What a weekend!

Sophia reading Valentines card from Johnny.

Older sister Christie Howard left her 6 month old daughter Ryan & 3 1/2 year old Reece in St. Joe, Missouri to come take care of her middle sister so un-selfishly. Saturday night we had a girls night at the house with the theme of making "No Sew" Blankets and Mexican food. The delicious food was catered by none other than friend Sharon Evanich. A group of Clintonville girls came to the house to catch up and make blankets for love ones. Thanks ladies for a fun night!

Sunday, I hired this great baby sitter that I met at the Mommy Mixer who came and watched Sophia for a few hours. Christie and I rushed out of the house and did some serious shopping w/out Sophia. Now, I would like to say we shopped for make-up, tried on fabulous clothing....but that is a lie. One quick stop into Target to buy valentine’s card, One long trip into babies r us for diapers, formula and registry shopping for a friend, and one really really long visit at the Cord Camera scrap booking store. Since, I know my little sister does not read the blog... I can say that we are building her a Scrapbook for a wedding gift. We were really strategic and organized when shopping for her items. It was so much fun. Wow, that scrap booking hobby is quite an art form. I don't think we will win the Blue Ribbon at the State Fair, but we had a lot of fun. It was so nice to sit down and build the pages. Mandatory Fun I say....

As I mentioned above my sister Christie has 2 kids who unfortunately have chronic ear infections. She knows how to identify them and help cope with the tears. Not to mention she is also a nurse. I had noticed that Sophia was brushing her ears with her hands and was quite fussy. So, Monday afternoon, my sister took Sophia into the Dr. for a check up. He said all was clear, just a soar throat, and gave her round 2 of the flu shot. As soon as I got home from work... Sophia was wound for sound. We could do nothing to make her feel better. She just cried and cried and cried some more. We finally put her in the bath tub for about an hour which seemed to calm her down. When she got out of the bath tub she was back at it again. We then buckled her in her car seat and braved the snowy weather with hopes of Sophia falling to sleep. She fell asleep lightly in the car after 10 minutes of driving.

Christie and I found the drive therapeutic as well and decided to keep driving. We had a deep conversation, touching on finances, being working moms, the constant desire to always be better and never just happy with our educational level, my OCD, our baby weight around or stomachs, and so much more. It was probably the best hour we spent together. A good sisterly bond.

So your wondering.... Is Sophia feeling better. The answer is No. Today is Wednesday, and I was fearful I was going to be on the Nightly News for neglecting a very sick baby, I called off for the day and went back to the Doctor. Sophia was a Doll at the Doctor. Hiding all her pain and flirted with the Doctors. They thought the fever and brushing of her ears is the teething. She has 3 teeth on top, 2 teeth on the bottom alreadybusting through the skin. Another tooth on top and two more on the bottom just around the corner. She is in PAIN! Instead of the Tylenol, I am giving her a good dose of Motrin. This should help with the pain, and also allowed me to write this Blog entry as she is out C O L D. THANK GOD!!!!!! She is testing my mothering ability and patience. I must admit, I lost my cool a couple times. Thank god my sister was here to help. A little angel! I would not of been able to do these days alone. Christie returned home yesterday. She was ready to see her family.

My dad, is not one of many words.... So when he speaks, I try to really listen. I remember this summer, when I was visiting my parents for just a few days w/out Jerry. I was tired, emotional, in complete shock, and wondering if I could stuff Sophia back where she was for last 10 months. He had taken me out to dinner and I was experiencing my afternoon cries and I said to him.... She has turned my life upside down, what did I do, I can't do this... So his words of wisdom were.......

Tiffanie, this is why God made it so two people make a child, because it makes it easier when two people can take care of the child. Ahhha.

I have complete admiration for single parents. I am going to make it this year, but I don't want to do this single parent thing again.

So, enough harping...

I need to brag on and on about my Fantastic Neighbors & Thank Them!

Gina & John helped watch Sophia on Saturday. In that short 2 hours I was gone.... I went to the bank, dropped off dry-cleaning, got gas in the car, and picked up Christie from the airport. Few! Lot's accomplished!

Abby & Carene came over on Fat Tuesday, to let me taste their Sticky Buns. YUMMMMMMMY! We also got in a hill workout on Monday while Pete, Abby & Gracie watched Sophia.

Tricia & Jackson Arthur came to the house yesterday to watch Sophia and let her sleep in her own bed. Tricia so graciously gave Sophia some much needed TLC. This was so helpful! Tricia, also brought me some fantastic soup.

When I arrived home last night, my neighbor John Bova was shoveling my driveway and had dropped off some Snowday soup....

I am sooooo blessed. I don't have enough words to express my thanks!

Sophia is up, and not crying. Hurah!

I bet you are thinking... Wow, Tiffanie does not mention Jerry in the blog. You are probably thinking, the photos are nice of Sophia and all, but what is Jerry up to. You may have noticed that I cleaned up my blog, deleting any photos of Jerry.

Well....There was a family member who is in a similar situation as ours that was disturbed and threatened in a serious way. We have been asked to ensure no information is leaked through Blogs, My Space, etc. etc. They are asking us not to be an easy pray. Which..... I appreciate the warning. I truly believe that people are good, don't mean harm, it just goes to show how "Half Full" I always look at things. As my co-worker said to me.... Don't be so naive Tiffanie...

So, it's very hard to write a blog to keep family members & friends informed on what's going on this year. I will be as vague as possible, and hope you can read my hieroglyphics.

Jerry and I talk everyday. It's mostly a quick update on Sophia during the day and a late good night call at 11pm. He had another shot this week, which made his arm very soar and blister. This shot will be repeated over the next few months to ensure proper immunization.

They have been gone for five weeks. He says each day they joke that it is "Ground Hogs Day". His favorite times of the day are Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Each morning, they take a walk with their gear on to build up their tolerance.

Jerry continues to work towards his Masters Degree taking an on-line statistics class. Some of his very limited free time, he watches the CD collection of the Entourage (HBO Show). He is doing good and continues to stay positive. Sophia and I will be visiting him the middle of March. We are looking forward to seeing each other. I am afraid it will start the grieving process from the beginning. I am just starting to get over the mad phase.

Sophia in a new Italian T-shirt. It is from our dear friends Paula and Jim Wheelock who love to travel, especially to Italy. We met around 8 years ago at A&F. Paula and Jim's romance blossomed and they moved to San Diego shortly after. Sophia and I will be flying to San Diego in May to visit them before they head off to Dublin, Ireland for Jim's job. Thank you Jim and Paula for the lovely T-shirt for Sophia. I will get busy booking our flight.

Our good friends who we use to run with a few days a week Trisha and Paul Zelenack invited Sophia and I over for a pizza party on Friday night. Later in the evening, they broke the sad news, they will be moving from Clintonville to Grove City for a larger home, better school district, etc. Paul and Tricia are expecting their 2nd girl in May. Trisha and Paul met in the Army 12 years ago. They are a great support, and friends. We will miss having them so close.

Sophia going for a walk with my girlfriend Sharon. Sophia was not feeling the best (she has a cold) and I asked Sharon to come over and watch her for the day. We did not want to get her b-friend Jackson sick. Apparently Sophia's diaper had leaked under Sharon's supervision. Well our Nanny (Sabrina) got to the house and gave Sophia a bath, and she said Sophia's diaper was on backwards. Is that not toooooo funny! When I told Sharon, she could not stop laughing. She said...."How could I tell". Thank you Sharon for watching Sophia for the day.

Few!

Wow, it has been a whirwind since Grandma Grove left. Thursday night, Sophia and I were invited to Jackson's home for dinner. Tricia and Scott are such gracious hosts and cooked us a wonderful meal. Thank you Arthur family for a nice evening.

Friday night, I was in a funk and feeling kind of low. I had probably the hardest week at work since I returned from maternity leave. We have an intern in our department who is reporting to me. I spent a lot of time going back and forth.... Should I just have her measure, put samples away do all the pee on stuff or should I have her do more of the challenging things like writing comments, building tech packs, etc. In the end..... I decided to go with option two. I wanted her to feel challenged and really understand what it's like to be a technical designer. She was very anxious to get busy and after each project was corrected I carefully combed over her work....... Only to correct everything she did.... Talk about feeling like a teacher who is a failure. Was I not explaining it correctly? What was I doing wrong? I completly understand it's a learning process and a job I have been doing over 11 years, so how can I expect her to pick up the skill in one week. I guess I was ambitious : )...

Saturday, Sophia and I were up at the crack of dawn for Baby Yoga and a family filled day. We drove to Sugar Grove to watch cousin Tyler play basketball and later drive down to Grandma and Grandpa Mourns home in Athens. Jerry's father looks fabulous! He is continuing his chemo treatments and always very positive. Jerry's brother Michael and his family had a very scary night (the week of Martin Luther King Holiday). Their wood burning stove caught on fire and caused fire & smoke damage to their home. Thankfully, Sylvia's angel woke her up at 1:30am to discover the fire and get the family & pets out of the home. Sylivia and Tyler are staying at her sister's home, Michael is on the road staying in his truck, the pets are scattered around amongst family, and everyone is fine and ready to get back into their home. They were hoping to be back in the home by Tuesday. However, they will be living in the home while repairs are made to the damaged part of the home.

Sunday, Sophia and Boyfriend Johnny had a supervised date. Later that evening Best Friend Maria Bova came over to chit chat about Johnny's good looks and analize the date.

Sophia reading the mail tonight. She is really starting to reach for anything and everything.


BFF Maria Bova and Mom Laura.

Sophia reading to Maria Chapter 1 of the book "He's not that into you".

Dinah & Johnny resting. Dinah and I met probably 10 years ago at Jimmy Rawlins Dance Studio. We had lost touch for about a year until we met up again by surprise at the doctors office waiting to have our babes a couple weeks apart.

Date # 3.



Grandma, Grandpa & Scrappy Mourn

Sophia and aunt Jennifer clowning around.

Tyler making the first 2 points on the score board.

Aunt Sylvia, friend Taylor and Sylvia's cousin Greg in the stadium at the game.

Sophia happy one morning last week. Also in her new 18 month pj's.

Boof.... Ranhhhh!

Weekend with Grandma Grove

Grandma Grove came to visit on Wednesday via the new airline "Sky Bus". She got a direct flight from Kansas City to Columbus for the bargain price of $10.00. I can't capture everything she helped me with in this blog entry, but I have never worked a guest in our home so hard. I needed help with many home front things and she was so gracious to help and never complained a minute. I had to ask for the union break, because she kept me honest to my list and crossing my goals off. I am going to list my 5 top goals that were completed. They are in no order of importance.

1. Returned my favorite leased Jetta to Midwest Auto Group.

2. Organized my single car garage, so I could use it to park inside at night.

3. Helped to lay down our new rug in the living room

4. Experimented with making Sophia baby food.

5. Assisted with organizing every room of my house including Jerry's closet. Hopefully, this will curb my cleaning OCD for a while.

6. Sorry one more.... She helped me shrink wrap and put away all of Sophia's clothes that no longer fit.

7. Ooops, one more... I got my hair done.

Why is it, that I hate asking for help from friends/neighbors, but I can put my parents to work like nobody's business?????

When I didn't have my mom working, we got the opportunity to do some serious Macy's shopping, had dinner with girlfriend Sharon, a nice walk around the neighborhood with next door neighbor Carene while Pete, Abbi & Gracie watched Sophia, and breakfast with neighbors Jackson and mom Tricia.

Sorry, I don't have any photos of Grandma with Sophia. I will upload them, once GG sends me them. Thanks Grandma Grove for coming to visit.....

All 3 Cats, Boof in the front, Debby in the middle & Bernard on the rug. Even though I still can't touch Debby, she is getting more brave around the home and when the food is just put out. She has lived with us for 4 years. Can you believe 4 years and we still can't touch her. She is a beautiful calico.

Sophia taking a bath by candle light. Our power was off for about 1 hour tonight. Again, I have the BEST neighbors! My neighbor on the left "Gina" stopped by and made sure Sophia and I were okay. Neighbor on the right "Laura" called to make sure we were okay.

Sophia in her 18 Month PJ's. Can you believe that. She weighs almost 23lbs. I can finally see my resemblance in her.

Weekend # 3

I am so blessed, supported and loved. I feel this kindness everyday.

Our lovely neighbor Carene, after reading the blog and understanding my desire to improve my phsyique asked if I would like to become work out partners a couple days a week. I was so THRILLED! My response had a lot of YES, YES, YES in it. Carene's gracious family Pete, Abbi & Gracie agreed to watch Sophia, while we are out walking, taking a class, etc. On Thursday night, they cooked me a lovely dinner and then off for our walk around the neighborhood. It was so nice to get out and about with a fellow neighbor, mom and friend. Thank you Bressoud family for a nice night. Looking forward to our next walk.

Friday, was a crazy and tense day. Our yearly reviews were due. As if, personal reviews are not hard enough, we also write peer reviews that are to be anonymous. (However, when you only work with 4 people, it's pretty easy to know who wrote that about you). I don't know if I shared with you, but the average age at A&F is probably 26. So it is very hard for professional criticism to be taken in just that manner. Our rating system for doing good is "YOU ROCK". (Dear Lord, is this the path I am really to be taking?)

Saturday, we did not get up and ready in time to take Sophia to baby yoga. We just took it easy, and later in the afternoon met Karen & Isaac Steidle for some coffee at Starbucks. Karen and I were acting as chaperons for the date. It was nice to do a little mommy/girl/adjusting to being back to work talk. When I got home, my neighbors John, Gina & Dog Carl came over and dropped of the most tasty vegetable soup and chocolate chip cookies. I love the soup, so much I have stretched it out over 3 days. Yummy! Thank you Gina, John & Carl. (I have the best neighbors!) Saturday night, I found a babysitter from my evening out at the "Mommy Mixer" (like speed dating, only mom's meet potential babysitters) and met Sharon and Judy for the 5:30 movie of 27 Dresses. Defiantly a chick flick, but fun. Just in case you wanted to check out the mommy mixer web site.

http://www.mommymixer.com/home.aspx

Sunday, I went with a fellow co-worker Sam Low to the OSU women's basketball game which honored military members and their families. Sophia loved the basketball game. The bright lights, loud noises, and people to look at overstimulated her and she took a nap in my arms.

Monday, in effort to be more PC (and probably court ordered) , Abercrombie gave us Martin Luther King Day off. I was thrilled to have a long weekend. Sophia and I made our way down to Cincinnati to visit a friend, Brandee Anderson who had a baby girl Annabell on December 27th. She is doing the whole mom thing alone. Can you imagine doing all the shifts alone? I can't! Brandee has it all organized, she is calm, and adjusting well. She did not complain one single world! I was impressed! I had high hopes that I could help Brandee with some cleaning, cooking, organizing, possibly give her the opportunity to take a nap, but Sophia was a little Devil! All I could do was tend to Sophia and we kept laughing that I was going to need a nap. Lul! Note to self, leave Sophia at home, when it's critical to get something done. Somehow, Sophia's timing is always right on que. Brandee mentioned to me, her charming husband told her, that she had the tougher part of the year. Bless his heart.

Once, leaving the Anderson home, Sophia and I went to Jungle Jim's Grocery Store. Has anyone been there before? It's quite an experience.... I am not a good cook, so I found myself picking up my staple items of cereal, vegetables, etc. I am sure my friends Danya & Sharon would be disappointed in my selected items.

Sophia taking a bath Monday night.

Dating Pool

Mirror Mirror on the wall....

Dear BFF Maria Bova,

I am sorry I have not been over lately for some girl talk and braiding of hair, but I have been very busy on-line dating looking for suitors. Fortunately, all of my dates have been a success. All the men are comfortable with my off the chart weight and short hair. I think my two teeth pearly white smile impresses the men.

Oh dear Maria, I need your help... I am in a predicament. I don't know who I should go steady with. Below are their photo, can you help me decide. I am going to mention their perks and a little about their personality, so you can guide me.

Johnny is the son to Chris & Dinah Cicenas. We have been seeing each other since July. Here is an earlier photo of our 1st date together. We were only resting together (I promise). Johnny has many wonderful features, one of which makes my father happy, as he is off the chart on height.

Jackson is the son to Scott & Tricia Arthur. We just starting seeing each other two weeks ago. He has the coolest cat Lilly and is very kind to me on Tuesday and Thursdays. I really like his boyish charm, but I play it cool. Can you tell from the attached photo, I pretend to be not interested. I just got done reading the book "He's not that into you". I will lend it to you....

The last cutie is Isaac, he is the son of Matt & Karen Steidle. We met today for the first time at Starbucks. He has a smile that will melt your heart. He is almost as flexible as I am, and I understand he can roll continuously to get what he wants.

Maria, I am really counting on you to give me some guidance. You have been such a good friend to me, and I appreciate you for forgiving me. I pulled your hair because I was jealous of your long locks.

Friend Forever,

Sophia

Thoughts to share

I would like to touch on a few things, that hopefully will make you laugh and give you a better insight as to what it's like when a family member leaves on deployment. This is Jerry's and my second year apart, so I actually recognize and remember a lot of the feelings and actions that I am repeating.

One of the most difficult things for me, is asking for help. I loath to ask for help! I especially dislike asking for help because I can't return the favor this year. So, I am asking my friends, family and neighbors to understand when I am wishy washy on my requests for help, it's because this is new for me. I am not good at it.

You probably would of laughed if you heard my telephone conversation and request to my dear neighbor Rosie to watch Sophia. The request probably had a lot of... If you could....Maybe....Sometime around 6:30pm......Don't want to inconvenience you.... Thankfully, Rosie listened to me, understood my request and made it simple. If anyone has insight on how to ask for help in a complete, concise manner I would appreciate your guidance. I am so blessed to have such loving people who want to help in my life. I hope you know I will pay it forward. Thank you Rosie for caring for Sophia last night.

The other private thought I would like to share is the grieving cycle that comes along with the family member leaving. For some reason, I bounce back and forth from acceptance to madness. This week, I am mad. Can I tell you what I am mad about, and hopefully this makes you laugh...

Jerry was to write a thank you note to two people who donated a Christmas Tree adorned with goodies for the troops. Of course the holiday has come and gone, Jerry left to Texas and this task was not completed. Once in Texas, I told him that I would remind him just one last time to write the note and I was going to dump the memory and it would be on his conscious. It was Monday AM, and I needed something to be pissed about and I pulled this stupid task back from the delete file in my brain and wrote Jerry an e-mail. I had to re-write the e-mail multiple times because I wanted to stay married. I EVEN looked up a word in the Thesaurus to get the right tone. Just in case you wanted to know, the word was "unmindful". I placed it so perfectly into the e-mail. Your probably wondering if the thank you notes are out..... Last night, on the phone Jerry reassured me they went out on Monday.

During my current emotion which is acceptance, I think this entry is hilarious. I don't mean to be dramatic when I talk about the grieving cycle, but this is the only thing I can compare all these emotions too. I really hope this e-mail is read in the context of being funny and light. Really, should I have spent my morning harping on a stupid thank you note???? Can't help it.