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.