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

One day, when my son was an infant, I walked for 1,001 hours with him strapped to my body in his Baby Bjorn, my hand underneath his bottom for all of the just-in-cases. At home, sweaty and red, I unstrapped him, sure that he’d look older. It was 2pm and his diaper was wet. I […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • JT Walters - I bet a Tucker and R had the best time of their lives too. But you always seem to make the most fun of everything you do like your awesome Halloween decorations last year!

    You know my favorite vacation with Alex was when we redefined Christmas although DC was a close second even though Children’s Miracle Network would not let him visit Obama in the White House because he was none verbal. Europe was tossed out then too. So my son’s wish became marginalized to 4 days in DC. He loved DC. But Universal Hotel Resort was his favorite. He would be thrilled to move to The Portifino Hotel or Portifino, Italy. I think my son would die if he had to camp. You look thrilled yourself. LOL!September 1, 2016 – 11:07 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - They really did and we try to make everything fun but of course, like everybody, fail at times. What do you mean the white house wouldn’t let him visit because he was non-verbal? LOL to me looking thrilled at camping! Tucker really wants to go though. Not sure why but I guess we’ll take him although I hope to do so in Colorado rather than here because here? BUGS AND SNAKES!!!September 2, 2016 – 9:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - That picture of you made me laugh. You look like you were bored to death! I’m so glad you had an opportunity to go to the beach. I agree that summer isn’t complete (on the east coast) without a visit to the beach. Since I live really close, shame on me if I don’t go. Every year I say I’m going to go look at it in the winter and I never do. I guess because no one wants to go but me.

    So sweet that the memory of Tucker being born is a favorite vacation memory.September 2, 2016 – 10:13 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL I probably was bored to death. Either that or just camping tired, because that’s totally a think after sleeping in tents 🙂
      I love the beach in the winter and will totally go with you one of these days 🙂September 2, 2016 – 9:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Of course Alaska had an intense impact, of which I’m not sure what yet, but our family vacation this summer was to Cape Cod. Our own state. In our own family house. And only for three nights.
    And that’s what I’ll think about the most when the kids go back to school.September 2, 2016 – 12:37 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love your AK photos and status updates SO MUCH. I want to go!!! And you know, three nights is a lot of nights when it comes to memories. I only met you for one night and remember it completely.September 2, 2016 – 9:36 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - I love all your favorite vacation memories…some of my favorites were also when my kids were younger. Even though in some ways it’s harder to travel and vacation when they are that age (and it’s certainly not relaxing), the memories are so simple and pure. We’ve done some last-minute summer vacations too — sometimes those are the best!September 2, 2016 – 9:56 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw sometimes the last-minute vacations are the best. Write and link up? I miss hearing about your boys. >3September 2, 2016 – 11:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Scott - Sounds like you had a great time! Tucker is having all the fun!September 3, 2016 – 8:37 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hey you. We had a great time. I wish it would have lasted longer. I wish life lasted longer. I’m feeling all the “too shorts” right now I guess…September 3, 2016 – 11:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Josie Two Shoes - Wonderful memories, each the best in it’s own time and it’s own way. I would be hard-pressed to choose just one as a favorite too. The older we get the more precious these memories become, and all too soon our children are grown and off on their own vacations and life adventures.September 3, 2016 – 12:36 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It’s so true that our children age too quickly. My husband’s daughter is 22 now. Hard to believe!!! 🙂September 4, 2016 – 7:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Kay Woodward - My special child is 47 yrs old and lives with me. Gotta love all the memories. Some I thought were bad are now the funniest ones. He’s still making me laugh.September 5, 2016 – 8:51 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I LOVE that some of his “bad” memories are some of your funniest now 🙂 Thank you!September 5, 2016 – 11:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - I remember my first flight with Audrey. We flew a lot, cause baby girl did not like the car. And I have uttered the poop and fart line more than once on our road trips!September 6, 2016 – 11:22 amReplyCancel

  • Marcia @Menopausalmom - I’m glad you had such a magical vacation to celebrate your summer!September 9, 2016 – 9:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - I hope each vacation memory becomes your favorite, Kristi. I feel like that’s the way it is for me. I wonder what my kids will think when they look back on their childhood vacations? I’ve never threatened to pull over, but we do converse about farts and poops quite a bit.September 12, 2016 – 8:34 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Your kids will talk about your vacation memories for years I bet! You guys have had some pretty incredible ones for sure. Here’s to poop and farts and talking about them. Because funny.September 13, 2016 – 3:43 pmReplyCancel

  • nothingbythebook - <3 <3 <3September 13, 2016 – 12:32 pmReplyCancel

The first house I remember living in had a tiny linoleum kitchen with wooden folding doors leading to it from the family room. My parents locked the doors way up high with one of those eyelet locks because my brother was hyper-active and sugar was his drug. We found ways to get in, anyway. We’d […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • JT Walters - I am with you on the years passing stinking. I miss my two year old little communist who did anything and everything I asked him and use to squeeze me so hard with his hugs. I miss him wanting to be with me and I am so tired of constantly have to fight the state of Florida to get him basic fundamental services. But I also see, in small portions, a few people accepting Alex and that makes my heart jump for joy.

    Being a parent does hurt. It is also the most wonderfully rewarding marathon of unconditional love. You find strength you never had.

    Who would have ever thought I could endure 12 hours a day of YouTube videos?? Or I would travel for the past 16 years none stop just to get my son basic services that have now been cut?

    Who knew I’d be able to stand up for my son who not only has autism but two rare disorders that the state of Florida somehow overlooked when they called me names and attempted to smear my reputation? I am still standing and still asking for services our government is determined not to provide my son. So every year we endure disenfranchisement it hurts because Alex sees not purpose in government any longer. Honestly, nor do I except to be the most horrific parents to their children/citizens. This country’s moral authority is gone when the neglect to enfranchise and include children with disabilities and that has been going on since the 1990(s). It is close to 30 years of abusing the disabled and their families. God knows how horribly our country abuses children and parents of rare diseases so yes, another year they do it is very pathetic but it is also another year that no matter what they have done to me…I am still here. I am still advocating and I will never surrender!! That is good for my son and every child that is different. But I miss my baby too!!August 26, 2016 – 1:27 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I know you miss your baby too! And you’re doing SUCH an awesome job as a mama to a teen – your courage and tenacity amaze and inspire me. State of FL vs. JT, my money’s on JT!August 26, 2016 – 7:12 pmReplyCancel

      • JT Walters - Only because of awesome leaders like you Kristi. Thank you FTSF.

        I am a Mom and therefore no matter how hard it is, I can never give up on my sweet handsome son. I do miss my little communist that loved me with all his heart. We were eating out and a girl in a bikini top with large boobs walked by and his head followed her boobs and he completely ignored me. I was invisible! No one writes about this stuff what to expect when your expecting. “Oh and btw, when ur son turns 16, if boobs are in the room you will be completely irrelevant to him!” What????August 26, 2016 – 9:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Wow to poor Mr. Buckingham. That story sounds night and day from Pat the Bunny! I love that last picture. Considering all your phone mishaps I’m surprised you took it in the water.

    You know I hadn’t noticed the days getting shorter yet. I have noticed that the morning officially “feel” like back to school. Christopher starts back on Monday.

    I felt the yellow kitchen, and I so glad you survived mercury!August 26, 2016 – 11:51 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kenya,
      It was such a weird story! I loved it though (maybe because my dad read it to me having read it as a boy?). The last photo (and the sea kayaking one) was taken with the Go Pro. I’m too scared to bring my phone into the water even though it’s supposed to be waterproof. I got a Go Pro for Christmas last year and it has a waterproof case AND a strap. I really love it and was surprised by how good the photos on it are. The problem is that videos are 300+ mb and I have no room on my laptop…
      Christopher starts Monday? Tucker’s got one more week and starts the day after Labor Day. And thanks, I’m glad I survived mercury too 🙂August 26, 2016 – 7:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - You amaze me. This post is beautiful and well thought out and would probably take me a week to write. Did you check eBay for the book? I’ve had good luck there looking for old books. And leaning back in the chair…no-no. the beach in August is a little sad, although I never thought of it that way before.August 26, 2016 – 1:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Allie! It’s way less thought-out than you say but THANK YOU HUGE for saying it seems as if it were. I appreciate it. And yeah, I’ve checked eBay and rare book stores… I found it a year ago but it was like $500 and I didn’t get it. I sort of regret that now. I still think one of my brothers has it though…August 26, 2016 – 8:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Paul Brads - You are so good.August 26, 2016 – 6:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Marcia @Menopausalmom - Awwwww…this is so sweet and poignant. I love love LOVE the family photos at the beach. After reading your blog all this time, I feel like I’m right there too, watching your boy grow older and taller each year. It just goes too fast, doesn’t it?August 27, 2016 – 12:27 amReplyCancel

  • Jen - Glad you were at the beach for your birthday and hope it’s a great year you deserve it! The last pic here is perfect!August 27, 2016 – 12:36 amReplyCancel

  • Roshni - I love reading stories about childhood! It just feels so comforting! The story about biting off the thermometer exemplifies it where we wouldn’t get all worried and nervous about safety concerns but we still take care of each other!August 30, 2016 – 2:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Isn’t it funny about the thermometer? That’d never happen now – I don’t think they even make those things any longer! Thanks, Roshni.August 30, 2016 – 8:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Sara - Good post! Love all the photos. I am way jealous that Tucker went to Parkour Camp! I would love to go! I would go now, but I’m old and fragile and liable to break a hip just getting out of bed in the morning, but man-oh-man, if they had that when I was younger???? I’d be ALL OVER that!!!

    GO TUCKER!!! He is so brave! …and clearly adventurous!!

    Now I want to find Brave Mr. Buckingham. I’ll keep an eye out. 😉August 30, 2016 – 7:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Not only did he go to Parkour Camp, I got a 20-visit pass because they have Nano Parkour (ages 6-8) classes on Saturday afternoons AND break dance classes! It was SOOOOO COOL. The instructors were amazing – walking around on these tiny bars 20 feet in the air and jumping to hold onto that tiny ledge on the ceiling beams. So cool. Plus, they were super nice. I was worried because Tucker’s SO hard on himself but the guys were incredible. Patient, encouraging, and now he knows how to do the landing. Come visit and I’ll take you to watch. I’m to scared to go too. I mean, I break bones falling from one-foot tall cots and taking my trash out down the normal stairs. I can’t imagine what I’d break trying that shit.
      YES Brave Mr. Buckingham. Also Little Black Sambo. Totally not PC but another of my favorites as a kid. I swear Tom or Mike has them but they both deny it. Sigh.August 30, 2016 – 8:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Maria - Just awesome things to cherish about life… when I was a kid 6 or something I remember some things like watching Tom and Jerry, a science program tune comes to my mind and also caughting hail stones when it rained(: … enjoy life, I too would love spending my while on water. Your 2nd grade kid is still cute(:October 6, 2016 – 2:30 amReplyCancel

“If I’m the size of a nine-year-old, why am I only seven?” he said. I think about what to say to my not-so-little little boy, but I wait. I don’t want to imply that tall or short or anything between is good or bad. It just is. Like the shape of our thumbs. Who our […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • JT Walters - What an inspiring blog about your and Tucker’s success. I am so glad your son had that preschool teacher but you had a lot to do with him talking. You never gave up and you never surrendered. How pain those years of silence must have been for your family and how much joy you must feel just to hear his words.

    Damn proud you know what an antecedent is!!

    This blog was really inspiring as a parent with autism who still does get to hear my son speak.

    You and Tucker are showing the world is he way.

    Being big will mean he will be popular. Large males are anthropological lay preferred.

    You are proof a Mother’s love is still the best rememdy!!

    What took you so long,I have been waiting all week for this??August 19, 2016 – 12:15 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - THANK YOU. And yeah, I know I helped him talk too but honestly in the early months of testing and evaluations, many people told me he’d catch up when he was ready to talk. That he didn’t “need to talk” because he wasn’t in daycare and I knew what he needed without him asking.
      And yeah, he I think enjoys being tall but honestly, I think it affects his coordination sometimes AND it makes him look older, which isn’t always good when developmentally, he’s younger. Also I’m not very tall, and my brothers aren’t very tall, and they are amazing. I want him to know that physical stuff doesn’t matter so much. Like the fact his eyes are the color of sea-magic? They’d be just as gorgeous if they were the color of lava-magic, or any other color. You know?
      ALSO LOL to the “what took you so long” comment. That’s really sweet. Thank you.August 19, 2016 – 9:29 pmReplyCancel

      • JT Walters - With all the barriers you have manage have confidence in your ability to negotiate the rest. He does have majestic sea ble eyes as Alex has eyes of blue emeralds. They have to have a little pride.

        You have taught Tucker well except how he describes Trump. Not good Sister!! Those words are going to fly out at the wrong time.

        You are making it out of the world of having a none verbal child into a more normal world..let go of some of the worries now. You and Tucker are trail blazers. Rejoice in that victory and yeah seriously it takes a long time to get your posts and you know I wait all week for them.August 19, 2016 – 9:43 pmReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - I’m letting go of normal because what is normal anyway>>>> for real. And it’s not just me, teaching him that Trump is EVIL like the fruits of the devil, it’s all of his favorite YouTubers too because Trump is terrible and where did that come from here???August 19, 2016 – 9:47 pmReplyCancel

          • JT Walters - Evil is not the word I am referring to…just be prepared for the on to which I refer to fly at a really inappropriate time. Look you are a lover not a hater…let go of all of it, it is out of your control.

            You’re a loving compassionate person, don’t let this election change you.

            I am working with Alex going to high school and following your lead. We both have a lot to pray about. Prayers and crossed fingers everything turns out well. Btw, if T is near 80lbs he will hit puberty soon. It is strictly by weight. That will not be fun for you if he goes through it in second grade.August 19, 2016 – 10:16 pm

  • Dana Dominey Campbell - Love as always…August 19, 2016 – 12:35 amReplyCancel

  • Allie - I wish I was going to the beach. I hope you guys have a great trip. Also. I think you should call the principal. He should has responded back. And a co-taught classroom was always goo for us – a mix of typical and mild special needs. I found it was easier for him to fit in. In second grade, it’s really hard to tell the difference. I promise. Another benefit – the teacher is better trained to deal with all the personalities. But that’s just my opinion. xoxoxAugust 19, 2016 – 7:00 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I wish y’all were coming to the beach with us. Not too late for another road trip??? The school here is really weird about placement. I think it’s because the teachers move around… and it’s a really good district which also means the parents think they have all this control (which we should and in part, do) but GAH. I keep waiting for the letter or email. I hate waiting. And thanks, I know second grade it’s harder “to tell,” but I also feel like it’s getting easier if that makes sense. xo xo xoAugust 19, 2016 – 9:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @TheGoldenSpoons - School is hard on us mamas. When my youngest was in second, that was the year she was bullied and threatened. They year the principal was incompetent and did nothing. The year her teacher was so sweet but so young and didn’t know what to do. It was the year my mama bear claws came out like never before and we decided to move them to a different school.

    On the other hand, I loved second grade. My teacher that year was one of my favorites and we read “SuperFudge!” I can still picture my second grade classroom in my head. Is that weird?

    I hope Tucker has a great second grade year and that you do,too! XOXOAugust 19, 2016 – 7:49 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It’s SO hard. I remember when you switched schools. I guess I’ve known you for a long time (AWESOME!!!). But sucky that the principal did nothing 🙁 OMG I forgot about Superfudge! I hope that Tucker has a great year and that you and your family does too, Lisa!!!August 19, 2016 – 9:36 pmReplyCancel

  • Katy - I’m glad you went to the beach. I feel your anxiety and fears in your words about the upcoming school year and they echo mine with my own kids. I just want it to be alright and not a long year, ya know?August 19, 2016 – 8:35 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - We’re going on Sunday, and thank you so much for getting the anxiety and fears about school. I know what you mean as far as alright and not a long year…August 19, 2016 – 9:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - That is amazing that he remembers what he couldn’t articulate at the time. I’m so not ready for 6th grade that I can’t even right about it. I think I’ve been anxiety organizing all summer so everything with be – um- organized. So I can at least say, “There’s that.”

    P.S. I felt you choke up when you cried when the teacher pulled you away. 🙁August 19, 2016 – 10:17 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It’s SO SO amazing that he remembers stuff that he couldn’t talk about. I’m shocked all the time. And yeah, organizing. “There’s that.” It’s something though, right?
      xo to yeah pulling away.August 20, 2016 – 12:05 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Oh and I forgot to mention that Turcker will appreciate his height later. So give it a few years and he will love being taller.August 19, 2016 – 11:39 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you for that too. I know he’ll appreciate it. That I do. I just hope he knows it doesn’t matter even if it does ,you know?August 20, 2016 – 12:06 amReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - Hello, sweets,

    Is Tucker mostly in the classroom or resource room?

    Do you like the principal, teachers, special ed. teachers, paras?

    Wishing you a wonderful new school year! xxAugust 20, 2016 – 10:02 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hey Kim!
      He’s mainstream classroom with some support (they put all the kids with delays together and then there are two special ed teachers – it’s not perfect, but last year was enough for him). So far, I’ve loved his teachers and special ed and speech person. And thank you!!! xxAugust 21, 2016 – 9:18 amReplyCancel

  • Kerry - Oh, Kristi, this back to school stuff still causes me so much anxiety. I couldn’t even figure out where to start to write about it. I hope Tucker feels less of that than I always did. Second grade was one of my better years, I’d say,, as that is the year I got my braille teacher and she started to teach me braille, more seriously, even though my mom took the classes and had begun to show me the basics.
    Every summer, as it comes to an end, even though I don’t go back to school anymore, those old feelings creep up. I have to tell myself to relax.
    🙂
    This year I am feeling it for my nephew, who starts JK in a few weeks, but is so small and such the little guy in my mind. But I suppose it will always feel like that. He’s getting more and more excited, but keeps inviting myself and his grandma to come with him and sit in his chair.
    🙂
    It’s so wonderful to have some of the special ed services that now exist, hopefully even more than when I was a kid, but it’s never easy. It is hard to fit into school to begin with, and made that extra bit of hard when any differences are obvious.
    Here’s to a greatly successful and enjoyable year for you and for Tucker.August 20, 2016 – 6:26 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kerry,
      You know… second grade was good for me too and I so hope it is for Tucker. I hear you on lingering feelings of anxiety though – it’s hard, right? And awww to your nephew starting JK. That’s adorable he keeps asking you to come with him and sit in his chair. I hope he loves it (I was freaked out about Tucker starting preschool here but he did really well — thrived, in fact). I hope your nephew has an easy adjustment period and loves school!
      Thank you!!August 21, 2016 – 9:23 amReplyCancel

  • Ender-Chan - I parodied A Chorus Line’s I Hope I Get It because school is a performance. I don’t know if any of you like musicals, but it reflects my sentiments on every coming school year. I really need the grade.August 21, 2016 – 3:24 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think your take was super creative and awesome!!! Good luck with school coming soon 🙂August 21, 2016 – 11:04 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - The Rickys! Oh, I do love me some continuity.
    Scarlet is going into second grade and she’s smaller than many kindergarteners. They’re all in different shapes and sizes!
    Cheers to it. Ten days from now for us. I’m all kinds of nervous but the show goes on.August 27, 2016 – 11:42 pmReplyCancel

Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that sweatshirts in my closet and memories from “not that long ago” are actually more than 20 years old. Grandma was right when she said the days were long and the years, oh-so short. “Mommy,” he says, “how old will you be when I’m 40?”   “80,” I say, hoping […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Dana - So glad you did the job one – you’ve had much more interesting jobs than I have! TP queen may be the best one though. Oh, except for Mom. I don’t know how you were at your other jobs, but you are pretty damn good at that one.August 11, 2016 – 10:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Me too. I think I’d mentioned that I really REALLY wanted to do this one… LOL to TP queen. And here’s to being moms. xoAugust 12, 2016 – 11:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Josie Two Shoes - Wow, you’ve held an amazing array of jobs and have always managed to land on your feet! I love that you’ve figured out what is most important to you, I think you’ve got it just right!August 11, 2016 – 11:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Man, I thought I had weird job stories. You win!
    And I am NEVER going to KFC again. Not that I ever did..
    And now I NEED to read about Billy Idol. He’s my boyfriend.August 11, 2016 – 11:21 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - LOL I did have weird jobs. And KFC? I don’t even know how much they’re around any longer. And um Billy wanted to pay me and a friend to rebel yell him, so yeah, he’s maybe my boyfriend too? Or something else.August 12, 2016 – 11:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Debi - I admit that I too enjoyed the latest FB viral confession hour, aka “#first7jobs.” When I thought about it, I could really see how everything I did led fairly smoothly into what I do now. Both lists — current and former work — are equally scattered! This was a fun post to read. Your limo outfit is STYLIN.August 11, 2016 – 11:39 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Debi! I was tiny cool in the 80’s. I saw the #first7jobs too but never ended up doing them…August 12, 2016 – 11:07 pmReplyCancel

  • JT Walters - What I planned to be that Motherhood has placed on a back burner and what I have become.

    I planned to be one of the greatest female Scientist the world has ever known like Madame Curie without the irradiation.

    It is amazing when you have a child how much everything changes for you. You really do want peace and God will on Earth. The sunrises and sets with your child even who they do this they are not suppose to. You make them fancy glorious means, spend every dime you have on them and are completely crushed if they cry.

    After college and BA(Before Alex) I did want to be a writer and had some success but it is a tough game. Digital publishing did not exist. You had agents, publishing houses and the worst of all editors. I honestly miss editors now because I realize just how much they improved my work.

    This honed skill continued to serve me when I went into academia. Publish or perish and I could write so my survival was guaranteed.

    But then I had my beautiful boy. All Mom’s love their children and think they are beautiful and all babies are beautiful. This is a universal international phenomena. However my son had not one but two(2) rare disorders. Holly Molly, I had to study biochemistry and learn medicine quick!! One doctor (He is renown) told me my son would be dead by two. Alex is sixteen(16). I can’t do anything but take care of him. We don’t receiv charity or help because the world does not understand rare diseases. So in the quiet moments, I write. I guess that makes me a writer. I just completed the first rough draft of my science fiction now. So I guess besides a Mom, which is my first and best title, I am also a writer.

    For a quick FTSF post I thought it was fantastic Kristi. Tucker knows the most important thing about you which is that you know how to have fun and he can count on you. You are a great writer my dear friend but a fantastic Mother!!August 12, 2016 – 2:48 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - JT!!! Thank you! Also, your book will be amazing, because you are amazing and it’s so true that the publishing world has changed so much. I’m not sure whether it’s better or worse, now!August 12, 2016 – 11:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Kelly L McKenzie - Would you like me to wash your balls? Oh my gawd. Hysterical. And the fact that your older than many of your son’s friends’ parents? You’re blessed. I am too. We can (most of the time) rise above all the unnecessary fuss and see it for what it is: sheer high school. Here’s to turning 80! You bring the KFC and I’ll bring the wine.August 12, 2016 – 3:24 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Right??? Even if it’s ONE BALL, how do you say, “can I wash your ball” with a straight face? Not possible, at least for me. And yeah, we are so blessed. I’ll totally bring the KFC and the wine, when we’re 80.August 12, 2016 – 11:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @TheGoldenSpoons - That’s a pretty interesting resume! I’m the opposite – always wanted to be a stay at home mom, but, then it was nothing like I had envisioned and, as much as I love & adore my girls, have always wondered about the career I never had (unless you count 4 years of teaching preschool.)August 12, 2016 – 12:39 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Isn’t it funny how much we wonder about the other lives we may have lived? I do still wonder what I’d be doing today had I stayed with my job(s)..and really, if I’d still been with one rather than the one when I got pregnant… I maybe would be. So weird.August 12, 2016 – 11:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Allison - Oh Kristi! What a fun post! I used to babysit for a $1 and hour, too. Isn’t that crazy? I hated babysitting, too. But I was always trying to put the kids to bed early, so I didn’t have to deal with them. The picture of you in the tux is adorable. And Billy Idol! I need more details…I’ll click the link. Your caddy story made me laugh. I never did time in the fast food trenches, thank God. I was a dishwasher at an Italian Restaurant…now that’s nasty. No electric dishwasher!August 12, 2016 – 4:13 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - xo Allie. It’s SO cray cray (being all cool with the kids these days) that we sat there for $1/hour and thought that was fine, but it actually was. I hated it too. UGH to the dishwashing, gross!!!August 12, 2016 – 11:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie - Oh the days of free soda and beer Fridays! It was magical how the beer just showed up back in those days…Fun way to reminisce about the old work days. Mine wasn’t as colorful but I remember lots of corporate parties and some crazy team building offsites. 🙂August 13, 2016 – 6:56 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I miss beer Fridays 🙁 And I know what you mean about the “back in the days…” xo
      I didn’t even think about the crazy team building offsites!!!August 14, 2016 – 11:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - EWWW to KFC. It’s been more than a year since I’ve eaten anything from there but I’m grossed out like I ate it yesterday. So cool all the places you got to visit. Wow to $1 dollar an hour! I think it was the summer of 85, so I was 14 that I kept a little boy while his dad was at work. His dad had him two weeks over the summer. I made $25 for the whole week which I thought was excellent. And it was easy because he was the same age as my brother so they pretty much entertained themselves. I’d love to read more about your travel and finally “landing” in DC forever 😉August 16, 2016 – 12:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - How am I just seeing this now? And you know, I think KFC used to be better, like in the 80’s. I feel like it was better. Or maybe I was just less seasoned and had eaten less meals, because we tried it recently too and EW.
      Hm. Maybe I need to write about landing in DC forever. Or, at least for now. Thanks for the idea!! And about the travel. Sometimes I wish I knew about blogging way back then. It’d be fun to have gotten in when it was new and be able to go back and read… instead, I feel like I got in late and now am like “hm.”August 23, 2016 – 12:21 amReplyCancel

I filled his sippy cup with water as he waited. Silent, pudgy baby fingers reaching. I twisted the lid, and it whispered. “Autism.” The leaves on the nearby plant shook but my hands didn’t. “No,” I said, “that’s not it.” To prove it, “Can you ask for your water, Buddy?”  His lip trembled, his shoulders […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Dana - I can’t believe I left fart jokes off of my list of blessings! I’m only half kidding – who doesn’t love a good fart joke?

    It’s so easy to get caught up in life and forget about all the small everyday blessings – thanks for helping me remember.August 4, 2016 – 10:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Allison - I love reading these posts. I love to learn about all the blessings in m friends’ lives. Thanks Kristi. And you had a cute pregnant belly! And you are good mom to laugh at butt and fart jokes…I am so over them after fifteen years. Ugh…August 4, 2016 – 10:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hm. Maybe I’ll be over them in 15 years too but right now? I”m just adoring that he wants to make me laugh by telling jokes. Butts and farts and all.August 5, 2016 – 5:44 pmReplyCancel

  • JT Walters - I am so blessed to be apart of this website and look forward to the posts even when sick.

    I don’t have the words but Alex baths himself, dresses himself, washes dish (yes, this is knew!) manages to make himself cheese sandwiches when I have 103F. He sits guard over me making certain I am getting enough rest. YouTube music videos are also in our home none stop.

    These are all things I never thought my son would do but he could do all along. I had to stop doing for him so he could do for himself.

    No more hugs and he will only kiss me as a bribe to get something he wants. I still fall for it every time. I am a grateful sucker.

    Roller Coasters? Whoever thought my son would like rollercoasters?

    I am grateful for my son. He has taught me so much about life and compassion. I do not regret the child I idealized when pregnant but the blessing of having each and everyday with my son. The son, I live with.

    He inspires me to be a kinder, better, gentler person and for this post to share these gratitudes.August 4, 2016 – 10:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Alex is awesome and you’re an awesome mom! I love that he washes dishes and makes himself sandwiches but girl, you need to get better soon! Yikes. I really hope that you’re on the mend and get Alex to a roller coaster soon!August 5, 2016 – 5:45 pmReplyCancel

      • JT Walters - Another blessing was meeting you and discussing writing a book. I never thought I would but I am almost finished and really sad the first draft is almost over. I think it took me about a month. I will get better. I just got really, really sick this time. You know I know medicine but no cure like rest and no rest for Moms. 2-3 weeks the doctor told me. But I am still here with my son and I am grateful.August 5, 2016 – 11:46 pmReplyCancel

        • Kristi - That you wrote a book after meeting me? OMG. I’m so so very impressed. As you know, I started one and poof, I had no ending and so I stopped it. You’re amazing for keeping on with the writing.August 6, 2016 – 11:51 pmReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - That you wrote a book. Sweets, you’re so way ahead of me.August 6, 2016 – 11:53 pmReplyCancel

          • JT Walters - I am not ahead of you. My house is a disaster. The laundry has not been put away. I drove my car until the brakes and rotators were gone and now I have a penalty of a $1000 to pay to replace them in a 20 year old car. The only person I am ahead of is myself from yesterday. Plus my son is 16 and they are very independent at 16. I could have never even dreamed of writing a book at when my son was younger. And I do not have the second child called a husband!! Books also is rough draft and sucks right now. Needs lots of work. You have your priorities straight with your family. And you work. I do not. We are just in different stages of life. You will do it next time. And it will be a best seller.August 7, 2016 – 3:21 am

  • Emily - I just spent the past few days with extended family. Two of my nieces were there with their toddlers and newborns and it brought it all back to me – the baby smell, the constant nursing and diaper changes. On the one hand, I was exhausted just watching them and thankful I had big(ger) boys, but on the other, I was jealous that all of that was behind me now. The best part though was watching my own boys ooh and aah over the babies, asking to hold them, and playing peek-a-boo with them. I saw a side of my boys that was so sweet and nurturing. Made me feel blessed in all kinds of ways. 🙂August 4, 2016 – 10:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw toddlers and newborns. True, so much work but it’s hard to know it’s behind us too I think. I love that your boys were oohing and aahing over the babies. That’s adorable and so precious. xoAugust 5, 2016 – 5:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Vidya Sury - I feel blessed to read this post. I found myself crying (as usual) at the love. Your son is just beautiful and precious and you are a wonderful Mom. Hugs, Kristi.

    When we struggled through life, my Mom always insisted we must see the silver linings, and suddenly everything would become beautiful and much better. Those days, sometimes I believed her, sometimes I did not. Today, I have complete faith.

    Sending you love.August 5, 2016 – 7:37 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw Vidya, your sweet wonderful words are going to make me cry. Thank you thank you. It’s amazing how much sweeter life is when we find the silver linings. Truly. Sending you love right back my friend.August 5, 2016 – 5:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Paul Brads - I miss my kids being little so. Good post, moving.August 5, 2016 – 5:33 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thanks, Paul. I miss the younger days too. I must say that I’m really loving seven though. I appreciate your kind comment.August 5, 2016 – 5:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Corinne - Such a love filled post, Kristi. What a sweetheart – I love the picture of him on the scooter. ‘Tell the folks’ is just too cute!August 5, 2016 – 10:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you Corinne, and I keep running “tell the folks” in my head too. I have some videos but they were all long and I stink at editing video but so need to learn because that’d be such fun to share.August 5, 2016 – 11:36 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Butt who made me laugh to tears! Yes it was funny. You can tell Tucker you told the folks the knock knock joke and they laughed. There’s so much to miss and so much to be thankful for. I love my blog peeps and watching their kids grow through their writing! This was wonderful.August 6, 2016 – 11:23 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG Butt Who made me laugh too! Thank you for seeing the funny in that 🙁 And yeah, the folks. I love my blog peeps too, and seeing our kids. GROW. OMG he’s growing. And I *know* you get that part 🙂
      Also thank you.August 6, 2016 – 11:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Josie Two Shoes - Sweet, sweet, sweet! So much love in these words straight from a mother’s heart. How blessed he is that God gave him to you! <3August 6, 2016 – 12:41 pmReplyCancel

  • yvonne - Aw, it’s lovely to read this and see your love for Tucker shining through.
    I love that you can get delight from small things, that these are your blessings and you wouldn’t trade them!
    I still feel the same way about my daughters and they are 18 and almost 17.August 6, 2016 – 5:33 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Yvonne.. It’s the small things that really feel the biggest of all. All of them. I know the way of 18 and 17 too… my step daughter is 22. So much love to you.August 6, 2016 – 11:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry - Aw. Bald baby heads are so sweet. I am hoping to have one in my near future, somewhere in the family, as I just learned of a death in the family at a good advanced age. So, blessings of babies coming into this world and elderly loved ones leaving it, all things I hope to talk about in the mashup of blogging linkups I hope to do with blessings and thankfuls and more, if I can figure out how to create my own perfect little combo platter.
    🙂
    Folks…love that too.
    The part about dirty feet made me think of my visit with my niece yesterday and her mother noticing how filthy her little girl’s feet had gotten from playing outside without shoes, like grandmother like granddaughter.
    Glad I could make that connection with your post here and my day I just had, mixed with past memories.
    A lot of people and blogging projects coming together to meet up for this one and I am a bit confused by it all, but hope to take part in my own small way, in the next day or so.
    Thanks again Kristi.August 7, 2016 – 2:18 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - His little bald head was so so sweet Kerry! I’m sorry to hear about the death in your family – I hope there’s a new birth soon! I look forward to your mashup – this linkup is open longer than usual so you have time. xoxo
      Here’s to dirty feet from playing outside!August 7, 2016 – 6:20 pmReplyCancel

  • K - I don’t know how I missed this post before – you really do have a lot of blessings in your life, and Tucker is blessed to have you as his mom! I have really enjoyed following along on your journey.

    P.S. I love the Nerf gun tucked into his shirt! And that is DEFINITELY not a baby scooter – as someone who’s never scootered before, I’m very impressed with his scootering skills! 😉August 8, 2016 – 7:50 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I so do have many blessings in my life and I always appreciate the reminder so thank you. I love the Nerf in his shirt, too, he’s so adorable about that. Thanks too for being impressed with his scootering skills. Perspective is such an important pat of life’s journey and I appreciate you giving me this one again. Truly. xoxooAugust 9, 2016 – 12:36 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @TheGoldenSpoons - Beautiful and sweet and perfect! Just like T!! 🙂August 8, 2016 – 8:12 pmReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - You, my dear, are a blessing to your readers, family, Tucker, and the world.

    xxAugust 14, 2016 – 2:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Michelle - I love reading about Tucker and all the adorable things he does. You know what? That autism test lies. A lot of people can be on the spectrum and not make that test. Autism is so unique between people there really is no way to truly measure it. The best we got is experienced people being able to spot it. But reading about Tucker as long as I have and seeing pictures, especially of his eyes and the glaze that coats it in some of the pictures, I think he’s on the spectrum somewhere, just a place that’s too unique to claim the diagnosis from a clinical standpoint. The Aspie glare is the deadest giveaway you can find. The spacing off into infinity. That’s autism, no matter what the shrinks and “experts” say. You’re doing the right thing with his treatment and your parenting. You’re doing it so well that you are one of your biggest blessings.August 19, 2016 – 7:46 amReplyCancel

Ker-clump, ker-clump, ker-clump. The floor shakes above me – my son is running laps. It’s not exactly running, although he is fast. The movement reminds me of baby-him crawling on one knee while the other leg semi-walked. I guess it’s a type of skipping, but more musical and dinosaur-like. Primal somehow, and so him. I think about […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • JT Walters - If another girl tells you, you are ugly THEY ARE JEALOUS!! It happened to me once and at the rink too! I was a very good speed skater. I was a confident child athlete and I am certain the girl was jealous of me.

    I write with passion. I’d never intentionally physical or emotionally hurt anyone. My life is about loving everyone even when they don’t love us. My son is taught to live everyone too!

    I’d rather take the pain then hurt someone else. I will admit menopause made it challenging until I got some hormones!!

    You are a beautiful person Kristi with a big heart. Your intentions are far more important than your emotions. You are wonderful, friend, wife, Mother and advocate! Alex and I live U!!July 28, 2016 – 10:49 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think your same comment came through twice?July 29, 2016 – 11:17 pmReplyCancel

      • JT Walters - Double comment means double the ❤️, I did not think it possible. Delete it if you’d like. But ❤️U and Tucker!! Have an awesome night and back to working on my book!July 30, 2016 – 12:23 amReplyCancel

  • JT Walters - If another girl tells you, you are ugly THEY ARE JEALOUS!! It happened to me once and at the rink too! I was a very good speed skater. I was a confident child athlete and I am certain the girl was jealous of me.

    I write with passion. I’d never intentionally physical or emotionally hurt anyone. My life is about loving everyone even when they don’t love us. My son is taught to live everyone too!

    I’d rather take the pain then hurt someone else. I will admit menopause made it challenging until I got some hormones!!

    You are a beautiful person Kristi with a big heart. Your intentions are far more important than your emotions. You are wonderful, friend, wife, Mother and advocate! Alex and I love U!July 28, 2016 – 10:49 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hey girl, I think you were a better athlete than I was – she sure wasn’t jealous of my skating. Probably I just looked like I was having fun (because I was) and she was having a bad day or whatever. Still, it makes me think. Same with writing because sometimes the words just flow and other times, not so much. Here’s to loving everybody and ugh to menopause. YOU are a wonderful friend, wife, mother and advocate and T and I love you and Alex!July 29, 2016 – 3:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Lydia - Knowing when to stay quiet, what not to say is so often much more important than finding the right words. And your cute as a button, even if you are a weemiebitt.i m sorry but that HAD to be said.July 29, 2016 – 3:27 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - I’m not sure what inspired this post, but you always express yourself with grace and with underlying hope of leaving this world a little brighter than you found it.July 29, 2016 – 8:03 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think a few things but thank you. Here’s to leaving the world better my friend. xoJuly 29, 2016 – 3:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Debi - It’s so hard to be at a loss for words, especially for we writers. Sometimes, though, as you said, it’s so much better to hold the words back, even if it hurts to keep our mouths shut. I sure have stories like yours. It sounds like you’ve found a formula that works.July 29, 2016 – 10:10 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think I’ve found a formula that works.. although sometimes, it’s hard to know when to speak and when to be silent. Thanks so much.July 29, 2016 – 5:36 pmReplyCancel

  • Ruchira - Girl, I could resonate with you on so many levels…I too draw a blank when someone is mean to me n later come up with emotions n words. Some of my friends would call me a tubelight for this since not quick to respond.

    I think responding with grace n wisdom is my idea too!!

    Cheerios KristiJuly 29, 2016 – 7:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ok now I need to know what a tubelight is… never heard that expression before! But here’s to responding with grace and wisdom, when we have them!!!July 29, 2016 – 11:19 pmReplyCancel

      • Ruchira - Tube light usually flickers and then turns on thus, the comparison Kristi 😊

        While a bulb when you switch on instantly 😊July 29, 2016 – 11:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Allison - Hey momma, hope everything is okay. Sometimes turning away is taking the high road…and I believe that’s the right thing to do. And the best way to honor your beautiful words. XoxoJuly 30, 2016 – 8:47 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hey you – welcome back! I can’t wait to hear more about your trip. And yes, everything is okay… it sometimes just surprises me how very much somebody’s words stay with me even when I don’t want them to! xoxoJuly 31, 2016 – 12:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - I started to write this week, but it just didn’t happen. The words get stuck sometimes, and I’m content to read yours instead.

    I wonder if that little girl remembers saying such hurtful words. I’m not sure what makes me sadder – people knowing words are hurtful and saying them anyway, or people who have no empathy and don’t even realize it.

    Taking the high road is tough, but it’s worth it. For the other person, yes, but mostly for you.July 30, 2016 – 7:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Here’s to the high road, for ourselves. I am determined to write for Who I Am this week…it’s so easy for the days to get away from us though. I can’t believe it’s August tomorrow. Gah.July 31, 2016 – 12:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - It can be so hard, right? Ten times out of time, I don’t go back to re-open the conversation.
    Although with the girl calling you ugly, I’d probably have had to do something because what kind of ugliness is inside someone to do that? The kind I have never seen in us and our kids!July 31, 2016 – 10:10 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I don’t usually go back and re-open the conversation either because really, most of the time, what’s the point, you know? And who knows about that girl… most likely, it had nothing to do with me. I still remember it though..July 31, 2016 – 12:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Mo - We’ve all had those time when we are shocked into silence in the moment but later know exactly what we should have said. But I think you are right. The higher road, the more peaceful path is to let it go. Being so close to the accident must have been scary. In those circumstances, I always think, “what if I had left a minute sooner…”July 31, 2016 – 8:56 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ugh I can’t stand the times when I’m at a loss for words but honestly, sometimes, I’ve been so glad I didn’t say anything I regret. Here’s to the higher road. And so true to the thoughts of “what if I’d been a minute sooner!”August 2, 2016 – 10:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Josie Two Shoes - I also often find myself thinking about other people and how their day might be. Are things going ok for them, and do they need my prayers? What we choose IS important! “Make good choices” is probably my most passionate sermon about life. The choices we make even when very young will affect our lives forever, and now that we are older and hopefully at least a little bit wiser, the choices we make need to be ones that reflect that wisdom, walk away with grace, don’t return hate with hate. I need to keep working on that. Great post!!August 6, 2016 – 12:32 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I do that too… they probably need our prayers, for sure. It’s hard, though, when they leash out at us, with such venom to remember that. Here’s to working on it, because I wonder every day how much it was already wrong with this one situation, and know it’s more about not me and my life than it is you know?August 10, 2016 – 11:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie - Love your thoughts about responding with grace to venom. It used to be really hard to do, but these days I feel a lot of it is just not worth it. Maybe it’s age or learning that a lot of times no good comes of it. Plus the “venom” from someone else is more about their insecurities usually. I’m with you… choosing grace and peace! 😉August 10, 2016 – 10:11 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - The Venom from others.. OMG it’s so about them, but it feels like it’s about us, right? Love that you came to comment here. Thank you.August 10, 2016 – 11:28 pmReplyCancel

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