Yes, it has been too long since the last update.

Christina had a wheelchair evaluation at Gillette this past Thursday. It went well and we learned a little more about what is out there for options for Christina. The two popular choices being from Sunrise Medical and Invacare. Christina's current wheelchair a.k.a. Kid Kart is made by Sunrise and it is one of the worst items any of us have ever used. Obviously not designed by anyone who ever had to use it. So our choice was obvious, give Invacare a try with the Solaris. Since most medical equipment is bulky, heavy, awkward, and difficult to sum it up; I am keeping my fingers crossed. Invacare, don't let my baby down! We have a trial chair coming in a few weeks. It will be larger than the chair Christina would have, but should give us a good idea how to navigate inside and out with it.

Christina's teeth have been pretty consistent keeping her uncomfortable. I will be very glad when those molars poke through for good. I can hardly imagine how happy Christina will be.

Christina has been a fan of our adventures outside. With warmer temperatures and less wind we have made a point to go out as much as we can. It was very cute to watch Christina walk to the back door to go out on the deck. Her reaching for the door handle was all I needed to bundle us up and to the deck we went.

Christina has also been on a swinging kick. She enjoys laying belly down in the swing and using whatever limbs she can to get herself moving. With her desire to swing I started bringing various toys over so we can play with both.

We are also still waiting for Christina's Communication Device(iPad). It is ordered, but has not arrived. I am looking forward to hearing more of Christina's words.

There is more to update and I will do so as soon as possible.

So a while back I wanted to know how old Christina is/was in years, months, days. This proved to be quite difficult as years and months can't be consistent in our calendar. So the math began. I finished and the result is displayed on a page. Now I figured I would experiment plopping the code in on other pages. So here goes...

Christina's appointment went well. The princess was not fond of getting poked and prodded, but overall all was OK.

We will be watching close to see how the Phenol and Botox take effect for possible changes in the next round of injections.

Christina has still been dealing with her swollen gums. We all will be glad when those teeth pop through.

Christina has enjoyed the warmer temperatures and loves to be outside. Licking the wind is a favorite even when bitter cold.

Christina has been very fond of swinging lately and lets me know she wants to swing including laying on her belly and getting those legs just a kicking. Christina has also wanted to slide down the steps more lately.

We have also been making desserts, Christina likes making cake, brownies, cookies. This past weekend we made an Oreo dessert and Christina tasted the mix at each step adding ingredients. When the bowl was empty Christina was very very good at licking everything clean.

What kind of key doesn't open a door?

A monkey.

Today Christina and I made brownies. They are delicious. More were to be had tonight.

Christina and I enjoyed a nice walk outside today. The princess was full of energy and very talkative. Someday I will understand all of Christina's words. She had so much to tell me today; it was beautiful.

I'm tired, not much sleep last night. Body is getting achy must have a cold or flu lingering. I sm used to second shift so the mind is somewhere between tired and what's on tv. Sleep would be the better choice.

I have seem a couple articles want to share. Perhaps another post.

Christina next round of Phenol and Botox is soon. The anxiety will be here soon enough. Not far into the future choices will need to be made concerning the next step after Botox. I am not pleased with the choices I am aware of so far.

Perhaps a walk hand in hand with Christina on a path I have yet to find will help me to see.

Christina has been doing well overall. She has been fighting off a touch of the flu lately with success. Christina has felt a little icky, but it hasn't slowed her too much. Those molars are still hanging out below the gums and are painful most days.

Christina has enjoyed being outside every chance we have had. It is fun to watch her excited to walk in the snow and then slow down and check out why it is more work walking in the packy stuff.

Christina is also in a slide-down-the-stairs phase again. She doesn't mind the walk up and really enjoys the way down.

Christina and I made chocolate cookies the other day with dark chocolate chips and they turned out beautiful. Christina had a blast stirring everything together. I helped once the dough was too thick to stir easily.

I will work on getting more pictures updated on the slideshow.

Christina's next round of Phenol blocks and Botox is coming up quickly. Just a couple more weeks.

With all the disagreements amongst the public workers, who is the voice of those really affected the children. Is anyone worried about their pension, the one they will need an education for.

Christina was not a big fan of the pool today. There were a lot of kids today. I think she is keeping a touch of the flu at bay and she prefers more mellow. Christina was super talkative today.

Feeling productive tonight. Bread is ready for the oven tomorrow, soup thawing for lunch, chicken out for supper, all the dishes are done, and I'm updating the blog.

There is nothing better than the understanding touch of a child.

Watching the screen saver I found these two caught my attention.

I managed to go through more pictures. That accomplished two things: first, it allowed me to choose which ones to print. Second, I updated the slideshow.

I enjoy going through pictures; however, I get caught up looking at them and spend a lot of time on them. I made it through eight months. Only about 50 more to go. Thank goodness for sales on prints. I am excited for them to come.

The weather has been good to us lately and we have been enjoying the time outside.

Christina did wonderful in the gait trainer outside. She has much more room to use to navigate around.

It has also been amusing to watch Christina take steps in the snow. I don't know if it is the mushy snow or just because it is different Christina's steps are very purposeful. For those who do not know what I mean you would have to see it. She was a little timid when I held her on the snow bank, but once she realized what we were doing the snow bank was not long enough.

The Wissota Winter Classic was on Saturday and we went, but Christina was a little tired so we did not stay long. Her teeth were also bothersome most of the weekend and I am sure that contributed to her not wanting to stay also. Christina respite friend Aushleana joined us there.

Christina and I also talked to aunt Carmen this weekend. Christina prefers holding the phone as opposed to using the computer.

It was a great weekend.

Thursday therapy was canceled so Christina and I had extra play time. Christina also made a new friend, Jen. Friday was more play and a trip to the mall. Along with the usual activities Christina enjoyed singing with several other children. I don't know if the other children notice Christina watching them. It makes me smile watching her watch the other kids when they join her in play. No one seemed to mind my being off key. Saturday the little pool was closed, but we played in the big pool for a little while. The big pool is not as warm as the little pool so we did not stay in as long. Saturday was also the Wissota Winter Classic. We went, but did not stay long. Most of the activities are not geared for the younger crowd. And Christina was on the tired side.



Sunday was lots of fun for everyone. We all played outside and went for a walk. Christina enjoyed walking in the snow in our snow fort. And again I can't express well enough how wonderful Christina does in the gait trainer outside. It is not as easy with her boots on, but she gives it her best. Christina walked up and down the deck so many times she deserved a big shoulder ride.



On another note:
Christina has her surgery creeping up on us fast. It is very noticeable the Botox is wearing off. And the Phenol Blocks are not far behind.

Parent teacher conferences are coming up also. It is always enjoyable to hear how well Christina does in school. The conference also gives us the chance to learn other items to work on with Christina.