate my birthday - lets hope the hormones are somewhat settled by then.

Forced Family Fun - rated PG

As many of you know, every Tuesday night is Family dinner night at my parents' house. It is something that deep down we all enjoy, but we make fun of alot. We had our first family night in 6 weeks last week. (my parents had been away) Usually there are alot of laughs and many more inappropriate comments, but last week's shenanigans took the cake. I hope I can communicate it well. We were all enjoying our dinner and listening to my dad recount his vacation in Florida. He mentioned the three rules of life that he had heard from someone. One was to always stop at a bathroom when you pass one. (I think these were geared towards seniors) Then he said the other one, which I forget and then he started in with the third one, "Never waste a..." and my mother put up her hand to stop him. Now, we McLouds know that if Mom stops him, we do not press further. But, my wonderful, yet inexperienced with family night husband, keeps pressing him to finish his sentence. We thought we were safe when my sister started another conversation, but my dad says, in his "quiet voice" which is no longer quiet due to some hearing loss, "Joel, hard on!" To hear my dad say those words was beyond funny. We are all hysterical laughing except for my brother-in-law. He is acting all offended-like. Then he says, "There is a classier way to say that, you know." So we all look at him waiting for this classy term and he says. "Sporting wood!" AND he was serious! Well, now we are laughing even harder - Joel had to actually leave the room. Good thing we were about done with dinner otherwise there would have been choking and drink coming out the nose. Fun times, fun times.
I hope this isn't one of those you-had-to-be-there stories.
Tune in this week as we celebrate Becka's 29th birthday at Family dinner night.

In-ter-act

Main Entry: in·ter·act
Pronunciation: "in-t&-'rakt
Function: intransitive verb: to act upon one another

C'mon, I know you are out there!

Let's Interact!

So, I'm curious...What is everyone's favorite dinner recipes? Things you serve often that are yummy and simple? I'm trying to be more organized in my dinner prep/shopping by making a weekly menu. I have tried this before to no avail. Now I want to do it again, but I feel like I need to add to my repetiore. We have turkey burgers at least once a week. I have also made this really good ham and scalloped potatoes in the crock pot. Here's what's on the menu at Chez Bielawa this week:

Tonight: Crispy Oven-fried Fish
Saturday: Turkey Burgers
Sunday: We're going to the flower show
Monday: Chicken and stuffing
Tuesday: Family Dinner night - Becka's off the hook!
Wednesday: Chicken Enchiladas
Thursday: Turkey Tacos
Friday: Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

Looks good right? Well, we'll just have to see if all goes according to plan. I've been feeling super pregnant lately so who knows what I will actually be motivated to make, but the list is made and groceries are purchased.
Talk amongst yourselves...

Told You So

That is probably what God is saying to me now. He provided for us in an awesome way. It is so amazing how He ALWAYS is faithful and how I ALWAYS doubt. As we were in major panic mode last week about our financial situation, all we could do was trust in God to provide for us. There was nothing we could really do. So, we decided to call the church and see if they could help us out at all. I left a message and didn't hear back right away. Then I decided to do our taxes. We have a nice return coming our way. That will be helpful. Problem potentially solved, I thought. Well, then, I got a phone call from another woman that I know whose family just got a bunch of money from two deaths in the family and decided that she wanted to share some of that money with us. We got a check from her the next day. The woman from church called back and I was able to tell her that we were all set for the time being and we didn't need help. Yay God, right? THEN, I was sharing in my Bible study group how all this worked out and how cool it was to see God's provision and a woman in my group, who I only know by name, (she didn't even know mine) wrote us another check! We are going to be able to pay ALL of our bills and then some this month. We'll even be able to give some to someone else in need! I am so ashamed for doubting and so thankful that God is faithful even when we do.

Tough Times

Well, our little family is going through some tough times lately. BUT, I know that God is good and He is faithful and will bring us through this time and make us stronger. Sometimes I wonder when it will all be over, all this struggling. Will it ever be over or will it just be another thing to worry about after that? I have been trying so hard lately not to worry, but to leave everything in God's hands and trust that He will help us through. That is hard, though, when dealing with other people. "Don't worry, landlord, God will provide the rest of the rent in His timing." Not sure that would go over too well. It's looking like I am going to have to find a job. Not as easy as it sounds. Who is going to want to hire someone who will have to leave to have a baby in about 3 months? I'm thinking about looking into a temp agency or something. Any ideas?
Through all this, though, I am continually amazed at the blessings and the joy that God has brought into my life. I have a great husband who I love and who loves me, a wonderful little son who is the light of my life and a baby daughter on the way who, so far, seems healthy and perfect. I am blessed richly.

The Stop and Shop Chronicles

Part 1

I was at the grocery store today picking up some formula for Oliver and since I only had 2 items I decided to go to the self-checkout lane. I had a coupon for $4.50 off the formula, but it would not scan. I tried in vain for a few minutes and then reluctantly pushed the help button. After waiting what seemed like an eternity I was tempted to give up and save the coupon for another time. But $4.50...that's alot and we need those savings this week. So, I waited patiently trying to scan my coupon all the while. Then a woman slowly approached me looking confused as to why I would have pushed the button. I tell her, "My coupon won't scan." Her helpful comment? "Well, it should." Duh, that is why I called you over here, lady. If it shouldn't have scanned then I wouldn't have even tried. My pregnancy hormones made me cranky about that comment. She manually entered in my savings and we all lived happily ever after.
The End

Part 2

Saturday I was again at the grocery store trying to get all my shopping done before the big blizzard. (Along with the entire town of Weymouth, incidentally) I had been feeling kind of tired and emotional all day, but I knew I had to get this done before I was housebound for who knows how long. So, I got my veggies and then took my number for the incredibly crowded deli counter. There isn't much I hate more than waiting in line at the deli. I think the best invention was that computer thingy that lets you order the cold cuts and then pick them up in 15 minutes after you do the rest of your shopping. Though, most of the time I forget about picking them up...but that is another story. I digress... So, I am standing amidst the crowd and suddenly begin to feel not-so-good. I try shifting my weight back and forth thinking that maybe I had locked my knees or something (bridesmaid syndrome), that didn't help. I stood there thinking about what to do. Do I abandon my cart and veggies and go home? No, I've made it this far in line, they are a few calls away from my number, I can stick it out. I try putting my head down on the handle of the cart. Still not any better, my number is getting closer, what to do? Then, my ears started ringing, my vision got dark and I knew I was going down. Falling down if I didn't sit down quickly. So, I wheel my cart over to the side as I hear them announce my number (Nooooooo!) and tell this nice gentleman next to me that I am going to pass out. I then proceed to sit on the nasty filthy floor with my head between my legs. The poor old man is freaking out, telling me to relax, not to get up, etc. I have to explain about 5 times that I am not diabetic but I am pregnant and NO, I do not need an ambulance! I was so embarrassed. But, everyone was so nice about it and two people called Joel for me, which sent him into quite the panic. This nice woman stayed with me while I was waiting for Joel. She talked my ear off, it almost made me wish I did lose consciousness, or at least my hearing. Joel arrived and by then I was feeling much better and wanted to finish the shopping. Joel wouldn't hear of it and made me come strait home and lay down. Turns out I just got overheated with my coat on inside and my blood pressure dropped. Pretty common in this stage of pregnancy, I'm told. Now I feel weird going into the store, like they have a picture up of me with a "Pass Out Warning" label. "Watch out for this one, she's trouble." Joel has forbidden me to go shopping by myself now. Yeah right, like he will do it! He'll go and do it once and then he'll be like "Well, I guess you are ok now. You can do the shopping."
The End

Oh Mah Gosh...

OK, check THIS out. This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. Not only is it so not attractive, but it looks oh-so-uncomfortable. Why would anyone wear this? I know a thing or two about being pregnant and I know that I would never a) want my preggers belly hanging out for all to see and b) want anything riding up that high anywhere on my body. Pregnancy is all about trying to make yourself more comfortable. What is up with Katie Holmes anyway? Is she really a naive little girl being sucked in by Tom Cruise and his Scientology friends or is that just the Joey Potter image that she cannot shake? The whole situation is just weird. There is something about celebrities being pregnant that gives me a little satisfaction. Like, now I know that they are not all perfect and pretty all the time. Pregnancy makes them gain weight and get hemorrhoids and stretch marks and heart burn and saggy boobs. Like when Britney Spears was pregnant I just felt like saying "Hah - take that, Miss Perfect Body! Hope you enjoy those stretch marks!" Is there something wrong with me?

You Know It's Bad When....

...you can smell the poopy diaper from outside the baby's room, with the door closed. I went in to get Oliver this morning and I got way more than I bargained for. I will spare you the details, but it wasn't pretty. Not what I look forward to dealing with first thing in the morning.
You know why I love my OB/GYN? Because she says things like "You gained some weight...good girl." I think I'll always be pregnant.
My parents are in Florida for 6 weeks. They offered to pay our way to go and visit them, but we opted not to this year. Trying to be responsible and what not. Now I wish we were going. I sure could use a vacation with some sun and a pool. (And a Grammie to take care of Oliver every waking moment) Granted we really can't afford a vacation right now, even if they paid our way, but a girl can dream can't she?

Girl Power

So, did I mention we are having a girl? We are. At first we really wanted another boy, but the more I think about it, the more I am glad that it is a girl. Lastnight, Joel and Oliver were tooting away and laughing and I don't know if I can take 3 of those! Another girl on my side to say "Ewwww" with will be nice. Although, my girl will probably end up joining right in with the tooting!

Metamorphosis

It seems like Oliver is transitioning into toddlerhood rather quickly. In the last month he has sprouted three teeth, is pulling up on anything and everything and can crawl faster than his preggers mommy can keep up with. He is an accident waiting to happen! It's like he has "baby-gate radar", as soon as we take one of them down he is off in that direction in a flash. It is much harder work than when we could put him in one spot and he would stay and play for a while, but it is also so much fun to see him exploring and figuring stuff out. He is learning so fast these days, I feel like he has a new trick every day.
Here's a funny thing, I was having this really bizarre dream lastnight (they're even more bizarre when you are pregnant!) and I remember thinking in my dream that I should blog about what was happening. Of course I can't really remember it now, but I thought it was funny that I would dream about blogging.

By the way...

It encourages me to blog when people comment...just so ya know.

Like Father Like Son

So, I've decided to start planning Oliver's birthday party since I will be super-pregnant by then, and may not be too into birthday party planning or carrying out. I've been thinking about what kind of cake to make and have decided that the only things he really likes at this point are my boobs. Therefore, I think I should make a boob cake. Seriously, even though he is not nursing anymore, he is obsessed with them. He is constantly pulling my shirt down and raspberrying my chest and now they have become handy handles for pulling himself up. Not fun. I told Joel of my idea and he said he wants a boob cake too. Go figure...

Top Ten Reasons Why New Year's Eve Was Sad

1. We're Getting Old. There used to be a time when we would brave the bitter cold and go into First Night in Boston and stay up almost all night...not so anymore. Now we just hang in with some friends and head home as soon as the ball drops.

2. Dick Clark. Did anyone else find themselves choked up while he was doing the countdown? Poor man can hardly talk! What happened to the ageless, invincible, robotic Dick Clark? I could barely make it through the countdown. It was painful to listen to him.

3. Janice and Chris' Upstairs Neighbor. As we were coming into their condo, we could hear the people upstairs talking and the wife told the husband that she wanted to file for divorce. Then the poor man just left. Happy New Year...

4. Ok, there is no # 4. I guess it should be top three reasons, but those are biggies - they can count for three or so each. Don't get me wrong, I had a fun time on New Year's Eve. It's just different, and sometimes different is sad.