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.

The ride to and from the doctors was not fun at all. I was not a happy camper. The appointment went pretty well. Dr. Tanaguchi says that it is time to start botox. So my first round of shots will be September 30.  Mom and dad are not ready for that and neither am I.  Mom also brought my braces to get them adjusted and I do not like what they did to them, now I can not get my foot out.

I am spending more time in my gait trainer and doing very well for longer periods of time. I moved it for the first time all by myself on Tuesday.

Cole came over on Friday and we had fun. He was trying to teach me to blow bubbles and we were taking turns. I have not been sleeping very well all week. I am still working on all of my eye teeth. The points are out but the rest of the tooth is moving very slowly.

My NICU appointment is coming up and I am not looking forward to the car ride. I will let everyone know what they say. I am very sure that they will all be impressed with everything that I can do. I know that mommy and daddy are.

Oh mommy had me tested for Factor V, that is the clotting issues that mommy has and I do not have it. WHOO
HOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We finally took a picture of the fam here at home.


July 4th, 2008

Mommy reading me my card at my birthday party.


Cole and I - He came over to play with me on my birthday


Me and daddy playing before work.

Can you believe it I am 2 today. So a few people called to wish me  a happy birthday; Uncle James, Uncle Donny, Aunt Carmen and grandma Patty.
Cole came over this morning to play with me. we made the house a mess for mommy. Daddy went and got steaks for supper because I like steaks. Chris came over for supper and we all hung out and played around. Today we hung out and stayed pretty mellow, my birthday party is on Sunday so I have to save my energy.

On Thursday  me, mommy, Crystal, and Evan went to the YMCA to go swimming and then to the farmers market. It was pretty fun. Evan held my hand while I was getting changed and helped mommy pick up. Evan is 5 years old.

WOW I am 2 years old.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTINA!!!
Daddy's little girl turns two today. Time has flown by. And at the same time it has been a long road.

I am very glad to have such a beautiful daughter. Christina has learned so much and is getting smarter everyday.

Here are pictures from: July 4, 2006; July 4, 2007; and June 28, 2008.
2006
2007
2008

We have come a long way baby.
Lots of love to you Christina.

Derek