Bed Time

The swaddling shall continue because one little Bean prefers to be snug as a bug in a rug. He was up off and on until 3am because he kept waking himself up... He slept soundly until 8am once I swaddled him.

Stages, stages

Today he sat up with the help with a bumbo chair. Ah, and nana's hand too. Tonight he is sleeping unswaddled. For the first time! My little boy is growing so fast. Let us just hope he doesn't scare himself awake again, or it is right back to swaddling. This mom likes sleeping through the night. No pics of that though, we don't want to wake the sleeping bean.

Happiness Project, #2

This week's random thing to be happy about comes from pg 442.

finding each other being only the beginning

How fitting that this particular happiness comes on our first wedding anniversary. I knew early on that MrE was my match. Finding him was the beginning to our happy ever after. I was talking to someone the Saturday night about all of the craziness from this past year. They wanted to know how I made it through pregnancy alone and six months of MrE's deployment. They had been pregnant at the same time and felt sad that I was alone. I just said we are always surprised but what we can handle when it comes down to it. And the simple truth is, the alternative is a life without MrE. That is just something I would not want. So while I miss him terribly, I never dwell on his absence because we are his home, and he will be back. Yeah, I'm corny...

Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

Hello Everyone!!

Pulled into Malabo, Equatorial Guinea on the 25th. Malabo is on a small island just off the coast of Cameroon (in the Gulf of Guinea). Although EG has a continental footprint (small country wedged in between Nigeria and Cameroon), it’s capital is Malabo and is on this island. EG is an oil rich African nation and the influences of the rich oil companies are everywhere. The language is Spanish and the people are generally very friendly. Fortunately for the crew, there is much less crime here than there was in Nigeria. The sailors have had many opportunities to get out and see the town and countryside. While here, we’ve conducted several training events. Our Operational Specialists helped the EG Navy w/ some basic Search and Rescue training, my engineers went to their local dry dock and helped EG engineers assess some problems w/ their engine on a 30’ patrol boat, and some of our Electrical Technicians helped their communication center tune some of their radios. Additionally, we hosted tours for several dignitaries and local oil company businessmen and executives (and their wives). It seems that the large oil companies (Total, Mobile, and Sunaco) are the main sources of income for the island community. Their mountains and surrounding waters are ripe w/ oil. As I took a bike ride through town, I could see the influx of oil money was supporting a ton of new construction, roads, housing, and government buildings. As always, we hosted a reception on board for all the local dignitaries and government officials. I believe we had over 100 guests last night, but I was late getting back from a local tour last night, so I didn’t attend.

As for liberty, I went out Wednesday night and got to have a pizza and some Coronas ;) It was a nice break from ship routine and food. I had duty the second day, and on Friday I got to head into town on my bike w/ Don and Kevin. We rode from the ship, through the town, and through some of the slums. The poverty in those areas was staggering. Many of the locals still live in corrugated metal roof huts w/ no sewage lines, running water, and trash was everywhere. It really was eye opening. The only redeeming part was that although they were extremely poor, there were still kids out playing soccer and running around being kids. We stopped at one point and handed out some candy.

Yesterday, I took a bus trip w/ about 19 other Sailors to the other side of the island (through the mountains) to a wildlife research center. We got to climb one of the mountains on the island, Basille Mountain (in English translates to “funny mountain”). EG interior is mostly tropical rain forest, so of course we trekked up the side of this enormous mountain through the torrential rain. It took us about 2 hours to get to the top, where we were rewarded w/ a view of a extinct volcano. It is now filled in w/ rain water and looked like a lake, but many years ago had been responsible for creating the island itself. The wildlife refuge we started from was charted through grants from the US government and research money from the local oil companies. They were conducting research on monkeys, bush babies, squirrels, and salamanders, as well as the climate zones and local rain forest vegetation. The center was run by an American Scientist and there were 5-6 US College students there conducting research for summer projects. All in all it was a wonderful day. I was a little tired at the end, but how many other people can say they hiked up an African mountain (OBW, it was 6,350’ to the top!) through a rain forest!!! A great story for Connor when he gets older!!!

We’re here another day before heading off to the next country. Hope all are doing well and I can’t wait to get home. Just 65 days left, but who’s counting ;)

- JR, out...

Happy Anniversary to Us!

It is really hard to believe that 1 year ago we were in St. Thomas getting married. It was such a wonderful wedding, the best really. But we are all supposed to say our wedding was the best because it really is a day about your love for each other.

This year has gone by so fast. Looking back I think of things that have made us so much stronger. Events that we really had no choice but to suck it up and make it through. I never questionned or doubted, but I did have my oh my moments & shed a few tears...

~Oct: A couple of weeks after we got back from our month long sebatacle, Mr E. reported to his temporary job in VA. Luckily he was able to stay in MA and make 1-2 trips per month through the holidays.
~Nov: we found out about Bean!
~Dec:The day after Christmas we drove down to VA to set up shop.
~Jan: we packed up some of the house here & moved it to our home in VA. I also had to say a temporary good bye to my husband, which was awful. I was the puffy, teary eyed girl in the airport and on the airplane. This also started my travelling to back and forth to VA every other week.
~Feb: we found out the Bean was a little boy and we welcomed GI Baby to the world.
~Mar: we said good bye to Papa.
~Apr: I took a leave of Absence from work. No more travelling back and forth, just life in VA until MrE deployed.
~May: Vacation time for us. Some time with the families before MrE left. Packed up the house in VA.
~Jun: said "See you soon" to the hubby, started the countdown & returned to MA with the parents. I was again the puffy, teary eyed girl.
~Jul: We welcomed Bean in to the world, which has made a blur of the summer. Here we are at the end of Sept!

Soon we will be moving back to VA. More importantly we will be welcoming daddy off the ship!!! I'm so giddy about it. I cannot wait! New mommies & babies get to go first. The dads in there whites, stepping on to the pier and holding the little ones they have only seen in pictures thus far. It makes me teary every time I think of it. I will again be the puffy, teary eyed girl...

Lagos, Nigeria

We have gotten underway from the port of Lagos, Nigeria, and it was one of our most successful port visits to date.

Lagos is our 17th port visit. It is a city of roughly 8 million people, situated in the south-west coast of Nigeria, a country roughly the size of Texas. The country itself represents over 250 different ethnic groups, with over 50% of the population being Muslim. English is its official language, and, native Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Fulani are spoken as well. The land itself is a mixture of mangrove swamp, rainforest, savannah and open woodland, and semi-desert.

Our liberty was curtailed in this port due to the increased crime rate in many parts of the city. Rest assured, one of the safest places for me was the ship itself. And even though we had no chance to go see the culture itself, with the help of the local U.S. Consulate and the Nigerian Navy, the culture came to us. The U.S. Consulate offered to us it’s own guest quarters located just across the river we were berthed at, providing our crew with many just-like-home services: internet services, restaurant, bar, Olympic-length pool, gym facilities, and basketball court. A Nigerian market was setup inside the consulate guest quarters itself, providing local crafts to be bought by the crew.

The Nigerian Navy is probably the region’s most developed navy, but were still unorganized and under-equipped. They are very proud of their capabilities and standing amongst the other nations, and were very honored to have the opportunity to host us. The local base commander provided a social event at the Nigerian Naval Station Beecroft officer and enlisted messes for over 30 of the ship’s company. They hosted us with a very open and friendly atmosphere. Handshakes, jokes, sea stories, and many pictures were the norm as we discovered their Navy to be one of the most hospitable to date.

We hosted another successful reception onboard for the top Nigerian naval commanders and staff from all over the country. The Nigerian Navy returned the favor by inviting over 40 crew members to a cultural song and dance social at the Beecroft Naval Station, where we were privy to performances of very old cultural dances and songs; we were treated to local foods and tastes as our hosts provided dinner for us, as well.

The ship participated in a joint-navy Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) between our two navies; the crew was very successful in a mock-rescue of a stranded and sinking vessel. Although simulated, everyone was key in showing the Nigerian Navy our capability, especially in coordinating with their rescue forces.

The week was finished off with a friendly volleyball match between our two navies, ultimately resulting in ELROD’s team taking losses, obviously because we haven’t been practicing that much at sea. ELROD supplied our Nigerian friends a little taste of our culture afterwards, with all-American burgers, beans, and hot dogs on our flight deck.

The crew is doing amazing things, both on and off the ship. They continue to do any and all of the work needed to support ELROD’s mission in this part of the world and get the job done.

-J.R.

Happy Boys!

We love our walks!

Nap time with Mr. Monkey & Righty

I think I can, I think I can - make it up this step!

I spy with my little eye a little baby-Zilla!

Oh G-Pa, you are so funny!

Oh yes mommy, I am so funny!

Happiness Project, the beginning

I made a random book purchase the other day. Random for me because I do not usually purchase a book that has no story to it. Thumbing through 14,000 things to be happy about brought a smile to my face. I thought, why not? The book contains a list 40 yrs in the making that make the author happy. Yet they are general enough for all to appreciate. Last night another thought occured, a blog project... So, once a week I will pick something randomly from the book to be happy about and how I relate to that happiness. So for the first happiness entry...

willows that look like great honey colored fountains, pg 410.

Our old dog Ferris used to climb the Willow tree in my parents back yard. Visitors would drive by to see the yellow lab up on the branch, which was a good 4ft high. My mother claimed that it was so she could see the property and ensure her people were safe. I think it was because she thought she was anything but a dog. Willow trees will always make me think of our beloved Ferris and all of the good times we had with our puppy!
I made a random book purchase the other day. Random for me because I do not usually purchase a book that has no story to it. Thumbing through 14,000 things to be happy about brought a smile to my face. I thought, why not? The book contains a list 40 yrs in the making that make the author happy. Yet they are general enough for all to appreciate. Last night another thought occured, a blog project... So, once a week I will pick something randomly from the book to be happy about and how I relate to that happiness. So for the first happiness entry...

willows that look like great honey colored fountains, pg 410.

Our old dog Ferris used to climb the Willow tree in my parents back yard. Visitors would drive by to see the yellow lab up on the branch, which was a good 4ft high. My mother claimed that it was so she could see the property and ensure her people were safe. I think it was because she thought she was anything but a dog. Willow trees will always make me think of our beloved Ferris and all of the good times we had with our puppy!



Dad & Ferris, the tree dog

Mindelo, Cape Verde

Hello all!

Well, we’ve begun the second half of the deployment in the African Area of Responsibility. Two days ago we pulled into Mindelo, Cape Verde…and we were greated by 95+ degree heat! Man-o-man is it hot down here. This was the first blast of warm air we’ve witnessed all deployment, as we were pretty far north for most of the summer. The last half of the deployment we’ll be visiting many developing African countries. Our mission down here is to help them develop the basics to maintain a professional maritime force and to conduct maritime security. Many of the countries face significant challenges such as enforcing their maritime zones (versus threats like piracy, illegal shipping, anti-narcotics, fisheries protection, and immigrations issues). Additionally, we’ll be engaging w/ them with training on basic maintenance practices and general engineering safety practices that will allow their Coast Guards and Navies to maintain a presence at sea in order to carry out the missions I mentioned above.

After taking on fuel the first day, we hosted the 6th Fleet’s Navy Band and an all-star Navy Soccer team both flown in from Naples, IT. Both soccer and music are areas of interest and pride for the Cape Verdians, so we hosted a concert and had several soccer games w/ them to encourage team work and fellowship. I was able to head out in town for a meal and some beers the first night. I went out w/ Don and a couple junior officers. Other than being ungodly hot, the town was pretty dirty and barren. Very third world-ish…trash everywhere, young children roaming the street begging for money or hawking cheap t-shirts or jewelry. There were stray dogs and dalapidated buildings everywhere. But the people seemed friendly enough. We settled in a local restaurant on a second floor of a hostel (no A/C). The food was pretty good (pinto beans, rice, flank steak w/ an egg on top, salad and French fries) and the beer was cold. Overall, we had a nice meal there.

Tues, I had duty and we conducted some Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training w/ the local Coast Guard. We trained them on all the basic steps they need to learn to be able to secure their sea lanes and police their local ports and inland waters. In the afternoon, we sent 20 Sailors to a local school for a community relations project. The Sailors painted the complete exterior of a local school, top to bottom (in just 2 hours). Later in the evening we hosted a reception onboard for local dignitaries (mayor, congressional reps, local businessmen, military officials, etc). Just as we started to mingle w/ the guests, we witnessed a huge fire in a warehouse along the waterfront not more than a mile away.

We called away the ship’s rescue and assistance team (we practice giving vessels in distress help fighting fires every month) and they sprung into action. We brought 2/3 of our damage control and firefighting equipment to the pier (we left 1/3 on the ship just in case we needed it for a fire onboard). The locals quickly volunteered their trucks and SUV’s to take equipment and Sailors over to the scene. After organizing the effort onboard (taking a muster of who left, what equipment they needed, and ensuring we still had equipment onboard in case of an emergency), I turned over the duties as Command Duty Officer to OPS (a fellow department head) and I left to go assist my Damage Control Assistant (in charge of all firefighting efforts onboard the ship) at the scene of the fire.

When we (me and 36 firefighters from ELROD) arrived, the scene was in disarray. The building had been burning for over an hour and the local fire departement had not even begun fighting the fire. We quickly organized into a couple hose teams and manned up hoses at the largest parts of the fire. As we fought the fire, they started manning up other hoses and did the same (kind of “monkey see, monkey do”). I began liasioning w/ the local fire chief, who I quickly realized was clueless and had no plan. Evidently, this was the first fire in over 10 years (hard to believe, but that’s how clueless they were). DCA and I began advising him (ie telling him what to do) on where to move his fire trucks and where to fight the fire from.

We were dismayed to find out that their firefighters did not have breathing air devices (we call them SCBA’s) to go into the smoke filled building, and they did not have flash gear (like a fire retardant ski mask and gloves). Both of these are essential items and without them, risk of burns and smoke inhalation meant they could not properly fight the fire. The warehouse which was approximately 40K sqr ft and made of corrugated aluminum was starting to collapse when we arrived. We began chopping holes in the side of the building for them (w/ fire axes) and prompted them to fight the fires through the accesses we made. We also concentrated on helping them man their hoses properly so their efforts were more effective. As ELROD’s firefighters worked their hoses, we managed to put out half of the building’s fires. The other half was being half heartedly fought by the locals. Somewhere in the mix, the fire chief disappeared. So we reorganized the effort and again made our recommendations that they send two hose teams in the building to fight the last two seats of the fire. However, they refused and continued to let the fire burn. It was hard to keep restrained in the face of such ignorance and lack of courage, but I could not send my firefighters into the building based on the risk assessment and our lack of training w/ structural fires (besides, my XO, who had comms w/ me via radio back at the ship would not let me send our Sailors into the building). Even though, I was confident we would’ve been able to fight and put out the last of the fires if they had allowed us, it was important for us to help only as necessary and to stay back as advisors and help direct their effort. Overall, my shipmates put forth an extraordinary effort. They stayed calm, applied their knowledge of safe and thorough firefighting techniques and helped contain the fire to that one building. I’m not sure how far the fire would have spread had we not been there to help and advise. I’ve attached a bunch of pics from the fire and the building the day after…what a night!!

2445/6- pics of the first hose team in action…they were the fearless ones that prompted the locals to start fighting the fire.
48- dirty dozen…the majority of the hard working guys that were on the front lines fighting the fire.
49- Me and one of my DCC Raney (one of my “rated” firefighting Chief Petty Officers). He was like a bulldog out there, chomping at the bit to go into the building and put the fire out when the locals were afraid.

Yesterday, my engineers visited one of their patrol craft, hosted some CG engineers onboard ELROD for a visit, and followed it up w/ some training on our Maintenance practices and safety procedures. It was another great opportunity to help our friends from Cape Verde become better Sailors and engineers.

I’m afraid to say it, but despite my less than positive reviews of this port, I’m afraid this will be one of the better places we visit over the next couple months. However, I look forward to helping these countries build their professional knowledge and skill sets through training and engagement.

Hope all are well!! I’m 101 days down, only 83 left!!!
J.R.

Starting Them Young

The miracle cure to end a meltdown around here is Red Sox Baby! My sister had received the dvd as a gift and when I witnessed its power to entrance one screaming Baby-Zilla, I ran out to get my copy Connor his own. There are educational segments on shapes, letters, numbers, and colors related to baseball, specifically the Red Sox. There is singing. There is a 7th inning stretch. The narrator even explains the basics of baseball and the history of the Red Sox. It is broken up over 9 innings and all very cute. This is played about 3 times a day in chez Azzy. Not only does it calm down two little boys, it also gives this mama/aunty time to get some work done! Best yet, it is Raising Tomorrow's Fan Today! I am just ensuring Bean & future siblings are introduced to our home teams no matter where the Navy sends us.


So today I bought Baby Celtics. Now we're on the watch for Baby Patriots, yet to be made.

Joe Cool

It only took me 10 weeks to get him to wear the sunglasses. The bonus, they are starting to fit better! My cute little bean is getting big. He is almost double his birth weight. Two weeks later, he is still sleeping through the night.

I am one very happy mama!

Mama Lesson 898

Classical music = longer nap times and two happy rested boys at chez Azzy = one very happy, relaxed mom / aunty!

Thank you Comcast. Your music channels are fully appreciated here!

Party Chosen

My son has officially chosen his political party, and I really did nothing to sway his vote. An elephant and donkey were presented to him. He was more interested in the Righty the elephant, and so it shall be... Well, in 18 yrs when he can vote it shall be.

Beware of Binky Thiefs

It all started a couple of weeks ago, GI Baby (also called Zilla) went over to Bean lovingly. Just as he got with in arm's length, he reached out and stole Bean's binky. Whenever Bean has his binky, GI Baby's mission is to seek out and retrieve the binky. Poor Bean. He has started spitting out his Binky in defense when he spots GI Baby. At this point that is his only defense. At two months old, there is no rolling or crawling away. He is still trying to figure out how to manuver his arms... But one day Bean will counter GI Baby's attacks, until then he will record everything to memory...

Today the surveillance team caught GI Baby in the act!

Bean attempted to ditch the binky when the thief was first spotted.

GI Baby's 2nd attempt was successful!

Retreating to safety

Oh the coveted binky!

Bean is trying to figure out why he lost the binky again...

Shhh...

Bean has slept until 7:00 am the last four days. Before that he slept until 6am for three days. I'm knocking on wood constantly. It could be that I still swaddle him so he isn't scaring himself awake. This mama needs her sleep.

Oh god of sleeping babies, please let this continue!

Our Weekend With Pictures

Saturday was an official PJ Day at chez moi et Bean.

I also caught up on my snuggle time with Bean since I had spent part of the week in the office.

Sunday we went to the Apple Peach Festival.

Bean was properly dressed for the season opener.

Of course GI Baby was also dressed appropriately for game day!

He also got some face time in with Aunty K at the festival.

GI Baby can sniff out food like a champ. "Hmmm, is that apple pie that I smell there?"

Curse of the Libra

The whole, 'not going back to work' thing changed. Temporarily. I figure as long as I am in MA why not work part time. Between my parents and one aunt, Bean gets to spend time with the family before we make the move back to VA vs. being in daycare or having a nanny. Me, a little nuts? Maybe. Definitely indecisive, but I'm a libra. That is what we are known for...

So after several wardrobe changes I found something that fit and was work appropriate. Somewhere in the back of my head I thought I would be able to fit back into my old clothes. It was then that I realized that I was 100% dellusional. I am not one of those gals that got back into their pre-pregnancy size pants leaving the hospital or 2 months after in this case. Ah well, Bean was well worth it and I'll get there. Just hopefully before Mr.E gets home in December.

And on my first day back I only called home on my way home. While I did say bye to my son probably ten times, I didn't cry. Not sure if this makes me a bad mother. My reasoning is that I felt safe because he never left home and was with my mom.

So back at work for the time being Just for the time being.

Manic Monday

Found here.

1. If you were to name the one thing you have the most compassion for, what would it be?
People, but not all... I have compassion for people who try and keep trying. People that have faced adversity or give all they have to others. People that are broken hearted and going through a hard time. When possible, I just want everyone to be happy (if legally obtainable). Because happy people make this world a better place. Everyone else, I just want to reach out a hand and let them know they are not alone.

2. It’s been said that, “The best things in life are free.” Do you think this is true?
Absolutely! I think the best moments I've had in life are fleeting moments with family and friends. I certainly don't look backing thinking, oh I had this or wore this... I look back at the memories. My most recent best moments are when one little boy smiles at me!!! I just melt instantly and all is right with the world.

3. What is the most valuable thing you own?My identity or myself. Not very original since I've seen that answer here and here... But taking care of myself will not only keep me healthy and make me a better person / role model for my son & husband.

Happy Labor Day

And just like that summer is gone! Normally our summers include days at the beach, days on the boat, days in the pool, a mini vacation here or there... This year changed all of that. While I did go to the beach a couple of times this year, I never made it in the ocean. Nor did we make it out on the boat. I made it in the pool a couple of times, but just a couple. Our only mini-vacation was Myrtle Beach before Mr.E deployed, and the extended vacation in Mass while he is gone... So while we were minus one, our new plus one made this the best summer yet.

Yesterday we said our traditional goodbye to summer with the family Labor Day cookout. Today was the last official day of my maternity leave. Soon fall will be here and so will Mr.E. So I say, "Bring on the sweater weather! We want Mr.E home!!!" We hope everyone had a wonderful summer!!!