Time to Catch Up!

Well, folks - it's time to catch you all up in the Tischendorf household. Lots to tell but since I'm a woman with few words, it won't take too long. Here's a synopsis!

Oct. 21 - Left for CA to be with Amanda and Matt during Jackson's surgery. He had a cleft lip like Lindsey's and Greg's Cole. Jackson did great. A pretty rough week after surgery, but we all knew that going in. He is doing fine now - loves to eat, sleep and ...... In that order! Amanda will be posting before and after pictures of Jack soon so some time in the next week or so you can look for pictures on her blog!

I spent 10 days in sunny San Diego. The weather was really really nice. Much better than Chicago weather. I also helped them pack up their apartment as Matt was leaving for Afghanistan and Amanda was moving back here with us.

October 30 - Said goodbye to Matthew - he was leaving for Afghanistan Nov. 4. Such a hard goodbye but proud of our marine.

November 3 - Brian left to say goodbye to Matt and to drive Amanda back here to leave while he is gone. He will be back in June from his deployment.

November 4- Matt left. Convoy to another base, flew to Maine, flew to Ireland, then to Krykstan

(sp?), arrived yesterday in Afghanistan. Amanda heard from the commander in chief (or whoever is in charge of the battalion) letting families know that they had arrived safe and sound and they will be over there for about 200 something days, which brings him back in June. Hopefully, there will be no extensions as sometimes there are.

November 5 - Brian, Amanda and Jackson started driving home from San Diego. Beautiful weather the whole way and now Brian wants to rent an RV to do the trip again to see the sights along the way.

November 8 - They arrived safely home. What a relief, however, November 6 I went to our cottage for a little R & R and came home Monday morning well rested and ready to face the next 7 months with a daughter and grandchild home. I must say, Jackson is a very good happy baby. Just keep him fed, enough sleep and changed diapers and he is a happy camper. Mom is doing well too considering the circumstances. Can't imagine how she feels right now but we all will stand behind her during this time.