Chaos has a name - Ceana!

Well, it's Ceana's turn for some time in the spotlight! I have some new photos of her to post, especially those of her with her big-girl bed. We found her one on craigslist after I discovered that she had figured the basic steps to climb out of her crib. Figuring it was only a matter of time until she actually tried it and fell on her head, we bought her a bed. It's a nice bed, and it came with mattresses for $200 (which we made back by selling her crib and changing table). As you look at the picture, notice the strip of wallpaper hanging down above her bed - this was how she killed time while waiting for us to get her after naps and bedtime, apparently. That'll need to be fixed...

There is also a picture of: Ceana trying to put on her own diaper, Happy Ceana, Going to School like Big Brother Ceana and Super Ceana (sounds like little barbies, doesn't it?).

We've started instituting desperate measure around the house as well. We now have locks on the pantry, doorknob covers on the doors and a new gate at the top of the stairs - Phil says it's like entering Alcatraz. She's busy and trying to be into everything!

We put the backyard oasis up a few times this summer (now comes complete with "grass" carpet to avoid splinters and nails for little feet). Ceana LOVES the water - as long as she can touch the bottom. We (I) learned this the hard way...I signed us up for a Baby&Mom swim class at the pool. Let me just say - I have visited hell and returned to tell the tale. Seriously. It was absolute hell. It started as soon as we walked into the locker room - she didn't even want to put her swimsuit on. That took 1/2 an hour (good thing we got there early). Once we hit the pool, she screamed. And screamed. And screamed. High-pitched scream in what amounts to a cave - very painful for all. Took her out - she wanted back in. Tried letting her do it gradually herself on the stairs, but the lifeguard said it was "too dangerous" (like I was off having drinks and leaving her there or something...my hand was no more than a couple of inches from her at all times). Tried going back in...she screamed. Took her out and went into the locker room and she screamed harder because she wanted to play in the pool. By the time it was over, it wasn't even noon and I was seriously contemplating some sort of alcoholic drink. I will say - she loved the shower! Sheesh. I was going to try it again today, but she was seriously affected until she finally just crashed for her nap. So, I just cancelled.

Anyway - that's the update on our little "princess" (as daddy calls her). She's doing well, for the most part, when she isn't causing us to pull our hair out at the roots.

PS. I'm going to try and post a picture of Ceana in one of her oh-so-lovely tantrums. It's on my phone, so I'm not sure how well it'll work, but...we'll see... Here it is! It's a bit blurry, but when she's busy vibrating and screaming, it's hard to get a decent shot ;)

Please remember their sacrifice...

We got word this morning that a CG helo crashed off the coast of Hawaii, killing all on board. 3 men were picked up with no vitals - CPR was given during the rush to the hospital, but they were declared dead upon arrival. The fourth individual, who has not yet been named, is still missing.

This is a copy of the email sent by the CG:

To the Men and Women of the United States Coast Guard:

It is with great regret that I inform you of a tragic loss of three of our shipmates. Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Andrew Wischmeier, Aviation Survival Technician First Class (AST1) David Skimin and Aviation Maintenance Technician Second Class (AMT2) Joshua Nichols lost their lives when their HH-65 helicopter crashed five nautical miles south of Honolulu, Hawaii. A fourth member of the crew was also in the aircraft but is still missing. Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Hawaii Air National Guard and local fire and police assets will continue searching and we will make every effort to locate our shipmate and wingman.

The incident occurred while the aircrew of CG-6505 was performing small boat hoist operations with a Station Honolulu 47' motor life boat during the early evening hours of 04 September. Immediately after the crash, a Honolulu Fire Department Response Boat recovered LCDR Wischmeier, AST1 Skimin and AMT2 Nichols without any vital signs. The Fire Department boat crew performed CPR and the three Coast Guardsmen were medically evacuated to a local hospital but they did not survive.

Our highest priority now is the families, friends and shipmates of the fallen aircrew. Each one was married with children. Our hearts go out to their loved ones during this difficult time. All of the families have been notified. The entire Coast Guard will provide whatever support services are necessary for the families and crew of Air Station Barbers Point. We will conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine the cause and help prevent future incidents.

This terrible accident is a reminder that we operate in an extremely hazardous environment. Coast Guard men and women go into harm's way to train and conduct operations each day. In difficult times, we must re-dedicate ourselves to performing operations safely and effectively. The aircrew of CG-6505 epitomized the Guardian Ethos and the Nation is grateful for their service.

Please join Secretary Chertoff, me and all who serve in taking a moment to reflect on the loss of these Guardians. Please keep their families and fellow crew members in your thoughts and prayers. Find time to also recognize the value of your own loved ones, friends and teammates. Details of the memorial services and how you can express your condolences to the families will be provided when available. I will also notify you of the search results for the missing member of the aircrew. Thank you for your dedication to the Coast Guard and to each other.

Admiral Thad Allen
Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard

As a former Coastie, and as a wife to an active duty Coastie, I can say that this loss affects us all. This is a small service, and any injury or death reverberates throughout the Coast Guard like a shock wave. These men and women work and train hard to be some of the best - but sometimes, accidents happen anyway.

Please take a moment and wing a prayer out for the families of the fallen, for the CG family in Hawaii who is still searching for their friend, and for the CG family as a whole. And if you happen to meet a servicemember or spouse of any branch, please take the time to thank them for what they do. It is appreciated more that anyone can guess, particularly at a time like this.

Coast Guard Hymn

Eternal Father, Lord of hosts,
Watch o’er the ones who guard our coasts.
Protect them from the raging seas
And give them light and life and peace.
Grant them from Thy great throne above
The shield and shelter of Thy love.

Lord, guard and guide the ones who fly
Through the great spaces in the sky.
Be with them always in the air,
In darkening storms or sunlight fair;
Oh, hear us when we lift our prayer,
For those in peril in the air!

Fair winds and following seas to the crew of CG-6505 - may your place in heaven be especially blessed.

And off he goes...

Well, Liam had his first day of school yesterday. And we're all exhausted ;) We spent almost a week down in Bandon, driving home Tuesday afternoon. Up at 6AM to get Liam up and ready for school - then Phil and I both went with Liam for his first day. Talk about excitement! We walked him to class, met his teacher, handed over the requested school supplies, and...said goodbye. I was back to pick him up at 3PM, and he was so excited to talk about his day. They have already started their daily walks/hikes, he's met I-don't-know-how-many friends, and he passes out at night completely wiped! His teacher seems like a great guy - very open and communicative. Plus, I think Liam will be doing some before/after school care a couple of times a week...I lose 4 hours a day between driving him to school and picking him up, so Phil will probably take over that job on Tuesdays and Thursdays so I can have a little break. It's just a short hop to work for him from the school, so that should work out well. Plus, Liam gets out at 1PM on Fridays, so that really messes with Ceana's nap schedule (which is already on overload), so he'll stay a little later then as well. It's going to be a little pricey (particularly in our economy), but we're hoping that it works out well.

Anyway, I wanted to get this posted. Now I'm off to bed - It's been an exhausting week (more in another post - I want this one to be Liam's), and I'm sure it's not going to slow down any time soon. Enjoy the pictures - notice how our littlest photo-hound feels the need to be involved in the picture as well...