So as the weather cools down(ha) it is 73°, a dew point of 72°, and a real feel of 83°. And that is cooler, hmm. Everything is relative. Winter where are you.

Christina and I had fun this past weekend. We went to a family reunion and got to see relatives I have not seen in ages and got to meet many more. It was a good time. Christina tolerated the heat better than some.

Our outside play has been limited with the heat. I have noticed even the neighbor kids have not been out much. Christina still keeps me running in the house.

Another round of Phenol blocks and Botox is coming up and my mind is already tossing every thought possible over it. Ugh. I have been reading a book about advocating for your child and it is informative enough to get me thinking about how lucky we have been with doctors, therapists, and insurance. There is very little positive in what I have read so far.

The slideshow of pictures should be updated tonight. Enjoy!!!

Happy Birthday Christina!!!

Christina turned five this past weekend. She is growing up so fast. I thought it would be a good idea to try watching the fireworks. Christina did very well. She took a long nap in the afternoon and was ready to go late in the evening. I think Christina was a little bored while we waited. Once the fireworks started Christina watched with a smile. I even caught her tracking some of the fireworks that were bright on the way up. The booms and bangs did not bother her at all. I saw a few yawns, but she watched the fireworks until the end. Even the walk to the park and back to the car went good. Silly daddy packed a jacket and pants in case it cooled down.


Happy Fourth of July!!!

Or better put:
Happy Independence Day!!!

I went through all the pictures of Christina through 2006. Wow, Christina has come such a long way. Looking back really made me think how I made it this far also. It is amazing how much a parent can handle when thrown news no one should ever have to face. Lots of memories of my wired baby. And not to forget when Christina was wireless.

Thinking about all the pictures I went through I should put up a wall of nurses, doctors, volunteers who took care of Christina and helped me get through.

Well laundry is waiting and I'm tearing up so more at another time.

Christina has been a busy body and loves to go go go. She loves to play outside. With the warmer temps we play for awhile outside then take a break inside and then right back outside.

Christina's had a doctor appointment with Taniguchi and Walker. All is well and she will see them more regularly. Her hips are doing OK and the concerns we had are not anything to be overly concerned about. Yeah, how many parents hear that and can let it go. It still eats at me. More detail... We were concerned about Christina's tone and possibly being in pain. Watching her form and progress we noticed some small differences and asked questions. The way the bones develop in kids with CP is playing its role in Christina's development and we are noticing the change.

Christina has continued doing super well in the gait trainer and often likes to race. And of course talkative as ever. We tell each other lots of stories. I think Christina would make a good fisherwoman with her stories.

The princess turns five soon. Time sure flies.

The slideshow was updated today, enjoy.

With the warmer temperatures I am ready for winter. This week is going to get hotter, not looking forward to it.

I have not updated in awhile, my apologies.

Christina is doing well. We spend lots of time outside swinging, walking, wagon rides, and the reward for her wonderful efforts a shoulder ride.

Christina loves to go go go; we wear each other out. I try t sit for a little bit when she is down for her nap/quiet time.

The squirrels need to go, they are hurting my plants. Still deciding whether to try one of the ultra-sonic things or get a live trap and relocate them to a wooded area not far.

I have been keeping up on pictures and videos of Christina. I have slacked on getting the slideshow updated regularly. I think I need to pick once or twice a month and schedule it.

Right around the corner is Christina's birthday. The princess will be five. A small party and cake are on the agenda.

I read an article about how dads make better parents than moms. Although there were some good points, overall the article did not hit on key items I would have mentioned. It is a treat and sometimes difficult being mom and dad at the same time. I want to go into detail, but that will be a post of its own and will get done when and if I get time.

Time to watch a movie and go to bed. Cheers!!!

Christina has been running in the gait trainer. It is hard to get a picture of her and start the video in time.

We found part of the sidewalk around the house that Christin is comfortable walking in the gait trainer without holding my hand or having me touch the gait trainer as she gets on her merry way.

The weather has been hot. Uncomfortably hot if you ask me. High 90s is hot, humid or dry it is hot. Our trips outside were short and most included water of some sort. I found going through the sprinkler is not as fun as when I was a kid. The kiddie pool is my favorite. The water is more of a warmer cool and does the trick cooling off without the shock of cold.

Christina preferred the shock of cold for a while then swinging. It worked out well to dry her off a little before heading inside into the air conditioning.

No baking this weekend, it was too warm. We did enjoy some very delicious cheesecake. Christina likes just the cheesecake. Christina has managed to spit out the crust and the added fruit. She also does not like to share.

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.