With the last few days being hot Christina and I headed to the river today. It was refreshing, but felt good to get back into the air conditioning.

As the housework gets whittled away I managed to get caught up reading some emails. I found some good information and will post each item individually.

Last weekend was busy with Christina. We had the UCP Short Walk on Saturday morning. The weather had a little chill and was very damp. We did not run into any rain while we were outdoors.

The Doll and Pet Parade was Saturday afternoon. Christina had fun and it was nice to watch her wave to the onlookers.

Sunday was nice and sunny so most of the day was spent outside.

It won't be long and school will be out for Christina.

Saturday was a busy day. Christina and I participated in the UCP Short Walk. Christina raised a little money for a good cause and of course she enjoyed the walk in the park despite the weather. Afterwards we enjoyed breakfast in the tent.

Christina and I would like to thank those who sponsored/donated to the cause. Thank you Grandma, Bob, Tom, Dan, JJ, Steve, Pam and the others. It is very appreciated.

After a break at home we headed to the Doll & Pet Parade. Christina was cute as ever and turned heads as we walked to get in line. Christina is turning into quite the social butterfly waving to the crowd as we went by.

Getting ready with Aushleana. In line



Hurry with the picture.


Sunday was a sunny day so more outside time. Christina enjoyed walking in the gait trainer and swinging.

What a week.

Christina being sick really took a toll on the princess. With the round of flu she picked up it really upset her belly. Christina became very dehydrated and ended up going to Urgent Care and then to the Emergency Room. After several hours in the ER the doctor wanted to admit her. A couple hours later Christina was in a room taking a much needed nap.

I won't go into detail, but let's say once again when mom/dad tell the nurses Christina is difficult to get a line started, they mean it. With a dose of Versed, three people holding her down, one person sticking only two lines blew before getting the IV started on number three. Let me see that commercial again for the hospital telling me how quick, and wonderful of a job they do. At least there is only ONE mistake at a time.

After lots of fluids via IV and a round of meds via the IV Christina was on track to back to normal. With lots of hugs and kisses and some make shift playtime in the hospital room Christina was discharged by lunch time on Tuesday.

Christina was very hungry and once the OK came from the doc she ate with huge bites. Today, Wednesday, Christina is much better and seems back to her normal self. We're still wondering whether Christina should go to school tomorrow. It is a safe bet if we ask her she will say yes. Christina really enjoys school.

Happy Easter!!!

It has been three full days Christina has been sick. The princess is getting better and with some luck and a guiding hand from above my princess will be up to par. It is a safe assumption as of tonight that she will not go to school tomorrow.

The weekend was pretty mellow with Christina being sick. The flu Christina picked up really kicked her butt. Poor thing was in so much pain and burning up. It is incentive for me to better focus my efforts.

I began working on the project again. It had been since September if I recall since I last added to it. It is hard to focus after a couple of paragraphs. I made it as far as month one, the PVL diagnosis. I pause as I think about several things, the project, Christina's diagnosis, today, tomorrow.

Some information to share...
Live everyday to the fullest.
Enjoy everyday like tomorrow never comes.
Savor every memory.

These are not due to some religious anything. It has nothing to do with today being a religious holiday. It simply is. A child can open your eyes if you let them. And ears. Christina's diagnosis was my perk up. I am not sure how to describe the thoughts running in my head right now.

Next topic. It was nice to open the windows today. It helped to alleviate the load of all the laundry with the fresh air.

Pictures are almost done for the week also. I'm getting better at this. ;)

Enjoy the day.

Christina continues to keep us proud. Her doctor appointment went as well as expected(see other post). She does not like the pokes and prods, but the news was good. Christina is doing well and better than anyone expected when they first saw her in the hospital.

Christina has been back to her good 'ol self. Talking and walking seem non-stop.

We received a sample wheelchair to try. It is not for Christina to use, bu8t more for us to see how it works and how well it maneuvers around the house.

Last weekend Christina played outside a lot. Walking, gait trainer, stroller walks are the popular activities. Inside Christina was a HUGE fan of swinging. Using her blue chair(rehab2go chair) and teh swing stuff, Chrisitna was able to sit upright, be strapped in, swing without barriers, hold on to handles. The combo worked great. As soon as I figure out how to post video I will. The first time we tried it Christina had so much fun it brought a tear to my eye. I let her swing as long as she wanted with the occasional re-adjust to keep her sitting tall. The princess enjoyed 45 minutes.

Christina's teeth have not been bothering her lately. Good or bad, I'm not sure. They have not poked through so she will go through it again.

Although the benefits from the Phenol and Botox have been wonderful again this round, it has also shown in Christina's trunk and neck. It does not seem to slow her down at all though.

The next appointment with the developmental doctor is coming up. We only have to go once a year, yea. There will be tests that do not show how much Christina knows. It is frustrating to see. For those who need some explanation I will give it a try... Christina is not able to quickly(if at all) point, touch, grab, push, pull various items that are used during a test. Example: layout several cards with pictures and ask Christina to point or pickup one of the cards with a particular picture. Christina can see the cards, decide which card is correct, make an attempt to grab or point said card. Christina has difficulty controlling her movement so as she tries to move her arm and hand into place it can be jolty(for lack of a better word). Christina needs extra time to get her muscles to do as she wishes. And the muscles have a tough time hearing/listening to her instructions. If the card is laying flat on the table, it is very difficult for Christina to grab the card. If she tries to point her arm may stop before reaching the target card, give it time and she will get there. But Christina may push or touch other cards while reaching her goal. The tests do not take into consideration physical setbacks.

Let's end on a happier note:

Christina has been doing wonderful in school. Her communication device came and we are looking forward to see how Christina does. Christina is going to use an iPad for her device with communication software. She has used an iPad before in speech and does well.

Daddy's Log 20110404 Supplemental

Time has continued with its elusive behavior. I could use a couple more hours in the day. Whether those hours would be best spent working or sleeping has yet to be decided. I've have been fighting off a bit of a cold and it has slowed me down.

Christina and I had a good weekend. Saturday the princess was her typical cuddly self as soon as we got home. We went to see some friends at the bowling alley and the noise had Christina a little startled. She wanted up from her chair and I obliged for a little while. It wasn't long and she was smiling and talking with everyone. Christina was even happy enough for pictures.

Sunday we ventured to the mall. We played a lot and then went for our walk. After some mellow time at home she still did not nap much. It showed Sunday night shortly before bath. The energetic four year old had run out of steam. Yea daddy. With a good nights sleep Christina was ready to go about six. It worked out well getting ready for school with her getting up a little earlier.

Christina had a message for Daddy using her talker. I really enjoyed her playing it for me and wanted to share.