Swim, swim, swim. Yesterday I took Christina swimming. It was the first time I took her by myself.

We had a fun time. Christina thought the car ride could have been better.

After swimming, we came home and had a snack. After a little play time, nap time. I wish I could fall asleep quickly for a nap. No zzz's for me.

So I am walking the hallway at the YMCA almost every time I go swimming. I am getting pretty good at it. Mommy didn't take me swimming this week I was sick and then she got real sick too. Daddy took me today and we had fun. This is the first time I went swimming with just daddy.

I can sit up at the coffee table all on my own now. I sit on my stool and put my hands on the table and can keep myself up for a long time. It sure is hard work but I can do it. I can not wait to show Katie, my PT. She had her baby boy on Sunday. So I won't be seeing her for a couple of months.

Mommy and Daddy are so proud of me. I am proud of myself too.

Today Christina and I went for two walks after dinner. Progress is being made. One, Christina is willing to go for a walk in the wheelchair. Two, I am off my duff and going for a walk.

We might go camping this weekend. I am excited and worried at the same time. I think it will go well. If it doesn't, we'll get over it. It takes so long to get back on track after a bad experience.

For those that need reminding...

Buy a blizzard at Dairy Queen on August 7th. Dairy Queen donates to the Children's Miracle Network for every blizzard purchased on that day. So eat up. I never met a blizzard I didn't like.

Derek

I have done more walking at the YMCA. I am really enjoying the length that I can go. Swimming is going well too.

My NICU follow up went pretty well. The test that they usually do to determine where I am developmentally, they decided to not finish it. Kim (the OT) said that I am a very bright girl and the test would not gauge me very well because of all of the physical delays. So we were all very happy with that. The car ride was not very fun. Of course it never is.

Mommy got me another car seat and I like it in the house, but the car is the big test. We will see very soon if it makes a difference.

Cole came over and played on Friday. We had fun. We had some differences on who got what toy and mommy laughed at us.

Mommy told daddy that I am seeing how far I can push him so I now don't get away with much anymore. Daddy gives me more time outs than mommy now. So now I have to behave. Its not so bad.

NICU.

Never did I think that I would feel so comfortable or 'at-home' in a hospital.

Today, Christina had her 2 year NICU follow-up. The drive to Children's was the same. Cry most of the way up there, and cry most of the way back

We went up last night and spent the night at a hotel. That makes for a much happier little girl in the morning, and a happier Mom and Dad. We opted not give Christina any Ativan on the way there; thought being the amount needed to calm her and the after effects are tough to think about. She cried, the whimpers and screams don't sound as pitiful when she doesn't have the Ativan.

We spoke to her doctor about motion sickness and some of the signs are there. Communication would help a great deal, iot is so hard to tell what sets Christina off. So chewable Dramamin we tried on the way home. Not much luck, but Christina was already overtired and needed a break from everything. It did help a little.

We also stopped to see several of the staff that have helped us on the many days there. Everyone loves Christina's smile and comments on her curls.

Derek

Daddy went camping with uncle Donny and I miss him lots. I hope that daddy is having lots of fun he needs it. I'llh have lots and lots of hugs and kisses for him when he gets back. Mommy also misses daddy very much. Things around the house just are not right with out him.

On Friday I got to meet my great uncle Steve from California for the first time. Cole was over all day too and we had fun. Just hanging out doing two year old stuff and of course making messes for mommy to clean up later.

Thank you uncle Donny for getting the umbrella ready so mommy and I can use it.  I really like to pull out the grass and get it in between my toes. Now I can do that all day long. Thank you.

You and Daddy have fun this weekend.

Christina walked (with Mommy's help) from the locker room all the way to the door today. That is quite an accomplishment.

Daddy is very proud of you Christina!!!

Today after I went swimming I walked all the way from the locker room to the exit. That is a long way for me. I was so proud of myself and mommy was proud of me too. I know daddy is too but he was at work.

I went out side and played in the grass before therapy. I got my toes all dirty. I was pulling the grass out too, it was pretty fun.