The Christianson Crew

Falmouth Road Race

2010-08-26T14:40:00.002-04:00

Well, I did it. I raised almost $3000 for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, made a little speech at their luncheon on Saturday before the race, and completed the 7.1 mile run. Yippee!! Thank you to EVERYONE who donated to this important organization. It's truly appreciated.

The Triple Pelvic Osteotomy

2010-08-26T14:35:00.006-04:00

As most of you know, Jack is having hip surgery on Monday, August 30th. Both his hips have been popping out for over 8 months and we're having them repaired before they cause him great pain. Unfortunately, they can only repair one at a time, so he will have this surgery twice within a year. We're holding our hats and hoping for the best. He'll be spending 4-7 days at Children's Hospital in Boston and in a Spica cast for about a month. The hospital provides a sort of blog where you can keep family and friends updated about your child's surgery. Please feel free to sign up and get updates from me as everything happens. Wish us luck. ;)

**Make sure to search "JackChristianson" without the space.***

www.carepages.com

A Day at the Farm

2010-08-26T14:25:00.004-04:00

So, we went to Friendly Farm in Dubin, NH a few weeks ago. What a great place! After paying your fee and grabbing a bag or two of feed, you can wander around the completely enclosed farm and be at one with animals. If you like sheep, goats, chickens, etc . . . that is. Both Jack and Haley had a blast and would have been happy to camp there. Jack couldn't get enough of the chickens, and Haley was butted by a sheep, but a good time was had by all. ;)

Running for Jack

2010-07-04T07:21:00.004-04:00

On August 15, 2010, I will be running the Falmouth Road Race to celebrate and promote the acceptance and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome, like our little Jack. I am hoping to raise over $1500 for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC). As of today, I've raised over $1300. So close . . .

With the money raised, the MDSC can continue to fund important programs and services in the areas of education, research, and advocacy for those individuals with Down syndrome.

Although I am a resident of New Hampshire, I have deep-rooted ties in Massachusetts and feel the MDSC is very active in promoting awareness of people with Down syndrome.

Would love to see you come out to the beautiful race course on Cape Cod to cheer on the over 10,000 runners. Look for me . . . I'll be the one sweating.

I appreciate any support you can give me. Just contact me and I will provide you the link. I thank you . . . Jack thanks you.

She love the Wiggles

2010-05-19T17:25:00.002-04:00

Just thought I would share a few of Haley's dance moves. :)

Thank you IKEA!

2010-03-29T20:51:00.003-04:00

Every winter is long . . . and every winter seems to be getting longer. Like everyone else on Earth, I love spring. Not just the return of the warmer weather, or the budding trees or singing birds, but the expected federal and state of Massachusetts tax refund. Oh the spending. IKEA did benefit greatly from this year's refunds.

I decided that we needed to use our breezeway more efficiently. Every winter we just pile our coats, boots, mitten, hats (you get the picture) on the furniture or just strewn on the floor. That just doesn't work for me and my need for organization. After much research and checking out of Google images for "mudroom", I decided on IKEA cabinets and baskets to keep everything in it's place. Now we all have our own little cubbies! Tom now calls it the locker room.

While we lay in bed at night, we can hear Jack banging into his little fire truck bed. We came to the conclusion that he had just outgrown it. After much research, as always, I decided on the "reversible" bed at IKEA. I think what sold me on it was the tent you could buy for it. Jack loves to be undercover, so how could I not?!? What's neat about this bed is that you can just flip it around and you now have a short bunk bed with a great reading area underneath. He's really not ready for that change just yet, but it's there when he is. So, he's now graduated from his Barnyard theme to splashings of cars, truck, airplanes, and motorcycles. Real boy stuff!

And finally, we just updated our bedding to give our bedroom a spring lift. A new comforter, duvet cover and shams. Now it really feels like spring.

Thank you IKEA. Now that I think of it . . . you should be thanking us. :)

We miss you Nala Girl

2010-02-01T20:14:00.009-05:00

As most of you know, our beloved golden lab, Nala, is no longer with us. We made the difficult decision last week, but it was the right one.

She'd been a witness to my life for 15 years, and no one else can claim that distinction. She was the kind of dog that people enjoyed being around; she didn't jump on you, lick your face off, bark at all hours of the night. She kept to herself mostly, enjoyed a good ear rub, and always met you at the door with something in her mouth.

She was no dummy either. One of her favorite things to do was to lay on the couch. But she knew it wasn't allowed and I could always hear her jump off when she heard my footsteps. She knew others were pushovers, but I toed the line. :) Or the time I came back to the car to find the pizza box still on the dash, but all the pizza gone. And the box of cookies, the kind that is stacked in little paper sleeves, every single one eaten and not one paper sleeve out of it's place.

I'll always be sorry that she was put on the back burner since we had kids. I guess that is to be expected, but it doesn't make it okay. But she's on my mind all the time. Every time the kids drop food on the floor, I think of her. When I come through the door, I think of her. When I see the yellow spots on the lawn, I think of her. She'll never really be gone; we'll be finding her hair under the furniture for years. :)

We miss you Nala girl. You were my best friend on four legs.

Sunday Swim

2010-01-11T21:46:00.003-05:00

Jack's Down syndrome playgroup, Morning Travelers, organized a Sunday swim for the kids. The Chelmsford High School Boy's Swim Team donated their time and someone generous donated time at the YMCA's swimming pool. Jack and Haley both had a one-on-one swimmer for the hour they spent in the pool.

Haley had no problem going in and came out about half hour later due to the fact her lips were blue and she was shivering.

Jack was overwhelmed from the get go. He had his hands over his ears and it was difficult to even make him sit at the edge of the pool. Soon there after we just pushed him in with Neil waiting to catch him. Of course he was having a ball after that. Anyone who got in his way was splashed! Needless to say, it was nearly impossible to pull him out. And the best part: neither Tom or I had to put a foot in the pool! :)

Thank you so much to the Chelmsford Boy's Swim Team and especially Derek and Neil for taking care of our little ones.

Jumping Fools

2010-01-01T13:19:00.003-05:00

Jack loves to use the trampolines at his therapy sessions, so I thought it might be a good idea to have one at home . . . maybe he'll stay off his sister with this distraction. Well, that didn't work, but they do like to bounce!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-01T13:09:00.005-05:00

We had a very nice Christmas this year. Spent Christmas Eve at the Christianson's famous Christmas Eve party with lots of food and a spirited Yankee (sorry, Red Sox) swap. It was nice to have Eric and Sarah make it as well.

Christmas Day was surprisingly relaxing as we were all over the place. Stayed at our house till about noon where the kids unwrapped their treasures from Santa. Headed over to Auntie's house in Lowell for a lovely brunch where they unwrapped even more presents. We headed down to Plymouth to my grandparent's house about 3pm. We had dessert and another spirited Yankee Swap with about 25 of us before we headed home around 8pm. Busy day, but fulfilling. :)

Early Merry Christmas to me

2009-11-28T18:09:00.003-05:00

Taking good photos of the kids is nearly impossible. I knew I had to work on their Christmas card photo sooner than later because I could see multiple tries in our future. I decided to make it simple by dressing them in the darling matching, hand-knitted sweaters (thanks Judy Lever) and have them laying on the red beanbag. I put Haley down first, as I knew she would stay there for about 5 seconds. As soon as I put Jack next to her it was all "click, click, click" of the camera. Don't you know the photo I used was the first one I took? I thanked the universe for one good pic. :)

Random

2009-11-28T18:03:00.001-05:00

Have a few photos I thought I'd post just because. Enough said. :)

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T09:28:00.002-05:00

Jack was Captain Feathersword of the Wiggles and poor Haley was barely making it into her Snow White costume. We probably enjoyed their costumes more then they enjoyed wearing them. Needless to say, they were off quicker than a prom dress! Until both of them get into the spirit of Halloween, we don't spend a lot of time on the holiday. Maybe next year!

Their New FAVORITE Thing

2009-11-01T09:26:00.002-05:00

The kids LOVE to go for bike rides. We had the double bike stroller, but since we were afraid of what Jack might do to Haley with our backs turned, we opted for the bike seats. Don't they just look adorable with their helmets? :)

Buddy Walk 2009

2009-10-12T07:55:00.003-04:00

We had the pleasure of spending this year's Buddy Walk with our good friends Kristi, Jay, Jaylin, and Kaylee Rouleau, as well as the Christianson Family. We lucked out on the weather, although it was a bit blusterly at times. There were about 2000 people there, dancing up a storm to Ayla Brown performing for them. Thanks to EVERYONE who helped us raise about $2,300.

Bubble Bath Fun

2009-10-12T07:46:00.001-04:00

This is Jack and Haley's first bubble bath together . . . . and no one got hurt. :) Actually, Haley was wailing on Jack a few times. Both Tom and I were secretly cheering her on.

Quick Trip to the Cape

2009-09-21T23:12:00.002-04:00

Last Wednesday was early-release in the Nashua Public Schools, which means that Jack didn't have preschool. Hhhmmmm . . . . what to do? Why not hop in the car, drive 2 hours to the Cape, spend 4 with the grandparents, and hop back for another 2 hour drive? Sounds good! We had a great day, with good food, and wonderful company. :)

Haley Turns ONE!!

2009-09-05T20:37:00.008-04:00

I can't believe it. Really, I can't believe it. Where did the year go?!? I know people say this all the time, but for the first time in my life, I really get it.

She has been a god-send for us, just our little angel. I can't wait to see how the relationship between Haley and Jack grows -- they're going to be the best of friends. [Of course, that's when he gets past pushing her down at every chance, and the occasional bite.]

Happy Birthday little Haley! We love you loads!!! Thanks to everyone who came and sorry you missed it, to those who couldn't be there. Enjoy the photos!

Haley and her bunny

2009-08-22T22:23:00.005-04:00

Haley is now 11 1/2 months old. I really can't believe it. Well, as you can see, she is getting there with her walking. Here she is playing a little game of throwing and chasing after her bunny. :)

Bye Bye Jumperoo

2009-08-22T22:13:00.004-04:00

The Jumperoo has been a very good friend for years. But it is time to say goodbye. Haley is so independent, she wants nothing to do with it anymore. I think Jack sensed it was on it's way out, so he crawled into in for one last round of jumping. :)

Just our kids . . . .

2009-08-16T07:10:00.003-04:00

Not much to share lately. It's been a wet, nice, and now hot summer. We're hoping to get a few more activities in before the summer is over. You know how you have a list of all the things you want to do -- barely even touched the list. :)

Jack just finished summer school and had about 2 weeks off before beginning the school year. I can't wait to get him back into a schedule, with his assigned therapies. I really think he's going to make big leaps this year.

Haley is just about walking. I've been trying to get a good little video of it, but she hasn't been cooperating. She's very independent and wants what she wants. She's going to be a handful. :)

More photos from the Cape . . . .

2009-08-03T22:50:00.001-04:00

Thought I'd share a few more photos . . . . yes, that is my mother trying her first cigar. Go Mom!

Vacation on Cape Cod

2009-08-03T22:48:00.002-04:00

Late July was our vacation week for Cape Cod. As usual, we rent a house with the Christianson family and spend a week just a few houses from the beach. The company and food was great, as always, but the weather didn't cooperate like it was supposed to. Also, sickness was in full effect. Both Haley and Jack got conjunctivitis and Jack was up one night with the croup. Needless to say, we cut out of the Cape a few days early and spent the rest of our vacation at home. I still ask myself why we go away with little ones. :)

Anyway, the kids loved the beach. Haley splashed in the Atlantic for the first time and treated the beach as her personal buffet. This year, Jack was more interested in everything around him rather than running up and down the beach. As usual, he had a ball in the water with Auntie and Grammy. Hope you enjoy the pics!

4th of July

2009-07-06T21:10:00.002-04:00

Well, the rain finally held off for a wonderful day! We spent the morning down in Chelmsford watching their annual July 4th Parade! All was good until the 30 or so fire engines came by with each of their sirens blaring. Too much stimulation for Jack. :) Went back to the Christianson's for some yummy pulled pork! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

Daddy and his Kids

2009-06-21T20:20:00.001-04:00

That's all . . . . just Daddy and his kids. :)

Rebuilding the wall . . . . AGAIN

2009-06-21T20:16:00.002-04:00

I love and hate our stone wall in the backyard. It is beautiful, yet dangerous. Dangerous because we have lovely, little chipmunks that like to create holes through it which compromises the stability of the wall. Not to mention all the root structures of the bushes and how they are pushing out the wall over the years. Well, this is probably the 6th time I've had to rebuild the wall. It scares me because Jack likes to play near or even try to climb the wall. It was Nala that helped this particular point collapse, as she was standing on top when it started to tumble. I never want to see a 14 year old dog have to leap in the air for her life again.

Special Olympics Day

2009-06-21T20:09:00.002-04:00

Jack participates in the Special Olympics Young Athletes Program. It's a program for 3-7 year olds that help develop the skills need to play organized sports. Today, July 13th, was the culmination of his program. All the Young Athletes had their chance to walk around the University of New Hampshire track and receive their medals. Daddy, Haley and Auntie Brenda were there with Jack. Mommy couldn't be there and she's hoping that Jack is just too young to remember that! I had already booked into an art festival in Wakefield, MA on the same day. We both had good days! Brenda says that Jack walked around the track on his own (most of the way, anyway) and the crowds were cheering for them. Jack clapped and waved right back. :)

First time swimming for Haley!!

2009-06-07T12:42:00.003-04:00

We bought a whale pool this year -- just a good size pool with a big whale's tail that provides a little shade. Well, Haley LOVED it -- if you call non-stop splashing fun! Jack was just happy to sit to the side and watch the show. :)

Happy Kids

2009-06-07T12:40:00.002-04:00

I just love to show off my happy kids. :)

Haley's New Hat

2009-06-03T13:23:00.002-04:00

I get a lot of requests for trades from my Nala Girl Inspired and Noisy Bird Studio shops. Another artists finds you, wants your stuff, and asks if you want anything in their shop. Through one of the trades I acquired this hand crocheted hat for Haley.

I'm thinking she likes it. :)

Big Boy Bed

2009-05-28T14:41:00.005-04:00

Well, Jack is finally out of the crib and into his big boy bed. As you can see, he's pretty thrilled about it. :) He does really well too -- if he gets out, we tell him to get back into bed and he runs right back to his fire truck. Gotta love him!

We're here!

2009-05-24T18:59:00.004-04:00

Well, it's finally happened. I've created a blog. I'd like to say "we", but Tom doesn't care for blogging -- of course there is no apparent reason. :)

I'd like to think that I will be updating weekly, but that may be a stretch. Actually, it will probably be driven by the photos that I take. And having a blog will drive me to take photos.

Thanks for looking and hope you enjoy your little voyeur into our lives. :)