Finding Ninee » Sharing our parenting and special needs stories with heart and humor.

For this week’s Finish the Sentence Friday, Kenya suggested sharing 10 photos from our phones, which I thought would be easy (after all, I could show you 10 of puppy Nugget and be done with it because she really is that adorable). Turns out, it was more difficult than I thought. I ended up choosing […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Kenya G. Johnson - Spectacular photos! This was a hard one to prepare for but I like sharing photos. We all aren’t necessarily connected on facebook or instagram, or we miss the posts or maybe didn’t share it anyway.

    Your new view is beautiful! I can’t believe it snowed yesterday. I want some cooler air so bad. I guess by the time I’m falling in love with our cold air you’ll be hating yours.

    I love Tuck’s new hairstyle! And wow to be so much taller than your mom!October 11, 2018 – 8:01 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks! And yeah, it was hard but I enjoyed it. I love our new view. Come visit! For real this time ah hem. It snowed but today it was sunny and you can’t even tell it snowed. Pikes Peak (the view) had snow on top of it today though – so pretty. And yeah, maybe hating our cold by the time you get yours but the sun is soooooo intense here (I blame my wrinkles on it for living here so long) that if it’s out, it feels warm-ish at 50-something. I love his hair too. But gah, soooo tall. I know you relate to that 😉October 12, 2018 – 8:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - Absolutely love, Tucker’s new hair cut! I cannot believe how grown up he is looking. Seriously our babies are not babies anymore it would seem! Also, Happy 80th to your dad and glad he got to be with all his grandkids at once for it. 😉October 11, 2018 – 8:09 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Janine! I love it too but can’t believe how OLD he looks. IS. Gah. Thank you for my dad’s birthday wishes too.October 12, 2018 – 8:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Vickie - (I got a weird error message on the first attempt, so if this is a duplicate – sorry)
    Wow! What views! And Rampart!!!! Beautiful! Glad Colorado is agreeing with you. I love the new hair but (tear) I love the long hair. They grow up, don’t they?October 11, 2018 – 8:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I suspect the Facebook message thing is going away – sorry you got an error. I keep thinking of turning them off but then I’d lose all the old ones (I think). Rampart is amazing. Let me know if you’re ever out west! *TEAR* I loved the long hair too but it was a pain. This is easier. But still. SOBBBBBBBB.October 12, 2018 – 8:13 pmReplyCancel

  • JT Walters - Cool pics but it looks like the puppy is baby number 2 for you. What a breath taking view to wake up to in the morning. You could sit on your porch and have a cup of coffee just marveling at the view.October 11, 2018 – 8:45 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - All the views our here are incredible. And yeah, she’s a total baby. Pain in the butt and adorable.October 12, 2018 – 8:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Lizzi - LOVE his new hair. And the mining axe sounds way cool.
    Mountains. Hmmm. They seem far enough away *fantods*October 11, 2018 – 11:31 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Fantods? They’re majestic! And amazing! Do you get that way with the ocean too? I get that way when Tucker’s playing in the waves, but love the ocean. Anyway. I love his hair too but also miss it longer…October 12, 2018 – 8:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Christine Carter - Ahhhhhhhhh all of those photos are truly SPECTACULAR!!

    That pup, oh my heart. And Tucker’s haircut makes him look so much OLDER! Such a handsome young manbaby. LOL

    Love the shots with grandparents and ESPECIALLY the scenery- I am in awe of those mountains and that reservoir pic- just WOW. Breathtaking in every possible way.October 12, 2018 – 8:54 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - She’s got my heart too, sweets. Good thing, because OMG she’s so much work too… I can’t believe Tucker’s hair. Or really, I can believe his hair, but not how old he is. GAHHHHHH. And come visit. Please? I’ll take you to the mountains and everywhere. Then we can chat on the porch. 😉October 12, 2018 – 8:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - I was going to comment on Tucker’s new haircut because I noticed right away! He looks handsome and so grown up! And that Nugget…what a face! And finally, that view!! WOW…Colorado is definitely in the spectacular category.October 12, 2018 – 2:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG his hair. His AGE. Grown UP!!! Gahhhhhhhh. And yeah, Nugget. She’s a keeper. And a pooper. A house pooper. Let me know when you’re in Colorado. Come visit. You must.October 12, 2018 – 8:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - Great pictures. I’m a sucker for long hair, but I must say – Tucker is quite dashing with the cuffed hair~! Happy Birthday to dad. Your view is amazing. I can’t believe it snowed! Have you taken tucker up to Pike’s Peak yet? And he so tall (or your mom is really short). How tall is he? Robert’s really tall though, right?October 15, 2018 – 8:30 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m a sucker for the long hair too… and I miss it. But, I love his new cut too, and his “not a crush any longer” crush from last year said he was handsome with it so… my mom is SUPER short. 4″8 1/2. Robert’s super tall – or tall-ish. 6’2″. Tucker’s just shy of five feet. AT NINE. We have to buy size 14-16 clothes. The “man” clothes have too long arms and too big waists… sigh.October 15, 2018 – 9:44 pmReplyCancel

I wish schools (and life) had every child’s best interests in mind, but they’re limited by staffing inadequacies and are forced to put resources where they’re needed most. I get that. I’m also less than thrilled to be facing this reality at Tucker’s new school. Special Ed Support Problems, Some People Suck, & Changes I […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Janine Huldie - Aw, Kristi, I am so with you on how people can and do suck. I have totally learned this over the years, especially with parents of my kids’ friends. For this reason, I admit I don’t go out of my way to be too friendly with many of them, as I have indeed learned the hard way to put many at arm’s length after being burned. Let’s just say some people are genuinely not nice and are only out for themselves. That said I am sorry you have had to deal with possibly similar. Just hope you know it isn’t you at all, but them. Because you, my friend are a wonderful lady with a huge heart. Hugs <3October 4, 2018 – 8:13 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - UGH they so can and do suck. Thanks, Janine and I try to remember it’s them and not me but gah it’s so easy to wonder what’s wrong with our own selves right? Thanks for the hugs and the sweet words. I appreciate them and you!October 5, 2018 – 9:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I do adore his vocabulary in his YouTube videos. You get the credit for teaching him too but I’m laughing that he totally sounds like the real deal (a YouTuber) and he didn’t get that from mom.

    I’m sad about the outcome of the potential friend for both you and Tucker. That stinks, that whatever transpired in her meeting made it okay for her to “forget” you both.

    Side note, I asked Christopher just this week what he thought about homeschooling. He pretty much shouted NO before I finished the sentence. I wasn’t serious. Since he’s also an only child he definitely needs that social interaction with his peers.October 4, 2018 – 8:33 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you again for watching his YouTube videos! We’re so behind on them. Yeah, the potential friend stinks. I think she was hoping Tucker could be her son’s protector but when I said he’s a gentle giant who wouldn’t even consider hitting the kid who head butted him in the belly back, maybe she figured she could get better “protection.” Ugh. LOL to Christopher shouting “NO” before you could finish the sentence <---- also Finish the Sentence LOL.October 5, 2018 – 10:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - UGH. She totally sucks and can go.. suck a rotten egg. That fumes me. FUMES, I tell ya. Yeah, I wish people didn’t suck. Actually my post – due to be scheduled at midnight my time – is about some self-serving crap. I hope you’ll like it! Also, Tucker rocks. And he’s MORE useful that he doesn’t pound bullies. UGH again.
    Also, I don’t know why they don’t have children’s best interest in mind. It’s like the DCF here in MA. They’re awful awful people.October 4, 2018 – 9:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I agree! She so so so SO sucks. I loved your post. And agree that Tucker is MORE useful because he doesn’t pound bullies or anybody. Sorry about the DCF in MA. Sucky people SUCK!!!!October 5, 2018 – 10:01 pmReplyCancel

  • Lizzi - UGH! That’s truly rotten of her. I’m sorry the woman was such a usey bitch. I hope you find some good ones to make friends with and have Tucker’s social circle grow full of good people. Huge shame about the lack of support for him at school. I hope they sort it out soon.October 5, 2018 – 4:31 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks. She was SUCH a usey bitch. Thanks, and I so hope to make friends with some good ones too. Sooner than later hopefully. Gah. Tucker, too. And yeah, the difference in support services from one place to another is just wrong.October 5, 2018 – 10:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - I hope you figure out the school support situation soon…I always felt like the in-school support was a double-edged sword. I was happy he had that “security blanket” of support, but on the other hand, I questioned how much it was actually doing during the school day. We ended up supplementing with after-school, private support, which was draining on our savings, but if you find the right people, it can feel worth it. Ugh – it’s hard though, I get it. You want them to be able to do regular kid stuff after school and not be carted off to speech therapy or OT…anyway, hang in there and your bitchy mom radar totally kicked in with that mom — don’t worry, you’ll find the authentic, empathetic moms too!October 5, 2018 – 7:33 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Emily, me too! We’re already supplementing with after-school support which I’m partly ok with but also resent a bit. I mean, why should we have to pay all this money for services he used to get AT SCHOOL?? Of course, I’m happy to pay (and lucky to be able to mostly to) for services, but I shouldn’t feel that I must, you know? Well, yes, you do know.
      LOL to my bitchy mom radar. Nailed it. 😉October 5, 2018 – 10:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Debi - I am so sorry that these aspects of your move have been so rough. Getting our kids what they need requires constant vigilance, which is exhausting. We had a lovely 504 plan meeting for my daughter this fall to ensure that she gets some help with her vision issues. Only some of her teachers came to the meeting. Those teachers are super helpful. The ones who didn’t come seem not to know anything about what she needs, despite getting a copy of the 504. Conferences should be fun next week. Not.

    I know what you’re going to have to do, and how hard it will be. Hang in there, Kristi. May they really be able to HEAR you, and may you not need to yell. (But yell if you need to!)October 5, 2018 – 7:55 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you! And yeah, getting our kids what they need is totally exhausting and frustrating and sometimes I think I’ve gone crazy. But I haven’t. None of us have. Sigh.
      I’m sorry to read you’re dealing with similar challenges. UGH to the unfun conferences. Hang in there. Maybe both of us will be pleasantly surprised? (BWAHHAHAHAAH if only)
      Thank you for the reminder that yelling is good when yelling is necessary. We women too often stay too quiet. When it comes to our kids? We ROAR. xoOctober 5, 2018 – 10:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - People totally suck! I’m really sorry the school situation isn’t what you hoped or what Tucker needs, and that he gets the support he needs. That other mom? I have nothing encouraging to say about her – users will be users. You both deserve better and you will find it eventually.October 6, 2018 – 4:23 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Dana. The thing is, I’m not sure whether it’s enough for him or not, although I don’t think it is. He’s got huge anxiety over homework and stuff and ONE special ed support person for 550 students? UGH. Also the other mom sucks. Wish you lived closer. xoOctober 7, 2018 – 8:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - Kristi – please hire an advocate. DOn’t wait. go get one. It is totally worth it, I promise. And get all the documentation in the world from Fairfax County. The squeaky wheel and all that!!! Don’t be afraid of what they think. They can hire another person to support Tucker. Cutting 60 hours is unacceptable on all levels. momma! Not good.October 15, 2018 – 8:19 amReplyCancel

  • Christine Carter - I’m sorry I’m just seeing this post now. And I’m even more sorry the school is failing your sweet boy and not meeting all his needs. That is UNACCEPTABLE.

    Sigh.

    And that mom? SHAME on her. Pff.

    But Tucker’s heart? OMG WHAT A LOVE.November 11, 2018 – 8:42 amReplyCancel

Years ago, when Chief and I found one another, he was about 18 months old and fully trained. The story the guy at the shelter told me was that he was a pure-bread white German Shepherd that’d gone through an extensive obedience program. According to him, as Chief got older, he was less white and […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Kenya G. Johnson - I’m so glad you shared Nugget here. I meant to bug you for more pictures but I got sidetracked. Also I love the name and I’m glad he went with the first one that came to mind. So cute. And awww, you have a “sit by” replacement. Soooooo sweet!September 27, 2018 – 8:04 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - OMG – I love her! So happy for you all – dogs are the best!September 28, 2018 – 7:40 amReplyCancel

  • Janet Ochs - How cute! I’m glad he found a new buddy.September 28, 2018 – 1:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The\ - I love it. <3September 29, 2018 – 12:17 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - I’m so excited for all of you, and so happy for Nugget or whatever her name is. You know I’m partial to a rescue dog 🙂September 29, 2018 – 3:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry - Love the name. I love it, for girl or boy. Good choice Tucker! Hope you have many happy, fun-filled years with her. Congratulations!September 29, 2018 – 11:04 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you! I love her name too. We walk to school now and it’s so cute that all the kids know Nugget. Good for her, too.October 1, 2018 – 7:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - Nugget is so cute! You’re not going to believe this, but at 15 or so years of holding the children off, we are finally getting a dog, like I think this weekend. I am so scared. I’m allergic, so I need a hypo-allergenic /non-shedding dog. We’re going to try the rescue route, which makes us nervous because you really don’t know, 100%, what type of dog it is. I’m also NOT looking forward to the poop….October 1, 2018 – 7:03 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OH WOW! YAY for you – you must share photos when you get one! I’m a little allergic but in the past, I can acclimate to one dog. Cats? Out of the question, and I can’t even breathe with them in the house but usually, I can get by with dogs although I occasionally have to medicate. We had to give Tucker’s guinea pig away because I was so allergic to her. Weird what sets us off and what we can grow tolerant to (in allergies and life too I suppose). LOL to not looking forward to the poop. Share photos. Of the dog, not the poop.October 1, 2018 – 7:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Christine Carter - AW!!! NUGGET!! She is just so PRECIOUS and I love love love LOVE all those pictures, but especially that sweet little puppy curled up cuddling on Tucker. OH my heart.

    I’m SO excited you found the perfect pup for him and for your family!October 1, 2018 – 7:55 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Me, too, Chris!! Thank you thank you!!! I love them together. They’re on the floor snuggling right NOW.October 1, 2018 – 7:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah E Balding - Oh my goodness! You can’t just go around posting adorable pictures like this. My husband is going to come home one of these days, and I’m going to have an adorable dog and cat, rental agreement be damned. XD But for now, I’m just going to squee in delight over these wonderful pictures of your son and his cute little Nugget. I LOVE the name. This brings back so many memories of my childhood dog Ooga who I had from when I was 6 until I turned 21. I can’t wait to see what memories Tucker has with his dog! <3October 1, 2018 – 11:22 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw!!! Ooga is a GREAT name for a dog too! And I love love the name Nugget as well. It’s so cute at school drop off and pick up (we walk). SO many kids are like “Mom, that’s Nugget! Isn’t that the best name/coolest dog/etc” and I feel like in addition to a wonderful companion, we’ve given him street cred at school for having the adorbs puppy. 🙂October 1, 2018 – 7:25 pmReplyCancel

  • racing tips - It’s nearly impossible tto find knowledgeable people
    about this subject, but yoou seem like you know whhat you’re talking
    about! ThanksDecember 3, 2018 – 7:41 pmReplyCancel

Being Left Behind “It’s easier to leave than to be left,” I cried. Staying meant seeing the places we’d laughed in, loved in. Leaving felt exotic and brave. Staying? Yuck. He held my hand, fingers woven together. “I promise we’ll see this again” he said. “Our connection will never be broken.” I agreed. “Let’s get […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Pat Brockett - I would think being left behind would be harder because when you are the one leaving there is a since of adventure, discovery, and purpose.

    I’m glad you kept writing after the five minutes. 🙂September 20, 2018 – 11:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think so too – there’s definitely adventure, discovery, and purpose with leaving. 🙂 And thank you! Me, too.September 21, 2018 – 8:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I love that you are feeling complete so soon, that’s wonderful. And now you have a new puppy to make it a family of four. I’m excited for you. You have a whole year of first’s in Colorado before things repeat. That’s exciting. I’m jealous that you are probably now getting breathtaking fall colors and fall air. Glad you took that big move from Denver to Virginia. Now you’re having one of the full circle moments.September 21, 2018 – 7:13 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m glad it’s feeling like home so quickly too. It’s going to be hard if we have to go back. Houses here are so much cheaper and the one we’re in is so new and pretty… not that I don’t love our home in Virginia, but this home is here. Tomorrow, we’re going to my brother’s for a birthday party for him and his daughter. Today’s the first day it felt a bit like fall. Even when it’s in the 60
      s here, it feels like summer when you’re in the sun – its intense!!!! Robert’s going out of town Sunday so we probably won’t go see the leaves in the mountains until next weekend – I hope we’ll be in time. Not much changing down here yet although I’ve seen a couple of red leaves on trees.September 21, 2018 – 8:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - I’m so glad you’re feeling like you’re home, Kristi! That makes me very happy. You bring up an interesting question – to leave or be left behind? I think it’s harder to be left behind, because you still in the place where that person used to be. But that may just be because I’m looking at it as a mom whose kiddos are leaving.September 21, 2018 – 9:49 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG from the perspective of a mom whose kids are leaving. That’s got to be the hardest of all, I think. Seriously. Hugs to you, my friend. It’s feeling like home for sure. It’d be nice to have friends nearby though – like you!September 21, 2018 – 8:44 pmReplyCancel

  • ALLISON SMITH - Such a cool prompt. I wish I’d written, but I finally finished something else I’d been working on. I think you are going to be glad you left. I think fresh starts are good:). And of course, there’s the whole full circle aspect of it all!September 21, 2018 – 10:10 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You can still write, if you want. Stays open through Sunday night at almost midnight. I think I’m going to be glad we left, too. Except we might have to go back in 3 years. Or 5. 5 would be worse I think, because Tucker will be a freshman in HS then. GAH.September 21, 2018 – 9:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Debi - I would probably prefer to leave, but mostly because I like to be in control! I haven’t moved nearly as much as you — it sounds like maybe it gets a little easier every time. I sure hope you all settle in very soon. <3September 21, 2018 – 10:52 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I like the control too, I think. And in some ways, it gets easier, although I have to say that this last move was the hardest one I’ve ever done, and the first one I’ve done with a husband and child. It’s amazing how much stuff kids have. That part was staggering and I vow to purge more often for sure, after seeing some of the stuff we unpacked. Thank you! We’re in the process of settling, I think.September 21, 2018 – 9:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Astrid - I don’t really understand about leaving a romantic partner, since my now husband was my first boyfriend. I’m so happy you trusted your feelings and didn’t end up regretting leaving this man though.

    I’m also glad that leaving for Colorado seems like a good choice so far.September 21, 2018 – 1:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You’re so lucky that your first love is your love now! And I’m glad too about leaving Colorado then, and coming back now. I think it seems good so far.September 21, 2018 – 9:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - I think it’s great that you are already feeling complete there…I think you’ll be glad you left Virginia too, regardless of the weather. 🙂 I don’t do well with change, and my husband jokes about it, but I know if I were faced with a big move like that, I’d be scared, but sometimes you have no choice, and you go! You’ll be glad you did, I just know it…September 21, 2018 – 3:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - I think so too. We’ll see how it goes. I don’t have a friend here really (I mean, I do, but they’re 45-90 minutes away so none in the neighborhood). I don’t really do well with change either. Until, there’s a change, and I do. When Robert first talked about coming here, I was very much NO NEVER. And honestly, I’m not sure about the school and Tucker’s needs (they cut a bunch of hours and and and)… we’ll see. But it FEELS good, mostly, if that makes sense.September 21, 2018 – 9:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Christine Carter - Love reading your stories, your past and your present. Isn’t it amazing how when we look back, we see such clarity in it all? I’m so proud of your strength and courage to face and go through this HUGE leaving behind. I’m so glad that you feel at peace about it, and hey- weather IS important! But growing and using those ‘adjusting’ muscles is both challenging and rewarding. I hope your entire family (especially sweet Tucker) settle into this new life and LOVE it.October 3, 2018 – 6:19 amReplyCancel

They say nobody really changes. In some ways, I suppose that’s true. People show us who they are and it’s important to believe them, rather than hope we can make a jealous, possessive person sane, for example. But as the seasons change, don’t we change a little with them? “Seasons change and so do I.” […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Kenya G. Johnson - #8 is sweet – something you’ve experienced that you can’t wait to share with your family. And wow to #3, that was your day before belly? Mine was ginormous. I guess it depends on what the position the baby is in. I think Christopher was stretched out. Well and he was also 10 pounds. I love the nostalgic sweet memories of your post, and the heartbreak of #9 and how wonderful everything has turned out. I hope you get a keeper of secrets soon. I think it’s time and maybe he or she is just getting there as you’re about to rescue them.September 13, 2018 – 8:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks about #8. One thing I’ve really enjoyed about being in Colorado is showing them stuff that I remember as a girl and later. And yeah, that was my day before belly. I never really got that big for some reason (also that was 39 weeks because they induced me and I’ve heard the last week is big for growth). Tucker was only 6lbs 9.5 oz… And I hope we can find the perfect dog for us soon too. There’s an adoption event Sunday (fingers crossed).September 14, 2018 – 5:31 pmReplyCancel

  • JT Walters - I have accepted life is painful. I can even learn from it or be doomed to repeat it.

    Please let me know about Tux.

    I am trying to let go of negativity, forgive and love more.

    I also trying to trust God.

    Love the blog!!September 13, 2018 – 9:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you and I’ll definitely keep you posted about him and what happens!September 14, 2018 – 5:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa@TheGoldenSpoons - Ah, the seasons of life. I still have to remind myself that you are in Colorado now! I hope things go well with Tucker’s new school & evaluations. If not, I know you will fight to get him what he needs – I just hope you don’t have to.September 14, 2018 – 9:29 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Exactly what you said. I’ll fight for sure but so hope I won’t have to!!September 14, 2018 – 5:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Allison Smith - I can’t wait to hear what they say! And u know/think this transition must be rough, but at least maybe you git to go back to a place you love! Hang in there!September 14, 2018 – 9:55 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Allie! Yeah, I can’t wait to hear what they say too! The transition is rough for sure but I missed Colorado and it’s really nice being closer to my dad and one of my brothers families.September 14, 2018 – 5:33 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - You had me at the part about searching for a “keeper of secrets” for Tucker — exciting!…keep us posted on that too! (and everything else of course…)September 14, 2018 – 12:33 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I definitely will! There’s an adoption event Sunday we’re going to – fingers crossed!September 14, 2018 – 5:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Lizzi - Hope you find T a secret-keeper soon. And fingers crossed for not too much fighting needed with the school!!September 15, 2018 – 3:09 amReplyCancel

  • Christine Carter - Loved this and my gosh, so many huge moments in those seasons past and this particular season present. Anxious to hear how things unfold for that sweet Tucker. You are SUCH a good mama.

    I am still so excited you are in Colorado- because my gosh, it’s COLORADO. Hoping also that Tucker is transitioning well with his new home, new school, new life too.

    And I saw on FB YOU FOUND HIM A KEEPER OF SECRETS!! HE’S ADORABLE!!!!September 16, 2018 – 8:15 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - WE DID FIND HIM A KEEPER OF SECRETS! He’s sitting on the floor with her right now, giggling. I think we made the right choice (although I was up at 1am and 4am before the usual 6:45 am.. she’ll get there though). Thank you! And aw to the good mama. I hope so – I know YOU ARE ONE. Also yes, Colorado!!!September 17, 2018 – 8:16 pmReplyCancel

What it Feels Like to be Shy You want the room to swallow you. You’re not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough. You’re not enough. Shy is hiding your shaking hands. Being shy is feeling each atom of blood rush though pounding ears. It’s wishing somebody would see you and say “hi” while simultaneously wishing […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Emily - I had a similar conversation the other day with one of my boys (middle dude) about how I was shy when I was younger, but the older I got, the less shy I became. I explained that I thought it had to do with not caring as much what people thought of me and now I don’t think of myself as shy at all…but it took a long time for me to not think of myself that way. Anyway, back to school time is always hard for all kinds of reasons, including feeling shy and tentative — whether you’re new to a school (like Tucker) or not…September 6, 2018 – 8:15 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I care SO MUCH LESS about what people think of me now than I used to. I wish our kids could hear and absorb that better but I’m sure my parents said the same to me when I was young and so painfully shy. Back to school is so hard. On all of us. Here’s hoping it’s a great year for all your dudes and for my dude, too! xoSeptember 7, 2018 – 8:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Allison Smith - It’s always so hard to start at a new school. Poor thing. What grade? Can you ask the teacher to help facilitate? Also – he looks so much like you. I’m sorry about the haircut – but damn, what a cute dress you had on!September 6, 2018 – 9:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - He’s in fourth grade now. And yeah, I’ve spoken to the teacher, and the support person. They’re re-evaluating him (GRRRRR), so we’re going to have a meeting in a few weeks. Sigh. Aw to looking like me – he’s better looking of course. 🙂
      LOL to the cute dress! I thought so too when looking at the old pic – that I’d wear something like that now if it looked okay!September 7, 2018 – 8:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Lizzi - I hope he gets there soon, and feels confident xxSeptember 7, 2018 – 3:30 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - I’ve been in Tucker’s shoes three times. Each time I became more shy. Going into high school was the worst. I hope he finds the one friend soon that makes it all better. I wasn’t always shy but there is something about starting over again that makes you an introvert. I don’t think I was either one before my first school move. Just like you with the hair, I hoped and prayed that by the time I had children that we wouldn’t have to move and they could go to the stay in the same school district for all the grade school years. Unfortunately living in a military town, besties move away too which is equally heart breaking. That pounding in the ears, man I haven’t experienced that in a long long long time. That’s the worst.September 7, 2018 – 4:13 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Three? That’s hard. I can see why you became more shy each time… high school would be hard! Robert’s said he thinks we can stay here for five years but I’ve said that I’d rather move back for Junior High than High School because that’s hard… or stay here until he graduates. We’ll see.
      And yeah, besties moving away is totally heart breaking too…
      UGH to the pounding in the ears. It really is the worst. Thanks for getting it!September 7, 2018 – 8:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Debi Lewis - “Fake it til you make it” — this advice comes up constantly in conversation with my younger daughter. Another option, though, is to accept one’s own feelings of being quiet. Some days we want to say hi to everyone and chat it up. Some days, we just feel like observing. Some other days, we want to arrive just before the event and slink in to the back and hide behind our hair. All those versions of us are ok!September 7, 2018 – 9:01 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Actually I like accepting our feelings of being quiet better than “fake it til you make it” but it’s easier somehow later on I think to be able to fake it, if that makes sense. But you’re right – each version of ourselves is ok and I so hope Tucker gets that sooner than I did!September 7, 2018 – 8:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Great definition! Tucker is one lucky boy to have you as a mom to help guide him through the challenges of life.September 7, 2018 – 11:00 amReplyCancel

  • Pat B - It would seem at times that so many bloggers experienced times of shyness. I wonder if that is a common trait of writers.

    I learned much later on that many of the people who I never considered shy when they were in school, actually were, but had a way of covering that trait up.

    I wonder if your teacher felt badly about pulling your hat off after seeing you go hide from embarrassment?September 7, 2018 – 6:07 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You know, I think maybe it is a common trait of writers to be shy. I feel like so many of us are… maybe we write to have a way of saying what we’d be too shy to say outloud?? Hm. I wonder if she felt badly for pulling off my hat, too. I hope she did, at least a little – enough to not do something similar to other kids as the years went by!September 7, 2018 – 8:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Christine Carter - Oh yes, this spoke to my heart and I hope that sweet Tucker grows more comfortable as the school days continue on. I loved how you talked to him and I LOVE the beautiful relationship you have with him.

    When my kids are worried about what others think about them, I always tell them they aren’t that important. LOL. But it’s so true. Just like you said, people are too worried about themselves to notice much about anyone else. I love the self-talk you shared- I say those things to myself all the time!September 11, 2018 – 6:42 amReplyCancel

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