Catching up…
We hit a rough point this past weekend. Weekends are typically rough to get through anyway. But the fighting and complaining cumulated this weekend between Briggs and Gage. I never anticipated there would be contention between two that are four years apart…but I am here to tell you…they play great together and fight great together.
Anway, I lost my temper. I had terrible remorse. I tried to remain patient.
It didn’t help that Gage is really missing Tim at this point…he probably asks me about ten times a day when he is going to see his daddy, where is his daddy, he wants to see his daddy, daddy is coming to eat pizza with us, I hear daddy’s chopper, etc.
I can tell the boys really need to be ‘beaten’ as we call it…wrestled with and pushed around. They crave physical contact that is a mixture between hugging/kissing and being manhandled. Uncle Mark will be visiting soon…he does it just like their Dad. I anticipate a lot of ‘beatings’ during his visit. They love it!
So, I have realized that I will have highs and lows with this deployment. As you know, if you have been a regular blog reader, it has gone better than I anticipated. We have remained very positive and I have received wonderful support.
I have been considering, however, how will this really affect the children. Will they even remember? If they don’t remember though surely it will make some kind of imprint on their lives?
I have heard that a child’s personality is developed by age two….the first two years being the most formative years. So…if Tim is gone almost the entire first two years of the twins’ lives I am responsible for their personalities. This is huge. I hadn’t considered this until recently. What if I do not do a good job? Tim really is the most patient one between the two of us and likely the most sensible. The girls surely will not remember Tim being gone but won’t this one-sided upbringing have considerable impact?
On another note…it is my birthday today! I am 36 now…yikes…that means closer to 40 than 30. I have all that I want though…a tribe of kids, wonderful friendships, the support of family, a comfortable home, and a partner I truly love and respect. I love posting old images…especially on the NEP Blog. This one was taken of me I think on my first birthday or at least close to it.
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Special thanks …Chuck Stevens for taking Gage on a solo trip to the park. Sheryl Chelovitz for a spaghetti dinner. Kathy and Bill Keeling for a nice visit to their house and a great playdate for the kids. My in-laws for taking the boys to Madison for a weekend visit. Nate and Helena for being great companions. Susan Hyten for picking up items at ther grocery store. Patrick Hohman for just playing with Gage.
Happy Birthday, Tiffany!!!
Allison - June 21st, 2007 at 9:41 amThrough my eyes you are doing an amazing job raising the kids, running your household and business while Tim is away! I love that Tim calls you the CFO, perfect name!!!!
One day at a time and as a mom sometimes it is one minute at a time! Keep chuggin’ your doing a great job!
Again have a wonderful birthday!!!
Happy Birthday Tiffany
Tom Rowe - June 21st, 2007 at 10:45 amHard to believe my first niece and experience with a baby is 36. Must mean I am aging as well. Just wondering, do you still get nose bleeds?
xo
TRR
I had one this morning, in fact. Funny…my whole life I have had nosebleeds…the worst of them when I was pregnant. Good thing that isn’t happening again.
tiffany - June 21st, 2007 at 11:14 amHappy Birthday Tiffany…don’t worry I will wrestle with boys when I get there…kick the crap out of if you want, let me know! JUST KIDDING!!! Can’t wait to see you…I hope someday I can have what you have - a great family, loving husband, nice home, friends etc… and of course an awesome Cousin like me. hehehe!
Best Birthday Wishes….you for sure don’t look 36…you look 21, lets go partying in Indi!
xoxoxoxo,
Suzy
Suzy - June 21st, 2007 at 12:25 pmHappy Birthday to my favorite 36-year-old half-sister. It never gets old freaking people out with that!
Morgan Rowe - June 21st, 2007 at 12:27 pmHappy Birthday Tiffany.
Melissa Boval - June 21st, 2007 at 1:07 pmI have to tell you, this is the first time I have visited the site and I am completely in tears. It is overwhelming to me the love that you two have for each other and the kids. They are absolutely beautiful and I can’t believe the girls are getting so big. Seems like yesterday Doug told me they were born!
Well, now my makeup is completely smeared and people are looking in my office like I have lost my mind!
Again, happy birthday. I know that Doug worries about Tim and talks about his return all of the time. Tim has been such an influence in Doug’s life and I know that he misses have him around. Especially venting to him about Shire!
Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Drew loved playing with the boys and I am sure he would love to give them a good head knocking and Megan is becoming quite the little helper with little ones.
Even if you need a shopping trip to Metropolis, give me a call.
~Melissa
You’re doing a great job, I’m glad you’re at the helm!
Happy Birthday! I love you!
Tim
That picture reminds me of Campbell!
tim - June 21st, 2007 at 2:41 pmI agree!!!! Campbell looks just like Tiffany…and here I think she looks like you Tim.
Suzy
Suzy - June 21st, 2007 at 3:10 pmRough day for me on the blog. Happy Birthday Tiffany. My friend Sue tells me that you have nothing to worry about in rearing your children. She’s pretty impressed at the job that you are doing right now. All will be fine. Take heart, it’s not all done by the time that they are 2. There is plenty left for later. ie, HS parties!
Aunt 9 - June 21st, 2007 at 9:46 pmThe first time I saw your beautiful face was a moment I will never forget. You were beautiful then and you continue to become more beautiful with each passing year. I am not talking about just physical beauty. I am also talking about your kindness to others, insight into what makes others happy, going above and beyond when others only just stand there, being the best mother and wife ever. I respect and love you so much and as I wrote to you tonight, you are one of two treasures in my entire life and I am blessed.
Mom - June 21st, 2007 at 10:38 pmtiffany- you are doing such a wonderful job! Happy happy birthday…you deserve it
Mary - June 22nd, 2007 at 9:44 amp.s. That photo of you DOES look like the twins!
p.p.s. I’m sure that Gage and Briggs are fairing better than most b/c they have such a great mom who employs such a fabulous support system! You’re amazing
Tiffany -
Stacy Meyer - June 23rd, 2007 at 8:21 amHappy Birthday!
You amaze me.
Stacy
The beatings will continue until moral improves. I will gladly do my duty when we see you and the kids in a couple of weeks.
Big Stone - June 25th, 2007 at 12:02 amWe love you guys!