March 25 - March 31, 2012

Sunday, March 25th This morning Olivia & I took Nana out for breakfast at The Bakery. Nana had a delicious plate of eggs & hash and I had a Belgian waffle with fruit. Mmmmm. We thought we would stop by the library, but they weren't open yet, so after breakfast we went home for a little while. Nana built Olivia towers of blocks to knock over. Olivia sure is spoiled! :) In the afternoon we met Jessica & Sarah at Artisans' Courtyard for Family Yoga. There was a meeting going on in the lounge area, so Nana went for a walk to Toy Quest while we stretched. It was a successful outing, I was came out more limber and Nana found some goodies for Olivia and the triplets. On our way home we stopped for coffees at Starbucks and then in the PX to look for some things Nana needed. While there, we got sandwiches from Subway for dinner. We had our first 'toy casualty' on our way home. I did not notice that the cute owl hanging on Olivia's carseat fell off on the way to the car. Poor owl. While we ate our supper, Olivia lounged in her vibrating chair and played with her bugs. She can actually reach them now - with a little help. Good work Olivia!

Monday, March 26th We got an early start this morning because we had a full day of adventures planned. After a quick breakfast at home, we loaded up the car with our emergency gear, bags of baby gear and headed out to Chena Hot Springs. We stopped at Sunrise Bagels for snacks to eat on the road and filled up the gas tank and we were three ladies with nothing to stop us! It was a beautiful, sunny day - perfect for a little road trip and sightseeing. We were some of the first visitors to the kennels, and Morgan arranged for Cathy to have a sled ride. Once I bundled Olivia into her snowsuit she preferred being outdoors and looking around at all the noisy dogs. We saw Jiff, Eagle, Circle, Mozart - all our doggie friends. And of course Cricket, Morgan's Shiba Inu, was there to be our official doggie guide. As usual, the Japanese tourists loved Olivia and took lots of pictures of her. I wonder if someday I'll see her on an add for Alaskan tours, or Japanese baby food or something. Cathy LOVED her sled ride. She has decided to become a musher and move to Alaska! Well, maybe not the second part, but I think she will second Adam's notion of having dog sledding trails on our 'future estate'. After a lovely morning at Chena, we came back to Fairbanks in time for lunch. We ate at The Cookie Jar. Both of us had a steak sandwich, saving half for our dinners. And of course we couldn't resist getting some cookies to-go. On the way home, Nana ran into Toy Quest and got Olivia a new 'owl' - only this was a peacock and she also got her a very funny octopus. They are both big hits already. In the evening we had a Skype date with Adam. It's not the same as having him here, but we do the best we can.

Tuesday, March 27th We had a nice leisurely morning. Olivia & Nana cuddled & I got to do some chores and take a shower. I made a batch of chili in the crockpot and set it to cook all day. At about 11:30, Jessica came over and we all went shopping downtown. First we stopped at Breuggers Bagels for some lunch. Next we all enjoyed browsing through If Only, a fabulous boutique, and found some great things to buy. Olivia picked out a present for Daddy to welcome him home. Then we went through the Co-Op and visited Gallery 49 where both Nana & I bought a piece of artwork. It was a productive (reductive for the wallet!) shopping trip. In the afternoon I went and picked up Christina from her hotel and gave her a tour of Fort Wainwright before bringing her to our house. Morgan was already there and all five of us ladies spent a lovely evening together eating, chatting and watching Downton Abbey. Morgan had brought a selection of Coldstone ice cream, which was devoured! Heard bad news tonight about my grandfather, more family discussions are required tomorrow.

Wednesday, March 28th Today we did some more errands around town, stopping in Wal-Mart, Petco, etc. For lunch we went to the Chowder House, which Nana really enjoyed. My eyes were too big for my stomach, so I took about half of my order home. Once home, Nana & I gave Olivia a splashy bath. Olivia was being very coy and cute. I got lots of fun pictures. She sure knows how to mug for the camera! I had a very tough Skype phone call with my family about my grandfather's condition. It was very tough to be cheerful after that. Nana, Olivia & I had to get going, however. We had a dinner date at Big Daddy's BBQ with Sergeant Komarek. Once there, Olivia decided she did not want to be at a restaurant. I spent most of the evening walking around the restaurant with her. I think that Cathy & Komarek had a nice time talking about Adam, though. We packed up my meal and left for home. Of course as soon as we were in the car Olivia fell asleep. So we took the scenic route. It was a beautiful sunset and we were able to get a spectacular view of Denali. We also drove past the Large Animal Research Station and saw the musk oxen. I'm glad that the weather and animals cooperated for Cathy's last night in Alaska.

Thursday, March 29th This morning Jessica Abel brought over some coffees for Cathy & I. She also brought me some flowers, knowing the news about my grandfather. Cathy finished her packing and once she was through I left to be a part of a conference call at the hospital. It was nice for Olivia to get spend time with her Nana. And it was very nice for me to have Nana here to take care of her during this tough time. After I got home it was just about time to take Nana to the airport. We stopped to get her a sandwich and then it was an easy ride to Fairbanks International Airport. She made it through with time to spare. We sure will miss having her here. Olivia & I went home and tried to rest a little bit before the redeployment ceremony tonight. We got fixed up and picked up dinner for the Abel ladies. It was a few hours of waiting at the AHA (Advanced Holding Area) before the soldiers came marching through. It was a joyous sight. I'm excited that next time it will be our turn, hopefully. I took pictures for everyone but was ready to take a very tired Olivia home. It was an exhausting and emotional day.

Friday, March 30th I was very tired today, so Olivia & I stayed in. I spent most of the day swapping out Olivia's clothes that were too small for the next sizes. This meant rearranging her dresser, the closet organizer and washing and folding. We had a pleasant break when Alexandra and James came over with sandwiches. What a treat! Then it was back to the nursery. It's a good thing we were staying quiet because Olivia was sick all afternoon. Poor baby. I was able to phone the hospital and speak 'to' my grandfather who was now in hospice care. The rest of the day was spent taking care of my sick baby and on the phone with Connecticut.

Saturday, March 31st Today I finished our Permanent Fund Dividend paperwork, which was difficult because Olivia was still sick and spent most of the day crying. It made it and even tougher day than it was. In the evening I was able to Skype with my sister at the hospital on her laptop. It was nice to feel that I was 'there' and to support my family.