It has been busy around here. Both Angela and I have meant to update the blog sooner. Here is a quick update.

Christina continued making wonderful progress. She now can drink with a straw.  We started with a fancy cup to assist(it keeps the drink in the straw so it is easier to start) and within a few days she started doing it on her own. Thanks to coaching from mom.

Christina's tone in her legs is much more noticeable and has been making it harder to take steps. That leads to her Phenol blocks and Botox coming up. She is scheduled for June 18th.

With Grandpa Darrel's wedding on Saturday the 20th and surgery on the Thursday the18th it will be a busy week. We are all heading up on Wednesday night. The appointment on Thursday morning. Hanging out and taking it easy Thursday afternoon and Friday most of the day. Lots of swimming and lounging. We will head back Sunday afternoon.

Christina also went to play with other kids at a new group that is getting together. I will let Angela tell more, she know the details. It was good for Christina and Angela.

And, Christina has a viral infection that started a few days ago. She has some red spots that look/looked like hives. She seems to be in a pretty good mood and it has not slowed her down with me at all.

More when we get the chance,
Derek,  Angela, and Christina

On the 1st, Christina had another appointment in the cities. We went to see Dr. Moore. He is pleased with Christina's progress. The good news... Angela and I get to deal with a typical two year old.

The next round of Phenol blocks and Botox is scheduled in two weeks. It will be a very long week. We will head up Wednesday, have surgery on Thursday, keep Christina mellow the rest of the day, switch hotels Friday and go to the rehearsal dinner for dad's wedding, dad gets married on Saturday and then head home on Sunday. Hopefully with time to enjoy Father Day with some Daddy and Christina time.

I also picked up another domain. I am trying to organize the domains a little better and keep the files clean. I have to import Christina's blog again before transferring it over to the new server.

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

So I went to see Tanaguchi yesterday. The drive there was pretty good but the drive back was not too great. It was because I had to go potty and I held it all the way home. I was much happier once I went poopy on the potty. I went to bed early and then slept in until 9:30. So the doc news is that we will have another round of phenol botox in July. Other than that not much new stuff.

I had a week of no tears for all three therapists. I had fun playing with them instead of crying.  Mommy and daddy were so proud of me.


Mom speaking:
Christina is getting so big. The big girl is coming out more and more everyday. She sings with daddy and me. She is trying to talk more and say her ABC's. I am not too sure that I am ready for the baby to be gone. She is becoming more and more independent and I am so proud of her. I think amazing things will happen when school starts.

This week therapy went so well. Mommy does not stay with me it is just me and the therapist. There were no tears. I actually had fun.

Last night I stood all by myself by the couch. Mommy took pictures. They will show up on the slide show later. Today we spent lots of time outside. I walked around in the grass barefoot. I like the feel of the grass. I also rode a tricycle with mommies help. She pedaled my feet but I held on.

Things are going real well for nap and bed time as well. Mommy and daddy are very proud of me. I am proud of myself too.

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