Christina is a whole three years old. We were not around a computer to update because we all went camping with Deb, Cory,, Trevor and the rest of  their family.

It was a learning experience with Christina. She had a lot of her moments but it was a great trip and we look forward to the next trip. Christina loved to be outside and loved the camp fire. She ate very well, but who doesn't like camping food.  She extremely exhausted and so are we. So more on our trip up north later.

This coming week will be a hectic one. The transition for therapy starts and Tuesdays we have to be at SPOTS at 8. So when I get a moment I will update more and will add more pictures to the slide show.

Well this week is bitter sweet. This is Christina's last week of  therapy with birth to three.  We will now go to SPOTS house until school starts and then therapy will be at school.

I am glad that she is graduating this part but at the same time it is sad to see Katy (PT) Jenny (OT) and Melissa (ST) go. We have spent the first three years with them.

Christina has been a little off. She doesn't seem to be as happy go lucky as normal.  She has been sleeping more than normal and I think that is because of some growing that she is doing. She has been getting taller.

She went over to Deb's and played with Cory and Trevor. She was in a great mood when she came home until I said its about that time. Now she knows that means the beginning of bed time.  She went to bed well and enjoyed bath. I guess it is the idea of going to bed she does not like.

Anyway good night.

I am a little sad that her birth to three is going to be over this week.  She is growing up....so very fast.

Sorry the updates have been so far apart. I just got my new computer up and running so the updated should get better.

The MN Zoo was very fun. It was daddy's day and we hung out with the animals and mommy. Christina really liked the sprinklers that were there. We had to go back a couple of times. She enjoyed the tide pool that had rushing water and lots of living creatures in it. She go to see dolphins, sharks, tigers, and bears along with feeding the giraffes. There were lots of animals. We would like to go back again some time this summer.

It was very draining with the week in MN starting with surgery, then to Darrell's wedding and then the zoo.

When we all got home everyone was very glad to be back. Christina finally slept well and enjoyed her baths again.

Since we have been home Christina has been walking very well in her braces. She has also rode her tricycle. She holds herself up and I pedal her feet.  She is getting to be such a big girl and doing lots of new things. She has also started babbling more and making a bunch of different sounds. It is great. If you ask her to say it again she will but you can not say more because she will sign or say more instead of repeating her word.

Her third birthday has creeped up on us. Well not really but it is hard to believe that she is going to be three next weekend. This coming week is her last week in birth to three. We will be receiving therapy at Spots by the same therapists until school starts.

So the wedding went very well.  Christina sat through the whole ceremony like a great little girl. She did not like one of the songs but auntie Robyn made her smile.  Christina is very tired and cranky now that we are back to the hotel. She slept for 4 hours. We are getting Jakeeno's artichoke dip for a snack and then hopefully she will go back to sleep.

Christina still has not slept well since we have been here. So no sleep for anyone since Wednesday. Icky.... We are all happy about going home and snuggling into our own beds. She has not done potty very well either. She wants her own potty. I do not blame her the potties are pretty big here.

Thursday after the surgery we met Becky for coffee and chatted. It was very nice to catch up and Christina was a ham. We also went to dinner with Long and had Mexican. Christina ate very well and threw my drink on the ground, her plate followed and broke. She thought that it was pretty funny.

Friday the rehearsal and dinner was not as much liked as the wedding. But Christina did have fun with Ruby ( her cousin). We were doing the popcorn song and when Sarah took Ruby back Christina screamed because she got mad that Ruby left. It was pretty funny.

The surgery went well and I think that Christina is a bit sore. But everything went as planned. We go and see Tanaguchi in 3 to 4 months.

I will update the pictures in the near future. My computer broke and will need to remedy the computer situation first. Sorry for the delay.

Well, we made it to the hotel. The drive Wednesday night left Christina in a pissed off mood. She was so upset she pulled out a sizable hand full of hair on the way here. The night did not get any better. Christina was up most of the night. Angela and I did not sleep either. We turned on the lights and started coffee at 4.

On a good note, Christina is in a great mood. Although she is tired and hungry. The little monkey tried to take a drink of my coffee.

Now, we are waiting for another pot of coffee and then we will walk to the hospital. We check in for pre OP at 7:30 and the procedure is scheduled for 9.

More later,
Derek, Angela, and Christina

It is Sunday and I am at The Coffee Grounds. I stopped by Donny's to visit for a bit.

I am giving Ubuntu a try. Running off a live cd, so far so good. I figure I will try the usual email and browsing. It did not take much to setup the wireless connection. First try. I am pleased with all the hardware being recognized.

Yesterday, Christina and I spent time outside. We did some walking and then hooked up the sprinkler and ran/walked through the water. I stopped before Christina was ready, she was cold.

This morning before the girls woke up I started reading about DNS and Bind. One of the O'Reilly books. Rather than jumping to the meat and potatoes, I opted to start at the beginning and get a solid base of knowledge.

Back to reading. And update Peter's site.

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.