Today we went to the United Cerebral Palsy Picnic. The picnic was held at the Lake Altoona pavilion. We had a lot of fun.

Christina was a daddy's girl today. We'll get into that later. Christina and I walked, picked out the color of nail polish for Angela, threw balls, and joined the group with music. Christina was on my shoulders as the kids and a few of us adults danced in a circle together. We also sang lead by one of the UCP kids. We also took part in the cake walk. Christina really enjoyed bouncing around as we went in a circle. She was not fond of stopping when they called a number. We came home with quite a few treats.

Dinner was delicious and Christina ate well. At first she had issues when Angela sat down by us, then she decided it was mommy time and Angela had to feed her.

As dinner wound down and the raffle started, Christina's lack of nap caught up with her and she started to get whiny. We left shortly after that.

I'd like to say thank you to United Cerebral Palsy of Western Wisconsin(UCP).

For the reference about Christina being a daddy's girl. I went to Corey's bachelor party yesterday. I left around 08:30, stopped home to shower when she was napping and then came home at 03:00 this morning. Christina seemed to have missed me and made it known she wanted daddy today.

Another thanks goes to Angela, she went out last night also and did not get much sleep either. Angela got up this morning with Christina and let me sleep. Thank you honey!!!

Christina and I went to the Date With Dad scavenger hunt hosted by the Eau Claire Area School District Head Start/Early Learning Programs, the Family Resource Center, and Western Dairyland Head Start.

It was fun. Christina had a great time while we hunted for nature items in the park. She also thought it was hilarious to take my name tag off and throw it on the ground. We found all sorts of stuff, like a flower, mushroom, spider web, and a squirrel.

We also touched the water in the creek. Christina did very well reaching for the water by herself.

The next outing is at the apple orchard.

Christina and I had some disagreements today. She would not eat breakfast for me nor lunch. We went for a short walk.

For nap time I opted to hold her and sit in the chair. It has been along time since we sat together to relax Christina is asleep on my lap now, I'm tired, and I can't sleep.

Daddy and Christina cuddle time, I can go without sleep for that.

On Thursday Barb from UCP asked us if Christina could be a spokes person for their 30th annual telathon in January. So Derek and I are exited to be a part of this. Christina will be on TV in January. We will keep everyone up to date on up coming events.

On Wednesday Christina and I went to the apple orchard and picked apples. We also got to go on a couple of rides one with a tractor and one on a four wheeler. I'll be adding pictures later.  We also went into the giant jumping thing that was there for the kids. It's one that they have at fairs. She had a blast.  On Monday daddy and Christina will be going to a date with daddy event.

Things have been busy but very good. Christina always wants to be going and doing something. It's great.

Yesterday Angela and I met with Barb from UCP. Barb stops by every week or two to go over things we encounter while parenting Christina. Barb asked if Christina would be a spokes person for UCP. Her pretty smile will be on various brochures and on the telethon.

Christina and I also went to the park yesterday. We wore each other out. Lots of walking. Then we had an ice cream sandwich for a snack when we came home.

This morning the little squirt was up at 04:30. I think she had a bad dream.

Off to work I go.

Where to start with updates...

Christina had her first day of school on 09/08/2009, it went well. She was great up until she had to sit in her kid cart towards the end. Not surprising she did not like it, she does not like it at home anymore either.

Tomorrow brings Christina's second day. She is going Mondays and Tuesdays for now. By end of year, up to four days.

Angela and Christina saw Karleen at the park today. They had a nice visit.

Angela found some small cups with handles and a straw that is just the right size for Christina. Christina is able to hold on to them by herself and bring the straw to her mouth and drink. We are very proud of her.

As I type, I can hear Christina in her room still talking and crying. She does not want to sleep tonight. Angela is already in bed and I think it is close to time for me too. It has been a long weekend.

Christina has been very talkative lately too. We sing, say the alphabet, count, say words, and make funny noises together. She enjoys being more vocal, I think she likes to hear herself talk.

There are more things to tell everyone and I can't think. It is time to call it a night.

Soon I will have the page done to be able to see all of the pictures we have of Christina.

Yesterday Christina held her own cup all by herself and drank from it. She was so cute holding her cup. She was so proud of herself and we are so proud of her. It was great to see that.

So it was Christina's first day of school. She did absolutely wonderful. She only had tears when Mary (her teacher) took her and then they were over. She of curse cried when she was put into her kid cart. She does that at home. She also sat on the potty and did not fuss. When I picked her up she was happy. We came home and had snuggle time. She was happy to tell me all about her day.

WOW Christina sure has had a lot of first's this month. Her hair cut, sleep over and now school. Christina is becoming quit the social bug. It has been so great to watch all of her accomplishments. Christina is so amazing.

On Friday Christina spent the night at Deb and Cory's. She did very well. She took her meds and did not keep everyone up all night. It was strange in the house with out her. Derek went camping this weekend as well. So the house was empty. 

Christina starts school tomorrow and I am sure that she will do great. We went to school orientation on Friday and I had to fill papers out. Mary, her teacher took her and Christina was fine in a few minutes. She enjoyed playing in the classroom.

On Sunday when Derek came home they went to the park and rode the train. Christina just wanted to cuddle with daddy because she missed him sooo much.

So this morning it was Christina's last therapy session with Katy her physical therapist. I cried when we left. I never thought that I'd feel like this for her last session. Katy has become a part of the family. She has seen Christina once a week for over three years. It is great that Christina graduated out of SPOT's house and into school next week. It is the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. So once again a bitter sweet moment. Tomorrow it will be Christina's last OT session with Jenny and I am sure that I will feel the same way again. I hope that next summer when she goes back to SPOT's for therapy that we can get  Katy and Jenny back. They were great.

Christina has made huge leaps this summer. She is defiantly ready for school.