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

My husband Robert almost missed the birth of our little boy because we were arguing while I was in labor. After 13 weeks of bedrest and a few scares, I was more than ready to have my son. The day had finally arrived, and we headed up to the hospital. Once we finally got set up […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • zoe - Gotta read this….my parents fought on my birthday too….thats why I have three different dates….thanks guys.November 18, 2014 – 6:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - That’s a hilarious story – I hope it’s in the book too! (And incidentally, at Little Dude’s birth, my father walked in just as I was about to push (he worked at the hospital so had free reign so to speak). My OB joked and asked if he wanted to help deliver the baby…it was sort of too late for him to walk out and leave because the doctors said the baby would be out any minute, so I said, “dad, just stay – no biggie.” (3rd baby so I was pretty calm) He stayed, but took the position Robert wanted – by my head — while my husband was at the “other end.” It made for a funny story and my dad still brags about seeing his grandson born. 🙂November 18, 2014 – 6:26 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Emily,
      Like a butthole, I didn’t even submit to this anthology but OMG to your dad walking in!!! Part of me is horrified but part of me is like “WOW what a gift he got!!” Because while kinda gross, it truly is a gift to see a baby born. I love that you have such a similar story!!!November 18, 2014 – 8:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - LOL! Great book review. I farted, peed and that other thing. I had my eyes closed because I was so embarrassed. So I don’t know what anyones face looked like while I was losing control. I watched my best friend give birth. I insisted that I would stay by her head but then she requested a mirror so she could see and so I saw the whole thing. We were like 22 years old at the time. I was scared to death. It really was awesome though.

    I found a Youtube video recently of a giraffe giving birth – also AWESOME!

    Glad Robert made it through 😉 See if you can get him to watch the giraffe. LOL!November 18, 2014 – 7:45 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kenya!!! I love that your eyes were closed. I can relate to that. I peed on the doctor and was SOOOOO embarrassed. My husband was just wrong to chuckle at me having gas. I mean I’d eaten nothing but AIR for like 20 hours!!! Of course that’s what’s coming out. I still give him a hard time of it and also love that you saw the whole thing with your girlfriend. It really is pretty amazing. Almost makes me want to do it again. Wait. I’m 46.November 18, 2014 – 8:29 pmReplyCancel

      • Kenya G. Johnson - Well as my MIL likes to remind me “Halle Berry had baby at 47.”November 18, 2014 – 8:40 pmReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - UGH for real? Some other chick did too, who’s the woman… Kelly Preston maybe??? I’m reminded of it as well and as much as I’d love for that to happen again, well, I think that ship sailed as it were… now I’m looking happy about grandbabies. Also Halle Berry has teams of helpers… right?November 18, 2014 – 8:45 pmReplyCancel

          • Kenya G. Johnson - That’s exactly what I was thinking – teams of helpers. I seem to get sick now if I don’t get enough sleep. I can’t imagine if I had to do the sleepless nights all over again.November 18, 2014 – 8:48 pm

  • Mike - I delivered a few babies as a medic many years ago and obviously it was not a situation where the husband could be present. It’s definitely a life-changing event to observe…including the peeing and defecating lol 🙂 Anyhoo, my partner and I were too busy saving baby and mom’s lives each time so there were more important things to be focused on. Good post, Kristi 🙂November 18, 2014 – 8:07 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hey yo I did not crap on the table. I just farted but pooping is allowed as well because COME ON!!! Pushing a watermelon out of a pee hole? Totally acceptable! Thanks, Mike 🙂November 18, 2014 – 8:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - That is freaking hysterical. David & I didn’t fight during the 3 day birthing torture. Though if I had the strength I would have smacked him back into the 1970’s when he told the doctor it was just like gutting a deer when they did Abby’s c-sectionNovember 19, 2014 – 8:59 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG he said that it was like gutting a deer and you didn’t kill him???November 19, 2014 – 10:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Meredith - Love it! This is so funny! Thanks for the laugh and thanks for reading and sharing this book 🙂November 19, 2014 – 9:30 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you for writing such an excellent story for it and making me wish I’d contributed!! You’re awesome!November 19, 2014 – 10:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Julia Arnold @ Frantic Mama - Kristi–
    You should have put your story in the book!! Hilarious.

    Thanks so much for reading and writing about Clash of the Couples.

    P.S. That photo of your son as a newborn is to die for!!

    ~JuliaNovember 19, 2014 – 10:02 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I should have… I didn’t think of it at the time and I so regret it but am glad to have read yours and this whole book!! And thanks, Tucker’s a cutie for sure 🙂November 19, 2014 – 10:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Scott - Robert’s lucky all you did was fart. Other stuff could have come flying out, as well. Still a hilarious story, though.

    I was worried about my ability to stay conscious during birth, too. I sat at my wife’s head while they did a c-section. I felt numb and detached while watching, but I didn’t pass out. Then all bets were off when I could finally hold my babies.November 19, 2014 – 10:38 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I know, right? The friend who let me watch her births pooped on the table. Also, I did projectile pee on the doc and even had the decency to apologize. Dude, you rock for not passing out too. Once Tucker came out, my husband actually ran around me to see him which was awesome.November 19, 2014 – 10:30 pmReplyCancel

  • WriterMom Angela - My parents were arguing when I was born, my dad was out to sea with the Navy and unreachable so since my mom was ticked at him she picked the name she liked for me, but he didn’t like just to spit him! lolNovember 19, 2014 – 11:29 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - That’s too funny, Angela!!! We’d already agreed on the name or else I might have chosen my own – especially if he didn’t get back in time to watch him come out!!November 19, 2014 – 10:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Foxy Wine Pocket - I LOVE your story–that’s hilarious. Thanks so much for reading and sharing the book! xoxoNovember 19, 2014 – 11:50 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks for your part!!! I am pissed at myself that I didn’t contribute so the least I could do was give you peeps an awesome shoutout!November 19, 2014 – 10:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - Kristi, this post should have come with a warning – don’t be drinking and reading. I just spit my green tea out all over my key board! You’re story is flippin’ hilarious and should be in the book:)> I LOVE the Mother of all Meltdowns, so I am off to order this one…November 19, 2014 – 2:49 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA Allie!!! Sorry about your keyboard and I agree – should have submitted to the book but well, I didn’t remember it in time!!! Yay for ordering this one. If you do it from my link I earn like 2 cents or something.November 19, 2014 – 10:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - haha! I always laugh at fart stories. No poop on the examination table???
    I love this story. And I loved this book!November 19, 2014 – 4:35 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I did NOT poop on the table. Did you???? HMMM??? Of course, I hadn’t eaten in like 36 hours so maybe pooping would have been too much to ask for 😉November 19, 2014 – 10:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - That is HILARIOUS!!! Funny story- one of my best friends went on the ‘tour’ of the delivery ward with her husband and a group of first time parents and she turned around and couldn’t find her husband!!! He had PASSED OUT in the last room they were in- which was the delivery room!!!

    #TOTALWIMP

    A TOUR. A freaking TOUR.November 20, 2014 – 12:36 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Chris!! HAHAH that her husband passed out on the TOUR!! That’s just plain old awesome!! 🙂November 26, 2014 – 7:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Oh, that is the funniest story! Thank you for sharing it with us! Yeah, my hubby and I argue about silly things some times too, lol! We try to laugh about it as soon as we can. 🙂November 20, 2014 – 4:15 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Laughing about the arguments is a must but that birth story one took me about a year to find funny!! I sometimes still joke with him about it 🙂November 26, 2014 – 7:22 pmReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - HAAAhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

    I am reading MY OTHER EX.
    Then, Rare Bird…
    THEEEEEEEEEN, THIS ONE!!!

    Thanks, Kristi!

    xxxxNovember 20, 2014 – 6:19 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - 🙂 🙂 YAY for awesome books to read. I LOVED My Other Ex and was just mad at myself for not contributing!!! Same with this one! UGH I need to be more proactive.November 26, 2014 – 7:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Jodi Flaherty - Thank you so much for being on the tour! I loved your story and totally could empathize for you in those moments. I am glad hubby came to his senses! NEVER laugh at anything a woman does in labor. totally out of bounds!November 20, 2014 – 9:55 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love that I was on this tour!!! And yup – never ever laugh at a woman in labor!! 🙂November 26, 2014 – 7:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Out One Ear - Linda Atwell - This. Is. Hilarious! I hope the stories in the book are as good as your story. Can’t wait to get my copy.November 20, 2014 – 11:59 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - That is hilarious. I would really love to have had a funny moment about Kidzilla’s birth…but there just isn’t one. The whole day was very un-funny. But aren’t the arguments couples have completely ridiculous? One of our best is whether the Hub is sleeping in his living room chair (he always is) or not (so he claims). And it never changes…how stupid!November 22, 2014 – 3:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Well Lisa, trust me that at the time, I was so not grateful for the funny moment and wanted to punch my husband for leaving the room! I really thought he was going to miss my son’s birth!!! HAHA to your funny argument. Couples really do argue about the stupidest stuff!November 26, 2014 – 7:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life - Kristi, this is hilarious! They tried to talk me into watching with a mirror while I was in labor and I said no, absolutely not. Maybe at the time it wasn’t the right decision, but I think I might have passed out if I watched too…I don’t think my husband watched either, but quite honestly I really have no idea because I was so out of my mind at that point I don’t remember much of anything except wanting the baby to just come out. As you might have guessed, I did not do well with labor.November 23, 2014 – 12:22 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA Michelle! You said no to the mirror? Honestly, and this is really weird to admit, but I can’t remember if I had a mirror or not. I think not though… Labor sucks. And then we forget how much it sucks and want to do it again (I’m not doing it again but totally would if I were younger).November 26, 2014 – 7:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Jana - This sounds like a great read! I could use some chuckles!November 26, 2014 – 12:39 amReplyCancel

  • Robbie - Hilarious story and the book sounds entertaining too!November 26, 2014 – 8:36 pmReplyCancel

  • Kevin@doubletroubledaddy - Thanks so much for reading and reviewing Clash of the Couples. I loved the story about your husband. I was told I COULDN’T watch the birth (my wife had a C-Section). She made me stay up by her head, behind the sheet.I was going to sneak a peak but was too busy keeping her calm (and I didn’t want to get hit…lol).December 4, 2014 – 12:01 pmReplyCancel

Every once in a while, when I’m writing, working, parenting, or life living, I wonder whether I’d act or do the same were I being filmed. Sometimes, this works out well for me. I’ll engage more completely in the moment, I’ll act with more patience and kindness, and I’ll remember to stand up straight and […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • Janine Huldie - I absolutely love your dad’s advice and couldn’t agree more with it. I also remember a time when this wasn’t true in my younger days, but now I can honestly say I very much don’t care and pretty much do what I feel is right and needs to be done for my family and myself, too.November 13, 2014 – 10:07 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Janine!! I remember when I didn’t listen to anything much less that what people think about me mattering so thank you and I’m glad that you do what is right for you now (not easy)!November 15, 2014 – 1:12 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - Excellent advice, and advice I would love to follow 100% of the time. I don’t, but I’m working on it. It’s become easier as I get older, I think. Some days. Some days I need your father to whack me on the forehead and say “Fuck what other people think.”November 13, 2014 – 10:09 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Some days, I need him to come here and whack me on the forehead too, Dana. Like on a lot of the days. We’re getting there…November 15, 2014 – 1:19 amReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - It’s the best advice yet it seems to be the hardest advice to follow in our world. I feel like I’m much better at it at this age than I ever was and it seems to get better as the years go by. If I did care as much as I used to, I don’t think I would have shared as much as I have on my blog about me and my family and I probably would still be in contact with my extended family. Sometimes, deep down inside, I still care what “they” think, meaning a lot of people, but I fight the urge to care and simply do what I know is true to me anyway. We talked about this before. We can never know what makes people truly make the decisions they make so really we can never have an opinion about it.November 13, 2014 – 10:52 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Brittnei, it is SO hard to follow and I know we’ve had a lot of conversations about it – probably, they were what helped me to remember this advice so thank you for that! And yeah, it’s hard to forget or to ignore what “they” think… but really, we just can’t know what other people’s motivations are and can only live life for ourselves, as free as possible… with respect and all of that too. it’s hard…November 15, 2014 – 1:21 amReplyCancel

  • Kelly L McKenzie - Oh how I wish I could listen to this choice piece of advice ALL OF THE TIME. I’ve heard it before of course. But do I listen to it? Sometimes. Not always. So, after your dad whacks Dana on the forehead please send him over to my house. Many, many thanks.November 13, 2014 – 10:52 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kelly –
      He also needs to come here to whack me because this is so not easy!!! Like here I am after 1 am replying because I don’t want you and others to think I don’t appreciate you so much!!! Which means it’s time to go to bed right?November 15, 2014 – 1:23 amReplyCancel

  • karen - Excellent advice from your dad and so true. Once we really learn to not care not what others think we can live for ourselves and our family.November 14, 2014 – 2:10 amReplyCancel

  • Mike - It’s ironic in a way…just MY opinion…that for all intents and purposes (or intensive purposes lol) we shouldn’t care what other people think. Yet, sometimes if we are being a jerk (and we really truly are) other people pointing that out can be a good thing. That’s just one of many examples – but ones that I think we should care what others think. On the other side of the coin in the many, wonderful, spot on examples you gave…I agree with you 100%, Kristi! And your Dad gave you great life advice. This was a really good make-you-think post. Also ironic with you mentioning procrastination as literally pulling into the garage after work tonight I thought of that EXACT word. I came in and saw your new post waiting…and lookee what part of it is regarding. Many hugs to you always, my friend! 🙂November 14, 2014 – 2:54 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Mike,
      I didn’t think about that aspect of it – that we do need people to point out when we’re being a jerk sometimes. That’s a good reminder that sometimes it does matter what people think – so thank you! I guess I was thinking more about hard decisions, like moving for a job and stuff.
      Yeah…the procrastination bug is a hard one to get rid of. Mostly, I’ve accepted it and use waiting to the last minute as motivation. Sometimes, that even works for me 😉November 15, 2014 – 12:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Michelle AKA Crumpets and Bollocks - Wow…

    A. I totally love the camera concept. I think a lot of people would behave differently not just because they are concerned with how other people think, but also because it would act as a “truth” device to let the world know how they really are sometimes (when at their worst). Like had that camera been there, you probably would have been nicer to that one girl. I think that because sometimes I feel like I’m the camera. Being a writer, everything I see and experience has a chance to make its way to the internet, and some people don’t like it when I write about them honestly. I always tell them, “Maybe you should just behave the way you’d want me to write about you.”

    B. I go through phases. Around people, when I’m there, in the moment, I don’t give a fuck about what they think. But when I walk away from it, alone, I start to care a little. I spent years trying to find a healthy balance between doing my thing with no concern to other people’s half-assed opinions (and they are half-assed, nobody researches my life enough to be more qualified than I on the subject), and the other side of the equation, caring about what they think, building the PR image my father wanted me to have for his professional sake. The same PR image that gave him the network he needed to get some free services from an attorney friend, or have a cop drive pass the house every hour while he was out of town and I was trying to throw a party…

    But then I read gold when I was googling something completely unrelated, but since there was obviously no search results for it, I got all these results for sales and marketing, and the psychology behind, “Controlling people,” and in it, it said, “People don’t know what to think until you tell them what to think.” Now that, I like. I haven’t really explored the concept to the fullest yet, but it’s a concept I’m starting to think about more.November 14, 2014 – 9:03 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Michelle – what an awesome awesome comment. Thank you. I love your line of telling people to behave in the way that they’d want you to write about them – it’s true that the camera would be a truth device. I also know what you mean about walking away from a conversation and then wondering what people think – it’s hard to not worry about how we come across, especially when it’s something we really believe in. I ask myself all the time what to disclose and what to not disclose, what’s being genuine and what’s TMI for the other person. I also wonder if what I said was interpreted in the way in which I intended it to be. So often, people interpret things with their own filters that our points may get lost. Maybe that’s how it’s supposed to be but still I think about it.
      It’s true, too that people don’t know what to think until they’re told what to think. I find that sad and also empowering I guess. It’s weird though and something definitely worth spending more time considering.November 15, 2014 – 1:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - When I was in 8th grade, my friends and I got together on the weekend that one of our peeps couldn’t make it. There was five of us that clung together and ruled the school. (yeah- I know- shame) When we hung out that day, we decided to make our foursome a club!! We declared us the “Faggy Four” and wrote up a contract and actually went and got t shirts that had our new ‘nicknames’ on them and wore them to school on Monday… (I was Shmoe- if you were wondering)

    From that weekend on, we completely ignored this fifth friend. She was OUT.

    She also was the only kid in town who had parents who recently divorced… and the family was broken and wounded.

    To this day- I am both ashamed and appalled at myself. I too, want so badly to find her and beg her forgiveness for doing something so devastating to her at such a traumatic time in her life.

    It still sickens me to this day.

    Peer pressure. Insecurity. Needing to be loved and accepted.

    Why does it take years to finally ‘get it’?

    At least we do now.November 14, 2014 – 11:08 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Chris! Thank you for sharing your 8th grade story. What a painful memory. I don’t know why it takes years to “get it” and I just wish I’d gotten it when I was a tween because while I understand that all of us just want to be loved and accepted, why does that have to come through rejecting others? So awful. But yeah, at least we do get it now. At least we remember the shame and the pain of hurting another and can hopefully guide our children to both be included and also to include everybody. xxooNovember 15, 2014 – 1:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - I’m sure my dad would have never used the f-word, but he gave this same advice. My husband gives it to me, too. Why is it easier for men??? I struggle with this so much. It’s part of the reason I have body image issues – I feel like people are judging me, even though they probably aren’t. It’s a constant struggle, butI’m getting a little better about it.November 14, 2014 – 12:02 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I don’t know why it’s easier for men, Lisa! Maybe because they’re more shallow and self-centered? Maybe because they’re raised with more confidence? I wish I had the answer. Also, I met you in person and promise that you’re beautiful – inside and out. The body image thing. Sigh. Why do we feel powerful when we’re thin and just judged and weak when we’re not? Why do we think it matters – that annoying size on our pants? I’m working on that too…November 15, 2014 – 1:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Scott - Your father was right. I generally don’t care about the opinions of others…unless that person is important to me. I value your opinion, for instance, because I respect you and think you’re a wonderful human being. If, however, some idiot I didn’t know told me I suck I wouldn’t care.November 14, 2014 – 2:24 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw Scott! First, only a douche would tell you that you suck so there’s that. And I value your opinion too! Thanks!November 15, 2014 – 1:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - My dad’s advice was totally opposite but also a totally different scenario. He always told me to care what people thought in terms of being the best professional where I worked. (We used to work in the same building) which probably mostly meant don’t make him look bad. LOL

    Aside from that though I give Christopher the same advice (without the F of course). It’s so hard to adhere to in school but since I don’t want him to ever jump off a roof I tell him all the time not to worry about what people think of him. At this age he’s the good guy and in the eyes of classmates, that’s not always a good thing either.

    Anyway now that my dad is retired I can assure you he doesn’t give a rat’s booty what people think of him now. LOL!November 14, 2014 – 2:56 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA to it meaning don’t make him look bad, Kenya! That’s funny. I do care what people think of course, but really try not to when it comes to big decisions. I used to obsess over making big decisions and I found that I was thinking too much about what other people thought I should do rather than just thinking it through myself if that makes sense.
      Aw, to Christopher being the good guy… hard when we’re not sure whether certain personality traits in our kids are good things or not.
      HAHA to rat’s booty!!November 15, 2014 – 1:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - That’s hilarious, right? That you procrastinating reading an article about procrastination?
    My dad gave me the same advice. He’s had to live by it because he was born with a birthmark over half his face. I don’t see it. Other people do.November 14, 2014 – 4:03 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah, the fact that I procrastinated reading an article on procrastination that my dad gave me because he thought I have a problem with procrastination? 🙂 Funny for sure. I love that your dad gave you the same advice.November 15, 2014 – 1:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Angel the Alien - I’ve gotten that advice from people too! A similar thing I tell myself is that no matter what you do, you won’t make EVERYONE happy. I also recently found a college paper I wrote a long time ago for some philosophy class, and the basic message I wrote about is, everything you do, do out of love. If you are doing something to hurt someone else, or even just to please someone else because its easiest, stop and rethink it. If you are doing something out of love (for instance, probably EVERYTHING you do for your son) then you are on the right track.November 14, 2014 – 6:29 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - So true that no matter what we do, we won’t make everybody happy, Angel. Really we have to do what brings us fulfillment and joy. I love the idea of making everything we do done out of love!!November 15, 2014 – 4:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - I love your father’s advice!! My father’s best advice was to take a public speaking class in college. I didn’t write about it, because well, that’s kind of mundane, but for a shy college student like myself, it was the best thing I could have done for myself…and one of my favorite classes at college! I still suck at (and dislike) speaking in front of crowds, but at least now I can do it if I have to!November 14, 2014 – 9:44 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think taking a public speaking class in college is a great idea, Emily and not mundane at all (if you still want to link up, it’s open until mid-day tomorrow). I don’t like speaking in front of crowds either but what a relief that you know you can when you have to!November 15, 2014 – 4:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - This makes me think of the old saying I try hard to live by every day. “What other people think of me is none of my business.” I do the best I can every day and I get nowhere near perfect. It doesn’t matter. I happen to think you’re terrific. Just the way you are. I prefer true people that say what they mean and mean what they say and you are most definitely one of those people. You just keep doing what you’re doing.November 15, 2014 – 11:17 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sandy! I love love that expression! I will so remember that one! Thanks so much too for the encouraging and kind words. I think you’re pretty near perfect – saying what we mean and meaning what we say is pretty huge stuff <3November 15, 2014 – 4:54 pmReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - ***biggest dream is to change how the world feels about autism and special needs***

    You. Are. YOU ARE!

    You know what? If I worried about what other people thought of my all the time, I’d never press publish on my blogs or write, or live my life the fullest, or….

    xxxx kISS from MN.November 15, 2014 – 11:42 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw thanks, Kim!!! Here’s to not caring what other people think and living a life true to ourselves! xxoo back at you!November 15, 2014 – 5:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Kim - I wish I had cared less about what other people thought when I was younger. I’m like you know and don’t live my life trying to please others – so much easier and more freeing!!!November 15, 2014 – 5:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Catherine - Your father is obviously a very wise man 🙂 It’s so true though, whatever walk of life you’re from there’s no point in worrying what others think!November 16, 2014 – 10:09 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Agree!!! I mean unless somebody needs to tell us we’re being a jerk when we for real are? No need to worry about this.November 16, 2014 – 11:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Kate (Shakespeare's Mom) - I related to this so much. I too have come a long way since those childhood days of caring so much about what others think of me, but I still struggle with it sometimes. And as for procrastinating – me too!! Great post.November 16, 2014 – 2:17 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - YAY to a fellow procrastinator!!!! Also was so happy to see your name here…. I’ve been slacking on reading and loving and well all of the stuff but yay to seeing you!!! And ugh, yeah, we need to not care.November 16, 2014 – 11:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerry Benson - Love this advice! It definitely takes practice to stop worrying so much about others’ opinions, but it’s so worth it! 🙂November 16, 2014 – 6:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - WAIT. Um. wait, dude for real? You’re like “out” now???? I’m kinda shocked…. fill me in?November 16, 2014 – 11:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - That is awesome advice and one I should probably remember. I have my 25th reunion coming up and am already worried about not measuring up (again) to the cool kids!November 17, 2014 – 1:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Lana - Your dad is one wise man. One of my hubby’s best traits is that he never cares what anybody else thinks – this doesn’t always make him the best employee, which is part of the reason we own our own business 🙂 – but honestly, I admire him so much for it. I on the other hand am always worried about other people’s opinions, which is probably why I haven’t really flown on my blog. I LOVE that you are so true to yourself – I’m working on it!November 18, 2014 – 1:00 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Lana,
      My dad is truly wise! And it’s hard to not worry about what people think about us. I think the quote that somebody shared here of “What other people think of me is none of my business.” is an awesome one and such a good reminder for all of us!November 26, 2014 – 6:23 pmReplyCancel

  • Jhanis - I remember my mom telling me once and I do not know where she got this from but she said “tread slowly, feelings are everywhere.”
    I live by those words. Although I have to admit that I forget once in a while. A lot. 🙁November 20, 2014 – 4:15 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh I love “tread slowly, feelings are everywhere,” Jhanis! So much! Thanks for sharing and here’s to us both remembering!November 26, 2014 – 6:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Jana - It’s hard not to be influenced by what other people think — but your dad had it right. I try to remember not to take anything personally, because it’s not a problem with me — it’s the problem of the person who is doing the judging. I also try to be as honest and ethical as possible and to do my best (I don’t always succeed with doing my best — but I try every day). My goal in life is to have as much peace as I can in my life and to be as compassionate and loving as I can with others. Again, I’m not always successful — but I’m trying!November 26, 2014 – 12:47 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I agree Jana – it IS hard to not worry about what others think of us… but love that you strive to have peace in life and to be compassionate and loving. I don’t think anybody could ask for more. 🙂November 26, 2014 – 6:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Lillian Connelly - I struggle with this off and on. I want to not care about whatever people think, but still catch myself doing it sometimes. That story about the little girl you were mean to when you were a kid and wish you could apologize too? Ugh…I think we all have someone like that from our childhood. Someone we wish we could find and say sorry to. It always pulls at your heart a bit, doesn’t it?November 29, 2014 – 1:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Amanda Matheny - I completely agree. I’ve never been one to care much what others think. Sure I wasn’t very popular in school, but life never was a popularity contest to me. I do what I feel is best and to heck with other people. I mean, sometimes I value solicited opinions, because I enjoy hearing different point of view that may help me to figure something out, but in general I tune them out. Let them think what they want. Unless I ask, I don’t care. Even on my blog, I will ask people what their opinion is on a vast variety of issues, but I never ask what they think of me, and that goes for my physical life as well. I love to discuss opinions on different topics, but my own self image is more important than that of others.December 3, 2014 – 2:24 pmReplyCancel

When I started this website, I’d already gotten through too-often shattered dreams and years and years of wanting to have a baby. When I started Finding Ninee, I’d already had my baby. Maybe this would be a different website or a different story, had I started it in younger years. Maybe it would be about […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Dana - He totally nailed the ending! I’m so glad that Tucker is surprising you in such good ways. He’s going to keep doing that, you know. And I hope he keeps dancing, too – it makes life more fun.November 10, 2014 – 6:58 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Dana, I was SHOCKED at the ending. I guess he’s heard the song enough or saw somebody do it… because I actually took like 6 videos and this was the first. And so just well perfect? Right? I hope he keeps dancing always. And thank you.November 10, 2014 – 11:45 pmReplyCancel

  • jt walters - Tucker has great taste. Alex thought Cars 2 was not amusing and did not watch it either.

    Tucker is making progress. Children with special needs teach us more about our humanity and our character than anyone else could.

    Have you considered Tucker might be a Math person?

    He is a beautiful young man and he completely nailed the ending! May he keep surprising you everyday! I know Alex does but less surprised and more shocked at times. And still yet, I too am grateful everyday for him.November 10, 2014 – 8:08 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - He does have great taste!!! And I agree that kids with special needs teach us SO SO much about life, our character, and even other people’s characters – more than probably anything else does. He might be a math person. Weird thing? He scored WAY higher than the county standard on the word stuff. He just can’t say them always…. Here’s to being grateful, my fab friend. Always.November 10, 2014 – 11:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Robin - I always love your posts, so uplifting. And the video is so great! So true, the comment above about children w/special needs teaching us in so many ways, and I think it really helps them too as they get older, not only know their own differences but accept them in others too. My son is about to turn 10 and we have been talking about that more and more. There are definitely so many reasons to be thankful and there will be marked growth at every turn. Definitely need to be there with that video camera!November 10, 2014 – 8:25 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Wow, thanks so very very much, Robin! I love the video too 🙂 and it’s so true that all children teach us so much but those with special needs make us really take a step back to appreciate everything. Of course, it’s not always easy or awesome but when it is easy and awesome? It’s that much more so! Here’s to remembering the thankfuls and thanks to you so much for your great comment! I really appreciate it!November 10, 2014 – 11:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Maybe your love of words and movies are in place to be patient when Tucker doesn’t click with those things as easily. A parent who didn’t have such a great love perhaps would not persist and try again or rejoice in those small (yet so great) victories.
    I think you know my theory on this – the parents of special and high needs kids are the parents of those kids because they are the only parents that would work for that child. Does that make sense? As my Grandmother would say, “God knows what He’s doing – just go with it.”
    These are great things, Kristi! Huge hugs to all of you from all of us. XOXOXOXO
    Now I’m going to watch that video…November 10, 2014 – 9:21 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Lisa,
      I always so very much cherish your comments and maybe you’re just exactly right – maybe, my love of words compensates for Tucker’s lack of loving them or maybe it just taught me to cherish the ones that he has all that much more. And yeah, it makes sense. Your Grandma sounds like a wise wise woman and hugs to you from here right back sweets. I have a feeling Tucker will crush on Kidzilla big time when he finally meets her!November 11, 2014 – 12:12 amReplyCancel

      • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Of course! Because Tucker and Zilla are both awesome! And when she gets a look at his dance moves, she’ll be totally sold!November 11, 2014 – 11:16 amReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - He DID totally nail the ending!!! SUPERB!!!!!!! Oh, how I love your words- YOUR words are ironically and purposefully giving Tucker words… YOU are his voicebox and YOU were made to help him through this new and design of redefining the power of words. His WILL come. And? The blessing here is that he DOES understand them…

    And I think how many in this world are unable to use words the way we ‘want’ them to…

    Hmm.

    You, momma- know how to use them. You momma, will lovingly guide and teach your baby just how.November 10, 2014 – 10:10 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Chris!! How is it that you always know what to say? I think that you’re right with the thoughts in there about using my own words to help Tucker to find his and to celebrate the ones he has, knowing how important they are. And yeah, I will will will do my everything to guide and teach him how as well… love this and thank you.November 11, 2014 – 12:14 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Best post of the morning, my friend. I am so freaking happy you had that positive experience at the movies. It is amazing what they retain and can output isn’t it? The other day Bridget her a song from Sofia the 1st and started belting out the chorus. Amazeballs.November 10, 2014 – 11:07 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kerri –
      I am so freaking happy about the movie experience too. I truly never ever ever thought it would happen and when it did, it kinda did all the way which weird but I’ll so take it and yes to the amazing stuff that our kids get all of a sudden when we thought they weren’t even paying attention!! I need to see the video of Bridget doing Sophia – I know that it is incredible!! I’m so excited just reading those words!!!November 11, 2014 – 12:16 amReplyCancel

  • Scott - That video is amazing! He’s definitely got the moves like Jagger.November 10, 2014 – 12:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Allie - Oh, oh, oh – the movies!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, we’ve had our disasters. Ironically, the first movie I was able to get Bear to sit through – and in the theater, to boot! – was Cars 2. He loved it. Since then, I’ve taken him a couple of times – Frozen, Wreck It Ralph and the Lego Movie. We did it! It’s so gratifying to go as a family. I took the younger 3 to Alexander and the Terrible, etc, Day yesterday. You should take Tucker, because it was flippin hilarious! I didn’t bring Bear, because his class went last week, but I’m not sure if he would have sat that long, without animation. I’ll have to ask his teacher how he did. Anyhooo – baby steps! BTW – LOVE the dance moves. I could squeeze him.November 10, 2014 – 12:50 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - How funny that your first success with a movie was our gigantic “OMG he’ll NEVER be able to sit through a movie” experience!!! Seriously. He was crawling on the floor. Looking at the lights in the aisle and just OMG it was awful. I left crying sure we’d never do it.
      But yesterday? For real, he was like “That was incredible!” OMG these kids of ours. I guess it’s in their nature to surprise us but wow.
      I’m not sure about a movie without animation but I’m willing to try!!! I remember that book from when I was a kid!November 11, 2014 – 12:32 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah - WE reached that turning point with Frozen. And then we discovered Toy Story. And now our DVD player is broken.November 10, 2014 – 1:32 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sarah my sweets. Netflix for the win. Tucker broke our DVD player before he even knew what it did. Because you know, it opens and closes and there are buttons and stuff that make it open and close and whatever on it.
      Awww – Toy Story? Have you seen Toy Story 3? Cry, you will.November 11, 2014 – 12:39 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - Oh yes, he absolutely nailed it! To this day, my Big Dude doesn’t really like to watch movies. It used to bother me, but now I know that unless it’s a documentary on basketball or a totally inappropriate movie like “Ted” he likely won’t last long. However, I’m NOT recommending you show “Ted” to Tucker — at least not yet. 🙂November 10, 2014 – 5:28 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Uh oh… not even sure what “Ted” is and will, I guess, wait to find out??? Yikes. Really, I thought that Tucker would NEVER enjoy movies. And then this. He’s liked a few in the past but they always required massive amounts of M&Ms and support but this one? He was SO INTO IT. I couldn’t believe it. I kept waiting for when we’d have to leave. I pretty much love Disney Pixar now though. Except I think I need to avoid Ted because um well. You’re wise.November 11, 2014 – 12:41 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I watched the ending twice!!
    I’m actually writing a post about how my kids aren’t the ones I imagined, but I’m also not the mother I imagined. It’s all so weird.
    Tucker has a doppleganger (sp?) at our school, by the way! I see him every day and I get excited but then I remember that you don’t live in New England.
    But why don’t you???November 10, 2014 – 5:58 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I might love you even more that you watched the ending twice!!! I know what you mean about it all being so weird that we’re not who we thought we’d be… and are not raising the kids we thought we would be. I look forward to that post of yours!! And really??? There’s a kid who looks like Tucker at school?????? And sigh. We don’t live in New England because the bacon winner has to live here for now. Sigh…November 11, 2014 – 12:43 amReplyCancel

  • Jhanis - Ahahah He’s so cute! And yes, he totally nailed the ending! Who needs words when you can dance like that? 🙂
    We are so looking forward to watching the Big Hero 6. Hopefully this weekend!November 11, 2014 – 3:03 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Big Hero 6 was really good! I hope you like it as much as I did and yeah, I agree that he totally nailed the ending! 🙂November 11, 2014 – 10:21 amReplyCancel

  • Mike - I most definitely hope you will not braid Tucker’s hair 🙂 I think even we as adults can think, know and see words and have trouble verbalizing them sometimes. Then we have Tucker’s continuing successes to show us all what a young person without the all the “tools” YET (to verbalize)…can overcome, achieve and surprise in the most astounding, beautiful way! The wonderful surprises will continue to come and most likely be exponential from that amazing young sweetheart, Kristi! Btw Tucker…you absolutely rocked and nailed the dance number to the song! LOVED it! Sooooo proud of both of you! 🙂November 11, 2014 – 2:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Well if Tucker wants his hair braided at some point? I won’t judge him for that unless he’s being a douche in which case I’ll school him just right! Thanks, Mike, your comments always mean so much to me because I know they are heartfelt and honest and just well, awesome. And he so DID rock the dance, right?November 15, 2014 – 12:08 amReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Too cute for words! Oh, Lord, that is an adorable kid! And I am so excited that he enjoyed the movie!November 11, 2014 – 7:04 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Elizabeth. I was SO SO happy to enjoy a movie with him too. It felt like “normal” ya know?November 15, 2014 – 12:09 amReplyCancel

  • Becky Holland - What an inspiring post! thank you for sharing. My little girl understands what we say but struggles to communicate her words. it is such a wonderful feeling when progress is made!November 11, 2014 – 9:33 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think it’s also wonderful to remind ourselves that progress happens when it happens. I have such a tendency to feel sad when I’m confronted with kids doing so much more but really? Those kids? Have nothing to do with my life and I need to remember how far my own little boy has come! Thank you so much for coming by – I appreciated your “You make a difference” post so much!November 15, 2014 – 12:20 amReplyCancel

  • Angel the Alien - Tucker is bustin’ some moves! Glad he liked the movie! I kinda want to see it myself, even though I have no kids.November 11, 2014 – 10:55 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Angel!! You should just go see it! You don’t need kids to know awesome movies. I thought I’d be bored and I LOVED it. Go go go!!! Tell me that you went 🙂November 15, 2014 – 12:21 amReplyCancel

  • Catherine - What a beautiful post, has put a big smile on my face 🙂 So happy for you and your son,November 12, 2014 – 3:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you so very much! It put a big smile on my face too. Especially that it was not prompted! I appreciated your adventure post too so much!November 15, 2014 – 12:22 amReplyCancel

  • Katia - I love this so much, because I too, loved words from very early on and they are still important to me and I think about them a lot because I use a language that is not my first language on a daily basis. I think that words are one channel to experiencing reality. I think that it’s great for Tucker who sometimes hates words and struggles with them to have a mommy who loves them so much because whether we want to or not our children absorb some of our attitudes. I also think it’s great for Tucker’s mommy to have a Tucker who sometimes prefers to move it move it. One of my favourite things about being a mom is the totally unexpected paths our kids sens us travelling through. Thank you for sharing that awesome photo and the video. That made my evening! Love you.November 12, 2014 – 9:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Katia,
      I cannot find the words that I love nor the words that I do not to express how much I appreciate your insight, wisdom, getting-it-ness and overall awesomeness. THANK YOU and I love you too – so much. I know what you mean that maybe he’ll always prefer to “move it” over words but also maybe that’s fine and the way it’s supposed to be. I also love these unexpected paths.November 15, 2014 – 12:24 amReplyCancel

  • Chronicallysickmanicmother - Oh Kristi
    I related so much to this. The hardest struggle is to move past how we pictured it in our head and accept and be grateful for what we do have. Amazing kids.

    LOVE the dancing!November 15, 2014 – 10:49 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah, moving past the ideas in our minds truly is one of the hardest parts of parenting and living and all of it… But you’re right – being grateful for our amazing kids is pretty easy – they ARE amazing. Thanks so much!!November 15, 2014 – 5:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Vanessa D. - He really did nail the ending. Obviously your guy has got rhythm!November 15, 2014 – 12:25 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I know! I was so happy – that was the first take and I didn’t even tell him what to do!! Love it!November 15, 2014 – 5:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Life, Unexpectedly - We experience, too, that children not always live up to our expectations. This becomes especially hard when one kid does and the other is just more of a dreamer, still so very playful and easy to distract at an age when her older sister was already working so straight forward. It’s hard to stay patient, but I am also thankful for the learnign experience of being her mom. We are so excited about all the progress she makes all of a sudden, and so proud of her. She is not her big sister, she’s not like us, but she’s still the most lovable 4-year old girl in this world!

    Enjoy your weekend, Kristi!November 15, 2014 – 3:58 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - What a great comment and insight Stephanie. I, too, learn so much from my son (and also try to stay patient with him!!!). I know what you mean, too, about that jump in progress. It sometimes feels like not much is happening and then boom! Huge progress!
      I was really really sorry to read about your Opa, too, and send you lots of hugs and peace to your entire family. xxooNovember 15, 2014 – 6:00 pmReplyCancel

  • jamie@southmainmuse - Okay. That video was worth the price of admission. Oh did I ever have that much energy. My youngest has trouble with memory and words. Well, it’s his attention span. Frustrating for him. But it’s more frustrating for mom to see him so frustrated.November 15, 2014 – 5:49 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Jamie,
      Yeah, so so frustrating to see our kids frustrated – one of the hardest things of all, I think! I hear you about wishing for that much energy! I wish!!! He did the same about 12 more times, too, with as much enthusiasm each time!November 15, 2014 – 6:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - I wonder if things turned out for any of us the way we expected. I know they didn’t for me. Some of it not so great, some of it better. I’ve been reading your words for over a year and that young man of yours certainly has changed. It’s been such a gift to watch him grow. He does have the moves and definitely nailed the end!November 15, 2014 – 8:38 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I doubt that things have been what any of us have expected. I wonder too though about how much it rocks our worlds when the simple givens aren’t well, simple or given. Maybe, nothing is though… And yeah, he’s changed… and grown, and gotten, and well just BEEN so much… sharing his progress is my number one thing about not going anonymous… and thank you.November 16, 2014 – 12:04 amReplyCancel

  • Dyanne @ I Want Backsies - Tucker totally rocks that dance, especially his Big Finish.
    ABA is a wonderful thing. I’ve seen it do great things with children from the autism center here in town (I’ve had several students from there in my preschool class over the years, attending with their ABA therapist, as they get ready to “graduate” from the center and go to kindergarten).November 15, 2014 – 11:18 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Dyanne, I know! it was so so cool – completely unprompted and just done! And yeah, ABA is amazing. For real. I think it’s the biggest thing ever for kids like mine and the rest of them!!November 16, 2014 – 12:22 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Tucker definitely has the dancing down!November 16, 2014 – 1:26 amReplyCancel

  • clark - yep, you can see that he’s playing for position as the ending approaches…turns to left…. bam!

    very cool

    (hey, you know that your Post (and this Comment) create a time loop that is quite real* right?)

    **real, as in, as real as any of the ‘sphere is…people who tell tales of their worlds, share the lives of people they love…multiplying that love… just thought I should mention that.*

    * no, that double asterix was not a mistake, it was on purposeNovember 16, 2014 – 9:07 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah, he TOTALLY perfected that ending and that was the first take! BOOM.
      Awesome that I created a time loop that is quite real (with one or two asterixes and what is the plural of asterix? Asteri?) – so that means it’s still Sunday and I can go back to bed? No?
      But yeah, and thanks, Clark. You’re the bombdiggity.November 17, 2014 – 1:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Louise - I love the dance – and I love that version of the song. My girls have also dance-partied to that one 🙂

    Glad the movie went well this time! Yay for new achievements – and fun at the movies!November 16, 2014 – 12:26 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Louise! Here’s to awesome kids and awesome dances and yes – fun at the movies!November 17, 2014 – 1:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Echo - Another great post! I honestly don’t know what I would do without my son’s movies and documentaries. He understands them so deeply, so much more than the daily social interactions that he doesn’t understand as much.November 19, 2014 – 9:48 amReplyCancel

  • Tarana Khan - You rock, Tucker! You have every reason to be proud of him. Isn’t it amazing how kids can surprise us even when we think we know them inside out?November 19, 2014 – 2:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Meredith - SUCH a sweet post. And, my kids love that song too. So fun! You’re the perfect mom for Tucker. I feel that every time I read your posts. 🙂November 20, 2014 – 8:01 pmReplyCancel

  • Jolene Philo - It’s wonderful to hear about your son’s progress. What a delight that must be for you and your husband. Thanks for sharing your good news at DifferentDream.com’s Tuesday link up.November 20, 2014 – 9:06 pmReplyCancel

Do you remember when aliens came to visit, tempting me with a wish of anything I wanted? I wanted to have everything be exactly the same, except I wanted my husband Robert and I to be 10 years younger. That night, I sent them away, they stole all my beer and Doritos, and I haven’t […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Mike - OH gosh I don’t like that “catch” and it sure does make sense doesn’t it? LOVE your pics – these rock! Sleeping would be great but mine has always been screwed up regardless. More time to play – absolutely. More Tucker time – wow could I relate to that for the prior 11 years up to Aug 25th in my life. But, no one, whether on this Earth or from Ork can or will EVER take my beer from me! And peanuts or pistachios are my late night staple…they will pull back a green, bloody stump if they try. Btw…you have a Bulgarian grandma that spies on you from next door with binoculars TOO, Kristi??? I’m glad you can relate. Great post, my dear 🙂November 5, 2014 – 2:49 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Mike!!! It does sadly make sense I think and thanks for loving the pics!!! Sorry though to hear that your sleep has always been screwed up… mine has been recently which is maybe why I long for more of it?
      I love pistachios so much. And yes! She’s not Bulgarian but OMG she’s crazy and spies on all of us!! I’ll have to tell you more about her one of these days!November 6, 2014 – 12:09 amReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - Crazy, but you somehow just made me feel world’s better that I won’t be getting more sleep anytime soon. Not sure how you did it, but just have to see thank you!! 😉November 5, 2014 – 6:59 amReplyCancel

  • Allie Smith - Okay, you opening paragraph made me spit out my coffee. Love this! And you certainly jam-packed your to hours! But I’m with you, if it ages me faster – I’m out. I missed the post about one wish , but I’m with you, ten years younger, and a slightly bigger bank account!November 5, 2014 – 7:39 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - YAY for spitting coffee funny stuff and yay for not aging and to being 10 years younger with a bigger bank account (although I told the younger aliens to go away as well sigh).November 6, 2014 – 12:10 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - I hate that it is dark-ass:30 at 5 freaking pm at night. I also think that two hours really isn’t enough for all you want to include. Unless you spread it out over that half-year. But I wonder, if you could only pick ONE choice what would it be?November 5, 2014 – 8:53 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I hate the dark too freaking early too. And um. If I had to just pick one? Having wine with you!
      Oh not an option? Crap. I guess playing with Tucker. But you know, not when it’s all on his terms. Like outside and me forgetting what time it is? That kind of ball kicking or whatever. That usually lasts for 5 minutes so plenty of time to have wine with you too.November 6, 2014 – 12:12 amReplyCancel

  • clark - yeah, 2 hours could make a difference… but having tried the spend 18 to 20 hours awake approach to Happiness, I suspect that you have made the right choice (time-wise…will not address any other aspects of your negotiations with aliens, men-in-black or the guy at the gas station who says ‘No Problem’ instead of ‘you’re welcome’*
    enjoyed your post… and believe it or not, affirmationistically speaking, your Post will improve my day today.

    * hey, call me old** but even though I recognize the non-old segment of the population wanting to personalize their communications, but there’s no fuckin way ‘no problem’ is even close to ‘you’re welcome’….

    ** no don’t call me oldNovember 5, 2014 – 9:29 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I fucking love your comments so much always. They like make me think and shit. No way is “no problem” the same as “you’re welcome” and of course I will never call you old. I’ll call you names if you’d like, but not old; that is too relative and I’m too Clark to not get how much that our years don’t matter as much as our memories do.November 6, 2014 – 12:17 amReplyCancel

  • Scott - At least they ask if they can probe you.

    BTW…love the Metallica shirt. \m/November 5, 2014 – 9:42 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - So, the best part of this post is the last photo with alien #2 who is still saying “beer get.” Too funny — I’m with him!! 🙂November 5, 2014 – 9:53 amReplyCancel

  • Echo - This post is full of so much awesomeness! Your illustrations are amazeballs and the fact that you are wearing a Metallica T-shirt is pure perfection! Those damn aliens are always trying to trick ya!November 5, 2014 – 12:39 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Well I’m almost always wearing a Metallica shirt so um, that part? Pretty realistic and I know – sneaky aliens.November 6, 2014 – 12:28 amReplyCancel

  • Bianca @ Rant Rave Crave - Ah, why do those wishes always have catches?! I wish we could have 2 more hours in the day without growing older! Ah man! I hope your alien friends come back & visit soon…. maybe they’ll clean your house next time?November 5, 2014 – 4:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Me too me too to the more wishes without the catches. I wish that a lot! OMG do you think they’d really clean the house? That would be awesome!November 6, 2014 – 12:34 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - Yay! So glad you linked up! I love you list, but agree that there might be more downfalls than benefits!November 5, 2014 – 5:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Funny!There is always a catch, isn’t there! Love your alien illustrations – they make the story!:-DNovember 5, 2014 – 6:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Roshni - You come up with such awesome funny posts, Kristi!! Loved this one as well! 😀November 5, 2014 – 6:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Rabia @TheLiebers - I love what you did with this prompt, Kristi! There are times I’d gladly trade an alien probe for a few extra {free} hours!! Wait!?! Did I actually just write that on the internet? Oh well, I mostly meant it!November 6, 2014 – 9:51 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Rabia! HAHA that’s funny that you’d trade a little probe for a few free hours. Awesome 🙂November 6, 2014 – 5:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Ginny Marie - I love your pictures! They are awesome! Especially the old lady with the binoculars. That will be me someday!November 6, 2014 – 11:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Tarana Khan - I’m sure if I got two hours extra everyday I’d waste it on Facebook!I like your thinking, though, about treasuring the time we have already.November 7, 2014 – 7:35 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah, that facebook thing is a time sucker. So easy to pop on for five minutes and have two hours go by…November 9, 2014 – 4:41 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I’m so glad the aliens came back!
    My answer is sorta funny. I already feel like all I do is work, so the extra two hours would not be work, like I might have thought I’d say.
    I’d say an extra hour in the morning to sleep or just.. not be late to school would be nice. And an extra at night for romance. At this point, I don’t even care who the romance is with.
    I just want romance.November 7, 2014 – 9:35 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - So glad you were pleased to see the aliens again, Tamara. I feel like I work way too much as well. It’s hard to balance. Of course, last night, I was going to write something and ended up watching Breaking Bad instead. Sigh. Aww to the romance, sweets. Sending sister wife kisses and chocolate your way.November 9, 2014 – 4:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - I’ve missed the aliens – they should visit more often. When I first read this prompt, the first thing I thought of was sleep. The next thing I thought was, “Crap. That would mean I would get older faster.” We are of one mind, my friend. Except my aliens would take chocolate and vodka.November 7, 2014 – 1:34 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Wow, Dana – so glad that I am not alone in that thought of aging faster! I thought it was a little crazy so confirmation that it’s obvious to us at least is very appreciated. Do you keep your vodka in the freezer? I got the feeling they’re scared of the freezer, just FYI…November 9, 2014 – 4:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Marcia @ Menopausal Mother - You were a “great probe victim”—HAHAHA!!! I love your drawings, Kristi. You always crack me up!November 7, 2014 – 9:42 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks Marcia! You always crack me up so glad to have been able to return the favor!November 9, 2014 – 4:44 pmReplyCancel

  • Lana - Your post and your drawings made me smile today – something I needed – so thank you! If I had two extra hours a day, I would hang out with my boys, because I feel like they will be gone so soon! Except I definitely do NOT want to speed up the aging process….Have a great weekend!November 8, 2014 – 1:25 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - So glad to have given you a smile Lana!!! Hanging out with your boys sounds like a perfect use of two extra hours. The time – it really does fly by, doesn’t it? I hope your weekend has been wonderful!November 9, 2014 – 4:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Angel the Alien - You’d probably need more than 2 hours a day to get all that done anyways. I’d probably squander my two hours sleeping. Also, I love your drawings! I love the old lady spying on you with binoculars!November 9, 2014 – 9:36 pmReplyCancel

  • Christine - If I had a bit more time in a day, I’d work out and have some more sleep… all impossible if you have a toddler and a very clingy <3 7 month old. But that's alright. 😉November 11, 2014 – 11:01 amReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - Kristi,
    I love your blog posts
    o v e r f l o w i n g…
    with things that MATTER, that are significant, layered))).
    2 extra hours per day: I’d pray & write & love more.
    xxxNovember 11, 2014 – 8:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Meredith - Oh two hours would be amazing! But, aging more quickly? Not so much. Loved it.November 20, 2014 – 8:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Mom T - Kristi,
    I call myself Mom T. I have 4 children, and my oldest is 15 yrs old. He was recently diagnosed with Aspergers. We secretly knew all along, but didn’t know what to do about it.
    I recently came across your blog and wanted to thank you! It’s so difficult to learn about AS and to learn to adjust. It’s helpful to know that we aren’t the only parents out there.

    Thank you, again,
    Mom TNovember 24, 2014 – 8:06 pmReplyCancel

I remember the Halloweens of my youth. I remember the year that my mom forced us to wear coats in a snowstorm, ruining our costumes, and having a blast anyway; the lucky, hyper recipients of extra candy because the wussy kids had obviously stayed home. One Halloween, my brother and I dressed as old men, […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Janine Huldie - On our way home (stuck in traffic) from the Jim Gaffigan concert and just couldn’t stay away and glad I did because I totally loved your walk down memory lane from start to finish. And I may just surprise you and link up as I wrote a whole Halloween photo bomb post today for tomorrow. Like I said couldn’t stay away! Happy Halloween 😉October 30, 2014 – 10:13 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - YAY YOU, JANINE for linking up and your Halloween post is awesome as always. <3October 31, 2014 – 12:32 amReplyCancel

  • Allie - Omg, omg omg!!! Barrett used to walk into people’s house, too (and mentioned it in my post – what are the chances!!!:)). One year I swear, I dragged him out of five or six house. IN one he used the bathroom! I was mortified, but of course now think it’s funny. I hated popcorn balls – yuck. I’m mow off to check out the Sandra Bullock thing. I think you have been holding out on me…October 30, 2014 – 10:15 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Dude. what also are the chances that we both did this “my last un-special-needs-thing” post? Great minds, I guess.October 31, 2014 – 12:33 amReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - Hahaha at your remark about the two who probably got married. Tucker’s face when you all are dressed up behind him in your costumes is classic. The fireman costume looks so fun!October 30, 2014 – 10:39 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - They probably did get married! Or they should have because minds like that maybe belong together maybe!!October 31, 2014 – 12:34 amReplyCancel

  • Vanessa D. - Best ever adult costume was a girl with a cardboard chair over her head and about twenty pink balloons under it – all wrapped in saran. She was gum under a chair. And look at your guy rocking that batman costume. I always waited too long to shop for costumes so we got stuck with Robin.October 30, 2014 – 11:01 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG the gum under a chair? WOW brilliant!! Crap that I never thought of that!! UGH I’m actually bummed I never thought of that!! Robin is cool in his own way..October 30, 2014 – 11:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Janet Ochs - I loved reading the history. I can relate – I’m about a year behind you. The little things make for such happy moments. Fingers crossed for tomorrow night for Chris! I hope Tucker has a great time this year.October 30, 2014 – 11:09 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Janet! I’ve been thinking about you and Chris recently and wondering how you are doing. We should do a lunch or coffee as I truly would love to catch up!! In the meantime, here’s to the little things meaning so so much.October 31, 2014 – 12:00 amReplyCancel

  • Linda Atwell - Out One Ear - I love all the memories. And you put them together so well. Lindsey told me today that she and Nick are buying lots of halloween candy. But they are turning off their front porch light and sitting in the dark and eating it all themselves. Well, I guess whatever it takes to get the loot, huh?

    As far as your thermos full of booze–I’ve never really liked the taste of alcohol, but after my 10th chiropractic, 3rd massage, and 2nd acupuncture treatment (and there is still pain in my shoulder), I’m thinking about becoming an alcoholic. And I won’t apologize for this new goal. I do like slushy drinks in the sun though. So I might start this treatment in St. Maarten with margaritas or pina coladas or whatever tropical drink comes near me. I’ll keep you posted. Happy Halloween to Tucker and (you and your hubby too). I hope you get tons of sweets in your plastic pumpkin. (If that’s what you use???)October 31, 2014 – 12:40 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Linda,
      I think that sitting in the dark and eating a ton of candy sounds pretty fun and even a little romantic! I’m bummed to read that you still have so much pain in your shoulder after all of the visits. That totally sucks and I think booze is an acquired taste so I’m confident if you hang in there and keep trying, you’ll find that it’s pretty yummy. Especially when consumed on a beach in St Maarten.
      Happy Halloween to you too! And yeah, he uses a plastic pumpkin. 🙂October 31, 2014 – 4:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Kelly L McKenzie - Pssst. You cannot imagine my delight when I read about you and your thermos. YES! I miss that. The walking about with my “traveller” of coffee and a little something extra. Oh my. And my pal and I thought that we were so special. No one else did this. And tonight I read that you do and I remember. Thank you.October 31, 2014 – 1:52 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kelly –
      HAHAH to the thermos and thanks for getting it! Feel free to make a little thermos tonight and pretend you’re with us!October 31, 2014 – 5:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Michelle AKA Crumpets and Bollocks - Supermom totally beats tires on fire and whips and stuff. Love it.October 31, 2014 – 8:50 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - So much to say!
    1. My mom used to go through all of my candy too. I was convinced there was a razor blade a Milky Way somewhere.
    2.James had a frog costume when he was a year old, similar to Tucker’s alligator. And just as freakin’ cute.
    3.The captions you give to Tucker to go with his priceless facial expressions are awesome.
    4. Matt used to put a beer bottle in each coat pocket when it was his turn to walk with the kids.
    5. I love that message that goes around Facebook each year, although it really should apply to every occasion year round.
    6. I hope Batman has a great Halloween!October 31, 2014 – 9:33 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Dana!
      1. To this day, I do not buy unsealed candy, assuming that it’ll get thrown away! Maybe that was a real thing when we were kids? Probably urban legend though…
      2. AWWW!!!
      3. Thanks mucho! His expressions make it easy!
      4. Wise, wise man.
      5. Me too – it’s an awesome message. I wish I could find the original source.
      6. Thanks! You guys too!!!October 31, 2014 – 5:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - For some reason, this post really resonated me…ALL your posts do but this one did for a variety of reasons — the nostalgia of my own Halloweens, the trick-or-treating with wine (doesn’t everyone do that?!), but most of all how you showed the progression of Tucker’s Halloween experiences…I can relate to this with all of my kids, but in different ways. One, whose developmental leaps could be measured in his trick-or-treating. Another, with how his friendships have changed/evolved over the years and who he trick or treats with and how last year, he stayed home to trick-or-treat with his younger brother (with no pressure from me, I swear) who had mostly NO FUN last year, which leads me to Dude #3…last year he was wearing a giant afro wig to hide his bald head. This year, he said to me just this morning on the way to school, that he wants to get a haircut because his hair is too long.:) So yes, it’s everyone’s Halloween!October 31, 2014 – 9:35 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Emily,
      Aw, thank you much! It’s been really incredible watching Tucker make so much progress each year. It’s hard to believe that we’re now in a place that felt SO SO far away a few years ago when it comes to saying “trick or treat” and everything. Awww to Big Dude staying home to trick or treat with Little Dude last year – so sweet. I love that he needs a haircut already. That makes me happy.
      And anybody who doesn’t trick or treat carrying a thermos of wine is missing out!
      I hope you have a great night tonight! We’re just sitting here waiting for it to get dark enough to go out (and for pizza).October 31, 2014 – 6:01 pmReplyCancel

  • KeAnne - Love it! AND I too adore Halloween. I hope your little one has a great night!October 31, 2014 – 10:59 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah - I, for one, am extremely comforted to have such a capable-looking Batman out there protecting us all. Tucker, you look phenomenal! Go out there and get a bag full of candy!October 31, 2014 – 1:03 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sarah,
      YAY! I hope you and your kids have a fantastic evening too! Happy Halloween!October 31, 2014 – 6:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Jhanis - Oh you guys are gonna rock it Kristi! I don’t have memories of Halloween because we never did this when i was a kid, so it has been fun creating Halloween memories the past few years.
    ps. Tucker looks so cute in his Batman costume!October 31, 2014 – 1:06 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Jhanis! He’s loving being Batman and is so proud of himself. It’s awesome. I’m glad you are having fun creating fun Halloween memories! Your plant zombie thing was awesome!!!October 31, 2014 – 6:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Roshni - I’m so done reading all the judgy posts about poorly-behaved kids on Halloween night! There could be a multiple of reasons, for crying out loud and I truly wish parents and other adults would get off their high horse at least this one night and let it be *fun* for the kids!!
    I’m looking forward to all the pics of your awesome Halloween, and thanks for the great idea about the wine!! 😀October 31, 2014 – 1:11 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Roshni and truly there could be so many reasons – maybe even just too much sugar!! Here’s to it being FUN and not a lesson on how to act like an adult when you’re a kid!October 31, 2014 – 6:33 pmReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - This is one of my all-time favorite posts by you, and there have been many. I love how you took me down memory lane to your own costumes and Halloween experiences, and then to Tucker’s Halloween’s and his triumphs. Just love it!October 31, 2014 – 3:22 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Wow, thanks, Elizabeth! I appreciate your kind words so much! They mean a lot coming from you 🙂October 31, 2014 – 8:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Sara - Love this. You. Him. <3October 31, 2014 – 4:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - That is the best damn batman I know!!! LOVE to you both while you enjoy and embrace the progress and the potential and all the beautiful moments in between!!!October 31, 2014 – 6:10 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you Chris! He’s so the best Batman. He was really shy again tonight but he did it. Mostly, he did it.October 31, 2014 – 11:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Shay from Trashy Blog - Oh, Kristi, how I’ve missed you!! Life has been SO incredibly busy with work and the kids and writing and working out and traveling and just living, but you and every other writer who’s a mother who has many interests knows about that. Anyway! The kids totally crashed after a week FULL of Halloween activities, so I got a few minutes to visit my old faves. I’m still writing my heart out, so stop by for a visit sometime if you feel like it. Either way, I’ll come back here! Miss talking to you!October 31, 2014 – 10:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Shay!!! I get your Trashy Shorts on my phone every day and they’re the highlight of my email but my phone sucks at replying and well, I miss you too! And yeah, this whole busy thing? It seems like it’s getting more crazy as our kids get older or whatever. Still though, I totally miss talking to you too, love! Because sister from another mister. Or maybe the same one, given our pasts… hmm.October 31, 2014 – 11:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Anne Krietlow - I had tears and a smile at the same time. Thank you for writing this. I wish everyone was aware of why a child is at their door. I have a daughter about to turn 18. She has struggled with a different disorder since 4th grade, turned to drugs and alcohol to self medicate when nothing else was making her feel like everyone else. She completed treatment and has been in full recovery for 2 months. She had no friends to celebrate Halloween with this year and instead took her little sisters trick or treating. To the people that opened their door to my dressed up teenager and made her feel funny, shame on you. To the ones that smiled and made her night better, and maybe even slipped her a chocolate, I will always be grateful. Because she CHOSE the right thing, and I am so proud of her. And I am so proud of your little man and all of the progress he is making. And proud of all the mama’s who are proud of their little people.November 1, 2014 – 1:45 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Anne
      I have a 20-year-old-step daughter and she has also turned to drugs and alcohol to feel seen in her past and I thank you for getting where we are with my son now and also our step daughter who I took trick-or-treating at 15 and had people yell at us and omg people just need to get over themselves!!! I heard somebody last night say that some girl was too old and I wish so much now that I’d have said something!!! I planned to but then “lost” my husband and son and just moved on like so many of the times we all do…November 2, 2014 – 12:11 amReplyCancel

      • Anne Krietlow - It’s hard though to stop all injustice without becoming that raving lunatic lady, lol…. I KNOW, I’ve been that lady 😛 But I think the most important thing we can do is just feed their self esteem. Feed it until it’s bursting out of them. That way when they meet the kindness they can accept it as truth and when they meet with the inevitable judgement they can move on without letting it affect who they are. I wish I had done more of that with my oldest. I feel like in some ways I tried to change her into something she couldn’t be so she wouldn’t have such a hard time. Didn’t work, wow… I cringe looking back. Well intentioned but it did a lot of harm. I learned though!November 2, 2014 – 12:44 amReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - I so love the idea of feeding their self esteem until it can’t take the good or the bad. I wrote recently too about the difference between self esteem (which is so reliant on others) and self compassion and really yes you so have what I believe to be the right idea. I want my son to know he’s amazing, not perfect, but perfectly himself and be able to know that the smoke up his butt is smoke but also the insults are just lame — which is what you said. Thank you so much for saying that!!!November 2, 2014 – 11:17 pmReplyCancel

  • My Inner Chick - I just love clicking over here into your positive, loving, interesting life, Kristy.
    You educate, & YOUR VOICE resonates into the universe.
    xxxxx Kiss from MN.November 1, 2014 – 2:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Well trust me, it’s not always positive but well thank you so much. I just hope that one day, somebody speaks to my son differently than mean because maybe they remember that we’re all so much more alike than different! XO TO YOU FROM DCNovember 2, 2014 – 11:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Julia @ Frantic Mama - Hi Kristi–

    I loved this post! I can relate so well. I’m so happy that Halloween was looking a bit brighter for you this year. This was the first year we took our son (age 4) trick-or-treating b/c I just KNEW the other years he wasn’t ready– “too” shy, sensitive, anxious, etc. He wouldn’t have been into a costume or saying “thank you” to every single person we saw…many of the things you mention and that are in that amazing paragraph you shared going around the internet. Thanks for sharing this!
    ~JuliaNovember 1, 2014 – 3:19 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hi, Julia,
      Thanks so so much for commenting. Tucker, while he did so much better than I expected, wanted to go home so much earlier as well. I think it took all of the other Halloweens for me to not be (completely) bummed that he just wanted to go home. Really, I thought he’d stay out longer but he didn’t. And, like I said ,trying to not dwell on that. He had fun, and that is what counts! And thank you again!November 2, 2014 – 11:22 pmReplyCancel

  • K - I love this post, and OMG Tucker is too cute in his Batman costume!! He looks so proud. 🙂 Hope you all had a wonderful Halloween.November 2, 2014 – 3:08 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - How was your Halloween, K?? We had a pretty good one here. I can’t complain although I have like 5 extra bags of candy because last year we ran out!!November 2, 2014 – 11:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Miriam - I can so relate as progress means everything, that parents of children that do not have special needs take for granted.November 2, 2014 – 7:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks much for your comment, Miriam and I so agree that progress is everything and that people take their milestones for granted.November 2, 2014 – 11:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Allison - Damn you! I went from laughing at you being a Firestone Tire to getting teary over your son’s progress. Hope it was the happiest Halloween for everyone involved and razor-blade free (which my mom also worried about every year).November 3, 2014 – 1:04 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Your mom worried about razor blades too? What was the deal? Was there some story on the news back then?? Was it even ever true? And really, it was a super awesome Halloween. Tucker trick-or-treated for less time than I thought he would but it was fun. Good. Happy. And I carried my wine around and owned that too. 🙂November 3, 2014 – 8:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Beth - I loved this post…I have never really enjoyed Halloween…I have always found it a little stressful…apparently I was missing the thermos of wine!November 4, 2014 – 12:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Beth,
      Yes, the thermos of wine helps keep the stress levels of the craziness that Halloween is down a bit. 🙂November 5, 2014 – 9:29 amReplyCancel

  • A Morning Grouch - Their days are our days, their nights are our nights, their moments are our moments, too, in so many ways.November 4, 2014 – 6:39 pmReplyCancel

  • A Morning Grouch - Their days are our days, their nights are our nights, their moments are our moments, too, in so many ways. And also, there were some people near me who actually found needles in their kid’s candy this year. What the eff?!November 4, 2014 – 6:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - AMG – are you serious?? Needles? That’s so awful! I always thought the razor blade thing was an urban legend. Ugh. That is horrible!! And yeah, their days and nights and moments are ours, too. Thanks so much.November 5, 2014 – 9:30 amReplyCancel

  • marcia @ Menopausal Mother - Tucker is absolutely ADORABLE in all of the costumes! I’m laughing at your stories from halloweens past because they sound so much like my own. Good for you for defending your candy with a cane!!!November 4, 2014 – 7:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - haha, thanks, Marcia! I’d defend candy with a cane again if I had to!! And oh man, we’d have had some fun doing those Halloween pasts together!November 5, 2014 – 9:31 amReplyCancel

  • Rabia @TheLiebers - I love how certain holidays or occurrences can have memories so tightly tied to them. I think it’s awesome that your Batman will be participating so well this year.November 6, 2014 – 11:12 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks so much, Rabia! The things that we remember associated with holidays or life experiences are pretty incredible. I can’t remember to get my mail half the time but I can remember what it felt like to defend my candy as a kid!November 6, 2014 – 6:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Jolene Philo - I know this post was about Tucker’s progress as measured from one Halloween to the next. But it also shows how far his momma has come in recognizing her son’s strengths and struggles, in accepting and loving him as he is, and in doing all she can to advocate for him. Thanks for adding this to DifferentDream.com’s Tuesday link up.November 6, 2014 – 8:24 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Jolene,
      It most definitely is also about me, and my acceptance, and pride in his accomplishments, and all of the special needs things forever. Thanks so much for hosting the awesome Different Dream linkup and for commenting. <3November 6, 2014 – 10:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Elise Hopkins (Kids Included Together) - Wow!! Thank you so much for writing this beautiful piece on Tucker’s progress through the years. There is no time like the holidays to reminisce on the past years. I love that you have noticed all of his progress. As a special educator, I always have to remind myself that it is so important to highlight and celebrate my students’ progress and growth instead of comparing them to what is considered “grade-level” (despite the constant reminders through Common Core assessments–ugh!). Thanks for sharing this window into the past few years of your life. I’m so proud of Tucker, too! Keep it up, mom!November 9, 2014 – 7:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Angel the Alien - Glad he had fun on Halloween! Its one of my favorite holidays! Earlier in the week of Halloween I subbed in a special ed classroom for kids with autism, and the social skills teacher did a lesson on Trick-Or-Treating. They had to practice going up to the door, knocking just loud enough and only three times, saying Trick’Or’Treat, taking just one candy, not walking into the house, and saying Thank You. At the end, they got to keep a piece of candy and practiced opening it! Also some of the kids had communication devices, and the teachers programmed “Trick or treat” onto the home screens so the kids could bring it with them. 🙂November 9, 2014 – 9:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Ginny Marie - I’m so glad you linked up with the Spin Cycle! What a great Halloween post. I saw that little blurb about special needs kids going around Facebook, too, and thought it was pretty neat. 🙂 You are a SuperMom even when it’s not Halloween!November 10, 2014 – 8:14 amReplyCancel

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