"This may be a long night."

Tuesday, September 1, 1992

     Yesterday Ez. woke up at 7:11. We went to ACE, the credit union (my check came Fri.) and Wal-Mart. Your deposit hadn't shown up yet so I'll go back there tomorrow to find out the amount.

     I decided to go to the Wal-Mart on Mil. Why. so I went down Indian River after leaving the credit union. As soon as I pulled into a handicapped space I realized my decal was in the car. (We were in the truck—I drove it to church Sun. night) Remind me not to run errands in the truck again. I drove around & around looking for a space and finally saw someone leaving kinda close so I waited on them. When I started to pull into the space a lady pulled into it from the other side. She motioned to me that she'd back up but before she did someone pulled in behind her. So I had to go around again looking for a space. I couldn't find one very close but found one that had a cart nearby so I didn't have to carry Ez. She'd fallen asleep along the way so I had to wake her up.

     I got all the usual dog & baby stuff. I bought the XL diapers this time because the L are getting too tight around her legs. The XL fit just fine. I only got one bag in case they didn't fit. There are only 26 in a bag. I think there were 30 in the L bags.

     I found a cute little lap tray I wanted to get Ez. but couldn't find one that wasn't cracked.

     I was so tired by the time we left there. We had a time getting out of there though. I went to go out the way we usually do by the theater but they had it blocked. The signs were facing the other way so I don't know if it's permanently closed or not. So I went back to the other side of the parking lot cause the street on the other side had a stop light. The last row turned out to be one way & I was going the wrong way. There weren't any arrows at the opposite end. I turned around & went back one row and it was the same. I went over another row & it was the same but there weren't any empty spaces to turn around in so I went ahead. There was a car in front of me going out the wrong way too. Anyway, traffic was backed up on that street by the time I got on it & we had to sit through about 3 lights before we got out. I couldn't believe how much trouble I had getting out. I thought about calling to complain about their parking lot but haven't done it yet.

     We had lunch when we got home & while we were eating, Mr. Gibbs came over & asked to borrow our hose cause his just busted. I said ok & thanked him for mowing. He didn't offer to mow the back yard so I called Barb & she said John could do it tomorrow. Mr. Gibbs brought the hose back—I don't know when. He said he's taking leave this week.

     Ez. slept for about 1½ hrs yesterday aft. I slept for about 20 minutes and thought I heard her but she was still asleep but I couldn't get back to sleep so I went down stairs & started working on the books & paying bills. I didn't finish the books since I don't know your amt. yet but I put all the bills in the mail when we went to check if after she woke up. The AT&T bill came & your first call from Panama was the only thing on it—$23+ for 19 minutes. Ez. went to bed around 8:00 last night & woke up at 7:26 this morning.

     Sue called last night & we talked for about 30 min. She sent Ez. a package Friday but didn't say what was in it. They're going to WV this weekend for the family reunion. I asked if they'd like to keep Chief & she said no. Oh, I had to call to get a refill on his eyedrops—nothing but foam came out last time.

     Ever since it rained all the time it seems like we've been getting more & more flies in the house. I don't know if there's any connection. Last night I found & finally killed at least 6 in the window by the bookcase. Tonight there were at least that many & more there so I used bug spray. I don't know where they're all coming from. I've been leaving Chief out all day so I'm not opening the door letting him in & out all day. Hopefully the spray will get rid of all of them.

     Ez's walking around the house more often. Whenever I try to get her on tape she stops. I did get her coming down the hall one day. I can't tell any difference in her ankles. I was waiting about calling for her another appointment with the ortho. til I found out what your schedule is going to be. Same thing with my next appt. with Dr. O'Neil.

     I called today & got Rhonda's answering machine so I guess she's back from her trip. She said y'all are going to be there two weeks. They mentioned on the 11:00 news last night that y'all pulled in yesterday aft. But by the time I looked they were showing the Ponce. I'm praying & hoping so hard that y'all come home sooner than that.

     This may be a long night. I put Ez. to bed a little after 8:00. (She slept about 1 hr 45 min. this aft.) She kept fussing so I gave her some Tylenol at 8:30. She didn't really go to sleep til nearly 9:00 but she's woke up twice since then. I checked her diaper the first time but this time she was just sitting out of my reach & wouldn't come to me. So I just gave her her pacifiers to hold & left.

     I finished going through her clothes today & got them boxed up. I put some of those moth packets in them so we can put them in the attic.

     Here's some info for you SUN H-84° L-60° MON H-90° L-66° TUES H-81° L-70° Weather Channel August rainfall 14.25" It wasn't too humid when we were out to get the mail.

"I gave up trying to sing in church this morning cause I started crying every time."

Sunday, August 30, 1991 [1992]

     Since Guy wants me to go ahead & start writing him again I guess I'll have to start using the carbon paper again. At least it'll use up this notebook paper that I don't like faster. I guess I'll have to start on a fresh page to keep from getting mixed up on the pages like I did in one letter.

     I guess I should mention that I made copies of my journal pages on the church office copier today from the point where I sent the first letter to Guy. Since the 2, 3, & 4 letters apparently got lost. Guy said they may have been at the air force base that got torn apart by the hurricane. Anyway, I'll have a giant envelope to send him tomorrow with that & the past two weeks' newspapers. Hopefully they'll get to him.

Sun., August 30, 1991 [1992]

Dear Guy,

     I guess I'm doing a little better than last night. Not a whole lot though. I gave up trying to sing in church this morning cause I started crying every time. I did better tonight though. I ended up taking Ez. to the nursery this morning but she did ok tonight. There was a congregational meeting after tonight's service but I left before it was over cause it was starting to get dark & Ez. was getting tired & fidgety.

     Oh, I found a babysitter for the wedding—Rachel Cuthrell. She'll even have her own car by then so I (we) won't have to pick her up. She said she charges around $2–2.50. I'm so relieved. Now if only you can be here to go.

     Jodie said Deanna called last week & talked to Gary while she was out. There was some kind of misunderstanding about how much she'd have to pay extra to use that plane ticket & it's too much so she won't be coming to visit. She's moving to Searcy next weekend. I'm so disappointed. At least we should be able to see her when we go home at Thanksgiving.

     When I got home this morning the front yard had been mowed. I assume Mr. Gibbs did it. He wasn't out when I was so I haven't thanked him yet. I wonder if he tried to get in to do the back yard & if Chief barked or whined if he did. I left him out all day long. It was practically dark by the time we got home & he was really excited to see us. I gave him a chewy stick while we had a snack. It was about 8:45 by the time I put Ez. down. She hardly lays still long enough for me to sing to her any more I heard her moving around & making little noises for awhile.

     She fell asleep on the way home this morning & stayed asleep. I don't know what time it was but it was 1:23 when she woke up & we ate lunch around 2:00. I got some sleep but I'm not sure how much—Chief barked & woke me up.

     I didn't get much sleep last night from crying & being so upset. It was at least 1:00 when I fell asleep and I woke up once coughing. I'm not sure what time that was but it lasted awhile before I stopped & got back to sleep. I did not want to get up when my alarm went off at 6:30. I hit the snooze but got up before it went off. Ez. was still asleep by the time I got upstairs so I went ahead & got dressed. I finally woke her up about 5 to 8. I went ahead & got her dressed before taking her down to eat. She didn't eat much since we were so rushed but I didn't give her anything too messy. We ate our big meal of the day after her nap.

     I didn't get a chance to talk to Rosemary today but I ran into Bruce in the nursery & he said they were planning to stay with the babysitter even though her hand was hurt. Dianna Landon said she talked to both of them & they were going to go over to the lady's house this afternoon to see if she was going to be able to handle it. Dianna told them she could keep Zack if they needed her to. I didn't see them tonight.

     I went ahead & ordered that name puzzle for Ez. Luana was putting together an order. I plan to take the money for it out of xmas.

     It's almost 10:00 so I need to go let Chief out. I went out with him even though I don't like doing that. I feel like a sitting target out there with the porch light on. & I can't see out very far into the yard. But I'm wondering if that's part of Chief's problem, that I stopped going out with him. I still put the gate up tonight. I haven't played much with it in awhile so maybe he's been just trying to get more attention. I wonder if Sue & Harold would consider keeping him til we move back to Ark.? I'm not sure I'd trust him & Daddy together.

     I don't know how long I should keep writing since we don't know for sure when the ship is coming back. I'll probably call Connie in a couple of days to see if there's any new info.

     I guess I'll go ahead & send this out tomorrow.

     PS I remembered some other stuff. I let Chief out again last night somewhere between 11:30-midnight cause he was whining. I didn't go out with him so I don't know if he did anything but he didn't do anything in the kitchen overnight.

     Wanda Claypool was in the nursery when I checked Ez's diaper after class this morning. I asked if they were getting settled in & she said they're having to move because the house they're renting has been sold. They haven't found anything new yet.

     I talked to Regina Walker briefly. They're moving to Newport News so she's waiting about looking for a job. I'm not sure if they'll stay at Granby.

     Ez. walked a little bit at church today, mostly with help. I usually end up picking her up because we're holding up traffic.

August 1992

"I just wish he'd grow up & not be so wimpy."

Saturday, August 29, 1992

     I'm glad I kept Chief in the kitchen last night. He threw up in two places. It's a lot easier to clean the kitchen floor than the carpet but it still makes me gag.

     Connie called this morning & left a message on the machine cause I was in the middle of changing diapers. I was excited when I got downstairs to listen to the tape and she said they were leaving Key West tomorrow. Then she said they were going to Miami for at least 10 days. She wanted me to call the people of my phone list. I waited a few minutes til I stopped crying enough to be able to talk. Like last time I got two answering machines and one real person. I called Connie back to let her know the one person I didn't get any answer for. She asked if I was sick & I told her no, I was just so upset that they won't be home next week. She asked if Ez. was sick & I said no, it was just so hard without Guy here & I was counting on him being home next week. She said if I needed to come over or just talk to call her. I don't know what good it would do.

     I finally took Ez. in the stroller to get the newspaper and we stopped to look at a couple of yard sales along the way back but didn't find anything.

     I started crying all over again when we got home. I thought Guy might call around 4:00 but he didn't. He called while I was giving her a bath. I couldn't understand him very well on the tape but he did say he'd call back. It was around 9:30 when he called. Connie's husband had told him I was upset when she talked to me. He said he knew I would be. He tried calling Jeff & Molly but got an answering machine & it didn't say their name so he wasn't sure if it was them or not. He left the number to the ship but they didn't call. It was probably not them. He got off a little early yesterday by working late the day before. He went to do a little shopping but didn't have much luck. The stores cut back on their hours to save electricity because most of their power comes from Miami. He said he got me & Ez. something but he didn't say what. He said he didn't have any trouble getting money with the VISA.

     When I told him about Chief he said we'd get a dog house for him when he gets back, and maybe even give him away. As much as I wish we didn't have him, I'd feel guilty if we gave him away. I just wish he'd grow up & not be so wimpy.

     Guy said he'd call again from Miami next weekend if the phone lines were ok. I asked him what they'd be doing there & he said probably just providing men to help out wherever they're needed. He won't have to do anything since he's on 12-hr shifts. He said they might not need them that long & I told him Connie had said it'd probably be longer. He said we'd just have to wait & see. I have been praying so hard that they'd be back early & was so glad when they said they'd be home next week and now I just don't understand why they have to go there when there have already been so many people from here and other places sent there. It's just not fair. 

     At her bedtime snack tonight Ez. wanted to drink the last ⅓ or so of her milk without the sipper seal on her cup. We spilled some but I was holding the burp rag under her chin so it didn't get all over her pjs. I hope she doesn't want to do it that way every time from now on. At least she let me hold the cup for her, after a little bit of fussing.

August 1992

"I've just about had it with Chief."

Friday, August 28, 1992

     Guy called right at 4:00 yesterday & we didn't talk very long. He said he'd call again the day before they leave.

     I don't remember us doing anything yesterday to wear Ez. out but she slept for almost 3 hrs. yesterday afternoon. I slept for 20–30 minutes maybe.

     Rosemary Snowden called yesterday morning. She said that she has to go back to work Mon. & the baby-sitter she had lined up for Zack isn't going to be able to keep him for awhile. She cut a tendon in her hand. She (Rosemary) was going to interview with another woman last night. I don't know why I told her I could keep him if this other woman didn't work out. She said she'd keep that in mind. I worried about it for a few hours and then called Dianna Landon for ideas of someone from church who could keep him & she said she could. I told her I'd call Rosemary today to see how the interview went & let her know. When I called Rosemary I had to leave a message on the machine & haven't heard back from her yet.

     I just remembered what I did yesterday morning. I went through all of Ez's clothes and tried to sort them a little better by size. They've just kind of been piling up. I still need to clear out her top drawer & the hanging stuff. All of this won't fit in one box anymore. All the different piles are still in her floor—I didn't get back to it today.

     Gayle picked us up for the shower last night. It was nice—there were over 25 people there. It was almost 10:00 before we left. Ez. did pretty good. She was really getting the sillies toward the end. She was sitting in the floor with Melissa Dilday tickling her. She'd laugh & shake her head from side to side til she got dizzy & fell over. At least now people know she's not serious all the time. I put her pjs on before we left & she fell asleep in the car. Gale brought her in & carried her up to bed & she stayed asleep. I'd come in & let Chief out first. I'd put the gate up to keep him in the kitchen cause there was a chance it would storm. It looked like it'd rained but I forgot to check the rain gauge today. I brought the car seat in the house instead of going ahead & putting it in the car. I was so tired myself I didn't have too much trouble falling asleep. I did watch part of Jay Leno though.

     At 4:39 this morning I heard Chief whining. I'm not sure if he was upstairs or not. I got up & turned on the light switch & went to the top of the stairs but didn't see him. I told him to go to sleep. I figured maybe it had thundered just close enough for him to hear it but not me. I went right back to sleep. Didn't even remember it til we got up this morning (she slept til 8:26) & saw he'd thrown up in the hall. It was pretty dried up. When I went to let him out something in front of the fireplace caught my eye. He pooped in several spots. I couldn't believe it! I got onto him but what good does that do when you don't catch them in the act. I didn't let Ez. down in the floor at all. When she got downstairs I picked her up & put her right in the high chair. I went ahead & ate with her then started cleaning the floor while she was still eating. I wiped up as much as I could in the hall with a paper towel & left it covered up. I got all the poop up ok & only one little spot had stuck a little. I took Ez. straight to the stairs when we were ready to go up. Of course I had to let Chief back in to feed him but I left him out when he was finished eating.

     I tried calling Dr. O'Neil when we got upstairs. I called in refills for my Pancrease & Humibid on Wed. & late yesterday afternoon they called & told me that the date on my Pancrease had expired. After I hung up I thought I should've asked why they waited so long to call. Refills are supposed to be ready by noon & it was around 5:00, too late for me to call the dr. Anyway, when I called this morning they said he wasn't in today & all the other drs. were on rounds & could I call back in an hour. I did after I did my medicine & took a shower.

     I talked to a Dr. A.G. I don't know how to spell his name but that's how it's pronounced—A.G. I explained the situation and he said he'd call it in to Boone & let me know if there was any problem. I went ahead & got Ez. & I ready cause I'd planned to go to the commissary today anyway. When he hadn't called in 45 minutes I went ahead & left. We went to Boone first & they said they don't accept prescription orders over the phone. I got my Humibid with no problems. We didn't have any problems at the commissary except for being tired. Ez. fell asleep on the way home. I only brought in the things that need to be frozen or refrigerated. I'd put Chief in the kitchen while we were gone because I thought it might rain. I put him back in when I came upstairs. While I was bringing the groceries in I was having a bad coughing spell & I was worn out by the time I got upstairs.

     I went ahead & tried to call Dr. AG again & got the same corpsman. I told him what they'd said at Boone & he said he'd told Dr. AG that they wouldn't do it but he'd said he was going to try it anyway. He said he could have him write it up for me to pick up & I told him I couldn't come pick it up and wanted it mailed to me. He said it'd probably take a week to get here & I said that was better than nothing. He said he'd have Dr. AG call me this aft. (all the drs. were in a meeting) I waited til 10 til 4:00 cause I knew they close at 4:00 then I called again. Dr. AG was there and he said he'd mail it to me & took my address. He had asked me the number for Boone the first time I called & I told him all I knew was the refill number & gave it to him. This time he told me the number I gave him was a private residence. I felt like asking why didn't he look it up for himself. We'll see if the prescription comes. I still have a few days worth left.

     Backing up now, when I talked to the corpsman earlier this aft. he seemed to be trying to talk me into coming over there to pick it up & I started to tell him why it was too hard for me to come over with Ez. but I just said it's just too hard for me to get over there and I started to say how everything has changed so much since Dr. Lazarus left & I never had so much problems when she was there. I just told him never mind & to be sure the dr. called me today. I had a good little cry then & was ready to fall asleep watching the rest of my story. So of course Ez. woke up. She slept just a little over an hour. So she was ready to go to bed at 8:00. I just remembered I didn't feel her gums. I missed last night too. Doesn't seem like it's bothering her any more—knock on wood.

     I didn't go out with Chief at bedtime again. I'm wondering if that's why he messed in the house last night cause I didn't make sure he did anything at bedtime. But I'm not going to do it any more. He was barking & growling again out there tonight so I don't know if he did anything or not. I put the gate up tonight though. Even if he does something it'll be easier than cleaning the carpet.

     I did get some carpet cleaner but it didn't get all of the stain out in the hall. I had it covered with a paper towel all day & I'm surprised Ez. never even bothered it. I tried using soap on it too but it still shows. Hopefully at least the germs are taken care of. I've just about had it with Chief.

"I'm so disappointed."

Wednesday, August 26, 1992

     I just called the ombudsman tape. The ship is pulling into Key West today. Hopefully Guy will be able to call tonight or tomorrow. They're going to be on call for any help that's needed because of the hurricane. I don't know what kind of help they'd be as much problems as they've had. If they're not needed they'll leave there on the 31st & be back on the 4th instead of getting back here on the 31st. I'm so disappointed. We were down to five days & now it's back up to nine. The only good thing about that is more time to clean.

     Guy called at 9:50 & we talked about 30 minutes. A lot of that time was spent with me trying to find the code no. for the VISA card. I couldn't find it. He's supposed to call me back tomorrow afternoon. If I can't find it I'll have to go to the credit union & see if they'll tell me what it is. He said he only has $12 left & he wants to go eat out and needs to buy some soap. I guess he found a machine that takes VISA.

     They made it through the hurricane ok but he said everybody got sick so I guess it really rocked them around. He said it doesn't look like much damage there on base.

     He had some kinda good news & some bad news. Depending on what kind of help is needed in FL & LA they may have to stay down there another 3–6 weeks! I got so upset & started crying. I told him I didn't think I could make it for 6 more weeks. He said it probably wouldn't be that long but it was a possibility. The kinda good news was that they may decommission the ship next year. With all the problems they've had they probably should. He said he'd have to go to another ship if they did but he wouldn't have to stay on it for two years, just til his time is up.

     He didn't really have any other news. They haven't gotten any more mail. We probably won't talk long when he calls tomorrow. I told him I was planning to go to Amber Richardson's shower with Gayle & he asked when would be a good time to call. I said 4:00. He's still on 12 hr watches 7–7 & he said he's on days but he'd try to call from the ship or get 30 minutes off to go to the pay phone. He said it was by the base fire station. He also said they'll be changing piers to refuel so if he can't call then he'll call late at night again. I asked if he was going to try calling Jeff & Molly while he was there & he said he'd forgotten they were there. I was going to give him their number but he didn't have a pen with him. (They were in the Empty Arms group) If they're still there maybe they'll invite him over for supper.

     I got a bad paper cut on my left ring finger. I was eating my usual bedtime snack of Cheerios & thought one fell in the floor. I looked but didn't see it so I was feeling between layers in the stack of magazines & papers in the floor & one of them got me. It really throbbed for awhile. I put some Neosporin & a band-aid on it after running cold water on it awhile. It's kinda under the nail. I really hate paper cuts.

     Ez. did something new today. In the bathtub, she put her face in the water. She did it 4–5 times. I told her to blow while she did it to make bubbles but she didn't understand. It's still amazing to me how fast she changes. Guy will probably be able to tell the difference more than me since he's been away so long.

"One more thing for Guy to fix when he gets home."

Tuesday, August 25, 1992

     I didn't know til I opened this [new notebook] just now that I got the wide-ruled instead of narrow-ruled by mistake. Oh well.

     I'm so glad that Ez. slept through the night ok last night. I barely stayed awake through the late weather & don't remember waking up any. But I sure didn't want to get up when she woke me up at 7:24. She didn't want to get up when she woke me up at 7:24. She didn't take a morning nap but went down about 12:30. I got a little bit of a nap. Woke up at 1:08 & watched my story then tried to go back to sleep but didn't and she woke up around 2:30. She gets so tired by suppertime when she only has one nap and is up that early in the afternoon. She went to bed right at 8:00. I didn't give her any Tylenol but I still felt that gum bumpy. She kinda brushed her teeth herself tonight. I fixed both of them up cause she's been trying to take the one away from me lately. I did brush after she did to be sure they were clean. Last night & tonight was the first time in a long time that she didn't stand up when I put her in bed. I've been gradually singing less verses to her at night. She just gets so squirmy. I've been thinking about moving the rocking chair downstairs sometime soon. (It's still not stained) I kinda straightened up in her room some today, trying to make room for sitting on the day bed. I went through most of the drawers in her chest & got our all the clothes that were are too small now.

     I need to sort through all of them. Up til now I've just been piling them in a box that's overflowing—I rearranged the boxes in front of the window so she can look our easier now. One of the sliding doors on her closet won't move. I think it's stuck on top of the divider underneath. When I was moving boxes around looking for the right color of scraps the other day, a couple of them fell against the door so I guess that knocked it over. One more thing for Guy to fix when he gets home.

     I was looking for scraps to make a couple of little drool bibs for Gloria Piselli's shower. It was last night at Susan Locke's. I gave Susan the present Sun.

     Carol Wilson was having a toy party tonight. I couldn't have gone even if I wanted to since I don't have a babysitter. She said she'd bring me a catalog Sun.

     Elizabeth did something new yesterday—she blew [with her lips]. I'd tried to teach her some time before but not lately. It's strange how sometimes she just picks things up on her own.

     I forgot to call today to see if there was anything new on the ship. They keep showing pictures of the hurricane damage in Florida & it's just awful. I was hoping they'd pull into port & he'd be able to call me today. If they don't pull into port maybe they'll come on home early. Maybe I could should start cleaning house in case he does get home early. I did get started a little bit clearing off the bed. Things have kinda piled up on his side. I want to get the matching dress & skirt for Ez. & me made to wear the first Sun. he's back. The bed is the only place I can spread out the cutting board now.

August 1992

"That's a week from today!"

Sunday, August 23, 1992

     I thought it had been a couple of nights since I wrote but it's been four. Hopefully my memory of the last few days will work. I don't think we did anything special on Thu. Friday I ran errands. I called Michelle Bridgeman

Monday, August 24, 1992

     So much for getting caught up last night. Ez. was up & down from about 11:15–1:45. I finally gave her some Tylenol cause I didn't know what else to do. Today I decided to check her gums & I think she might be starting to cut one of her second molars. According to her baby book, the lower ones come in at 20 mos. & the upper ones at 24 mos. There's a bump on her upper right side so this would be really early. She has been a bit drool lately but I figured it was from the last of her first molars maybe trying to finish up—it's still not all the way out & it's been 2½ mos. I went ahead & gave her some Tylenol at bedtime tonight. I sure hope she doesn't wake up tonight. She did sleep til 8:23 this morning.

     Back to where I left off. I asked Michelle if she'd keep Ez. Fri. morning so I could run errands & she said yes. I went to a frame shop to finally see about getting the painting Rob did for Ez. framed. It's costing $65 (+ tax) which is just a couple of dollars more than the money we still have from our tax refund. I'll pick it up the 2nd. Next I went to Leggett's to get a shower present for Amber Richardson. I had to wait a little while cause their computer was down. I finally decided to get a sharpening steel for her kitchen knives, something I always thought would be nice to have. ($20) Then I went to Leonard's on Mil. Why. to see about getting replacement strips for Guy's truck camper. I got 45 feet for $10. He'll be surprised. I went to Farm Fresh for a few things & came home to put the milk in the fridge. Then I went to 7-11 for gas for the car. That's the main reason I wanted someone to keep Ez.

     She was glad to see me but she did good while I was gone. I'd taken her lunch in case I was late. It was past 12:30 but she didn't eat all her lunch. She probably snacked too late. I can't remember now how long she slept that aft.

     Three letters came from Guy that aft. They really had all sorts of problems with the ship. I'm glad they'll be home early.

     Sat. John Leland came over to mow for me. Barb dropped him off & picked him up. After that we went to Wal-Mart to pick up pictures & get some extra-large plastic pants for Ez. The large ones are too tight around her legs.

     She screamed & cried the whole time I washed her hair in the kitchen again. I'll be glad when Guy's here to help with it.

     I finished Ez's bunny dress & pinafore Sat. so she could wear it to church Sun. I measured her legs so the elastic in the panties wouldn't be too tight but didn't know til we got to church that the legs were too loose & hung down. I'll have to fix them.

     Mike & Carole invited us over after church for dinner. Ez. fell asleep on the way there but woke up when I got her out of the car. It took forever for Carole to get lunch ready. She'd said it was going to be ham—it was broiled ham slices with fruit on top. I was expecting a big ham. It was good though. Martha stayed asleep so Ez. sat in her chair. She did fairly well. It was 2:00 by the time we got home. I put her down for a nap but she didn't sleep long if at all. I dozed for maybe 5–10 minutes. We got up at 3:00. She was so tired I thought she'd fall asleep on the way to church but she didn't. I almost did in church, even with her squiggling. I'm surprised she didn't fall asleep on the way home. We ate & she went to bed around 8:30–8:45. It was during the weather when I first heard her. I gave her a few minutes but she didn't stop. She acted like she might have had a bad dream. She went back to sleep for a little bit I think. That's when I started writing. It was just so hard trying to get her back to sleep but she finally started crying gradually less. I did change her diaper & take her temp (98.7°). I turned the fan off once then back on later. I rocked her for awhile too. I'm glad she finally did go to sleep cause I don't know what else I would've done. I just hope she doesn't do it tonight.

     I tried calling the ombudsman yest. aft. & got the answering machine at Connie's (spouses' club pros.). Rhonda's out of town. Connie called later & said I needed to call my phone tree people (I got 3 of them) to tell them that the ship was going to be riding out Hurricane Andrew off the coast of Florida. And they'll be back on the 31st. That's a week from today! She didn't know if they'd be pulling into port after the hurricane. It's in the Gulf of Mexico now & expected to hit the coast of Louisiana. Hopefully the ship will pull in he'll be able to call me.

     We didn't do anything today. Since she slept late she only took an aft. nap for about 2 hours. I dozed during my story.

     Chief scared me to death when I took him out while ago. He started running & barking & I heard something hit the fence. I assume it was a cat but I couldn't see anything. I ran back inside—I don't know if he did anything or not. I didn't go out again, just stuck my head out to tell him to go.

August 1992

"She's just so cute & fun sometimes & I think it's amazing that she's really mine."

Wed., August 19, 1992

     Elizabeth is 16 months old today.

     Rosemary called this morning to say she can't come tomorrow. Her uncle died in Pa. & they have to go there tomorrow for the funeral Friday.

     I decided to go shopping after my shower this morning. We went to Wal-Mart to take some film in to get it developed and buy some more. I also got some more clear contact paper and got Ez. a ball. I debated over what size to get and finally decided on a big one (about 10") cause I figured a small one, Chief would probably try to chew up. This one has stripes around it, a star on one side and Big Bird on the other side. I let her choose between that & one with Cookie Monster.

     After that we went to the mall. I was going to go to Leggett's cause that's where Amber Richardson is supposed to be registered. But there's no Leggett's there. I looked in the phone book when we got home and there's one at Lynnhaven & Mil. Circle. I'll probably go to the one at Lynn. Mon. when I go back to get the pictures. Don't know if I'll go to the shower—it's a week from tomorrow night. I don't plan to go to Gloria Piselli's shower Mon. night. I'll just send something.

     I went ahead to Waldenbooks while we were there and found a book on child development up to 24 months by Johnson & Johnson. I also found a board book for Ez. Animal ABC's. I've been looking for it for awhile. I also ordered another book that I've been looking for. She wanted some juice while we were there so I got her cup out as we were leaving the store. It was half empty—it leaked out in the bag. I cleaned it out as much as I could with her burp rag & washed it out when we got home. Before we left she heard the dogs in the pet store so we went there to look around a little bit before we came home.

     We had lunch then went down for naps around 1:30. I was watching my story & kind of dozed off. The end music woke me up to turn it off then I never really got back to sleep completely. I tossed & turned for the longest then tried reading but that didn't put me to sleep. She woke up at 3:47 so she had a good nap.

     We went to check the mail. I let her walk most of the way. It started raining a few minutes after we got back. That's the first time it rained today. I forgot to check the rain gauge. It was just a short shower with a little thunder.

     While I was doing dishes, Carole Krebsbach called to say she wanted to bring over my Current catalog. They just got back from SD at 2 AM. She said they'd come over in a few minutes cause they were on their way out to eat. I'd planned on giving Ez. her bath when the dishes were done. But I waited since Carole said they'd be right over. I waited & waited & waited. I finally went ahead & got her bedtime snack but stayed downstairs til 8:00 then went ahead & put her to bed. I kept checking out the window to see if they were here. They finally came about 8:20—2 hours from when she called. I wanted to say something but I wimped out. She didn't say anything about why they were so late. I assume they went to eat first. So, Ez. missed her bath tonight. I don't know if I should give her one tomorrow night or not since she'll get one Sat. night. I sure wish I'd known it'd take so long for them to get here or I'd've gone ahead and done her bath. I just kept thinking they'd be here any minute.

     I tried to get some tape of Ez. playing ball but she stopped what she was doing when I got the camera set up. I'd bounce the ball to her, she'd just let it bump her & bounce back to me and she'd just laugh so much when it hit her. She's just so cute & fun sometimes & I think it's amazing that she's really mine. Especially when she still looks so much like Guy.

August 1992

"I want him back ASAP."

Tuesday, August 18, 1992

     I was so surprised when Guy called us again this aft. He said everything's kind of up in the air about when they'll get home. It could be the 31st, the 2nd, or the 8th. They're still making that other stop on the way home but couldn't tell me where or when except that it's in the states. He also mentioned the tropical storm headed for the Caribbean that might slow them down on the way back. I hope it doesn't. I want him back ASAP.

     I called Rosemary Snowden tonight to invite her over for lunch. She's coming Thu. I think Zack is 4 months old now. I hope it's not raining so Chief can stay outside. It didn't rain today. There was .7" in our rain gauge. Today's the first day in over a week that it hasn't rained at least part of the day. The patio was still wet when we got up.

     Oh, I heard Ez. around 7:30 but she wasn't fussing & the next thing I knew it was 8:23! I kept her up all morning & she still only slept 1½ hours. She kinda said mama tonight. I think I'm going to go ahead & put in her book that her first word was juice. I was going to when she first said it but before I got around to it I realized that she was calling lots of things juice. But now I think whatever she's calling juice, she is still saying the word. She said 'shoes' Sat. when  there was a commercial for shoes on TV.

August 1992

"I'm so glad they're coming back early."

Monday, August 17, 1992

     Guy called tonight from Panama! He didn't think they'd even be getting off the ship while they were there. I knew they were supposed to get to Panama last Friday and figured he would've called over the weekend if he had the chance. He said this was the first chance he'd had to get off the ship & find a phone. It caught me off guard & I couldn't think what all to tell him. He only got the first letter & said he'd written 3 I think. It was a little before 5:00 when he called.

     He said they'd be home about a week early. They had so much trouble on the way down that they're not going to be towing anything to Florida. They are going to make another stop but he didn't say from where. He said he might call from there but he didn't say when either. I'm so glad they're coming back early. Every night I've been praying they would.

     Guy said not to send any more letters since he probably won't get any more mail. I'm kinda glad. I was getting tired of having to keep track of what times Ez. went to sleep & got up and taking notes about everything, ever little thing we did. & tired of using the carbon paper.

     It sprinkled on us when we went to ACE. It didn't rain all day but it started again around 9:00 when I took Chief out. At least he went out this time.

     Didn't see the new neighbors today—their car(s) was gone when we got up. There were two cars there at suppertime. I heard their stereo for just a few minutes. Hopefully they'll be nice, quiet neighbors.

     I hoped Ez. would take a long nap this afternoon but she only slept 1½ hours. I tossed & turned for about an hour, actually slept maybe 20 minutes.

     I did a little more sewing on her dress. She likes to come over & see what I'm doing when I'm sewing but she wants to sit on my lap & that would be too dangerous. So I can only do a little bit at a time while she's around.

     When we went to ACE this morning I let her walk holding my hand once we got inside. It took awhile to get to the back and up front again. She had to stop & look at a few things and people along the way. I'd tried putting her tennis shoes on her but she started fussing when I got the first one on so I think they really must be too little. I wish I could find the receipt so I could take them back.

     While we were on the couch reading after I finished the dishes, Chief started barking. I guess cause he thought he heard something out front. We both jumped at first then I guess something clicked for Ez. & she thought Chief was barking because Guy was coming in. Both of them headed for the door all excited. I looked out & didn't see anything & told them there wasn't anything or anybody there. But they didn't believe me so I had to open the door & show them there wasn't anything there, especially Guy. At least I know now she hasn't forgotten him completely.

August 1992

"I hope she hasn't inherited my sleeping problems."

Sunday, August 16, 1992

     I was too tired to write any more last night. I don't know if I'm any less tired now but I don't want to get too far behind.

     Two things I forgot to mention Friday. When we went to Wal-Mart there was a table set up to sign up for Sam's. It's opening next month on Battlefield Blvd. I didn't think to ask how much it was.

     I tried that one tape in the VCR again and it finally worked. I taped Sesame Street so she could watch it Sat.

     Yesterday morning she woke up at 7:47. When I first looked at the clock I thought it said 6:47 so I stumbled in there & gave her a couple of books to look at. I never really went back to sleep but she was quiet for about 30 minutes. Since she'd slept kinda late I kept her up for the morning but she got so grumpy I put her down about 10:45 but she wouldn't go to sleep. In fact, she didn't go down til 1:30 and then she woke up at 2:37, just as I was falling asleep. I'd read the paper first. I don't know what woke her up unless it was the new neighbors. I did hear some hammering a couple of times but not when she woke up.

     They mad 2–3 trips with a small U-Haul truck but I didn't watch to see what all they had. At least it didn't rain all day on them moving. I only got a glimpse of her when I was putting Ez. in the car tonight as they were leaving. Still haven't seen the kid(s).

     The only walking Ez's done on her own yesterday or today is from her high chair to the hall yesterday. I tried to get her to at church but she wouldn't. Carter Bailey sat with us this morning. When I got Ez. from class she & Will were sitting behind us & Carter asked if she could sit with us. I asked if it was ok with her parents & Will said ok. She did ok I guess. She just wanted to hold Ez. all the time, even when we were standing up. I let her hold her a couple of times while we were sitting. They played with the 3 Bears House for a little while but Carter kinda hogged it. I'm glad she went to children's class. Ez. did fairly well til the end of service. She was so tired & was getting the sillies. She got down and wanted to go out the end of the pew but I wouldn't let her so she got fussy. By then it was time for the closing song.

     I got ahead of myself. Ez. went to bed at 8:15 last night. She woke up three times before I went to bed after the late news. I went ahead & took my shower last night to save time this morning. I got to eat breakfast alone & do the TV crossword in peace for the first time in a long time. It wasn't raining when we left the house but it was pouring by the time we got there. I took her in first then went back for other stuff after leaving her in class. (Carol Wilson taught today.) It was still raining when we left church and when we got home. She'd fallen asleep so I carried everything else in then went back for her. The only bad thing about her falling asleep on the way home & staying asleep is having to carry her up the stairs. As soon as I laid her down she sat up. I took her bows out & the leash off her pacifier but left her shoes on. I thought I wrote down what time she woke up but I can't find it. It was somewhere close to 3:00 cause I remember wondering if anyone would show up at the spouses picnic.

     When we went downstairs I saw there was a message on the answering machine. Rhonda called at 11:50 telling me the picnic was cancelled & to call the people on my list. Even though it was after the fact I went ahead & called—got 2 answering machines, one said it was long distance, one had been changed & the rest were no answers at all. I went ahead & had my hamburger since it was already out of the freezer.

     I was very surprised to see Gayle & Herkey (?) getting out of a little red sports car this morning. He got himself a Mazda RX7! Gale said it's hard to get in & out of.

     They passed out surveys in church this morning having to do with the workshop coming up in October. I didn't get you one cause they have to be turned back in before you get back. They ask stuff like how long you've been a Christian and at this congregation, background info, & rating different areas of church work in order of importance to you. I've filled mine out except for the questions they want a written out answer to. It's interesting. I hope you'll be here for the workshops.

     I worked in the library some tonight. Rick & Anita were in the nursery with their boys, Lauren & Amanda. It was 6:45 before I was done so I just stayed in the nursery then.

     Daniel was there tonight. I asked how his family was doing & I forget his exact words but like not exactly & acted like he didn't want to talk about it so I didn't ask any more. I gave him his belated BD card & presents. He said he hasn't read any of Tom Clancy's books but he's been meaning to. He seemed to like the poster too.

     The Weather Channel says we've had 8.39" of rain this month. I added ours up & we've gotten 9.1" since last Sun. The water is standing around the drains in the neighborhood. I don't know how much more rain we can get without getting flooded. And the grass is getting tall but it'll be awhile before it's dry enough to mow though.

     I put Ez. to bed around 8:15 and it took her about an hour to get settled in. I went & checked her diaper twice and just looked in the third time & told her to go to sleep. I don't know what the problem was. I hope she hasn't inherited my sleeping problems.

     I sent some coupons to Kathy Dotson by Lisa Mounts and wrote her a not asking if she could come babysit Ez. for Patrick & Amber's wedding. Hopefully she'll call sometime this week.

     They keep extending the flood watch. Now it's til 4 am tomorrow. H 75° L 70° At least it doesn't rain constantly. We get a break now & then.

August 1992

"I sure hope we don't get flooded here."

Friday, August 14, 1992

     It's been another long, rainy day. I had my alarm set for 7:30 but woke up at 7:24. I went ahead & ate breakfast & Ez. woke up sometime around 8:00. I forgot to write it down. I'd planned to leave about 9:45 so I could be to the credit union when it opened but it was after 10:00 before we left. My head started hurting while I was feeding Ez. breakfast & I took 2 Panadol before we left but it gradually got worse while we were out. I'd invited Michelle Bridgeman to go to Baby Superstore with us & she was supposed to get back to me but she didn't. She'd said if I didn't hear from her to call her back & I did last night & left a message with Bob but she never called.

     I'd planned to look at Baby S. for a chair for Ez. First we went to the credit union but there were 3 cars in both lanes of the drive thru so I decided to come back later. I decided to go to Wal-Mart first for diapers, etc. and found a little red wooden rocking chair for Ez. I let her try it out in the store and the plastic chair (not rocker). Both were $10. I thought the rocker would be nicer. We didn't go to Baby S., went back to the credit union & didn't have to wait long. They don't sell stamps through the drive thru—strange. We went to Farm Fresh then for milk, bananas, chips for Sun., stamps & a ticket. It was raining off & on all morning but we'd been lucky til we left Farm Fresh. We got wet but not soaked. The same two vehicles were next door when we got home. They were going in & out while I was running back & forth trying to get everything & Ez. in the house but I never actually saw them, just heard the doors open & close. Every time I looked over there I didn't see anyone.

     I finally saw him when I went to take the emptied grocery sacks out to the garbage can. I said 'moving day?' He said that it was partly & that the biggest part was tomorrow. I hope they don't start too early cause Ez. will probably sleep late again cause it's supposed to be still raining. In fact we're under a flood watch overnight. When we walked to the mailbox it was sprinkling (I carried her & used the umbrella) and I looked at that open grate drain in the end driveway. The water looked like it was less than a foot below it. I looked at the one across the street on the way back & could see the water level there was pretty high. I thought 'you're not supposed to be able to see the water in the sewer!' I sure hope we don't get flooded here.

     Anyway, I put Ez. down at 8:10 and about 10 minutes later she started crying. I think maybe the new neighbors are making noises that scared her. I tried to explain to her that they were just bumping around next door, gave her her pacifiers & left. Haven't heard from her again—knock on wood.

     Backing up now, we ate a quick lunch, Ez. went to sleep about 1:30. I took some more Panadol & watched the last half of my story then slept from 2:00–about 2:40. I don't know what woke me up but I tried to go back to sleep & finally gave up around 3:00 & got up. Thank goodness my headache was gone. Ez. woke up at 3:49. After we checked the mail I took some video & reg. pictures of her & her new chair. She's going to need more practice getting in it & out of it. She can only sit on the edge when she tries it by herself. I couldn't get her to take any steps today. Oh, I got her two long sleeved shirts at Wal-Mart. I know none of hers will fit, except maybe her 'Daddy' sweatshirt, and I want to be ready when the weather turns cool. It has been cooler since it's been raining. The A/C has still been coming on some probably because of the humidity. I didn't check the rain gauge til this aft. & it had 3.4". I don't remember it raining so much in August since Janice & Tim came.

August 14, 1992
"Elizabeth Jones in her new rocking chair"

"I'm so afraid he's going to be like Mom."

Thursday, August 13, 1992

     We may be getting new neighbors sooner than I expected. I thought I heard something next door when I was getting Ez. into her pjs & I looked outside and saw a minivan & a car. It might just be more repairs or cleaners but I kind of doubt it at this hour. If it is the new tenants they'll probably have the moving van here in the morning. It's weird, when I was watching for the mailman this afternoon I was thinking, 'I hope the new neighbors don't have a mini van cause it'll block the view of the mailboxes.'

     Ez. woke up at 7:03 this morning. I checked her diaper & thought I saw poop but when I changed her she was only wet. I put her back in bed & gave her a couple of books & she was quiet for awhile. I don't know if she went back to sleep or not but I never really did. We got up about 10 to 8:00. She took a nap about 10:30 til 12:23. I spent the time ironing, embroidering, & started on the outfit I already had cut out for her. One thing about kids' clothes, the smaller size means shorter seams so they're a little faster to do (but I didn't finish it).

     It was around 3 or 3:15 when she went down for a nap. I was just getting drowsy from reading when she started crying about 35–40 minutes later. I don't know if she went to sleep or not. Probably not cause she was pretty grumpy tonight. So she went to bed right at 8:00.

     Now about Sue's letter. They gave Cookie 2 to Doc to breed. They still have 3 of the puppies. Apparently Ken has a new girlfriend from near Austin and while he was visiting her they came up to visit Sue & Harold. They spent a couple of nights at the lake too. I have no idea when or how Ken met this girl—her name's Regina. These are the two main things she talked about.

     There was .9" in our rain gauge this morning. It's been raining off & on this aft. We had to wait til later than usual to get the mail. It was sprinkling when I took the trash out after supper. I tried to get Ez. to look out the kitchen window but when she heard me open the door she came to it instead. When we first went to the mailbox I saw him down the street so we came back to wait on the porch for him but it started raining. I reached my hand out then held Ez's hand out to see if she could feel it. It was just kinda sprinkling so I stepped off the porch for just a little bit to see what she'd do (holding her). She held her arm out then tried to rub the water off then held her arm out again.

     I couldn't get her to take any steps today. I tried 3-4 times.

     I hope it stops raining long enough for Chief to go out before bedtime. He hasn't been out since late this aft. I hope it doesn't rain all day tomorrow. I'm planning to run errands in the morning.

     [Later]

     I finally got to let Chief out about 9:15. It was sprinkling a little so I had to go out with him.

     I've been sewing on Ez's dress some more. Daddy called at 10:23 for about 10 minutes. He said he's been keeping a diary in a notebook and it's full now. He's planning to send it to Kenneth for him to read & send on to Judy, then Sue, & then to me to keep. If Judy gets it I'll probably never see it. I can't believe she still hasn't sent me my Avon. It's been over 4 months since I ordered it I think. Anyway, Daddy said he's been feeling good, not having to take any medicine and not having a lot of headaches. I don't remember him ever saying anything about having a problem with headaches. He was talking about us moving in with him & how we could clean out the storage shed for your shop. I told him we might end up living in Search. He said that would be a good place to live and have a shop. He asked 2-3 times how much longer you have til retirement. He also asked if we'd have a lot of stuff to move when we move back & I said yes & he said he might have to put some stuff in storage.

     I'm so afraid he's going to be like Mom. It seems like he's getting it in his head that we're going to live with him permanently.

     He was asking about Ez. talking & walking so I updated him on that. He's really looking forward to being able to talk to her & her talking back. I hope he'll be ok long enough for that to happen & for her to remember him better than I remember Papa.

"Elizabeth took a few steps on her own tonight!"

Wednesday, August 12, 1992

     It was 15 years ago today that Elvis died. That seems like a lifetime ago. It was just before my senior year in college. I couldn't believe it when we first heard it on TV. For a long time it hurt to even hear any of his songs. I'm glad I had the chance to see him before he died. I wonder how much his autograph is worth these days. I'd thought the date sounded familiar when I was writing the check for the truck oil change. I didn't figure it out though til the evening news. [I misunderstood the little bit I heard on the news. It's not today, it's Sun. 8/16. I don't know why 8/12 seems familiar.]

     I tried calling Michelle Bridgeman yesterday & today but had to leave a message on their machine. She called back this evening. They'd been at a James Taylor concert last night & she forgot today. I gave her the phone number for the toy lady and also asked her if she'd like to go to Baby Superstore with us Fri. She said she'd call me back tomorrow but if I didn't hear from her to call her again cause she's absent minded.

     Dear Guy,

     I'll start with the best news first. Elizabeth took a few steps on her own tonight! Usually when I get her out of her high chair and put her down standing up, she'll either plop down & crawl off or grab hold of my hands so I'll go walking with her a little bit. Tonight after supper she leaned back against my leg & I was waiting for her to plop down when all of a sudden she started walking off. I should've counted how many steps she took but I didn't. I ran for the camera & she was crawling by the time I got back in the dining room. She stood up but only took a couple of steps. I decided to set the camera down & try to get her to do it so I set it on the coffee table pointed toward the hall. I helped her get started & then let go & she took a few steps. I didn't check the tape to see if it got on there. I sure hope it did. I started to get the tripod out then realized I'd have to put the thing on the bottom of the camera & didn't want to take the time. I couldn't get her to do it any more after that but I'm sure she'll try again tomorrow.

     Another storm came through about 3AM and I'm not sure what woke me up, it or Chief whining. I can't remember now if I went down there or not. I think I might have after checking on Ez. She finally settled down & fell asleep around 9:00 and slept straight through til 7:56 this morning! It seems like she takes so long to eat anymore. I didn't have time to do my medicine. We got to Toyota a couple of minutes before our appt. at 10:30. It didn't take them long to do it & we were back home about 11:20. When I put her back in the truck & was getting her juice cup out of the diaper bag in the floor, she started kicking her legs & kicked me right in the mouth. I know she didn't do it on purpose so I just grabbed her foot & told her not to do that because it hurt.

     I'm writing this while I'm watching 'White Fang' & it's not the kind of movie you can just listen to, in case my writing seems sporadic.

     Anyway, the oil change cost $17 something and they gave me a sheet with info on the 60,000 service that they recommend.

     Ez. went down for a nap at 1:32. I went to sleep after my story & slept for about an hour then kind of drifted for another 30 minutes. I don't remember what time Ez. woke up but I think it was somewhere between 3:45–4:00.

     Oh when I came back from Toyota there was a car next door & a lady came out. I asked if she was moving in & she said she was just freshening it up for whoever does move in. It'll probably be the end or beginning of the month before anyone moves in but you never know.

     I forgot to mention Mon. that Ez. reached up & pushed down the button on the water filter, so now I have to push it back to where she can't reach it. Something new she tried today was stepping in her Tupperware bucket. I tried to get a picture of it but of course she stopped doing it.

     I gave her a bath tonight & she kept trying to stand up again. She slipped once when she was on her hands & knees but didn't hurt herself or get scared.

     She was in the mood not to use her spoon today and she had this bad habit. After putting the food in her mouth she'd rub her hand up the side of her face, sometimes into her ear or hair. I didn't wash her hair just wet it down real good in the tub.

     I need to go let Chief out. It's 10:00 almost.

     Something else she discovered today was that she can go all the way around Chief's chair. She just pushed those pillows out of the way.

     After her bath we went down for her snack & it was 8:32 when I put her down. She didn't fight me brushing her teeth tonight. I don't know what I did different.

     I finally finished putting that quilt block together and started embroidering the words. If I finish it before you get back I'll wait about taking it to Ann so you can see it. Haven't really accomplished much this week.

     I was thinking in the middle of the night when Chief was whining that I need to watch for P.J. on the noon news so I could ask what to do about a dog that's afraid of thunderstorms. I was surprised that she was on there today. It took awhile to get through and I was afraid they'd be done by the time I did. But mine was the last question. She said not to baby him (I certainly didn't), just act like nothing out of the ordinary is going on. Or put him in his crate. And if that doesn't work to ask the vet about giving him a tranquilizer. So maybe I'll just try next time to just ignore him all together cause going down there even to holler at or spank him is like giving him attention.

"Even in her hair & ears."

Tuesday, August 11, 1992

Dear Guy,

     Today has been a long day. Ez. woke up at 6:56 this morning. I tried to get her to go back to sleep but she didn't. She didn't get a morning nap cause we had things to do. First we went to ACE p.o. then to Boone to get my Tobra. I'd called it in Friday, saying I needed it by this Friday. They called back later & said they'd be sending it over on Monday. I went to the regular window & the woman couldn't find it (civilian). She went to ask someone & then came back & said it was over at the refill window. They usually go ahead & bring it to me but she didn't so I had to get in line. I told her that 9 times out of 10 it's at the regular window & I wished they'd make up their minds. I had to put Ez. down twice cause I just couldn't hold her any more. I held her hand but she started crying so much I had to pick her up again. Once a lady came over & asked if I was ok. I told her I was just out of breath from the heat & humidity and Ez. was just so heavy. She said she'd stand in line for me but I was next in line anyway but I thanked her. I should've taken the stroller in but I was trying to save time so we wouldn't be late to Bea's.

     I don't know what was wrong but Ez. screamed the whole way from Boone to Bea's house. She didn't want juice, she didn't want her pacifier or her burp rag. She kept pointing in my direction. I gave her your little noise-maker key ring & that lasted maybe 10 seconds. I took her shoes off. I'd put her tennis shoes on instead of the Sunday shoes. That didn't help. The only other thing I could think of was she could see my keys in the ignition & wanted to play with them. I told her she couldn't have them cause I was using them. As soon as I parked the truck in the driveway she stopped screaming. I thought maybe she was poopy but I checked & she wasn't. I tried to put her shoes back on her when we got it because there were so many kids running around but she started fussing so I left them off. She stayed in the living room awhile playing with the other kids but when they all drifted off to other places she came in the kitchen to me.

     Cathy Channell demonstrated making a pie crust and Bea demonstrated making biscuits then had everyone make some. I didn't thought cause Ez. was getting restless & I went ahead and gave her lunch. The other ones there were Rhonda Bryant, Merryl, Luana, Regina, Gwen, Angela, and Robin's sister, Terri. Melissa Dilday was there (carrying Erin around) but I don't know who she came with unless it was Cathy.

     Anyway, it was almost 1:00 before we got down to eating. Everyone was supposed to bring something but all I took was juice. I ate as fast as I could then checked Ez's diaper & she was poopy. I was going to change her before we left anyway cause I figured she'd fall asleep before we got home. She was asleep before we got to Greenwich. That was probably around 1:30. She slept til 4:04. I wish I could've slept that long. I slept a little over an hour though. I'd put Chief outside before we left this morning & let him in when we got up. I checked the Weather Channel before we went to check the mail. It was 92° with a heat index of 100° so I decided to wait about checking the mail til we go out tomorrow.

     She ate a good supper but got really messy cause she started eating her yogurt with her hands instead of her spoon. Even in her hair & ears.

     She was getting fussy while I was doing the dishes, as usual, & I decided to try something different. I put a dining chair up to the counter beside me so she could see what I was doing. She did really good. But she was so grumpy from then on that I went ahead & put her to bed at 8:00. She's fighting me brushing her teeth again the past few days.

     I just heard Chief outside our door. It's starting to thunder. He ran back down the stairs as soon as I opened the door. Now it's pouring down. We were under a storm watch til 9 & it's 10:44 now. I'd better check the weather channel. Well, I missed this go round cause he came upstairs again. I blocked the bottom of the stairs so he can't come up again. I hope I don't have to go downstairs in the middle of the night & forget it's there. He'll probably start whining now. You've got to figure out what to do with him cause he's nothing but a nuisance most of the time & I don't know how much more I can put up with.

     Now I have to backtrack. Ez. woke up twice after she went to bed. Hopefully she won't wake up from the thunder. I just remembered she woke up around midnight last night but she had her pacifier by the time I got there.

     There were coupons on last week's TV Guide so I called & got an appt. tomorrow to get the truck's oil changed.

     About Ez's tennis shoes, I'd tried them on there the other day & they didn't seem to hold her ankles up very well so I thought I'd try to take them back & exchanged them. But I can't find the receipt. I really just did a once over so I need to look a little deeper & maybe I can find it

"Isn't she smart?!"

Monday, August 10, 1992

     I was up til around midnight last night just because I couldn't go to sleep. Ez. woke me up at 7:24 this morning. She slept this morning from about 10:45–12:17. I tried to sleep then but couldn't so I worked on that quilt block some. I've got it all put together finally & now I need to do the embroidery.

     This aft. I think they were painting next door with a truck-mounted sprayer. They didn't make much noise that I heard but I guess they bothered or scared Chief. When I woke up from this afternoon's nap and went to get Ez. I opened our bedroom door & nearly stepped on Chief! I told him to go to his room and remarkably he did & apparently stayed there til we went downstairs & I told him to come so I could let him out. I gave him fresh water and made him stay outside til around 7:30. I just don't know what to do about him anymore. Having a dog sure isn't the way I pictured it. He still acts too much like a puppy.

     Anyway, Ez. slept from about 3:40–5:08. I think I slept about an hour.

     We went to the mailbox before that. I decided to try letting her walk over there so I put her shoes on her. She did fairly well—fell a few times but no scratches. I carried her across the street then all the way back. It was so hot & humid I was ready to get back inside. Her arms & lets looked like they were getting red. I was afraid she'd gotten sunburned but once we cooled off she looked ok.

     She just woke up a couple of minutes ago. I checked her diaper & it was ok. I made sure she had her pacifiers & left. She stood up but I haven't heard her again.

     I used the plunger on her toilet this aft. I had to flush a liner. I don't think her poop was really loose—I think she had pooped a long time before I knew it. Anyway, it was very slow going down then & I hope I did it good enough.

     It was somewhere between 8:15 & 8:30 when she went to bed.

     I did a couple loads of laundry today & gave our bathroom 'a lick & a promise'. Doesn't sound like a very busy day. I played the piano some after supper. Ez. wanted on my lap part of the time. I sat her on the bench beside me but she wiggled around so much it made me nervous so I put her on a chair beside the bench. She got bored before too long anyway.

     When I was getting the laundry started this morning Ez. was trying to get to the pacifier she saw under her crib. She pulled out that box til she could reach the pacifier on it. Isn't she smart?!

     I guess that's all for now. Good night.

"Wait—a new idea!"

Sunday, August 9, 1992

     I'm so tired all of the time any more. I try to take naps when Ez. does but seems like by the time I actually get to sleep it's not long before she wakes up. And if I decide to go ahead & get up & do something, like now, she wakes up before too long.

     Writing with the carbon paper is such a hassle when I want to write something here but not to Guy so I guess I'll go back to writing things twice. Wait—a new idea!

     I decided to write with the carbon paper between the pages of my notebook instead of using ledger pad paper. So now the lines line up and I got a new sheet of carbon paper so they copy should be more legible than what's in my journal so far.

     To be honest, I haven't written in the past couple of days because I was just tired of writing. But I've been making some notes so hopefully I won't forget anything.

     It was nice to stay home Friday after having to go somewhere every day for three days in a row. But Ez. apparently got used to going without a morning nap.

     Fri. I woke up at 5:32 needing to go to the bathroom. I went back to sleep then Ez. woke up at 6:24. She was sitting up crying instead of standing so I just gave her back her pacifiers & she did go back to sleep til 7:21. I tried to get her to take a morning nap but she fussed for about 30 minutes & when I checked her she had pooped. She slept good that aft. 1–3:37. I dozed through my story then woke up at 2:21 with a headache. I think I'd turned over on my stomach & that probably caused it. I took Panadol 3 times before it went away overnight.

     FRI. HI–77° LO–77°

     When she went to bed at 8:00 Fri. night I worked on the magazine pictures I've been saving up to make her some "flash cards". I've got them trimmed & sorted out but need to put the clear contact on them.

     Ez. woke up at 7:36 Sat. morning so she slept almost 12 hours! I was sorting through some stuff on the piano when she was wanting to play after breakfast and found the Wendy's Sweepstakes form. I'd thought it was over on August 31 but it's Aug. 12! I don't know if it'll get there on time but I sent in an entry just for the 99 days of mortgage payments. I figured that would help us out the most.

     We took a stroll down to the corner for a newspaper. When we got back, Barb drove up just as I was opening the trunk to put the stroller back in. She & John had come by on their way to Linda's new place (off Centerville) and she called from there & left a message on the machine since I didn't answer the door. I told her I'd figured if she came while I was out she'd see me on the sidewalk but they didn't come down Windbrooke. Anyway, she mowed while John used the weed eater. They did a good job but wouldn't let me give them anything.

     Mrs. Gibbs came home as they were finishing out front. She said she & Damion had been at Boy Scout Camp all week. I'd thought it was kinda quiet over there. Mr. Gibbs is gone til next Fri. I found out Rochelle's going to NSU this fall & plans to live on campus.

     Ez. took a nap from 12:40–2:21 yesterday aft. I don't even remember now how long I slept. I did her hair in the kitchen after I finished up the dishes after supper. Chief started getting all hyper when I started getting things ready so I put him outside. This time was even worse than the first time I did it there. I don't know why but she screamed the whole time. We did her bath right after that and she kept wanting to stand up. She slipped a little bit once but didn't fall. I had her stand up instead of laying her down to wrap the towel around her when she got out.

     SAT. H-84° L-66° (pretty humid again) I guess our little spell of nice coolish weather is over. It was sure nice while it lasted.

     It was about 8:35 when she went to bed last night. She's getting slow about eating her bedtime snack. I got up at 6:39 this morning & got my shower & hair washed before she woke up at 7:19. I thought I had most everything ready last night but for some reason we were late getting off to church this morning—8:45.

     I took a Mrs. Smith's pie & your & my tea for the visitors dinner. There was only one piece of pie eaten so I left it there for the fellowship tonight.

     Can't remember if I've talked about how Ez. is improving at her efforts to walk. In the past couple of days she's gotten better at walking just holding on to one hand instead of two. I asked Stephanie if she could watch Ez. while I got my food out & she said ok. She was already carrying Erin (Cathy said she's taken a few steps) but sat down in the floor with both of them. The first time I went back up there, all the other kids were around them and the next time, Megan Landon, Carter Bailey & Natalie Lowell were taking turns tow at a time walking Ez. around the whole room. I saw her fall a couple of times when they'd go a little too fast but she didn't cry. They helped her up. One time Carter tried to pick her up—it was kind of awkward but she did it. I stopped them once to tie her shoelace. (I don't put the bells on for church.) She looked like she had fun. When the older kids finished eating before her and started playing with the puppets she wanted to go play too. I finally had to sit her on my lap to finish feeding her. (I think there was one couple visiting)

     I figured Ez. would fall asleep on the way home but she didn't until we were off the freeway. It was about 1:00 & it's 3:32 now so she'll probably wake up soon.

     I'd left Chief outside this morning and I guess I thought I heard it thunder is why I woke up. So I went to let him in. It is getting darker but no rain (or even thunder) yet. I never really got fully asleep & I'm not sure why. It was almost 1:30 before I laid down. After I brought Ez. in & got her settled I went to get the stuff out of the car, then put her seat in the truck so we can take it tonight. It'll be the first time I've driven it since you've been gone.

     Gloria Piselli was there with baby Anna today. She's even smaller than Ez. was—not quite as long I don't think cause she doesn't look as skinny. She's got lots of hair sticking up like Ez's did but it's dark. Ez. seemed to be fascinated by her. I let her touch her arm. I didn't think to ask Gloria's permission but she didn't say anything. I told her we still have the swing if they want it back & she said yes—but there's no rush.

     I can't believe she's still asleep. I'm getting sleepy again now. If I try to go to sleep she'll wake up.

     I gave $5 to Bill Johnston for the money tree for Crutch.

     I finally introduced myself to the Claypool's. They both came in the nursery with Garrett while I was checking Ez's diaper. I told them we lived near each other and they said they'd looked over here.

     I ended up taking Ez. to the nursery. Lisa Mounts was in there. Ez. was so tired but she wouldn't go to sleep. She kept wanting to stand up & look back at Andrew 2 rows back but Doris Mozley was right behind us & I didn't think she'd appreciate the distraction. She'd play with something or look at a book for just a little bit then want to stand up again. I did have the extra pacifiers to hold but it didn't help. After I left her there I went to the office to look for a map. Jeff & Steve had been in the hall with a couple asking directions to Central. They asked if I could tell them how to get there—they (Jeff & Steve) said they could drive it but not explain it. I told them I only knew how from the freeway but that there should be maps in the office. By the time I got down there Jeff had found one. I went to check on Ez. & she was still sitting on the couch where I'd left her. Lisa was reading a book but Ez. wasn't paying much attention—she was just sitting there like she was in a daze. Lisa motioned that she was ok so I left to go back to the auditorium. But I stopped in the bathroom cause I started crying. I guess from the frustration of not being able to get her to go to sleep or be still and then just seeing her sitting there with that blank look on her face. It didn't last long & no one saw me.

     I can't believe it but Ez. slept til 4:10 this afternoon! That's over 3 hours! I sure wish I could've slept that long or even half that long.

     It started raining sometime between 4:30 & 5:00. I didn't hear too much thunder close but saw quite a bit of lightning. I almost decided not to go to church cause it was really pouring and they said a big storm was headed our way. But I figured we'd get there before it got too bad. It didn't get too scary except that it was really pouring down. When we got there I took Ez. on in and asked Mary to watch her while I went back to get her bag. My feet were soaked by the time I got back in. I took in one of the towels we use to cover her seat and left my shoes off during most of church. Ez. did fine for awhile then all of a sudden she decided she wanted to get down & go over where Ryan & Melissa & Christopher were sitting. She got too loud so I took her to the nursery again. Lisa was in there again but I stayed this time.

     Jeff came in and gave Ez. & Amanda & Rachel a little sack with a certificate for VBS and a package of chain links (Gerber brand). I asked him about promoting Ez. & the others next month & he said he pretty much leaves it up to the parents & teachers to decide when they're ready for all the pre-school-age classes. He hasn't got the new teachers assigned yet. The first Sun. of Sept. I plan to go ahead & put Ez. in the toddler class.

     We stayed for the fellowship & Ez. did pretty good again. There was one piece of the pie left this time so I just left it. We got home at 8:08 & I put her to bed by the time just before I started writing. I still can't believe she slept so long this aft.

     I checked the rain gauge when I left Chief out & we got 1.3". I expected it to be full. I put the gate up to keep Chief in the kitchen while we were gone so he wouldn't go crazy all over the house if it stormed. I need to go let him out again & do his eye drops & pills in a few minutes.

     I called for my Tobra refill Fri. saying I needed it by next Fri. They called back later & said it would be sent over late Mon. I'll probably wait til Tues. to go get it just to be sure. There's a ladies brunch at Bea's Tues. too. We'll probably go to the ACE post office tomorrow or Tues but that's all I have planned for the week so far. I should call around & schedule someone to go visit.

     I'd called Carole yesterday to remind her to bring me the Current catalog today & had to leave a message on the answering machine. Today in Ez's class was the lady who taught them in VBS. She said her name is June White and that Carole had asked her to teach for the next two weeks. She said she told Carole she wouldn't be here the second week but didn't know if Carole found anyone for them. I wish they wouldn't go off like that without telling us, especially when she's supposed to be getting back to me about something.

     Last night & tonight I made Chief go out by himself at bedtime. I had to open the door 2-3 times to tell him to go on out then watch to be sure he did something.

August 9, 1992