"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.