Christina enjoyed "The Sound of Music".



We had wonderful seats. Thank you to Friends of Gillette.

First, Christina has been a little sick with a slight fever and uncomfortable. She came home early from school, but was back to the grindstone the next day.

Christina is weighing in at 19.4kg (42.77lbs). She is 118cm (46.5in/3'10.5")tall. We are pleased with her weight as we are back to over 40lbs post surgery and maintaining. Christina seems very tall; however, is quite small for her age. Weight will continue to stay a concern for mom and I.

Second, the rhyzotomy surgery went well. I am pleased with the results the surgery intended to provide. Unfortunately, the surgery has increased some of the concerns we were worried about pre-surgery. The curve of Christina's spine which she wore the TLSO to help has become quite worse. Christina needs to wear the TLSO 23 hours a day.

Christina continues her Physical Therapy five days a week and has Occupational Therapy once a week and Speech Therapy once a week. This is in addition to school therapies.

For the parents out there with children that do stretches everyday, do not stop. We were told on several occasions by professionals in the field, that doing stretches with Christina everyday did not provide any benefit. As Christina was one of few patients who did not need to be casted after surgery I think stretches helped. Christina was also discharged after four weeks as opposed to the usual six week stay.

Christina also may have another surgery to straighten her left leg. Mom and I need to discuss this at length. Mom and I do not like the idea of Christina having more surgery. There are several factors to take into consideration and I will share at another time.

I will continue on another date, I have pictures of my princess to backup and share.

Even with the heat there is no stopping Christina. She wanted to go outside despite the hot and humid weather.

When Christina had walked enough she wanted up and to go for a shoulder ride. Christina had walked so well and made me proud. How could I say no.

I'm sure we were hilarious after we got back. Both of us wet from sweat and sticky. It was interesting getting Christina off my shoulders. She was laughing and squirming as she was stuck to my neck. The more I struggled the more Christina laughed. A peek in the mirror did look funny.

Made it almost the whole summer without getting sick. Christina now has the sniffles. And a lot of drainage. Poor little princess.

I think being sick has increased her tone and made therapy a little less fun. Christina is a trooper though and still worked hard.

I am so proud of Christina. She has been doing super well in therapy, both physical therapy and swim therapy. Christina is an inspiration to work hard no matter what.

Lots of comments also on how beautiful, pretty, and adorable Christina is.

We have been walking a lot outside. Trips to the store with the Kid Walk are taking a bit to get used to. Christina really thinks it is neat to go shopping and walk around. Can't hang a bag on the Kid Walk like I can on the wheelchair.

Christina has continued her desire to go go go. She wants to walk in her Kid Walk a lot and can cover quite a bit of ground. I don't measure by blocks anymore, she is past that. Now I track time and trying to measure mile(s).

Christina has been working hard in therapy. I am so proud of her.

Carmen was in town yesterday and it was great to see her again. Funky said "Hi" and gave hugs.

Lots of outside play this weekend. The weather was nice. May even call it warm.

Christina wanted to spend most of the day outside and wanted to go go go. She walked like a champ. I'm so proud of her.

So in my effort to look at pictures I have discovered that various OS do not use a natural sort. To some... 10, 11, 12... come before 2, 3, 4, 5... I think I may rename the pictures to compensate. The downside is there are a few days with over 100 pictures for that day. This would lead to renaming files using a three digit standard. Ex: 000, 001, 002 Hmm...

Christina has been very talkative. We are working on spelling. It made me very proud when I asked her to spell daddy and she did splendid with very pronounced "d"s and her "y" was good also.

In the waiting room awaiting Christina's turn. It feels like a long morning so far. I am unsure what to think about being here. I park, load my pockets with keys camera batteries snack, grab badge holder, and of course my coffee cup. My cup still has the hospital tape that read "Daddy" from Christina's take down surgery. The writing wore off long ago, but I still see it.

I walk in, stop at the info desk, get my badge, head to the restroom, walk to the OR waiting area and sit. I see the parents still green watch me with a puzzled look. I smile at them and think to myself how that used to be me.

To all the parents at the hospital: hi.

It is that time again, another round of Phenol blocks and Botox for Christina.

Christina has been a little sick for quite some time and her teeth have been giving her discomfort. We are hopeful she will be well for surgery. Pre-op appointment is today.

Christina has enjoyed lots of cuddle time and a lot of reading. Also enjoys short bouts outside for a walk and her wagon ride.