The bedtime routine has changed since Angela came back from California. I still put Christina down for bed after her bath and meds. The plan is to have Angela try on Friday to put Christina down the same way I do.

Christina is by no means asleep, not even close the last few days. I lay with her for a couple minutes, give her a kiss and tell her goodnight. Then it is out of bed I go. Christina has been able to calm herself and fall asleep.

It is tough for Angela, her little baby is not a baby any more. And it is difficult for both of us to listen to her cry. Christina has come a long way.

Christina is still upset at Angela for taking holiday. It has been two full days and Christina has whined most of the day.

It has been hot here and I think she is uncomfortable. She feels like a furnace and is only wearing shorts and a short sleeve shirt.

Bedtime has officially changed. I do the full bedtime routine; bath, lotion, bouncing, meds, cuddles(so she burps). Then we give mommy hugs and kisses and go to bed. I lay in there for a couple minutes and then give her a kiss goodnight.

We are going to continue this for a week or two then have Angela give it a try.

It has been an interesting few days, Angela left for CA early Thursday morning. Early being 03:30. She comes back late tonight, Christina and I will be snoozing.

Things have gone very well with Christina. I have kept the house looking like a house, laundry is caught up, and no dishes lying around.

Christina also learned to drink from a straw. She needs some practice, but she is doing very well. She caught on faster than I imagined she would.

Grandma Patti has been coming over to see Christina, and give me a chance to clean up without worrying about Christina. Christina does very well after I walk out of the room, she is ok when I come back into the room. Christina even walked while grandma helped her. A feat I am very impressed and pleased with. Christina's social skills are developing rapidly.

Naps have been as expected. She lays down quietly for at least an hour. Two of the days she did sleep a little. Bedtime has been wonderful. Christina has been doing so well that I recorded her going to bed last night. I haven't watched it yet(finished laundry), I hope it caught everything.

Deb comes over today to watch Christina. I meet with UCP, but not sure on the time. That will also give me the chance to pick up some groceries.

All in all, an enjoyable experience.

Derek

Today we tour the school that Christina will be going to in the fall. I am excited and nervous about Christina starting school. It is still awhile yet, but the tour seems to be giving it focus.

School is almost done. I have two quizzes, one assignment, and any end test there may be. I am hoping to finish today and have everything soak in.

Things are going well at home. It has been hectic and nerve racking between Christina's appointments, her attitude, and Angela's appointments.

Christina has been playing hard attitude with mom and myself. We are winning though. It is a tough road.

Time for a refill of coffee and get ready to head out.

Derek

Tea Party at the Eau Claire City Hall building.

I went to the Tea Party to show my frustration with the current government. It is not just the Federal government that is playing games with Christina's future. Our state government is about as bad.

Bailout? Who do they think they are. Irresponsible behavior by business leads to failure, let them fail. It is bad parenting to bail them out. Let them learn life's lessons.

Christina, I will look out for your future. And so will any good American.

I learned about the Chippewa Valley's Fair Tax group. I think it is worth checking out. Here is a link, www.chippewavalleyfairtax.org

Happy Tax Day,
Derek

Happy Day after Easter!!!

Easter weekend was eventful. Christina got sick on Saturday, nothing serious, a runny nose to add to her teething and I think she had a headache.

Sunday, I made dinner. Donny, James and Robyn, and Ed came over.We had a nice visit.

Christina was up a lot on Friday and Saturday night. I tried to calm her on Friday with no luck. Saturday night I was able to keep her content for most of the time. I woke Angela up at 6 on Sunday and passed Christina on to her.

Christina is getting much better around people. Her cries have changed over the last few months. It is more of a whine than a scared/upset like it used to be. Progress is slow.

Angela is going out of town this coming Friday. That should be good for Christina and I.

Derek

Good news from the neurologist!!!

Dr. Burnstein said he is impressed with how far Christina has come. And, we don't have to go back for a year. I never thought those words would mean so much.

Christina has been giving Angela and myself some grief, it seems she wants the other parent no matter which one of us is holding her. Her upper molars have poked through, yet still creep along making her uncomfortable. It is nice to have behavioral issues for a change. Although, they can stop now.

Not much else is new. I still have a few weeks of school. It is going well. I am trying to get the most out of it. Angela is ready for a break, I hope she can relax in California.

Christina has been vocalizing more, she tries so hard. The phenol blocks and the Botox are wearing off too. She is still willing to walk, it is harder for her. You can see how hard it is. There have been times her little legs shake as she tries to take a step.

Sad now, gotta go.

I signed up for a class through continuing education with the UW. I was and am excited to learn more. Today was the first day I hit the books. Class officially started on Wednesday the 18th at 12:00.

It was an experience sitting down and focusing on learning again. It took a little bit to get into the routine. After a half hour or so of reading, I was back into the groove. I finished my first lesson and waiting for lesson two to come out.

Angela and Christina went to the mall today with Crystal and Evan. I'm still waiting to hear how their day went. They are both taking a nap.

What's new? Not a whole lot.

Christina is doing pretty well. She has been working on her vervbal communication and enjoys hearing herself. Speech therapy has given us some things to work on. One of the words we are working on is "more". I am also working on the word "daddy".

Christina's two top second molars are still being slow in coming through. There have been some troublesome days and nights lately. They have gotten better. Although, the princess does not like to lay down by herself for a nap. And, on the weekend has been fighting naps more.

As Christina deals with her teeth and speech, her legs have taken the back burner. She has had more difficulty taking steps. We still work on it, on some days Christina wants to try to walk everywhere. One time taking steps is not a problem is bath time.

Angela and I are doing OK. Angela sprained her foot; not very bad, but enough to hurt a lot and make things more difficult. Both uf us are ready for a break.

I'm going to take a class online. It starts this month. It will take some time juggling, but I am looking forward to it.

Cheers,
Derek

Happy Birthday to me.

For me, it is just another day. I didn't even remember how old I am until Angela got up and reminded me.

Celebrating is not my cup of tea. I think it is a good excuse not to make dinner tonight and to order out. I thought about the three of us going out for dinner. What I really enjoy, is being home and watching Angela and Christina interact. Or working on the PC and listening to them.

Dinner at home it is. Now to figure out what I am in the mood for.

Derek