NO MORE IRAQ!!!!

Steve Update: My last update said that I didn't get to talk to Steve at all today on the phone. Well, he just phoned!!!! He sounded sooo tired. It is about 3am there right now. Anyway, he is doing fine and happy to report that he no longer has to go to Iraq :) He is all done with his interviews there :) I can't tell you how happy this makes me. I was very worried about his safety there. He still has to go to Afghanistan, but I don't think it is as dangerous as Iraq was. We still need to pray for his safe return home. Thank you Steve for calling me!!!! I really do have the best husband in the whole entire world!!!!

Yay!!! Erika is Here!!!

Erika came down on the bus this morning from St. John, New Brunswick. It was 10 hour bus ride for her, but she said it wasn't too bad. It has been 5 years since the last time we were together, though it seems like much longer than that. I'm so happy that she finally got to meet Tyler. She is Tyler's "Auntie" and the creator of "Puppy", Tyler's beloved sock dog she made for his first birthday. However the "sock fun" doesn't stop there, she gave Tyler another "sock animal", this time being a "sock monkey". We haven't thought of a name yet for him yet, but I'm sure by the time Erika leaves, we will have thought of a good one.

Tonight Erika had some fun with Tyler by playing the drums on the sofa cushions with the sock monkey. Tyler had a grand time and even asked for me to bring his other animals to try and drum along with him, however none of them were quite up to Tyler's standards, like the sock monkey was.

Erika, has only been here a few hours but already we are laughing up a storm just like old times. I'm grateful to have friends like her, especially during this sad time for me. It really makes a difference.

Steve Update: Though I have a good friend with me now, I am sad that Steve and I didn't get to talk on the phone today. This was the first day since he left that we haven't been able to talk on the phone. I did, however receive an e-mail from him this morning and this afternoon he text messaged me to say he was in back in Kuwait and that he would try to phone in a few hours. It was late at night there at the time, so he was probably too tired afterwards or the phone centre may have been closed for the night. I am thankful though to have heard from him. I hope to talk to him tomorrow.

To My Husband

Though we can't be together tonight, we can still be under the same sky together. As I look up at this great big moon tonight, I wonder if you are looking up at it too and thinking of me as I am thinking of you. I miss you soooo much!!!! Time is going by so slow. Counting the days, hours, minutes, and seconds till we can be in each others arms again. I love you very very much.

Just Keeps Growing & Growing...

Steve will definitely see a huge difference in Tyler when he sees him in a few weeks. Tyler has been going through a growth spurt and just in the past couple of weeks, I've noticed a difference the clothes he wears. His 18 month jeans that I used to roll up, no longer need to be rolled up. This morning he wanted me to put him in the chair that we used to feed him in the last time we were here and I decided to take a photo to get a comparison. The only photo I could find was this one where we covered the chair in a towel, but I'm sure you get "the picture". Look at his leg length in both photos.

Steve Update: Tonight they are scheduled to shoot one of their news stories at midnight. He called me before going to take a nap to prepare for tonight. They are pretty much exhausted because it was about 2am before they got to sleep last night and they had to wake up early this morning to prepare for tonight. I believe this will be their last story to obtain in Iraq before heading to Afghanistan, however they may remain in Iraq for a few more days. He said it was about 120 degrees there today and they have a full moon.

Don't Put your PAWS on me Fiddle

In preparation for my friend, Erika's visit, Mom and I spent the morning gathering up some items that she no longer needed or wanted, to donate to The PAWS Mart. The PAWS Mart is a thrift store which accepts gently used items such as clothing, books, toys, dishes and other useful items to generate much needed profit to our local S.P.C. A.

Before the S.P.C.A had their thrift store, they used to accept books for their monthly book sale to raise money for the animal shelter. We used to donate books on a regular basis, but now since opening the thrift store, my mom can now unload some of her other stuff she no longer wants and continue to support a terrific cause. There was also a lot of my old stuff from when I lived here that I decided to donate. Mom and I are huge animal lovers, so whatever we can do to help feed and take care of these poor orphans, we are there to help.

Afterwards, we decided to play tourist, by going down to the Sydney waterfront and have our photo taken in front of the huge fiddle. It is suppose to be the biggest fiddle in the world! It usually plays music, however today it was taking a break. We look so tiny in front of it, however if you click on the photo you can enlarge it and see us a bit better.

Steve Update: Steve and I were able to chat a little this morning and he informed me that he was then in Kuwait. They arrived late last night. He called this afternoon and we talked for a few minutes, before he had to go. Then I received a message from him tonight saying that he was now in back in Iraq. They are in a different part of the country then before and should be there for a few more days. I'll be so glad when he is completely finished with Iraq; two more weeks to go.

Steve Update: Unfortunately we were only able to talk for a few minutes at a time because they kept losing the power over there. Steve ended up calling three difference times, but kept getting cut off. He did say that he and his co-worker were able to get a FTF (First to Find) geocache that was just published, so he was very happy about that.

Steve on Deployment

Steve in front of Al Faw Palace in Iraq.

Inside the Al Faw Palace in Iraq.

Camals in the Udari Desert in Kuwait.

The Udari Desert.

Steve in the Udari Desert in Kuwait.

Convoy Training in Kuwait.

Hot sun in the Udari Desert in Kuwait.

Steve in bunker on the US base in Iraq.

Look what I have Richey & Barbie! It's your Travel Bug here in the center of Lost Lake, Iraq.

Tyler Turns 19 Months Old Today

Since it was Tyler's special day today, Mom and I decided we should take him to the beach again and let him have lots of fun. Mom wanted to go out to Gabarus this time, but I really didn't know of any beaches out there so we just drove around and eventually came to Belfy Beach. We had already been here about a month ago, but because it is such an amazing spot, we decided to go back. You just can't get enough of this place!

We spent our time on the beach collecting pretty rocks to add to our rock collection at home. Tyler noticed me putting rocks in my pocket and he soon figured out what the pockets were for on his jeans and started to do the same! He filled both pockets up till they were full. Then he tried to walk and found he had a heavy load so he unloaded some.

Some of the rocks Tyler collected, he passed to Mom and I to keep. One of the rocks he found and gave to me was heart shaped. It was very pretty! Tyler and I decided we are going to give this special heart shaped rock to Grammy as a souvenier of what a great day we had on the beach today. Grammy has quite the collection of rocks herself, so this rock will be a fine addition to it.

Tyler just kept walking and walking. We practically walked the entire beach. We were quite surprised with how much energy he had. I guess he truly loves the beach and it showed. It was nice because we had the whole beach to ourselves. It was getting past noon though and Mom and I were starting to get hungry, so we decided to turn around and head back to the car.

I took a photo of the rocks we collected. My mom found the beautiful pink ones, the bright yellow one and the mini sand dollar. I found the green one with the white strip in the middle. Tyler found the purple ones and of course the heart shaped rock.

I still can't believe my little boy is 19 months old now. How blessed Steve and I are to have the most sweetest, most loving, caring, and happiest little boy as our son. God is good to us!

Steve Update: Steve is happy to report that they got their first interview today and it was done at Saddam's main palace! Steve even got to use Saddam's royal bathroom! The story was on some sailors that became chief. ****CONGRATULATIONS TO STEVE'S BROTHER, BRIAN, WHO JUST GRADUATED FROM NAVY BOOT CAMP. HE IS AN OFFICIAL SEAMAN NOW!!! WAY TO GO BRIAN!!!!*****

"Wow, Mom, that's a BIG highchair!!!"

Steve Update: Another quiet day for Steve in Iraq. He is still working on setting up interviews and transportation to get each location. They do have an interview set up for tomorrow. He also managed to find a cache today so that now we have added a new country to our list of places we have found caches. Steve introduced one of his co-workers into caching since he has been caching during his deployment and now he is a new member of geocaching.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!!

Today is my mom's birthday and since it is very special day today, I asked her what she wanted for her birthday. Her reply was for me to make the meatloaf I made for her and dad last week (it's actually Steve's mom's recipe...it's really good) for dinner and to spend some time at the beach with Tyler and I. However before doing so, Tyler and I presented her this morning with some beautiful heart shaped flowers, which she really likes.

Then after I made the meatloaf, we decided that we would go to Kennington Cove. It couldn't have been a more beautiful day. It was the most perfect day to spend on the beach to walk around, look at rocks and shells and take in that incredible Atlantic sea air. During our walk, my mom discovered a huge rock that looked like it had a heart on it. The heart was even a pink colour! My mom always finds really neat things when we are on the beach. I guess that's one of the reasons why she just loves it there.

Actually today was not only birthday themed, but also heart shaped themed. We gave her heart shaped flowers and found the heart shaped rock; it must be because we love her so very much!!!

Mom I hope you are having the best birthday ever, because you are the best mom ever!!! We are so blessed to have you in our lives. Thank you for everything you have done for us over the years. With all our love and best wishes for the coming year and always! XOXOXO

Steve Update: Steve phoned today from Baghdad. Yes, he is finally in Iraq and anxiously awaiting to start their news stories. They arrived in Iraq this morning and said they base is huge.

Eat Your Greens

Guess who likes broccoli now? Yep! Just like his daddy. Yesterday when we were having dinner, Tyler was very interested in trying my broccoli, so I gave him a little bit to try. It wasn't very long before he ate it and wanted another right away. I've never seen him like a food so much, since he first fell in love with corn and peas. I am so proud that he likes all the good healthy foods. There really isn't much of the nutritional foods that he doesn't like. It makes my job a lot easier and makes him a healthy and happy boy!

Steve Update: Today Steve and I actually had a much longer conversation than the usual ones we've been having everyday because he was able to buy a calling card. The calling card I purchased didn't really work that great. It was just absolutely wonderful not having to rush through what we had to tell each other. We have been really blessed to be able to talk to each other everyday since he started his deployment! Anyway, today was a quiet day for them. I'm glad because he really needed the rest.

Steve, I love you!!!!!!! 21 more days to go...

Catalone Gut

Despite the name, Catalone Gut is actually really pleasant. We thought it would be fun to gather some rocks on the shoreline and just take in the beauty of it all.

Tyler was happy to wear his rubber boots this morning and enjoyed a nice walk along the coast. He had a blast just picking up rocks and drawing in the sand with a stick.

Grammy found lots of pretty rocks to show Tyler and she explained to him all about them. As we showed him the rocks, he would touch them and talk about them and sometimes he would say "Ohhh", as always he was so cute!

There was one rock inparticular that Grammy found. It looked a lot like a dinosaur head. You could make out his mouth, eye and ear. We liked it so much that we decided to take it back home with us. Dino is going to live in Grammy's yard now for Tyler to see everytime he comes to visit. We'll tell him all about our adventure today as we show it to him again when he gets older.

It was such an incredible day today. It was just the right temperature, sunny skies and the smell of the oceam just made you want to stay there all day, however we were unprepared for a day's visit; so we will have return again another day.

When we came home, Grammy noticed a little golden lady bug on her sandal when she was out in the backyard. It was really pretty and we had never seen a bug quite like it before. If anyone knows what kind it is, please let us know.

Steve Update: It was the last day of training and so they were moved from their training area to another base. This base had several 24 hr fast food franchises, such as KFC, McDonald's and Pizza Hut. At the time of his call, he was eating at the Pizza Hut because they were so busy getting settled back in that they missed dinner at the chow hall. They moved into a tent that had a lot more people than the last base. Steve said he was doing fine, but he said he was very tired and will be extremely tired by the time this is all over with. I feel so sorry for him :(

Welcome Nadia!!!

On September 11th at 1:47 p.m., a beautiful baby girl was born to the very proud parents of our friends, Michelle and TJ. Nadia weighed in at 6 lbs 15 ounces and was 19 inches long.

Steve and I were stationed with Michelle and TJ in Sicily. Michelle worked with Steve at AFN Sigonella. They are currently stationed in California.

Nadia is definitely one lucky little girl. I can't think of anyone more sweeter and kinder than Michelle. Congratulations Michelle and TJ, your new daughter is absolutely precious! We wish you many more happy moments together!

Steve Update: It was a very exhausting day! The day started at 3 am and when Steve and I talked he was still in training, but on a break and at that time it was 8:45 pm his time. They were due to meet for another briefing at 9:15 pm. While they were on break, a few of them were so tired, including Steve, that they fell asleep under the stars. At least, tomorrow they get to sleep in until 6am and the training should be done by noon.

Things Back Home

Yesterday when Ute phoned, she said that she took some photos for me to see. I couldn't wait to get in my inbox to see how things were back home. When I opened up the e-mail, there were photos of our babies, Luigi and Sophie! It seems like such a long time since I last saw them. Ute said that they were doing just fine now and that Luigi is even getting used to having her around. Luigi is the typical scaredy cat of everything.



Sophie is enjoying her spot on the table where she can see everything that is going on in the neighbourhood. How I miss our little fur babies so much! I just can't wait to get them home and pick them up to give them a big squeeze and kiss.

Our tomotoes are still producing more. This totally blows my mind because we never thought we would have nearly this many. Ute said there looks like there are two more on the way, however the leaves are starting to fall off.

Then there is my roses. The buds from last week and in full bloon this week! And what a beautiful colour they are. I almost forgot what colours they were suppose to be.

Thank you again, Ute, for looking after everything while we're gone and thank you so much for taking the photos!

Steve Update: This was the first day of convoy training. They gathered all the soldiers up this morning and they attended classroom training. Steve said that the classroom is also the tent they are sleeping in. It was 115 degrees today, but he said he was still comfortable. Tomorrow they have a very early rise; they have to get up at 3 am! Oh and they are eating MREs because they are in a remote part of the base now. MREs are Meals Ready to Eat. Steve brought a few home one time. They are in this bag and all you need to do is shake them up to heat them.

Doctor's Orders

When the doctor diagnosed Tyler with strep throat yesterday, he said for us to feed Tyler soft foods. One of the foods he listed was ice cream. So today since it was a beautiful afternoon and we were stuck inside all day, we decided to take Tyler up to the Tasty Treat, where we bought him his very own Tasty Treat ice cream cone. They sell baby cones there that are just his size! He did pretty good eating it, especially considering we forgot to pack a bib with us! He hardly made any mess at all. We enjoyed our ice cream, but I must say going to the Tasy Treat isn't any fun without having my Steve with me. Steve loves the Tasty Treat!

Steve Update: Steve had today off. Tomorrow his training will commence where they will learn all about travelling, convoy style. Oh, they were giving camel rides on the base today! Steve didn't feel like waiting in line though.

Trip to the Emergency Room

This morning we had quite a fright! Tyler woke up again with a high fever, and when I picked him up out of the playpen, he was shaking. The shaking was really quite bad. Both his arms and legs were shaking and we were terrified that he was going into convulsions. We quickly made the decision to take him immediately to the hospital. Once there, the triage nurse checked him over and took his temperature. It was still a little high. Then she weighed him (he now weighs 25 lbs).



We finally got into the examing room, where the nurse pricked his toe to do a diabetis test, since he had been shaking. They came back to tell us that his blood sugar was normal-thank God! Then the doctor came in and gave him a good examination. It was quickly determined that Tyler was suffering from a bad case of strep throat. The doctor said it has been going around here like mad lately. He gave Tyler some antibiotics to drink and gave us a prescribtion for more. Tyler has to take antibiotics three times a day for 10 days.

Once we got him home, he still wasn't himself. All he wanted to do was cuddle with Mommy in the chair, but since his fever was still high, I put him in his own chair and we watched cartoons together. The doctor said for us to feed him soft foods, like applesauce, yogurt, Jell-O, ice cream and popsicles. I gave him some ice cream this afternoon and it was right after he finished eating some that he returned to his own self. He started to play with his ball and laugh. Just hearing his laugh and seeing that beautiful smile of his was so wonderful to see! He still isn't completely better, but knowing what is wrong brings peace of mind. We just need to take it easy the next few days.
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Steve Update: I just finished talking to him. He said that they had today off and they will have tomorrow off as well. They will start their training on Saturday. He talked about how incredible the food is there, unlike most food halls on base, they have real desserts with Baskin Robbins ice cream on the side. He also said that he found a cappucino machine just like the one we used to go to with Margherita and Sandra in the morning when we were working in Sicily. Since they had today off, they decided to go geocaching. They ended up finding two (located on the base, of course). Today was a bit hotter than yesterday, but it wasn't uncomfortable. They have a/c in their tent. Unfortunately, they are on a "no-photography" base, so he won't be able to get any photos for us. Only 26 more days to go...

Not Himself Today :(

This morning Tyler woke up with a fever. I noticed during the night he woke up a few times but just for a small brief amount of time. His energy level was very low today; he just was not himself at all. So I went down and got some fever reducer and after lunch he went for his nap. He slept for awhile and when he woke back up, he was totally back to himself again. But then about an hour and a half later, he started to get hot again. We are hoping that this is just a result of him teething. He has been getting a lot of teeth in lately, which include the molars.

I just feel so helpless and sad when he is sick. It just breaks my heart to see him like this. Tyler is always such a happy boy with a load of energy. I pray that he gets better very soon!

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Steve Update: Steve called this afternoon. He didn't get to sleep until 5 a.m. this morning because they had to unload the plane and take care of some business when they arrived in Kuwait. He was informed that he has to take part in convoy training, so he will be in Kuwait another 4-5 days before heading to Iraq. The temperature there was 105 degrees. He said it was very similar to the weather in Sicily and said he didn't realise how much he missed that kind of weather. Steve also said that there is a McDonald's, a Subway, a chow hall with all kinds of food, and an ice cream place, so at least he will have some of the comforts of home there. He also said that everything is in tents and trailors and that he will try to get some photos to post on the blog to show you all what it's like.

I have added a countdown on the right hand coloumn of this blog. Eventhough it will seem like a long time before we get him back home, I will have this to remind me that time is ticking away and it is getting closer to when we will be together again :)

My Prayer for Steve

Steve left this afternoon to start his deployment. This is my prayer for him:

I pray that God give him strength to get through the rough days

I pray that he will always have his Guardian Angels watching over him at all times to keep him safe from evil

I pray that the days somehow go by fast so that we can be together again soon

Amen

I know that God will take good care of my husband while he is away. Steve is a good person. He is the most kind hearted person I know and an absolutely wonderful husband and the best father in the entire world. Actually I have one of my prayers already somewhat answered. Steve had found out that the time spent training at boot camp was included in the time for his deployment, so it brings great joy to know that instead of 6-7 weeks, he'll be gone for 4 weeks instead.

Brian is joining the Navy

Steve's youngest brother, Brian, decided to pursue a career in the navy as well. He is currently in boot camp where he will graduate on the 21st of September. After graduation, he will then go to A-School where he will train to be a Gunner's Mate. He will probably be then stationed to a ship there after. We are so proud of Brian and we wish him all the best in his new life! I have the mailing address if you would like to drop a line to Brian to extend your wishes and encouragement. You can also check out Grandma's blog located to the right of this blog to see his farewell party before departing to boot camp. Although we really wanted to be there, Steve and I could not attend the party in FL. However, we are going to be there for his graduation from A-School. Brian, we love you very much and we know you will be a great member of our military.

Wagon Buddies

We finally got Andrew and Tyler together for a wagon ride. We've been talking about getting the two boys together since before I came home. Andrew is the adorable son of Mara and Darren. Mara and I used to be neighbours and seeing the boys together in the wagon brought back memories of when Mara and I played in her wagon growing up.

Mara's dad pulled them along in the yard and at the top of the street. I think they both enjoyed themselves and I can't wait to get them together again for some more fun!