Happy Birthday Christina!!!

Christina turned five this past weekend. She is growing up so fast. I thought it would be a good idea to try watching the fireworks. Christina did very well. She took a long nap in the afternoon and was ready to go late in the evening. I think Christina was a little bored while we waited. Once the fireworks started Christina watched with a smile. I even caught her tracking some of the fireworks that were bright on the way up. The booms and bangs did not bother her at all. I saw a few yawns, but she watched the fireworks until the end. Even the walk to the park and back to the car went good. Silly daddy packed a jacket and pants in case it cooled down.


Happy Fourth of July!!!

Or better put:
Happy Independence Day!!!

I went through all the pictures of Christina through 2006. Wow, Christina has come such a long way. Looking back really made me think how I made it this far also. It is amazing how much a parent can handle when thrown news no one should ever have to face. Lots of memories of my wired baby. And not to forget when Christina was wireless.

Thinking about all the pictures I went through I should put up a wall of nurses, doctors, volunteers who took care of Christina and helped me get through.

Well laundry is waiting and I'm tearing up so more at another time.

So I think it is time to go through a few months of pictures and get some printed. I enjoy looking through them, but I get caught up watching Christina and loose track of time.

Brainstorming how to hook the old dusty PC up to the TV without spending a lot.

Ugh, someone did not finish the housework yesterday. Hmmm, more for the list.

Christina has been a busy body and loves to go go go. She loves to play outside. With the warmer temps we play for awhile outside then take a break inside and then right back outside.

Christina's had a doctor appointment with Taniguchi and Walker. All is well and she will see them more regularly. Her hips are doing OK and the concerns we had are not anything to be overly concerned about. Yeah, how many parents hear that and can let it go. It still eats at me. More detail... We were concerned about Christina's tone and possibly being in pain. Watching her form and progress we noticed some small differences and asked questions. The way the bones develop in kids with CP is playing its role in Christina's development and we are noticing the change.

Christina has continued doing super well in the gait trainer and often likes to race. And of course talkative as ever. We tell each other lots of stories. I think Christina would make a good fisherwoman with her stories.

The princess turns five soon. Time sure flies.

The slideshow was updated today, enjoy.

With the warmer temperatures I am ready for winter. This week is going to get hotter, not looking forward to it.

I have not updated in awhile, my apologies.

Christina is doing well. We spend lots of time outside swinging, walking, wagon rides, and the reward for her wonderful efforts a shoulder ride.

Christina loves to go go go; we wear each other out. I try t sit for a little bit when she is down for her nap/quiet time.

The squirrels need to go, they are hurting my plants. Still deciding whether to try one of the ultra-sonic things or get a live trap and relocate them to a wooded area not far.

I have been keeping up on pictures and videos of Christina. I have slacked on getting the slideshow updated regularly. I think I need to pick once or twice a month and schedule it.

Right around the corner is Christina's birthday. The princess will be five. A small party and cake are on the agenda.

I read an article about how dads make better parents than moms. Although there were some good points, overall the article did not hit on key items I would have mentioned. It is a treat and sometimes difficult being mom and dad at the same time. I want to go into detail, but that will be a post of its own and will get done when and if I get time.

Time to watch a movie and go to bed. Cheers!!!

Christina has been running in the gait trainer. It is hard to get a picture of her and start the video in time.

We found part of the sidewalk around the house that Christin is comfortable walking in the gait trainer without holding my hand or having me touch the gait trainer as she gets on her merry way.

The weather has been hot. Uncomfortably hot if you ask me. High 90s is hot, humid or dry it is hot. Our trips outside were short and most included water of some sort. I found going through the sprinkler is not as fun as when I was a kid. The kiddie pool is my favorite. The water is more of a warmer cool and does the trick cooling off without the shock of cold.

Christina preferred the shock of cold for a while then swinging. It worked out well to dry her off a little before heading inside into the air conditioning.

No baking this weekend, it was too warm. We did enjoy some very delicious cheesecake. Christina likes just the cheesecake. Christina has managed to spit out the crust and the added fruit. She also does not like to share.

Christina definitely is not a fan of the heat. Although it has inspired us to have lots of water time play. From the river, lake, pool, sprinkler, or kiddie pool Christina loves to get wet.

Christina has also been doing exceptionally well in the gait trainer. She makes quick work getting from one end of the deck to the other. She is a little slower on the sidewalk, but still at a run once she gets going. I am so proud of you Christina. Christina has the determination many only dream of.

Christina has continued her vocalizing. She loves to talk and sing. It is a pleasure to listen to her.

With the last few days being hot Christina and I headed to the river today. It was refreshing, but felt good to get back into the air conditioning.

This article also from US Cyber Security is "Cyber Security Tip ST05-002: Keeping Children Safe Online".

Link to article: http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST05-002.html.

Although Christina is a little young to be overly concerned about her online habits, I don't think it is anything to be relaxed about. As the internet becomes more common place it is a beast to contend with.

An example is the iPad Christina has begun using as a communication device. Christina has only started using it and has a long way to go, but the possibilities seem endless with the various accessibility features.

It is better to be prepared as Christina gets older. I would say the best precaution and to make the most enjoyable experience for Christina is to be sure to educate Christina about the world wide web.

Memorial Day Weekend was filled with lots of outside play. We went for several walks, wagon rides, playing in the grass.

Christina's flowers were too big for the little starter box so she put them in a big pot with lots of room to grow. Christina's favorite part was digging in the dirt.

Christina did lots of swinging outside over the weekend. For something different I lowered the swing so Christina could reach the grass. It was fun to watch her stretch her toes to touch the grass as she went back and forth. At first she didn't know what to think, but it didn't take long for her to figure out she can make the swing turn and twist with her feet.

We also made cookies and they turned out delicious. Christina made sure to taste to be sure.

The princess did a great job holding her head up for wagon rides. We tried taking a bumpy ride over the lawn and Christina is a big fan of bumps and going down the little hills. Dylan offered his services to pull the wagon. He was sure to find all the puddles to pull Christina through.

On Memorial Day Spring came to visit with her family. Christina enjoyed more grilled food and was happy to show everyone her smile.