Daddy took Christina to the mailbox so she could mail the Mother's Day cards she picked out. It made for a nice walk as we talked about all the cards we looked at and how she picked the ones she did.


Christina was sick last night and I hope she feels better today.

Christina was under the weather over the weekend with a cough. We stayed home and played on Saturday. Christina did wonderful walking around the house. She was not a fan of the gait trainer or her braces. We did come to an agreement and she did well even through the tears. Christina takes some of her best steps when she is mad and does not want to work at it. When Christina is done with the agreed time/steps she has that proud smile. She knows she does well.

I thought it was April showers and May flowers. Not here. I don't mind the rain so much but the wind can settle down a bit. And the temp, I like it cool(some would say cold), but with the wind and rain it needs to warm up a bit. I'm not going to go for a walk in this stuff.

I saw some friends the other day and they made me feel old. If you are reading this Haley, Jaycie, and Kassidy; you all have grown up a lot since I last saw you.

Angela said Christina is sick tonight. Poor little girl. Daddy has you in his thoughts Christina.

I'm syncing the iPod before heading to bed and it needs to hurry up. Maybe I'll go see if it is still windy out before bed.

Have a good night.

Just a little shout to let everyone know that I have not forgotten to send an update. It has been busy around here and I take a little time in the evening to do nothing and attempt to clear my head.

I also want to send an individual email to all of you as opposed to the form letter.

Christina is doing well, you can always check her blog(I don't update that as often as I should either) at www.christinakademan.com.

Today is Christina's IEP meeting. I have mixed emotions about it as always. It is a similar feeling to going to one of Christina's doctor appointments.

On this last Saturday, May 1st, Christina received her first phone call. To explain some detail: Christina loves talking on the phone, and has been talking on the phone for a while. If you are on the phone she wants to be part of the conversation. When the call came on Saturday and they asked for her she heard her name and I had to hand her the phone right away. She was so excited to have someone call her.

This coming Saturday is a walk for UCP. Angela and Christina will be participating.

Christina has been taking wonderful steps in the gait trainer. She also likes to play catch while standing in the gait trainer. We have had really good luck with Christina sitting in her Kid Cart to do various activities while at Angela's or my house.

And, I can not forget to mention, Christina does an excellent job walking with her Benik vest on. The little firecracker takes off running. She is so proud of herself when she is able to get those legs moving. It is a beautiful site to look at her when she turns and looks up at you while we are walking. Her eyes are big and glowing and she has that "I'm doing it" smile.

I am going to work on the slideshow and try to get some more pics on there. They will not be in chronological order(probably bothers me more than anyone else).

Nothing scheduled in the near future for doctors. Still waiting for an appointment to be scheduled for Phenol blocks, Botox, and casting.

On Saturday Angela and Christina went to the Mommy and Me program at the UWEC Planetarium. Christina was able to see some of kids she met at other Mommy and Me activities.

Coming up is the UCP Walk that Angela and Christina will participate in.

Christina has been doing wonderful in her gait trainer. I am not sure how to even begin telling you how hard Christina trys. She grabs her handles and will grab them when reminded. Her little hands get sweaty and they slip. I also tried the arm strap and Christina tolerated it with no tears. She made a face, but no complaints.

Christina also used her Kid Kart to sit at the table and color. Christina knows what colors she wants to use and will also wait until I get it right when she wants a pen and not crayons.

I will also work on getting pictures up for you to see. As you all know we take lots and lots of pictures. To give you and idea, we are well over the 30,000 mark. That is only pictures of Christina and does not include videos.

Have a good day and enjoy the sunshine if you have it.

There has been a lot going on. I will give a brief update and try to catch up at a later time.

We went to see Dr. Moore and Dr. Burnstein on April 15th. Dr. Burnstein(neurologist) said Christina is doing wonderful and we do not need to see him anymore. Dr. Moore was also pleased with Christina's progress and we do not need to go back for a year.

Christina has been participating in the Young Athletes program and the last day was on April 22nd. Christina has made huge steps playing with the volunteers and coaches there. She received a reward and ribbon at the end of the program. We plan on participating again in the program this summer.

Christina has a runny nose again, but other than that she is healthy.

More when I can,
Derek

Christina's latest doctor appointments were on Thursday. We met with her neurologist and har developmental doctors.

The trip there went well. We took the van and listened to Christina's favorite traveling music. No tears!!! And no tears on the way home until we were a few miles from home. Christina needed to use the bathroom which brought the tears.

Christina does not have to go back to the neurologist. It was great news. It also was a little sad, we have been seeing Dr. Burnstein since Christina was a month old. He said Christina is doing awesome.

we don't see the Dr. Moore again for a year. He too is pleased with Christina's progress.

Christina had a bad night Thursday. We now think that the trips to the docs are that overwhelming for her and that it is not the car ride that pushes her senses to the point she vomits and does not sleep.

Christina may also have strep.

Happy Easter internet world!!!

I am looking forward to Christina looking for her Easter basket. And, if I can plan around the rain we will hunt for candy filled eggs outside.

Dinner is prepped and looking yummy. Nothing traditional. Steak and mashed potatoes. Sauted onions and mushrooms. Haven't decided on a veggie yet, either brocoli, carrots, asparagus, or none.

Happy Easter!!!

A warm and sunny day here meant Christina and spent lots of time outside. We went for several walks and walked barefoot in the grass. Christina loves the feeling on her toes, even the prickly brown grass.

I tried to convince Christina to help me color eggs for Easter, but she wanted me to hold her so we argued and I ended up coloring them. I also packed some plastic eggs with candy. The plan is to stash some around the yard and have Christina look for them. I'll have her hunt for her Easter basket too.

Other updates are the same 'ol stuff. Still not sleeping well and my eating habits are not getting better. Stress, ugh.

For those who are aware, happy Holy Thursday.
Derek