The Jordans- Cherish, Sean, Autumn and Emelia

Autumn woke up at 3 am this morning and didn't go back to sleep until 5 am. I made her get up at 730 because I really don't want to repeat this, but I did get a chance to look in her mouth and she is cutting at least one molar. We were so tired from lack of sleep last night that I didn't make it to church this morning. We may try to go this evening instead though. Autumn and I had to run to the commissary this morning for just a few items so we could have taco salad today. Autumn was so well behaved in the store (she walked the entire time and even carried our basket until she just got to tired to do it) that I picked her up some M&M's. If you want Autumn to do something, M&M's are the way to go! She loves them! When I threatened to take them away, she said: No WAY!! Autumn has graduated from taking video with her nose to taking video with her mouth. Even though she is cutting some teeth, she is just as sweet as peas today. Thank goodness because we a...

Autumn and I made a big trip out of going to the library today. The temperature has dropped some, so it only confirmed for me that it was a good thing we got out yesterday to enjoy a hike. Today was definitely an indoor type of day. My body was so tired from the hiking and exercise I've been doing at the gym, I really did need the day to recoup. Autumn shopping for books. She got sidetracked by all the puzzles. Working on her shapes. I just liked this picture because of her hair. I cannot believe how much it has changed since you saw her last. Something exciting happened today. We got to skype with: Dylan! Of course Cindy sent me this picture to brag about happy hour at Sonic, but I forgive her for that- I love to see Dylan. Autumn immediately tried to give Dylan her blanket and was blowing him kisses. Dylan was giving Autumn kisses and saying La La over and over again. It was very cute. Our connection wasn't that great, so we are going to have to try again later. We...

At daycare this morning, Miss Thea said Autumn had a big moment! Autumn gave her kitty cat, that she loves and adores, to another little girl named Audrey. You know there are certain things Autumn wouldn't share (like her blanket or kitty cat) and she did. Miss Thea was so proud/shocked of Autumn that she ran across the room and hugged her. I was very proud to hear the story. We have such a wonderful daughter. I talked to your mom and dad today for a bit. Boy do they enjoy seeing pictures of you and Autumn on the blog. Your dad said that your "accommodations" look a little better than what he had in Viet Nam. We talked for a little while and then it was time for me and Autumn to get on to our activity! We went for a hike out at Far North Bicentennial Park-Rover Run trail. Angie and Riley couldn't make it because of time restraints, but I didn't want to get out there any later than 4 considering it starts getting dark around 530. I'm so glad Autumn an...

Before I discuss the title of this post, I'd like to share a picture of Sean's accommodations in Afghanistan. I mean, it almost looks like a prison cell, except it looks like anyone could walk through one of the "walls". I love that you have the Autumn and Daddy book right out front like that! Autumn and I went to Walmart today (the good one in E.R.). I needed to pick up some photos that I printed, one for the project we are working on, the others for Autumn's 2nd Birthday banner. Last year, we made a banner with 20 pictures, this year I cannot seem to narrow down any further than 32 pictures. We have taken a LOT of good photos of Autumn. I am hoping that now I have them in my hands, I can further narrow them down to 20. We shall see. While at Walmart, Autumn: Started to climb through that stuff. At first she was just sitting in one of those car seats, but shortly after: Off she went. I told her not to make another move and that is the way she looked at me...

As you know, Autumn is struggling, which means we are struggling. I feel completely inept as a mother because I do not know how to help her cope. This morning she climbed onto the coffee table near the front window that faces the driveway. She began to cry. I ran into the room (thinking she climbed somewhere and got stuck) to see what was the matter and she began pointing at the Jeep and screaming, "Daddy, daddy. Help me, Help me Daddy. Daddy, out." She was so upset. I removed her from the window, gave her the kitty cat and her blanket and we had a little cry together. How does one explain to a two year old that every time someone leaves, it doesn't mean it is permanent or for a long time or that daddy will be home soon? I cannot even hardly talk about it without becoming overly emotional (sorry Angie). It hurts my heart in ways I never thought my heart could hurt. We just want you to come home Sean. Besides that, we had a pretty good rest of the day. We went ...

This morning was the same as the last few. Autumn is grouchy. My mom's theory is that Autumn is upset about Dylan leaving and I'm starting to think she is right. Once we got to daycare, Miss Thea got her calmed down (she cried all the way there) and distracted so I could go to spin class. I love going to spin class. It is so challenging for me- I don't know if it is because I'm pregnant or stink at the bike, maybe it is both. I always feel so worked out after words. For the first time since Autumn was born, she wore a: Bow in her hair. Of course, she kept taking it out! Once we got home, I put Autumn down for her nap and again, it has been a struggle. She gets up a bunch of times, although today it was only 3 or 4, I'm predicting tonight will go the same way. I find myself frustrated about it. Last night I got so upset about it that I yelled at Autumn and told her to go to bed. It startled her and she began to cry. It made me feel really bad. I shouldn...