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

Today mommy and daddy took me to go see the Easter Bunny. He scared me, but he also scared lots of other kids too so I don't feel so bad.  Mommy had to sit with us for the picture. It was fun to have daddy go with us to the mall that is not his kind of place so...... Thanks daddy.

We also met with Barb today from UCP ( United Cerebral Palsy ). She had some good ideas for mommy and daddy.

I now have to work with all of my therapists by myself. Mommy is making me. I do not like it but I will get over it.

On Sunday I had dinner with Uncle Donny, daddy and mommy. It was Donny's birthday and I got to spend it with him. HEE HEE Daddy got to spend all day with him, I suppose that daddy and Donny would have more to talk about than me.

So we have just been hanging out doing fun stuff. 

So Happy Easter everyone. Check put the slide show for new pictures after this weekend.

Good news from the neurologist!!!

Dr. Burnstein said he is impressed with how far Christina has come. And, we don't have to go back for a year. I never thought those words would mean so much.

Christina has been giving Angela and myself some grief, it seems she wants the other parent no matter which one of us is holding her. Her upper molars have poked through, yet still creep along making her uncomfortable. It is nice to have behavioral issues for a change. Although, they can stop now.

Not much else is new. I still have a few weeks of school. It is going well. I am trying to get the most out of it. Angela is ready for a break, I hope she can relax in California.

Christina has been vocalizing more, she tries so hard. The phenol blocks and the Botox are wearing off too. She is still willing to walk, it is harder for her. You can see how hard it is. There have been times her little legs shake as she tries to take a step.

Sad now, gotta go.