Happy Birthday Christina!!!

It is your golden birthday. Enjoy the day.

Lots of hugs and kisses.

Love,
Daddy

Christina's birthday party went very well. Christina did amazing opening gifts, she has the grabbing and pulling wrapping paper all figured out. And I can't even begin to express how well she handled having that much company. It wasn't a huge party, but a whole lot more people than usual.

I made two cakes so we would have plenty and to be sure leftovers for Christina and I. Christina likes cake, both chocolate and white and chocolate and butter cream frosting. I haven't figured out which is her favorite.

Christina has been very talkative lately. And she loves talking on the phone. It still takes a little while for her to get into the groove of telling a story, but once she starts she keeps going. And singing, Christina loves to sing. I had a heck of a time the other day figuring out what Christina wanted to do. Finally, I figured it out and she wanted to sing and dance. Christina what a beautiful voice you have.

I am in the process of picking pictures for the web. There are so many to pick from. Maybe I should just put up a post of pictures. Thoughts? And any ideas of a user friendly way to view all the pictures of Christina are welcome.

I also want to thank Jacie for taking pictures on Saturday. It is appreciated. And thank you Pam for the plaque for Christina. I think I like it more than her.

Christina had her first speech therapy appointment for the summer this past Tuesday. I will post details on her blog when I get them.

Christina received a plaque that is so cute I must share. Thank you Pam.

TODDLERS RULES
If I like it - it's mine.
If it's in my hand - it's mine.
If it looks like mine - it's mine.
If I think it's mine - it's mine.
Everything else is mine too!

Christina had a birthday party on Saturday the 26th. She did wonderful with all the company. Christina enjoyed opening her presents and listening to her sound cards. She has gotten very good at grabbing the wrapping paper and pulling. She did not even eat any.

It was a wonderful party with a good turn out of guests. Thank you everyone for coming. We had cake and ice cream and good conversation. There are quite a few pictures and I will get some up as soon as I can.

Christina was very talkative the whole weekend. Her letters and words are getting more pronounced. She enjoys our 'studying' with the alphabet.

Sunday we kept it pretty mellow. Christina is still a little under the weather and the doctor appointment is creeping up fast. I also wanted to be sure Christina wasn't overwhelmed from Saturday. It is cute to watch her try to decide what she wants to play with.

I have to add that each time Christina gets in the gait trainer she does a little better. She gets so frustrated when her body doesn't do what she wants. With encouragement, a little bribery, and her determination she does overcome and finishes.

Christina is almost four, gotta get ready for the birthday party. There is not much new with Christina. She did get sick this past week and had to see the doctor. They gave her a shot of antibiotic in each leg to help her get over it.

Christina loves being outside and going to the park. The slide is a huge hit. And with as warm as it has been the water has been a huge hit also.

Christina continues to make progress in her gait trainer. I still can't get over how she was practically running the other day.

There was a small carnival at the church across the street that we went to. Christina was a shy, but kept looking up and around to see what was going on. The Altoona fire department was there to give a demonstration and Christina liked hearing the siren. We ran out of time so we didn't get to everything, but we'll try next year.

The Phenol block and Botox shots are coming up on July 6th.

Just got a call sharing how well Christina did in the gait trainer. Christina walked outside through the front door, around the building on the sidewalk, around two cars, and to the garage.

Mommy said she gets a stroller ride to rest her legs. Christina was huffing and puffing and broke a sweat.

WAY TO GO CHRISTINA!!!

I am not sure if I have been burning the candle at both ends, but I managed to get sick again. The typical head ache, sore throat, stuffy nose, feel like crap. Christina and I made it through the weekend with some fun times though. Read about our adventures on her blog, www.christinakademan.com.

Not feeling much better, but I wanted to get the blogs updated and the pictures backed up. Below is a picture from Saturday. Christina and I went to the Triathlon to see James, Robyn, and Ben participate. It was good to see everyone and Christina gave hugs and kisses to James and Robyn. Christina even walked to each of them. She showed off so well a shoulder ride was in order. Not to mention it gave her a better view.

A thank you to all who volunteered and participated.

Best view at the event.

This past weekend Christina went to Cinder City Days. We did not plan well, but we improvised and had fun. Lets start with the beginning of the weekend.

Saturday we went to the pool. Christina did amazing in the water. Christina took great steps in the pool as we walked from each end. Her steps were high and she kept her feet flat. Christina is getting so tall, she can walk almost half way to the deep end before the water gets to drinking level. And Christina still enjoys a good swig of pool water. We also kicked and splashed. Saturday Grandma Kar also came over and sang with Christina. Christina taught grandma some new songs.

Christina also did some walking outside in the gait trainer. Christina still amazes me with more progress each time. She really enjoys going from one end of the deck to the other. Christina's determination really shows in her actions.

Sunday we went to see James, Robyn, and Ben participate in the triathlon. Christina and I both slept in so we did not get there at the start. Christina walked to James and Robyn each and gave them hugs and kisses. Thank you James, Robyn and Ben for your participation.

After the triathlon we headed for Cinder City Days. That is where I goofed. We got there a little after 11 and it didn't start until 1. Christina and I waited for Haley, Jacie, and Kassidy to get there then we walked to the park. Christina went down the slide and of course enjoyed that. Christina and I went down one slide while Jacie and Kassidy took turns going down the one next to us. We also went on the swings they have been hit or miss for me and this time was a hit. And I mean huge hit, Christina was giggling and laughing up a storm. We also did lots of walking. I think Christina liked the feel of the damp grass. Then back to Cinder City. While the girls got tickets Christina and I had a snack. After seeing some of the sites, we headed for the fishing game. Christina stood in line to wait her turn and I can tell you she does not like to wait. Once it was her turn the little princess walked right up to the pond and took the fishing pole. With some help getting a good grip she was on her own. Christina caught her fish and went to get her prize. Christina came home with a sparkling baton.

After a big lunch and some quiet time we headed back outside for more gait trainer time. Again I can not say enough about how well Christina has been doing. She is so proud when she reaches her goal.

Fishing


Picking the prize




Reaching the end


Determination

I wanted to share how proud of Christina I am. We have been working on walking in the gait trainer. Christina prefers walking on the deck over the sidewalk. The determined little firecracker goes from one end to the other by herself. And that is no small task, the deck spans more than the full width of the house. It is my true pleasure to give Christina her shoulder ride for doing so well.

To add to Christina's excellent job, she has worked up to going from one end to the other and back in one shot. AND, Christina has made the trek more than once in a day. I enjoy my job of cheering section.

Good Job Christina!!!

Yesterday I was able to help the UCP office in Eau Claire for a change. I assisted with getting some of the more current news up on the site. It felt good to be able to help them with all they have done for Christina, Angela, and me.

Lots more going on, but don't want to go into details now.

Today I need to get the last of the laundry put away and a quick check on email before going to pick up Christina. I am so glad when she is here. Tossing the idea around of taking her to see the planes. The airshow is this weekend. Christina is a fan of the Blue Angels flying overhead.

Last year, Angela and I were worried that Christina would 'freak' out when they flew close to the house. In an attempt to prepare Christina, I took her outside where we could see the planes fly by and the noise was much louder. As it turned out, Christina loved it. So Angela took her outside again later when they started flying by again and I took pictures.

Here it comes........... zzzzzooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm :)