Sad news!

I got some sad news this weekend. Two very close friends recently lost babies through miscarriage. Both asked me not to say anything, but I know they were both devastated. It always brings me back to our troubles. It makes me tear up just thinking about it. I can't understand why all this happens, and I guess we never will. I just wish I had something profound to say that would help people feel better in this situation. But of course, I don't. No one does, really.
The pain does lessen with time. Someone once said, it doesn't get easier, you just get used to being without them. I think that is correct. If I stop to think about Michael and Scotty, I cry! If I think about the pain and heartbreak of all the people I know who have suffered the loss of a child, I just can't stand it. But, as life moves forward, I don't cry as much. Jenna has brought such joy to our lives, such happiness. She has helped me to get back in life and live.
I know my friends will move past all this sadness. Even without brilliant words from me. I just wish they didn't have to.

Another day!

Another day is over and we did okay. We ended up going garage sale-ing with Grandma and Grandpa Taylor next door. Of course, the only one who ended up with things was Jenna. She got about 7 outfits, a winter coat, a monkey and 2 hats out of the trip. Of course, she was happy. She is all girl! She came home and wanted to try on all her clothes. Of course, she can't dress herself too well yet, but she does try. By the time we got home, she was wiped out and she went right down for her nap. I have been trying to relax a bit when she naps on the weekend, but it is tough. I am such a busy bee, that I often end up diong things that just go quicker if I do them when Jenna is sleeping. Then I get upset because I never have time to read, or do anything fun that I want to do. That being said, I of course, cooked dinner while Jenna slept. Leaving no time to myself. I don't mind most days, but sometimes it does get old having to always be on her schedule. I have a lot of sympathy for single moms nowadays. I at least do have the emotional support of my hubby. Even if I don't get the "him being here" kind of support.
The afternoon was spent with the neighbors. We visited with the Webb family a little bit while they put in a new window in their kitchen. Every time Keith would hit the hammer Jenna would say "thunder?" It was cute. We also saw Rosi across the street for just a few minutes while she came over and planted a few purple tomato plants in our garden! Then we headed to Papaw Shadle's Swap Meet at Dinky's. It was mostly over by the time we got there, but Jenna had a good time anyways. She ate popcorn for the first time and rode on a jet ski. Of course, it never left the trailer, but she thought it was cool anyways.
The evening was spent at home. I had planned to make homemade pizza, but I didn't get a chance to make the dough, so we had the casserole that I made during lunch time. Nothing much, just a noodle and ground beef thing. Jenna liked it, so that was good. Then a late afternoon nap and a late night with Jenna going to bed around 10 PM!! The latest she has been in bed in a long time.
Not sure what the plans are for tomorrow, probably nothing special. I need to get to the grocery store, but I hate going on Sundays. I think we will shoot for Monday or Tuesday instead. Have a good night everyone!

Ooops!

Okay, Jenna and I fell out of sight for a bit, but we are back.
School is almost over, only 11 days left. The garden is planted and we are waiting for all the crops to start popping. Summer is almost here and I can't wait!

This year has been a tough one. I had a very difficult group of children in my classroom. We didn't see much progress with any of them, but I think it is par for the course. It's just what you get when you deal with the most seriously disabled students in the county. That being said, I am graduating 2 students and not getting any as far as we know, so that will help for next year. I have already started planning our projects, etc.

Of course, add to that the fact that Kelly has been gone for almost a year and it makes for a tough time. But, all in all, we are pulling through it. Jenna is growing every day and I can see so many things that she does better and better. Today she pointed out cows, horses, boats and birds as we drove down the road. It was adorable.

Anyways, I am going to try and post a little more often including some pictures. I really need to do it for me. Just a way for me to feel as though I am connected. Hope all of you out there are doing welll. recent pics of Jenna to come soon.

The Toy Box Overfloweth!

Christmas this year was so much fun. Jenna actually got the hang of opening presents, after about 100 or so that she received from friends and family, :-) Well, it seemed like that many. She received gifts in Indiana before we left for Ohio, then again on Christmas Eve, more gifts on Christmas Day, then again on the 29th when we returned home. And finally her last gifts were opened on New Year's Eve, which was when Kelly and I celebrated Christmas with WaPa. It was great. In fact, she received so many gifts that Kelly and I held some back from us so she will have new toys to play with in a few months. We didn't want her too overwhelmed since she just got toys for her birthday, too. Many thanks to all who blessed us with their warm wishes, visits and of course, gifts. It was a wonderful feeling to see so many people once again surround us with their love.
As I am sure you all know, Kelly was able to come home for Christmas. He was always planning on coming home, but at the last minute we weren't sure if he would make it. (there were issues with his duty). But, he did make it home to Indiana as well as home with me to Ohio where we even had some snow. That was the best Christmas gift of all. Kelly, not that snow.
Jenna recognized him right away and went to him willingly immediately this time. I am sure he loved that. She also said, "Dada" lots this time and really seemed to know what that meant. Kelly also helped me out A LOT!! He not only did all of his chores while he was home (I always have to list for him since he is gone so much) but he also jumped in and took Jenna from me several times to give me some time to visit with family, or just read my book. That is one of the many things that are difficult when he is gone so much, then back for such a short time. He knows I CAN do it myself, and I am so used to doing it myself, that it becomes almost a chore for both of us to let the other person help out. Afterall, he doesn't know our routine, so I almost have to give him a step by step before he can do anything. (Her clothes are in this drawer, the bottles are kept here now, etc) And if any of you know me, you know that I am a little particular so I like things done a specific way. (I know hard to believe). Anyways, I wanted to give Kelly public praise for just taking charge and stepping in and helping without being asked. He sat and fed her at my step mother's house so I could eat. He walked her up and down the halls at my dad's nursing home, so I could visit. He chased her all around my mom's house to give me as much of a break as he could. He even took Jenna for a car ride (of course, to Starbucks) when she needed a nap. It was well appreciated.
Kelly and I did get one afternoon together before he left. Jenna went to the sitter for the day on the 31st. We took that opportunity to head into town for a small lunch together. Nothing fancy, but we did have a few minutes to talk without worrying about Jenna. I know many of you offered to watch her in the evenings for us, but it is always hard to decide if we should go to dinner, or if Kelly should spend the time with Jenna. He always opts for the latter, and I can't blame him. So, thanks for the offers. It is appreciated. We WILL take you up on it some day.
Now, the long haul. Kelly won't be back until Spring break which is the end of March. I don't even want to think about how long that is. I know Jenna and I will both miss him. She has already walked around the house several times calling for him. How do you explain it to her? Of course, you don't. At least he is stateside.

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

So long ago!

It has been almost a month since my last post. Things here have been busy as many of you know, but I will try and post some of the latest for those of you that haven't kept up.

Jenna, of course, had her second birthday party (the actual day). My parents were still in town, and so was Kelly so we all just had a lazy day. We stayed home most of the day, then took Jenna to the park for a few hours, took a ton of pictures and then headed to Stoll's Amish restaurant for lunch. It was nice and relaxing, which was all we wanted. Kelly and I talked about what we were doing last year on that day, stuff like that. Very sweet. The next day my parents left to go back home and a few days after that Kelly left as well. It was sad, but we knew it was coming.

For Thanksgiving, Kelly had to work, so Jenna and I traveled to Cleveland by ourselves to see family there. The trip out was uneventful, which was great. Jenna slept most of the way, we left around 4 PM so that she would sleep. We didn't get in until midnight, which was rough on me, but all in all we did okay. Jenna had a great time seeing all her cousins and playing with them. We saw 6 cousins, 3 aunts and 2 uncles, which is almost all she has. We also saw Grandma, Grandpa, Nanny, and Pop Scott so it was busy!

While we were there, they threw Jenna another birthday party! It was great! Aunt Kim had a farm theme with plates, gift boxes, hanging decorations and everything. Aunt Annette made Jenna her own special cake complete with Jenna Beans planted in rows. And of course, she got many more gifts and packages while she was there. A good time was had by all, and many thanks to all that helped make that day special for our little girl.

When we got home from our Thanksgiving trip, we had a special someone waiting for us... DADDY!!! He somehow managed to get temporary duty at Crane NSWC for 2 weeks starting immediately after Thanksgiving. (BIG THANKS TO BRETT AND ALL THE 2M GUYS FOR MAKING IT HAPPEN) It was a great thing, too because I was very tired from driving in the traffic and Jenna needed to still run off some energy.

Anyways, the last 2 weeks have been heaven for us! Kelly was home and working, so it didn't take away any of his leave time. We got to do things "normal" families do, like come home and eat together. I got to have Kelly drop off and pick up Jenna at the sitter a few times, which was very nice. I even got a night out with the girls! The first one I have had without the little one since Jenna was born. It was really a treat, even though I missed my baby. Daddy said that she was an angel while he had her, and I believe it. She really seemed to take to him this time.

In fact, he left just yesterday and several times she has stood at the bottom of the stairs and yelled "DA" hoping he would come down. I keep telling her he is at work, even though I am sure she doesn't understand. I don't know what she and I will do when he is gone for another month or two in January and February. Guess I can't worry about that now. He is planning on coming home for Christmas, which isn't too far off.

Hope you all are doing well. I have posted Jenna's Santa pic for those who haven't seen it. Classic, I know!

First birthday party Round 1

These pictures are long overdue, but it has been a busy week here at our house. Kelly left this morning, which was very sad, but we are already looking forward to having him home at Christmas.

Jenna's first birthday party was a wonderful time. We have been blessed by so many friends we call family, that Jenna won't know who is who in her family tree! In addition, Grandma and Grandpa "Cleveland" traveled from Ohio for the wonderful occassion. They even stayed for the actual day, which was a fabulous surprise.

Thanks to all who spent the afternoon with us and special thanks to my parents for making the "long trip!" It was appreciated by all.

Monday!

Only a few days left until my dear husband comes home and I can't wait! He should be here for Thursday night if not before. This coming weekend is also Jenna's birthday party and my parents will be coming to town for the festivities. It should be a great time for all, especially our little one year old!
I can't believe it has been a year. In many ways, it seems like just yesterday, but of course in others it seems so far away. I still remember this time last year, when we weren't sure if we would really be able to adopt this little one. In fact, we didn't really have ANY baby things at this time. Kelly and I went to the store and bought $100.00 worth of clothes, diapers, etc. which really isn't much. And I also ordered a basinet online since I figured that could be stashed in the attic much easier than a crib if we came home without her and it never got used. As many of you know, it wasn't until the night before that I started creating a nursery for her. Actually moving furniture and getting a separate room ready. Her homecoming was so different than what many do when they bring home their first child, but of course that just makes it more special in my mind. Now, I can't imagine living without her.
Only one week left of her first year of life! WOW!