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

This past weekend, I had an escape.  I was able to travel to Colorado (my hometown and a favorite place always) for my stepmom’s 75th birthday.  It was perfect. Seriously, it was a really great weekend.  And not just ‘cause I got to ride in a ninee. But before I got there, it wasn’t so […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Maggie Amada - Kristi, I don’t know if everybody thinks this stuff but I certainly do. It’s hard leaving your kids, parting with your responsibilities for a few days and it’s natural to get anxious. You’re way ahead of me in that you were able to leave your family for a few days and enjoy yourself. Congratulations on that.March 5, 2013 – 8:25 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Maggie, it really is SO hard to leave alone. I had a hard time even getting out of the house. You know, though, it was really worth it. It took me a long time but I’m so glad I went. Once you decide it’s time, you’ll love it. I promise. And it’s totally fine to call home every hour if you need to! 😉March 5, 2013 – 8:40 pmReplyCancel

  • nothingbythebook - Lice on toilet paper? Well, thank you for that. One more thing to worry about in public washrooms…March 5, 2013 – 8:27 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Sorry 🙁March 5, 2013 – 8:46 pmReplyCancel

  • @facethesun - I have never thought the lice thing, but definitely have worried about either something happening to me or something happening to him while we are separate. I am going to assume it’s normal.March 5, 2013 – 8:35 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - I guess it is normal. But I always feel guilty feeling like that if something DOES happen, I hope we all die together. Dumb. I know. Thanks for the visit. 🙂March 5, 2013 – 8:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Courtney - Oh, this is funny! I am sorry you went there with your extra time. However, I am glad you got some time with your family and that Tucker and his dad were able to have some time together too!March 5, 2013 – 8:38 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Courtney,
      Me, too! Thanks! It ended up being just perfect. Stupid brain.March 5, 2013 – 8:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - Why does your brain sound so much like my own, except my drawing renditions are no where near as good!! 🙂March 5, 2013 – 8:44 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Janine, maybe it’s just a mom-brain syndrome? And be glad you don’t spend time creating the worst art on the planet. Really.March 5, 2013 – 8:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Henriette - I think you need to hit up the bar at the airport next time. First thing! Nothing a bottle of white won’t fix! 😉

    …and yes, I do think all moms have those crazy, scary thoughts. And we are probably suppose to?!March 5, 2013 – 8:51 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Henriette,
      You are SO RIGHT that a bottle of white would have helped. I guess these crazy thoughts are just us being moms, huh? Thanks for the comment!March 5, 2013 – 9:05 pmReplyCancel

      • Henriette - You know, this would never happen pre-Tucker! Forgetting to hit up the airport bar. Sheesh…Amateur! 😉March 5, 2013 – 9:32 pmReplyCancel

        • admin - No shit woman. I need to get back to my roots. WTF.March 6, 2013 – 12:19 amReplyCancel

  • Jen - First of all, why didn’t you call? I live 20 minutes from O’Hare! Second of all, I do that all the time!!! I am so sure that whenever my husband and son are without me some tragedy will befall either them or me. And since my thoughts are horrific, because my brain is super-mean, I will not share. Suffice it to say crazy pills helped, now I only do that 75% of the time.
    FF TTT x 10 🙂March 5, 2013 – 9:12 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Jen!
      If I’d have known I’d be there for so long, I so would have called! We could have said our TTTx10 in person and made total asses of ourselves. That would have been awesome.
      And wow! Crazy pills reduced crazy thoughts by 25%? That sounds like a win, to me.March 5, 2013 – 9:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Rich Rumple - Kristi – Once again, you prove yourself. I’m not sure in what way, but you prove yourself! lol Really a funny post. I never went through what you did while preparing to fly, as my mind was usually filled with thoughts of how and where I could squeeze in one last cigarette before take-off, and how in the hell I was going to make it the entire flight without one! The trials and tribulations of being a smoker in today’s world. lol Great Job!March 5, 2013 – 9:40 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Rich, you awesome dude, thanks for the comment! Maybe I just proved that I’m a nut job? Was that the word you were looking for? And with four hours to kill, you’d have been able to have a whole bunch of cigarettes!March 6, 2013 – 10:26 amReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for real. - Looks like you and I were on the same page with all the catastrophizing, huh? (Shut up, spell check. It’s a fucking word.) After having just read my post today, I’m sure you know I can relate to your ridiculous (or not) feelings! I’m so glad you got a massage, and I’m really glad you got a kid break- you deserve it!March 5, 2013 – 10:08 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Indeed, woman. Seems we’re on the same page a lot. At least yours was grounded in a real-life thing. Mine was all made up in my head. Sigh. I loved your post by the way. Loved it lots.March 6, 2013 – 10:27 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - I now have a great fear of trees falling on me, not just from your post but from hurricane sandy…lets just say our neighbors are currently re-building/repairing the roof, master bedroom, and entire front end of their house. I also have a great fear of lice as my boys have had it 3 times…good times. That pic of you on the toilet – priceless. As for that massage, you are one smart chick.March 5, 2013 – 11:02 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - UGH to your neighbors having to rebuild! I hope nobody was hurt…
      And ew to the lice three times. I’m really (REALLY) not good with bugs. Shudder. I’m always paranoid about them. Movie theatre seats? Check them! Toilets? Check them! Of course, I haven’t found any. Yet.March 6, 2013 – 10:29 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Wine, baby, wine. I think it will also kill lice on toliet paper. Which thank you for that because now I am itchy in places that are not so acceptable to itch in public.March 6, 2013 – 9:34 amReplyCancel

    • admin - You’re so clever! It never occurred to me that wine would kill the lice on the TP!
      Sorry about the itchies. Just got a little twinge, myself.March 6, 2013 – 10:30 amReplyCancel

  • Meredith - I know exactly what you mean! And I started dying when I got to the lice picture. Have you somehow gotten inside my head? Why do I think these things? I’m glad you managed to get away for a bit 🙂March 6, 2013 – 6:55 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Maybe we’re ALL bloody nuts! Thanks so much!March 6, 2013 – 7:59 pmReplyCancel

  • Kim@the G is silent - When I first had Noah I didn’t like anyone – even his dad at the time – to hold him for longer than like 5 seconds. He had two older boys but THIS baby was different. He could drop him. The first time he slept over at my parents’ house I sobbed. This is the woman who carried me in my womb and then raised me up to be a mom myself, why couldn’t I trust her? And where can I get one of those cool vagina cover-ups? Awesomesauce.March 6, 2013 – 9:11 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Kim, I wonder why Noah was more worrisome than the others? Maybe because he was younger and you realized how precious life is?? Weird. But awesome. And yeah, the stupid vagina cover-up wasn’t real, I had to draw it to protect my privacy. But rest assured that if you ever need for me to draw you one, I’d be more than happy to!March 7, 2013 – 12:00 amReplyCancel

  • Rachel - That stuff happens to me 10 blocks from my house, forget about while I’m half way across the country. It’s total control-freak sabotage, and that’s my official diagnosis. Sorry, lady, you got it too. Evidently, from reading the comments here, it’s also catching! Glad you got away, though! Sounds like you were able to keep it at bay! 🙂March 6, 2013 – 9:21 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Rachel, thank you SO HUGE for giving our diagnosis a name! Control-freak-sabotage (or CFS for short) is apparently a very wide-spread disorder, affecting parents everywhere. You should write a book with cures! I hear wine is the best one, so far. Haven’t heard many others.March 6, 2013 – 11:59 pmReplyCancel

  • Dawn Beronilla - Hi stranger!
    So glad that you had a great weekend away and that the crazies didn’t end up getting you. Haha.
    Your pictures never fail to make me laugh! 🙂March 6, 2013 – 11:07 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Sweets! So glad you stopped by! Thanks huge for the comment…and I’m going right NOW to return some sloppy loves your way.March 6, 2013 – 11:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Jean Heff - Yes. Just, yes. I would tell you some of my worries to let you know you’re not alone but I feel I might just fuel the fire because I do this sort of thinking all the time too. Well, maybe not the lice on the toilet paper, but everything else. 🙂March 9, 2013 – 7:24 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Jean, no lice on the toilet paper scenarios for you? Consider yourself LUCKY!March 9, 2013 – 7:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Alicia D - LMAO!! Im serious, im laughing so hard right now. I can relate FAR too much to this post! the tree falling on the family in particular! though now you’ve given me new fears to ruminate upon while taking a piss 🙂April 30, 2013 – 9:00 amReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Alicia,
    YAY glad I gave you a chuckle! Sorry about the new fear with taking a piss, but the tree thing? Scary because it could totally happen, right???April 30, 2013 – 9:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - OHMYGOSH this is HILARIOUS and SO ME!!! And your pictures brilliantly add the spicing on the cake of this post Kristi!!

    I totally get you. Oh this cracks me UP. 🙂October 30, 2014 – 11:35 amReplyCancel

  • Roshni - I like that you covered your cartoon image with a patterned square just between the legs! So modest!! 😛November 4, 2014 – 1:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - This must have been written before I found you! Lice on the toilet paper? That may be one of the only things I *don’t* worry about.

    But now I do.

    Thanks a lot.November 4, 2014 – 6:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Lillian Connelly - I could have written this. I can’t stop laughing and that is because I have totally been there.November 7, 2014 – 3:43 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It’s nuts to worry about such things – I know – but I can’t help it! Thanks for the reminder that I’m not alone in that Lillian!November 9, 2014 – 4:49 pmReplyCancel

I think that social media is both amazing and dangerous. When used sparingly and wisely, social media is the light at the end of lonely for overwhelmed moms. I stayed at home with Tucker full-time until this past September. Those years were amazing and mind-altering and stretched my appreciation for the beauty of life ten-thousand […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Kate Hall - So true, so true! What you said. There are pros and cons to it, just like everything else. That rush from comments, likes, and RT’s is awesome, but can also lead you to want more and more. Or at least that’s what it does for me. I have to really step back sometimes and question why I’m doing certain things. Like almost everyday. And sometimes I hate my answers because they’re totally narcissistic. And I love the people I’ve met blogging, including you! – even though I called you Rachel some days ago. #LameMarch 2, 2013 – 12:33 amReplyCancel

    • admin - The rush is awesome, isn’t it? I question why I do things like everyday as well. It’s crazy. I’ve read about social media things from this link up tonight that I’ve never heard of. At first, I’m like “ooh I better find out what that is!” then I come to my senses and say “nope – got enough already!”
      And you didn’t call me Rachel when it counted so it’s all good. And I love the people I’ve met blogging too – including YOU! <3March 2, 2013 – 1:14 amReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - Kristi, this is so very true and many days I find myself saying just one more, but more recently I have found myself shutting down to take in what is right in front of me, because you are right they are pretty damn awesome and they are actually the reason I started to write/blog. By the way, I still love the pictures (thanks for a good morning laugh!!). Thanks again for linking up with us, too!! 🙂March 2, 2013 – 6:45 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Janine, so right that the people in front of us were the very reason we began to blog. I guess it’s knowing how much we need to share them for the validation that’s the hard part. Thanks for hosting!March 2, 2013 – 11:19 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - SM would have been nice to have when Christopher was a baby. I sat in the dark in the middle of the night feeding him with no one to talk to. I suppose that was quiet bonding time and I suppose its good I didn’t have SM. One of the “new mom handbook” things I read was not to get them stimulated during night feedings. So I did everything completely in the dark unless he had pooped, then I had to turn on a light. Other than that, it was easy for us both to go back to sleep and there didn’t seem to be a long gap in him learning days from night. I know I got off on a tangent of a different subject. I guess if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. Love your drawings. It’s embarrassing when my husband asks me, “What?” when I’m grinning at the phone like someone just gave me some money.March 2, 2013 – 9:33 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Aw Kenya, I love that your husband questions “What?” because you’re grinning at the phone. That’s the validation.
      I did the same thing in the middle of the night with Tucker. Often, I’d wake up later with my head hanging to my chest, boob hanging out, him sleeping on my lap and realize that I, too, fell asleep! 🙂March 2, 2013 – 11:20 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - I totally recognized myself when you described that getting sucked in feeling of “just one more blog to visit or tweet to send”…I’ve been that person, a lot. But, you’re so right, social media is good, in moderation, just like my chardonnay. 🙂March 2, 2013 – 4:36 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Emily,
      I almost compared it to a person who enjoys wine vs. an alcoholic, crack, etc, but decided it might be offensive. I like chardonnay, too 🙂March 2, 2013 – 6:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Michelle Liew - Hey, Kristi, social media does provide many social outlets, hence the name. A great post! I agree, with balance and moderation, social media can be a useful tool.March 3, 2013 – 2:24 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Thanks so much for the comment, Michelle!March 3, 2013 – 10:44 amReplyCancel

  • Mama Meerkat - That’s so true. Especially when Mini was a baby, discovering special needs parenting blogs made me feel so much less alone. But I think it is important to unplug and take breaks. There are days that I don’t even get a chance to glance at the other blogs I read, and that’s okay. It’s all about balance!March 3, 2013 – 8:35 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Mama Meerkat, you’re so right that it’s important to unplug and take breaks. Sometimes, easier said than done but it must be done! Thanks 🙂March 3, 2013 – 10:45 amReplyCancel

  • Rachel - You drew those on your phone?? I hate you! (not really) You have written such a thoughtful piece to a boilerplate prompt! I’m constantly amazed by you. I was with you about all of it and couldn’t agree more. I just want to add one thing. I really, really don’t like twitter!March 3, 2013 – 4:20 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Hey Rachel, I drew the one on the left on my phone and the one on the right was already used on this site in another post. I would never be able to do that one on my phone, way too hard!
      I used to not like Twitter, and parts of it I hate (people trying to just be funny and instead often being gross), but I do like the bloggie connection part on Twitter…March 3, 2013 – 7:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for real. - Yep, you pretty much nailed it. I know you know I can relate to this, especially the dangerous life-sucking part. Well, the super awesome making friends part too, actually. And I hope I am one of those super cool people you were talking about, but not the one that you will probably never meet in real life. Cause I’m still holding out hope that it will happen someday! Kind of glad you were only in my city for a day or so this trip, as I have had the stomach flu ALL fucking weekend. Seriously. What. The. Fuck. Hope you had a great time celebrating your stepmom’s birthday! xoxoMarch 3, 2013 – 7:51 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Funny thing that my step-brother in law asked me “why do people care what you think about social media?” and I was at a loss and figured I should redo the whole thing.
      SOOO sorry to hear that you’ve been so sick this weekend! And YES, I almost wrote “with the exception of Stephanie” but well, felt weird about that. We WILL meet for a coffee or a wine or a meal one day. We MUST. Feel better <3March 3, 2013 – 11:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Jen - OK seriously laughing now. Cause I don’t know anybody who spends too much time on social media, I have no twits, tweeps or twerps AND I never google things like anaphylactic shock or epinephrine. Sorry I made your eyes pop out. Friends Forever, JenMarch 3, 2013 – 10:52 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - hehehe well my eyes pop out every time I visit somebody with cats as I’m so damn allergic but love the <3
      Huge. And sorry to break it to you but you just made tweeps and twerps and twits for the rest of the history of time.March 3, 2013 – 11:07 pmReplyCancel

  • KC @ genxfinance - The internet, the social media, and all of these social networking sites are very powerful. Anyone has access to it thus, it can be used for bad and good. It’s up to us how we harness this power.March 5, 2013 – 7:10 amReplyCancel

    • admin - So true that it’s up to us how we harness the power! Wise words.March 5, 2013 – 8:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Menopausal Mother - This is SO TRUE!!! You know, I’m kinda like a dinosaur because 1 and 1/2 years ago, I didn’t even know how to use a computer. Once I learned and got on Facebook, I was hooked. I was easily spending 3 hours a day just chatting with old friends. Then of course getting involved in the blogosphere has taken me to a whole new level of socializing! It is really hard for me to shut off the computer and walk away from it. I’ll admit I’m addicted…but I’m working on it…..March 5, 2013 – 3:30 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Wow, what a change that in just a couple of years you’ve gone from not knowing the computer to being such an awesome blogger and strong presence on Facebook!
      It IS so hard to walk away from. I can’t tell you how many nights I’ve walked away and turned around and come back for “just one more.” At least it’s not drugs, right? 😉March 5, 2013 – 8:31 pmReplyCancel

Having a child with special needs feels much the same as it does not to, and yet, well…different.  Having a child with special needs feels like you won the lottery times infinity times a gajillion because, as every mom knows, having a baby introduces a level of love that we’d never have imagined. Having a […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Janine Huldie - Kristi, this post was absolutely beautiful and your son is adorable. You are a mother through and through and no one can ever deny that or take that away from you. Thank you for sharing your inner most feelings on this here and you are truly an inspiration!! 🙂February 26, 2013 – 9:32 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Awww, Janine! *SOB* thank you. You know how when you post something, and you just feel funky about it? That was this. Thanks huge.February 26, 2013 – 9:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Angie - You could have not said that more perfectly, and I thank you for that! hat is exactly how it feels and is.February 26, 2013 – 9:39 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Thanks Angie! It is…although I feel guilty sometimes because I know so many others have it so much worse…February 26, 2013 – 9:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Linda Atwell - Out One Ear - Yes, parenting a special needs child has a roller coaster of emotions. My son was typical–even above typical, while Lindsey was developmentally delayed. I can’t say that I always enjoyed the demands she put on our family. Sometimes I resented them and then felt guilty. My son was easy to love. My daughter wasn’t always so easy to love. (Many parents of children with special needs don’t seem to suffer from this–their special child is a constant joy. I always wonder how that is possible since my experience isn’t that way.) So more guilt. We all have to find our own way toward acceptance and you seem so much further ahead than I am (and my daughter is 32. Sad huh?) Although I do have more and more accepting days, moments. I guess part of my struggle in all this is Lindsey does know that she is different and she fights me on almost every single suggestion, statement because she wants to do things her peers are doing and sometimes that really isn’t possible. And her reasoning skills are low so it takes forever to convince her of ANYTHING! I love your writing and want to thank you for this post. You find exactly the right words to not make me feel alone.

    P.S. BTW, Kristi–I was on vacation in Mexico for two weeks and didn’t have easy access to anything. I hope I didn’t miss out on more of your amazing posts! I’m in the process of writing about the Valentine Project–but it sure looks like they received over 500 messages of love and support–thanks to your help. And the newlyweds are giddy. This is one of the times I adore being a special needs mom. It takes so little to make them happy.February 26, 2013 – 9:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Linda Atwell - Out One Ear - P.S. Your son is adorable!February 26, 2013 – 9:42 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - First, I’m SO glad to hear that you’ve been away in Mexico (jealous but happy for you). Thanks huge for the comment.
      Second, I think that it’s easier to find constant joy (and trust me, it’s NOT constant, sometimes I’m so damn frustrated that I’d hit a wall if I weren’t scared for my hand) when the kiddo is THREE. He will get older, and that’s when I’m even more worried about. Tucker’s not always easy. If you read some of “the story” section, you can read about the guilt I have to this day when I actually asked him “what’s wrong with you?” after trying to have fun in a soccer class. I could go on and on….
      Third, YAY that Lindsey and Nick were so overwhelmed with Valentines! Did they get to see the one that I drew for them? I hope they loved it. My hope was that they’d be excited for the custom piece of it, but maybe opening actual packages was cooler. And awesome job to you getting all those media outlets to share your story. So COOL. <3
      You rock. And by the way, you totally shot past me in the Top Mommy Blogs - you're now number 2! I'm not jealous (well, maybe a little) because I voted a lot! You deserve it 🙂February 26, 2013 – 9:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - I loved this for so many reasons…it’s so true, it’s so real, and it’s beautifully said. I’m sure you’ve read the short story, “Welcome To Holland” but if not, I’ll paste a link to it here. You just described Holland to your readers, but in an eloquent, touching way. Here’s the link: http://www.our-kids.org/Archives/Holland.html
    And, if you ever want to talk, chat, text, email, blog, etc. to another mom whose traveled to Holland, I’m here! xoFebruary 26, 2013 – 9:46 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Emily! So glad you’re back. Stephanie was recently away, too…not fair. You guys should stagger your vacas.
      I did read “Welcome to Holland” and WOW. So awesome. And I’d love to chat, talk, text, etc. to you. HUGE. I’m going to be out of town this weekend (read I didn’t read my own memo above and stagger it wisely with my bloggie buds), but would really appreciate that. Remind me which of the boys took you to Holland? I forget sometimes, as well, my brain is swiss cheese. Or a colander. Or just old.February 26, 2013 – 10:00 pmReplyCancel

      • Emily - Big Dude (15) is my Holland traveler…and good for you on getting away this weekend! I’ll have my butt planted in the bleachers at various basketball playoff games – yippee.February 26, 2013 – 11:21 pmReplyCancel

        • admin - I’d actually love to hear more about big dude’s travels. And yeah, I’m psyched for this weekend, but not so much that hubby has taken over for me this week with work and will now again, for travel (not bringing them ouch).
          thanks HUGE <3February 26, 2013 – 11:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Maggie Amada - Your little boy is handsome and seems happy. From what I’ve seen of almost-autism, children may have difficulty with social communication and they have trouble interpreting some things, but that doesn’t mean they don’t understand a lot. They see the world a little differently. He’s lucky to have a mom like you and he’s smart enough to recognize it.February 26, 2013 – 9:48 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Thanks, Maggie. He understands a ton (more than we realize sometimes) but he definitely sees the world and speaks to the world differently. Thanks for the sweet comment.February 26, 2013 – 10:01 pmReplyCancel

  • Dani Ryan - Oh my. You have a way with words, my friend. This is an absolutely beautiful post. And that boy! He’s gorgeous!

    I won’t pretend to know how you feel. I bet it’s extremely frustrating when people do that. But I will cheer for you from the sidelines, because I know that you will figure this all out, and do the best thing you can for your son. You’re a mom. It comes with the territory.

    My older sister has spina bifida, and I imagine that was very difficult on my parents. Still is. But her disability became our normal. I must’ve been 18-years-old before I thought to tell people my sister was disabled before they met her. Not because I was embarrassed by it. Because I didn’t think about it. She’s just my sister, and all the quirks that come with her disability are what make me love her.

    My Mum and I have talked about what could have been had she not been born disabled, but then we realize that she wouldn’t be who she is and we wouldn’t be who we are. It would change the dynamic completely. We probably wouldn’t have been as close a family.

    Anyway, I guess what I’m trying to say is, while you might feel different and like you don’t fit in, that stuff doesn’t matter. That little boy is all that matters. And you’re doing an awesome job.

    Big cyber hugs to you, my friend!

    xoFebruary 26, 2013 – 9:49 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Thanks so much, Dani! That’s awesome that you didn’t realize your friends might need to have notice until you were 18 or so. Actually, completely awesome.
      And you’re right. That little boy IS all that matters. Thanks again and big cyber hugs back…February 26, 2013 – 10:04 pmReplyCancel

  • Josie Bisett - Hi my friend! You are a nightly tonic: some nights you are funny as shit, others your thoughts are raw and heartfelt. But always a joy to read! As I’ve said before I like the mix, I like personal blogs – and you do personal, and you do it really well 🙂February 26, 2013 – 9:52 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Aw Josie! YOU are the nightly tonic. Me? I just whine and then draw some dumbass pics (which I’ve got an awesome idea for yours but it’ll likely be next week, crazy week this one).
      Thanks HUGE for the comment. <3February 26, 2013 – 10:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Tracy @ Momaical - I taught several autistic children over my years of teaching. A few of them were my absolute favorite students because they challenged me to rethink my teaching methods and find that “thing” that makes them tick. Soon, your gorgeous son will come into his own and he will amaze you with how he views the world. Because it truly is a gift.February 26, 2013 – 9:56 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Tracy, thanks so much. I didn’t realize that you’d taught autistic children before. I’d love to hear what you found makes them “tick.” Tucker’s in ABA therapy now which I think is working but because he’s not fitting the typical autistic mold, there are some concerns. Thanks huge for the comment.February 26, 2013 – 10:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Tom Cahill - It’s a marvel to read of your child and your life with him. The depth of your self knowledge and contemplation of such a human conundrum, mother to special needs child for the world to better understand your/their reaction to what you are living real time is a window to a world unknown to me and many others either being childless and/or not having a child with special needs. We outsider humans are awkward beings grappling with our own selfish lives typically, most times, pathetic really upon reflection, merely pleasure seeking, comfort seeking, steering clear of all uncomfortable realities. I thank you for giving this human a moment to just pause and wonder, my feelings are not of pity, but a more basic empathy that you allow me to feel based on you sharing your life. Thank you.February 26, 2013 – 10:05 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - TOM! Thanks for making me bawl, by the way. Wow, thank you so much for acknowledging what we live realtime. Seriously. I am constantly striving to find the balance between funny and awareness, and appreciate so much that one of my old Genesys pals visited Finding Ninee…and took the time to leave such a heartfelt comment.
      And by the way, I’m still very much pleasure seeking, comfort seeking, etc.
      <3February 26, 2013 – 10:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Rich Rumple - Okay, you know I’m the jokester. Let me play it serious for a change. This was more than just an insider’s view. It was a testament as to your love, efforts, and devotion to a beautiful child. Really a beautiful piece straight from the heart. You’ve earned my respect here. I wouldn’t joke about this if I could. I know I say it often, but really, this time, Great Job!February 26, 2013 – 10:42 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Aw, Rich, I have faith that you COULD joke about this but very much appreciate that you didn’t, here…thanks, huge. Huge. I’m crying reading all of these responses and don’t know that I have the blonde brain power (an oxymoron – I was the one who got to make a joke) to to reply with any wisdom…but thank you. thank you.February 26, 2013 – 11:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for real. - To answer your question, this is NOT crap. It is beautiful. I know I have said this before, but I’ll say it again. I do not have a child with special needs, but as a music therapist I spent many years of my career working with kids whose needs varied from complete immobility and being nonverbal to just needing some help with articulation and social interaction. The kids I worked with will always be in my heart- I will probably remember their names and faces forever. They are some of the most precious and incredible kids I have ever met. And often I was able to witness their parents’ emotional experiences as well- ranging from pride in their accomplishments to frustration to grief. I think it is amazing that you have the words and insights to express this so vividly. Thanks again for showing us your beautiful versatility and honesty. xoxoFebruary 26, 2013 – 10:54 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Stephanie! I’m so overly-emotional right now…not sure if it’s because little dude Tucker is sick, and I have huge mommy guilt for having to work today and dad came home, or because I truly thought this post was less than…but thank you. thank you thank you.
      You still do music therapy right? You know, my biological aunt used to do music therapy in Colorado…mabye you guys should meet…
      Thank you for saying this. It means TONS. I can PM you the rest of my slobbery loves but thanks. For real.February 26, 2013 – 11:14 pmReplyCancel

      • Stephanie @ Mommy, for real. - Seriously? I am dying to know who she is now, and when she practiced in CO! That is so awesome… and, yes, I still practice! 🙂February 28, 2013 – 5:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Jen - Thanks so much for the beautiful post Kristi! I have struggled with my son too, sometimes it doesn’t help that they look “typical” on the outside. I have found that people have unrealistic expectations of him sometimes when they view him that way. I also know the pain of spending the money you don’t have in the hopes that “this” therapy will make a difference. But you know who’s making the biggest difference? You! You are being your child’s strongest and loudest advocate, and that’s what he needs. Our boys will always know they are loved and always know that their mama’s did everything for them, gave them every advantage and loved them more than the world. Thank you for sharing this!February 26, 2013 – 11:02 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Jen,
      So true that moms are the best as far as making a difference for out little men. Thanks for the awesome comment. And you’re so right about it not being obvious right away (for mine it’s until he talks, usually) that they’re not typical. Hugs!February 27, 2013 – 9:19 amReplyCancel

  • K - Beautiful, beautiful post. Made me cry. Thank you for your words.February 26, 2013 – 11:41 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - <3 Thanks so much for the comment.February 27, 2013 – 9:19 amReplyCancel

  • The girlfriends mom ;) - Hoping you know who this is.. assuming baby girl is still the current girlfriend even though we missed our annual Vday festivities. I’m not proud to say this but as someone who has faithfully read every post here from day one i have never commented for fear of sounding stupid. This post pushed me to face my fears, mostly cause the message is personal.

    You are right bout friends pretending its fine cause they dont want to see it.. this is partly because most times it IS fine when we see Tucker run, chase, laugh, play and hug bg it is more than fine it seems perfect but this is also partly because we are right there with you going through the denial and mourning sometimes coupled with guilt but never with pity. We look at Tucker through babygirl’s eyes – to her he will always be her first and forever friend who is shy sometimes but always a joy to hangout with.

    Sorry if i’ve been rambling, its almost midnight – That’s my excuse but bottom line is we love our Tuck Tuck to bits and his very special mom too 🙂 Hope you never feel like you are alone in this, please remember I’m just a text / phone call / short drive away!! xoxoFebruary 27, 2013 – 12:02 amReplyCancel

    • admin - HOLY COW beautiful friend…how could I not know who this is? I’m honored and humbled and grateful that my sweet BB has sweet BG to love him….and better than that, her sweet mommy to adore him no matter what. I’m not going to do this reply justice because I’m emotional about it all right now…thank you HUGE as you have been the biggest awesome mom ever with all of this…our babies met before I ever had a clue about Tucker being different.

      And just, WOW. What an amazing perspective that I’m so thankful for. Really.

      And he does “get” Sonja…we’ve had our Valentine’s present here forever and he keeps saying “present” knowing it’s not his. 🙂

      <3 times a million...February 27, 2013 – 12:16 amReplyCancel

  • HiD - Great post! I applaud you for being able to post about situations as you are in the midst. I think you said what many would like to say or have tried to say! Some of your points really hit close to home. Great workFebruary 27, 2013 – 12:58 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Aww, thanks HiD! <3February 27, 2013 – 7:23 amReplyCancel

  • Terrye - Beautiful. I’ve felt every one of those emotions ten fold, especially after the diagnosis. And I agree, in the end, I feel like I’m the lucky one because my son is special. 🙂February 27, 2013 – 7:33 amReplyCancel

    • admin - We are the lucky ones. Still, it’s hard…February 27, 2013 – 10:36 pmReplyCancel

      • Terrye - The best things in life are earned. 😉February 27, 2013 – 10:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Daphne - Tears. Thanks for sharing the tenderest of places in your heart.February 27, 2013 – 8:43 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Hard to share. Thanks for the validation 🙂February 27, 2013 – 10:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - What in the world made you think this was crap? You said it perfectly. Being a special needs mom does feel different. You have Tuck. I have Allie to compare it to, and I feel differently between the two of them. I had 5 years of being a ‘typical’ mom. And let me tell you, being a ‘typical’ mom was so much easier. But not as rewarding. I think you said it perfectly.

    Hugs to you today, because obviously you were struggling. I am glad you put your struggle into words.

    Of course, I miss your drawings (I have an idea of the 2 1/2 year old calling their mom fat).February 27, 2013 – 8:46 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Kerri!
      I’m not sure if I thought it was much crap as that I don’t really feel comfortable sharing stuff about Tucker’s delays…maybe I still hope they’re not as obvious to others as they are to me (which is dumb, because they SO are)….
      Huge hugs <3 and thanks. I guess it's dumb but this one was really hard for me to post. Maybe it's my own denial. I still keep my FB page and personal page pretty separate....maybe it's time not to...February 27, 2013 – 10:18 pmReplyCancel

      • Kerri - Oh, I am totally for keeping it seperate. Otherwise how can you vent? You would get a call/text/e-mail with some one ticked off because they would be sure that you were talking about them or they would complain about you outing them with a New Orleans Stripper. I think blog and facebook are like inlaws. Nice to have but it is better to not have them both over for Christmas dinner.February 28, 2013 – 8:49 amReplyCancel

        • admin - Ha ha to the inlays being nice to have but not both over for Christmas dinner! Thanks for the awesome chuckle.February 28, 2013 – 9:33 amReplyCancel

  • Annie - This was a lovely piece. Such good insight and well written. I especially liked the section about pity…bc pity and empathy are such different emotions. I think this will resonate with more people than you think.February 27, 2013 – 10:51 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Annie, wise one, you’re right. Pity and empathy are SO different. But sometimes hard to separate as the recipient. <3February 27, 2013 – 10:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Cait Beauchaine - So beautiful and so honest. I love it – I think it’s brave of you to share those emotions. I can’t imagine how challenging it must be, but you seem like you are an amazing mother who has a great handle on things.February 27, 2013 – 2:06 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Can’t say thank you enough. But, I will again. thanks, huge, Cait. Huge.February 27, 2013 – 10:19 pmReplyCancel

  • Jennifer Atlas - Kristi…wow. Beautiful.February 27, 2013 – 5:51 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Wow, all these friends commenting for the first time. <3
      Thank YOU. Huge.February 27, 2013 – 10:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Kim@the G is silent - As the auntie of a special needs 8-year-old, you nailed it. Austin is amazing and wonderful and brilliant. He reads and does math better than his brother or cousin did at his age. He makes baskets during basketball. He falls a lot. He has quirks. He’s difficult. Seeing him alone you wouldn’t know he was ‘different.’ Put him with another 8-year-old and you’d get it. I believe he makes us love harder, not just him but my son and Austin’s brother, because we see them respond to and protect and fight with and treat normally this wonderful kid. We are so lucky to have him.February 27, 2013 – 9:38 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Aw, Kim! Love the “he makes us love harder” part. So true. So true. thanks gigantic for commenting.February 27, 2013 – 10:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Mama Meerkat - This is a lovely and beautiful post. <3February 27, 2013 – 10:28 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - <3 <3 <3March 6, 2013 – 10:31 amReplyCancel

  • Rachel - Kristi, you have me in tears. Such a powerful post. I love the lines about faith. You are right to have faith, because it all will be fine. I’m not saying that to diminish what you are going through either. I may not be a special needs mom, but I have taught enough children with disabilities to know that it will be fine.February 27, 2013 – 10:48 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Rachel…THANK you. I have to have faith. Without it, life is bleak, yes? And thanks, so much, for the reminder that all WILL be fine…February 27, 2013 – 10:54 pmReplyCancel

  • mombo - you’re such a wonderful writer – so many emotions went through my soul while reading this post. Bless you, and bless your beautiful son xoxoxoFebruary 27, 2013 – 11:46 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - XOXOXO thanks huge!! <3March 6, 2013 – 10:31 amReplyCancel

  • wendy - Beautiful… 🙂February 28, 2013 – 9:19 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Blushing, now…March 6, 2013 – 10:31 amReplyCancel

  • nothingbythebook - <3February 28, 2013 – 10:05 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Back at ya.March 6, 2013 – 10:31 amReplyCancel

  • Cyndi - Very powerful post. Thanks for sharing your story and it’s amazing. I have a special needs brother who still lives with my parents and I know it’s a tough road and you love them no matter what and the guilt and the emotions and above all, there is love, there is always love. I hope you have a wonderful day!February 28, 2013 – 10:19 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Thanks Cyndi! And you’re so right. Above all, there is always so much love.February 28, 2013 – 7:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Andy - What a deeply personal and intense look at something many parents never experience first-hand. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and tribulations. I know posts like this are so helpful to so many parents out there.February 28, 2013 – 11:26 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Aw, thanks Andy. I hope it makes somebody feel less alone, if nothing else.February 28, 2013 – 7:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Menopausal Mother - This is so incredibly, beautifully written—one of the most poignant blog posts I have ever read. Made me teary- eyed!!! Now I feel a little silly making such a big deal about what I want to post tomorrow. Please don’t think less of me if you do read it sometime. You know what? I think your son is so very lucky to have you–I can tell from the love in your words that you are the best mother he could ever have. I would love to see you submit this to Huff Post or some other big name online magazine–I think you will touch a LOT of hearts and help other parents going through it! XOXOFebruary 28, 2013 – 11:59 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Aw, you’re so sweet! Thanks so much for the awesome comment and encouragement. <3 And I will definitely read your post today - I can't wait!March 1, 2013 – 6:13 amReplyCancel

  • Eloise Southard - Just a note that I understand this wild ride of emotions completely and it’s very reassuring to read your blog and see so much of myself in your words. Wishing y’all all the best.
    Eloise
    http://thesoutharddiaries.tumblr.com/March 1, 2013 – 4:19 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Hi Eloise,
      Thanks for the comment! I visited your post and congratulations on your sweet daughter’s hearing loss being less than they’d originally thought! Mommy’s gut instincts are good. I wasn’t able to comment there…am I missing something?March 1, 2013 – 6:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Misty@MeetTheCottons - This is so true!March 6, 2013 – 10:23 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Thanks, Misty! 🙂March 6, 2013 – 10:32 amReplyCancel

  • Dawn Beronilla - How did I miss this?!?!
    It was beautiful and perfect!
    I especially hear you on the mourning. When Xander had his major regression I mourned for weeks. I wept over the loss of a child that I had raised for two years, and who was replaced with a stranger. A child who did not know or respond to me, a violent child who screamed non-stop; a child who shared nothing in common with the Xan I had raised. It was an absolute nightmare.
    It took me many months to realize that mourning the loss of your hopes and dreams is a very real grief.

    I should say that like many aspects of raising a special needs child, it gets better. It gets easier, And at this point I know my son in and out, every obsession and aversion, every habit and every stim. And I love him.
    So much.

    Thanks for writing this piece.March 11, 2013 – 1:04 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Thanks so much for the great comment, Dawn! I think a lot of moms feel guilty about mourning for the loss of the child they thought they’d have because we still are able to hold them, see them, hear them. But the loss is still real.
      You’re such a great mom to Xander, and I love the post you wrote about your doctor’s appointments and evaluations. So heartfelt and so real.
      So thank YOU.March 11, 2013 – 4:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Kristi that was beautiful. My nose is burning! You know that feeling where you say, your not going to cry right now and the tear ducts say – okay we’ll hang out right here. ~TALUMarch 13, 2013 – 6:42 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Thanks so much Kenya! And yeah, I totally know that feeling…March 13, 2013 – 9:34 amReplyCancel

  • Misty@MeetTheCottons - how did i never comment on this? you said it like you were reading it right out of my heart. “normal” brings with it a whole set of issues we may never have to deal with, and i’m releived. it breaks my heart that things will be more difficult for my patty, but i wouldn’t change that kind, loving kid for anything!March 20, 2013 – 8:23 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Misty,
      Agree, 100% that “normal” brings a set of issues we may never have to deal with. And our kids are perfect, already. Just the way they are. \<3March 20, 2013 – 9:34 amReplyCancel

  • Amy - I found your blog while researching “speech delay” online and felt the need to comment. Thank you so much for pouring out your heart and soul into this blog. I have a 3 year old son who is expressively and receptively delayed. He used to exhibit some signs of autism when he was younger, but we’ve noticed that a lot of those autistic-like behaviors started diminishing as his speech progressed. At 24 months he never answered to his name, didn’t point, had poor eye contact and had only around 10 words. Now, he’s 35 months and he answers to his name, points all the time, maintains decent eye contact (could be better) and says 2 word phrases all day long. He is still delayed but we’ve seen HUGE progress in the last 4-5 months. We just had our school district evaluation last week so we are awaiting the results. We had one evaluation done with a psychologist who did not think he was autistic. But I can’t help but sometimes think “Maybe she was wrong?”. His receptive skills are not where they should be. He seems to repeat everything we say (which is great for encouraging talking) but he’s not understanding much of what he is repeating.

    Anyhow, sorry for the ramble. I’m just happy to have found another mom with a special needs child who KNOWS what it feels like to live with the guilt but also joy of raising a “quirky” kid. Please continue posting! 🙂March 22, 2013 – 3:16 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Hi Amy,
      Welcome!
      I’m so glad you found Finding Ninee! And I’m relieved for you that your son is using so many more words and that he’s made such huge progress. Regarding the psychological evaluations and developmental pediatrician evaluations, one thing that I now believe, based purely on my own surmises that have zero science behind them, is that different doctors tend to diagnose differently. Some seem to go ahead and give an autism diagnosis if there’s a chance that it’s spectrum-ish, and others tend to hold off. And one of the things I am trying to remember is that having a diagnosis or not doesn’t really matter much. That as long as our little dudes are getting the services that they need, we’re okay.
      I don’t think that will always be the case and plan to get Tucker further testing when he’s a little older. Oh and also, out of all the ones we’ve had, the school’s has been the best and most important so far, because that’s the one that determines where he’s placed. And I’m happy with his placement in the preschool autism classroom. Of course, if they decide to switch him and I don’t agree, I’ll be all over trying to get a real autism diagnosis! 😀

      I wish I knew more for all of us honestly. And thanks so much for sharing your story! And for the great comment. And for the visit. Hope to see more of you here.March 22, 2013 – 5:08 pmReplyCancel

    • Misty@MeetTheCottons - have you enrolled your son in private speech therapy? we waited longer than we should to find a therapist that fit well with our daughter, but once we got her started w/ speech we started seeing a lot more improvements, too!March 23, 2013 – 10:11 amReplyCancel

      • admin - No. We were going to but his teacher convinced us that we should wait for him to have more words before correcting the pronunciation of the ones he has. Good in theory but I’ve been thinking it’s time to step up the therapy. He had private speech therapy before entering school, and I think it helped. My next step is that I need to get a more thorough evaluation. So we’re working now to get a neuro-psych eval and also a private speech eval. I want an apraxia expert to see him. Because as time goes on, I’m more convinced that he has it. Thanks huge. You’re awesome.March 23, 2013 – 10:17 amReplyCancel

  • Diane - Kristi, you have a true gift with words. As a mother of a 12 year old special needs child (she is non verbal, and has extreme developmental delays) it is soooooooooo comforting to experience this connection with you and to have a glimpse as I read about the reality of your journey.
    Your son is very sweet!
    Thank you for sharing and making my day!March 25, 2013 – 10:26 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Hi Diane, thank you. Welcome here. Where I should talk about special needs more but find myself unable to. So often. I wish I knew who you are. But thanks for landing here. And if you ever want to talk, please know that you can…to me…March 25, 2013 – 10:47 pmReplyCancel

      • Diane - Hi Kristi, thank you for your reply. It is wonderful to know where I can reach you and I will check in with you from time to time, thank-you so much. It’s good to make a connection with someone else who gets it and understands the mixed emotions and the challenges we face everyday with our kids.
        I realize some people have more to deal with than others and either way these kids are truly amazing and they seem to bring out the best in most lives they touch, how we can learn from them! The best to you, I’ll be in touch……….March 26, 2013 – 8:38 amReplyCancel

  • Laura@Catharsis - Yes! All of it. It is a special and terrifying and wonderful and rewarding and stressful and soul-wrenching job, but at the end of the day, it’s beautifully difficult.April 9, 2013 – 6:24 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Laura, it IS beautifully difficult. Well said. And thanks for the comment.April 9, 2013 – 6:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Roshni - This is such a heartfelt post. I gladly voted for it and I do hope you win!April 9, 2013 – 7:20 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Thank you, Roshni! I voted for yours as well and you should win!April 9, 2013 – 7:34 pmReplyCancel

  • The Sadder But Wiser Girl - Love.This. XO!April 10, 2013 – 8:39 amReplyCancel

    • admin - XO back at ya!April 10, 2013 – 9:34 amReplyCancel

  • Whacamole Mom - Chills! I love this. Such an important, heartfelt post for parents entering our world of special needs.

    I finally made it over here, and can read only in spurts – but I am returning for sure. So glad we have connected!April 11, 2013 – 3:26 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Thank you so much, Whacamole Mom! I’m honored to have you here. Huge. Glad we connected as well!April 11, 2013 – 5:27 pmReplyCancel

  • MJM - That is truly a beautiful story…you and your son are lucky to have each other. The love is strong in your family…and it shows in your writing. Thanks for sharing a piece of yourself with us.April 14, 2013 – 2:51 pmReplyCancel

  • K - I read this a while ago and it made me cry. I just read it again now, and here I am, sobbing into my computer and hoping my roommate doesn’t come into the room because there would be a lot of confused questions! Wonderful post, thank you.April 17, 2013 – 4:48 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi - While I’m sorry I made you cry, I hope it was the kind of tears that are good because you know that there is so many people out there who want the world to understand that not only are we all unique, we are all different and our uniqueness matters so much more on the inside.
      PS I hope your roommate didn’t come home.
      PPS You are awesome.April 17, 2013 – 10:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Bellamama - Dear Kristi, this week was one of those mourning weeks for me, and you described so perfectly the way I feel, have been feeling for six years. I found your blog because I was looking for someone that had a special kid in the middle like mine – very hard to find actually. She is not autistic either, even though we take that diagnosis so we can get some insurance coverage. She is different. She is adorable, loving, passionate, happy, a joy! But – of course there’s a but – she doesn’t speak, very few words. She makes her point without talking, but we also have been trained to understand her. There are some other problems too, cognitively. The thing about this week is that I realize I cannot keep her on a normal Montessori school for much longer. She is not catching up. She is still different. And what you wrote about we and everybody else around wanting to believe it will all be OK, just give it time. I think the problem with not having a definite diagnosis is that we don’t know what exactly is that we need to look for. My daughter is amazingly special. She brings joy to everybody that meets her and is open to see that. Now I am searching for that special school that will help her, but it’s not easy. It’s been a hard week for me, but I know I’ll get over and go back to just feeling blessed and enjoying her love. Thank your for helping people like me not feeling so lonely. PS. It may be because English is not my first language, but I had never left a comment on a blog like this before. I think it’s about time I participate.April 27, 2013 – 11:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Bellamama,

    First, your daughter sounds wonderful. Second, I’m so glad that you found Finding Ninee – having others to share our journey with has been a lifesaver for me. People who understand are so important and comforting and make the world so much less lonely. I’m very happy that you commented and your English sounds perfect (and even if it is not sometimes, that’s okay too – I promise).

    Regarding your daughter’s school – have you contacted your local Child Find (or equivalent if you don’t live in the US) office? Your daughter’s doctor should be able to help you get in touch with them. I dreamed of Montessori school for Tucker as well since that is what I attended as a child. Sadly the environment is too relaxed to help him grow – he needs more structure than they provide. We got very lucky with his school. After we went through Early Intervention (which is what you do before Child Find if the child is younger than three), we were referred to some teachers who provide ABA therapy in preschool. They came to our home and evaluated Tucker and then we had an IEP meeting to best set his goals for the year. They’ve been wonderful and Tucker has made a lot of progress since September.

    Perhaps if you found a program like that, your sweet little girl would make more progress? Let me know if I can help. Feel free to email me privately and I’ll even give you my phone number if you want to talk.

    I know how sad and lonely it can be all too well. I’m so very glad you reached out. Thank you.April 28, 2013 – 9:16 amReplyCancel

  • Anita @ Losing Austin - Just voted and think this is such a beautiful piece. We all have areas of life that are so different than what we expected, or would have chosen. But like you said, just because it’s different doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful. <3April 30, 2013 – 3:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - Anita,
    Thank you so much. I suppose that everybody’s lives are completely unexpected. Maybe that’s how we learn to appreciate them more.April 30, 2013 – 9:31 pmReplyCancel

  • Out One Ear - Linda Atwell - It’s perfect Kristi. Like all your pieces. Everything you write is so correct-well, at least for the way I felt. You captured my journey perfectly! We were elated to be parents. We were saddened when we find out the child isn’t exactly as we planned. And we mourned. But life goes on and we love our children and we know everything will be ok. We hope it will be ok.

    One of the things I hated when Lindsey was little was when other mother’s said, oh, my kid does that. We both knew her kid didn’t do it to the extreme that Lindsey did it. It just wasn’t the frickin’ same, no matter how much she tried to say it was. I watched her reason with her kid when I was unable to reason with mine. I watched her kid recover quicker than Lindsey when they had meltdowns. And I watched her kid run off and play with someone else while my daughter stayed behind and played alone. Because that is what Lindsey wanted. (I wanted her to have friends. To be a friend.) It broke my heart every. single. time.

    Thanks for another amazing post. I love you.February 15, 2014 – 5:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Shay - Kristi, this was such a great post. I hung on every word. Thank you so much for sharing–and enlightening.February 15, 2014 – 8:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - Wow, this was absolutely amazing, Kristi!! I have loved getting to know you, Tucker and the beautiful journey both of you have been on. As I’ve told you, it’s been an immensely enlightening ongoing learning lesson for me to hear about the ups and downs that the two of you have daily. What I’ve taken out of it to this point is a mutual love that has no boundaries and a depth that most people can not fathom. Your continued optimism about all aspects of life inspire (yes, I use that word frequently with you and towards you) me and I draw on it daily! This was incredible, our friend. Many hugs!! 🙂February 16, 2014 – 11:57 amReplyCancel

Hi, friends!  It’s finish the sentence Friday time and this week’s sentence is “Speaking from experience, I’m going to give you a little advice on…” Life.  I’m going to give you some advice on life, because I’m old. 1. Wear sunscreen.  Seriously.  If I could trade every tan I’ve ever had for less freckles, wrinkles […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • Janine Huldie - I think the buddy system sounds like a great idea and especially after seeing your kick ass pictures here. You totally swayed me, Kristi!! Seriously, i never tire of your artowkr and please keep them coming!! 🙂 Great job as always and thank you again for linking up with us!!!February 23, 2013 – 8:15 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Thanks for hosting, Janine! Always such a fun thing to read everybody’s entries.
      Glad you know to always use the buddy system. It’s an important life lesson. You should probably start teaching your kids, now. 😉February 23, 2013 – 9:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Sara - Buddy system is smart (you are wise). Otherwise, if you don’t have the buddy system, and your friend goes to bed, you could get tossed into a pool, fully dressed, by a bunch of drunk coworkers and wind up with a few cracked ribs. I’ve heard that a hangover is MISERY with cracked ribs (esp. if your well-rested friend tells lots of hilarious jokes that it hurts to much to laugh at).

    So thank you, again, for sharing your vast wisdom.
    (Maybe Robert thought you were working on a belated Valentine’s card for him and he didn’t want to spoil the surprise. He’s probably frantic with anticipation. Maybe you should draw a little something for him…..)February 23, 2013 – 8:59 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Sara! I so was going to the Greece trip when I got thrown in the pool but then it ended up being too many drawings, and too much advice. I have to dispense my wisdom in nuggets, lest it becomes too large and therefore a choking hazard. Because choking would be bad.

      And SNORT to Robert thinking I was working on a belated Valentine’s card for him. God, I’m a horrible wife and need to draw something for him, like, NOW. Phew. Thanks for the insight! And here I thought he was just unsurprisable any more. What? That’s TOTALLY a word.February 23, 2013 – 9:45 pmReplyCancel

      • sara - Can’t tell you how many times I’ve choked on wisdom. Thanks for looking out for me.

        I suspect Robert may be so quiet b/c he’s choking back his disappointment at not getting more drawings from you. Robert LOVES your drawings.

        You’re becoming quite the Anti-Choking Advocate. Who knew?February 23, 2013 – 10:04 pmReplyCancel

      • Julie - Ha! Good stuff. I’m drinking my caviar of hope (Kronenbourg 1664), in front of the fire while the girls light hundreds of candles in the other room. But don’t worry, they are using the buddy system. 🙂February 23, 2013 – 10:04 pmReplyCancel

        • admin - ha, ha! Loved that email and “flagged” it to reply to when I could properly be funny! Caviar of Hope is never bad. No matter how it came about. Glad the fire starters are using the the buddy system!February 24, 2013 – 12:50 amReplyCancel

  • Jennifer P. - You are so funny! And brilliant and funny and I’m glad I know about the buddy system now.February 23, 2013 – 10:00 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Thanks, Jennifer. And yes, the buddy system is super important!February 23, 2013 – 11:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Josie Bisett - LMFAO!!! Haha, been a while since I lmfao-ed for anyone!!! That saggy stripper drawing is some of your finest work I’ve seen 🙂 I was actually lucky enough to see a real live sex show in Amsterdam. I can’t believe I haven’t blogged about that yet…..!February 23, 2013 – 10:32 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Really? You haven’t LMAFO in a while? Dude. I’m HONORED. Saggy stripper is going to become a long-time friend. I can feel it. She might have to be on Robert’s delayed Valentine drawing, as Sara suggested. Poor Robert.
      And um, hello! Time to blog about the Amsterdam show! Oh. Sorry. Except you can’t because you are crazy and gave up blogging for lent. Er. Can’t wait to read that stuff!February 23, 2013 – 11:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for real. - It is seriously fantastic that you started with advice on protecting one’s skin and teeth and then immediately blasted us with that awesome nipple-ringed Bon Jovi stripper picture. I for one, think it is well worth the time you spent to link up at the last minute, and yours is definitely the most memorable post…isn’t it great to have memories of crazy/fun/perhaps slightly dangerous things we did before we were parents? I fucking love New Orleans. I also love that when I type “F” into my browser, your blog comes up automatically.February 23, 2013 – 10:53 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Protecting one’s skin and teeth is super important. It’s a community service message, really. Totally last minute, friend, totally…pounded out those dumbass drawings and words which I’m sure I’ll edit because well, I need to, (later) but I was freaked out I’d miss the FTSF deadline! Didn’t start until Saturday at 5:30pm and posted at 8pm? Bad for business.
      I fucking love New Orleans, too. But more? I hugely love that you type “F” into your browser and get moi.
      LOVES
      <3February 23, 2013 – 11:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Rich Rumple - I love your brain! This is hilarious! Not only was the story something that was believable, but the artwork made South Park’s look sick (cough, cough … flu bug time). It reminds me of when I was in Naples, Italy with a friend, who was looking for a little “company”. He saw what he wanted, went upstairs, and for a few minutes all was quiet. (I was waiting at the bottom of the stairs, if you needed to know.) Next thing I know, I’m hearing a, “God Damn!”, much thumping, and the door is thrown open with Bobby running down the steps, carrying most of his clothes. “Rich, that was a guy, Rich, that was a guy!” I never let him live it down. lol Great Job!February 23, 2013 – 11:52 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - OMG that’s awesome. That’s even better than my friend “Pete,” who was never really sure about “you know.” To this day, he claims that it was just a friendly misunderstanding between a hooker and a lost tourist. 🙂 thanks for the comment!!February 23, 2013 – 11:55 pmReplyCancel

      • admin - And PS – TOTALLY TRUE STORY. No exaggeration needed. This time, anyway 😉February 23, 2013 – 11:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Michelle Liew - Wow. I love your art, Kristi, and yes, am in total agreement that we should have a buddy system! Thanks for the sharing!February 24, 2013 – 8:18 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Thanks for the comment, Michelle! Buddy systems are good for pretty much everything, I think!February 24, 2013 – 3:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - First vampires and now sex shows in New Orleans? Next time I travel there you can be my tour guide.February 24, 2013 – 10:03 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Kerri, you’ve got it! New Orleans is awesome. Keep in mind, these two trips happened about 20 years apart from one another, so it’s not really like I live the exciting life it seems I do from this blog. Especially since having Tucker. 😀 I mean, it’s totally awesome and exciting watching him grow and develop, but I can’t think of a single funny story that involves alcohol since then.February 24, 2013 – 3:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachel - Wow, such realistic renderings (not that I would know from personal experience). I like how you turned the prompt into its own cautionary tale. Like an Aesop’s Fable on alcohol.February 24, 2013 – 1:23 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Hehe, thanks, Rachel! Yes, people need to be wary of how much they drink. Especially if they’re counting on tired friends like me to save them, because I’d rather just go back to the hotel and get some sleep. Too bad he wasn’t wearing one of those head cameras!February 24, 2013 – 3:43 pmReplyCancel

  • Mama Meerkat - Oh man, what a night! The closest I have is when I was in high school and rode the bus to school, we drove by a prostitute getting arrested early in the morning…

    But the advice about teeth and sunscreen is pretty solid.February 24, 2013 – 2:38 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Thanks, Mama Meerkat. Watching a prostitute get arrested is pretty big. I can’t say I’ve seen that! And yeah, teeth and skin. So easily forgotten.February 24, 2013 – 3:44 pmReplyCancel

  • clark - First visit to your blog (curtsey of Janine, Kate, Stephanie and Dawn and them) and their FTSF series.
    Where is the subscribe button? I liked your Post. I laughed at the ‘story’. I envied your combining of graphic and drawings and all.
    Very fun.
    I will be returning to this here blog here.

    (you think the brothels of the Middle Ages had, like, out-of-work musicians playing Bach tunes are accompaniment for the …er working girls?)February 24, 2013 – 5:03 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Hi Clark,
      So glad you linked up with FTSF. Thanks for the comment. You should be able to subscribe either from the home page (right hand column there is a subscribe button) or on the main navigation bar, there’s a subscribe just to the right of “Home.”
      Haha about the brothels of the Middle Ages! I’ll bet they did! Those poor out-of-work musicians!February 25, 2013 – 8:05 pmReplyCancel

  • Cyndi - These photos are great! What a story! Yes, the buddy system is good. Anywhere. LOLFebruary 25, 2013 – 10:03 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - True, buddy system should be a universal rule for everything. Thanks!February 28, 2013 – 8:27 amReplyCancel

  • Kate Hall - That is hilarious!!! I can’t believe that happened to him and then to end up right in the hotel courtyard. So funny! Love the pics! The last one is perfect. The saggy boobs are N-A-S-T-Y. I would have been disturbed seeing that. Great story!February 25, 2013 – 11:47 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - I know, he’s a moron! Thanks Kate 🙂February 28, 2013 – 8:27 amReplyCancel

  • mombo - not that I’ve “been there, done that….” …. at least, I don’t think so…..
    too funny, tooo tooooo funny! drawings are the pleasure of it all xoxoFebruary 27, 2013 – 11:47 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Better that you don’t remember if you have “been there!” I think 🙂February 28, 2013 – 8:26 amReplyCancel

Have you been following the “Tagged, you’re it!” series?  If not, you can catch up here: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. Now it’s my turn to tag some fellow bloggers.  I did contact each person first to ask whether she wants to participate.  Not everybody thinks answering random questions about where you were born (I […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • mombo - you really were born with goddesses all around you – really!
    with loveFebruary 23, 2013 – 5:51 amReplyCancel

    • admin - 🙂
      Did they have wine or did I just make that part up?February 23, 2013 – 9:05 amReplyCancel

  • Misty@MeetTheCottons - Sorry I didn’t get around to this sooner! I will get caught up next week if it kills me! No time for it today, though. Have very first Girl Scout Cookie Booth sales experience from 8-10; weather says it will be a balmy 32-36 degrees which should make it a mega interesing two hours with kinders and first grade girls in attendance! And then hubby and I are off to our very first University of KY basketball game. Whew, I’m tired already.February 23, 2013 – 7:23 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Whew, I’m tired just from reading that! And take your time with the game and do it how you want to. If you read mine, I did it in three separate posts and skipped some.February 23, 2013 – 9:05 amReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for real. - Wait til you see my half-assed, I mean super creative, interpretation of answering these questions. First of all, I picked a small sampling instead of the whole list, and second of all, my six year old is answering them. Thank God Josie inspired me with that idea that I am, uh, borrowing.February 23, 2013 – 10:55 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Dude! Why do you think it took me like a week, over three posts, to do this whole thing? When I first got tagged, I was like “oh shit.” But then, I was really psyched about it because FUN. You’ll rock the shit. I promise.February 23, 2013 – 11:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Misty@MeetTheCottons - meant to do this earlier, but patty is having a sick day today. complete with itchy rash and fever! here’s my link: http://meetthecottons.blogspot.com/2013/03/tagged-by-finding-ninee.htmlMarch 18, 2013 – 5:52 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - UGH so sorry to hear that Patty is sick and has the rash to go along with the fever 🙁 Hope she gets better soon!March 18, 2013 – 5:55 pmReplyCancel

Are you excited for Part 3 of the “Tagged, You’re It!” game?  Cool!  Me, too. In case you missed Part 1 and Part 2, you may want to catch up.  It’s okay, I’ll wait.  Really, I will.  Go ahead. Thanks again to Josie at Go Mamma! for tagging Finding Ninee! 30. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SHOE? Flip-flops or […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
email a friend

  • Courtney - Hi! Ha! You made me laugh. I will play. It sounds like fun and something happier than, you know, the big c. I love your drawings and the voices in your head. This series has made me laugh, and that is saying a lot. 🙂February 19, 2013 – 8:43 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Awesome! Consider yourself tagged! I’m still waiting to hear back from some but you can find the original questions on Josie’s blog. 🙂 Yay, you!February 20, 2013 – 12:00 amReplyCancel

      • admin - And yeah. I know that’s saying a lot. You need it, thought and I’m honored to be the source.
        crap crap crap, woman. Hugs HUGE to you. Think of you daily. Just found out my next door neighbor has one of the bad kinds, too…sigh…February 20, 2013 – 12:01 amReplyCancel

  • Josie Bisett - Awesome finale Kristi! I love the expression on your face, second pic question 50. Haha! It’s priceless. So I’m going out on a limb here by taking a guess at something I know nada about (because I’m stupid competitive) but I’m thinking your special purpose is being the awesomest (it ought to be a real word) Mama in the world to your Tucker… am I right????February 19, 2013 – 8:53 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - You approve? So I’m like the favorite of the tagged? Oh, wait. Sorry…I forgot how bloody awesomsauce the other two are. This was super fun!
      And the special purpose is from an awful movie in whatever year you’re too young to know and too not American to have been forced to experience (consider yourself lucky). A movie called “The Jerk” starring Steve Martin. ‘Twas a long time ago.

      But really? I like your answer better. So if you want a drawing, say the word, sistah.February 20, 2013 – 12:03 amReplyCancel

      • Josie Bisett - OMG! I totally want a drawing! I feel like I just won some uber big competition! I have no idea what I want you to draw for me. Me and my three kids hanging off me maybe – or whatever better idea that you have already cos you’re the creative one!! Whatever you draw – be it a piece of turd – I will showcase it on my blog somewhere and my people will flock to you.. hahaha! (I don’t have many people so don’t get excited). So glad I tagged you.. you are awesomesauce too 🙂February 20, 2013 – 3:46 pmReplyCancel

        • admin - Oh dude, the PRESSURE! I have an idea…hmmm…February 20, 2013 – 7:52 pmReplyCancel

  • Maggie Amada - Kristi, thanks. This was entertaining. I’m in love with my sheets too, particularly since I’m allergic to a whole slew of things and just found out last week :(, so I had to get new allergy-friendly mattress covers and sheets :). They’re really soft and my daughters giggle every time they start to slide off my bed. We’re putting together an awesome game of slip and slide but don’t jump.February 19, 2013 – 9:00 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Great sheets are amazing. Sorry to hear about all of your new allergies…if it makes you feel better, you are not alone. I can’t even be in the same room with a cat without wheezing, sneezing, swelling and leaving. It’s sadly like that with a lot of stuff. I’d hope to bypass the allergy gene in my son by breastfeeding him, but no such luck. Glad you found a fun new-sheets game though, that sounds awesome!February 20, 2013 – 12:16 amReplyCancel

  • Rachel - How considerate of you to ask ahead of time! I am out, thank you kindly. I don’t do well with prompts, in general. And, specifically, your shoes are way too hard to fill! 🙂 I’ll be off on the sidelines cheering you on!!February 19, 2013 – 9:41 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Figured. And you’re welcome 😉
      Feel free to pick a question or two when you’re sitting at your computer wondering what to type someday though 🙂February 20, 2013 – 12:17 amReplyCancel

  • Julie - I’m guessing that “your special purpose” refers to the movie the Jerk with Steve Martin.

    Also, cool to see you figured out Google Maps (pretty cool for someone who can’t tie shoelaces!). To add some science, my estimates show DC->Athens = 5,128 miles and DC->Stockholm = 4,123 miles. Athens wins! Even if you did go the distance and see the midnight sun in Sweden (which counts for something, my dear).

    Rock on, sister.February 19, 2013 – 10:11 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - DING DING DING! Special Purpose is TOTALLY from The Jerk. 🙂 Yay, you! Do you want a drawing? And I tried to Google the distances, too…ended up in a town I can’t remember north of Stockholm, but probably not by 1000 miles. Thanks huge! <3
      And yeah, did see the sun all day in Swe. Awesome stuff.February 19, 2013 – 11:59 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Dumbass…my favorite expression!February 19, 2013 – 10:11 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - One of mine, too. It’s just so perfect. 🙂
      And. Um. You didn’t answer whether you accept the YOU ARE TAGGED or would rather skip it! I’m ok if you want to skip like Rachel did…for real. But if you want to be tagged, you are on The List. (capital T, capital L)February 20, 2013 – 12:19 amReplyCancel

      • Kerri - Oh I am totally in. I am a little afraid of what questions you will come up with, but I am in 🙂February 20, 2013 – 9:04 amReplyCancel

        • admin - OOH! I should make up my own questions! Nah…too lazy. They’re the same ones that Josie answered. I can email you the entire list if you’d like. Glad you’re in! Just waiting to hear back from one more person and I’ll post the Tagged list.February 20, 2013 – 9:34 amReplyCancel

  • Jennifer P. - You are the funniest blogger ever! You say your drawings are bad but I laugh harder at these than the comics. Thanks!February 19, 2013 – 11:02 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Aw, Jennifer, thank you! Maybe you should read more bloggers though because there are way many wicked funny ones. Seriously. I mean, keep reading Finding Ninee, of course! But there are massively funny awesome mom bloggers there and you should completely check them out. Lots of awesome serious bloggers, too…ftr…
      <3February 20, 2013 – 12:20 amReplyCancel

  • Joy - Great pictures! The part about your tonsils cracked me up!! LOL!

    And yeah, you can tag me! I will just skip the questions I don’t want to answer. But due to lack of drawings my post will not even be half as funny as yours! xoFebruary 20, 2013 – 3:50 amReplyCancel

    • admin - Cool! Waiting to hear back from one more person and then I’ll post the tagged list! 🙂 And your post will rock, Joy-style!February 20, 2013 – 9:34 amReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for real. - I am still laughing from the “Yo Dumbass!” pictures. You are gifted my friend. Also, I suck at whistling. Also, I am super impressed by your dedication to this post with the maps you added. It seems like it would have been really complicated and something I couldn’t have figured out how to do. But, we both know I am too stupid to even figure out how to add a blogroll to my site. I may have mentioned that. (On that note, I am about to go send you an angry message. No, I’m not angry at you.)February 20, 2013 – 12:54 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Actually, I love that you were impressed by the maps, but that was SO the easiest, fastest thing to do! I just copied a map from Google, drew 2 red lines, moved one and ta-da! 😀 And I think blogrolls are overrated. So there.February 20, 2013 – 7:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Kate Hall - Don’t listen to that little devil on your shoulder. You’re funny! She lives on my shoulder sometimes too. Can’t stand her.February 20, 2013 – 5:10 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - I’m going to draw a giant fly-swatter next so I can smush her meanass.February 20, 2013 – 7:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Sara - Hilarious! Way to take a kinda annoying idea and make it funny. You rock. I love the trophy drawing: so funny (it essentially says, “thank you for being NEAR the ball”). I can whistle, but only on the inhale. I’ve been told this is the lesser form of whistling (maybe b/c of the hyperventilating). I’m not sure if it is or not, but have been actively trying to teach myself to whistle on the exhale. Kev tries to help, but it’s hard to help when he’s laughing so hard at my inept attempts….

    That is totally me in the “treat/no treat” pics. It’s amazing how often I show up in these pics. I would sue for image infringement (that’s a thing, right?), but I think it’s good publicity. 😀 ….although I’m glad I didn’t turn up as the loudest friend. Remember back when Ross & I used to go to comedy clubs all the time? He once said to me, “they always sit me next to the lady with the loudest laugh” –and of course he meant me.

    I’m jealous I didn’t come up with the idea of selling my tonsils first. Brilliant! I will totally steal that idea, but I’ll sell in the local paper so I don’t compete w/ your ebay sale.

    Keep rockin’ it, Sistah!
    p.s. love the ninee on Robert’s shirt!February 21, 2013 – 11:01 amReplyCancel

  • admin - First, because it’s the most important, you can’t whistle? Really? Just kidding, that wasn’t the most important. I’m surprised that I never knew this, though. I suppose it’s never too late to learn, although it sounds like you need a better, less “laughing WITH you” coach.

    Ok what was really the most important was that you were, originally, my loudest friend. But then I was trying to figure out a way to make it funny and talk about your amazing laugh and how if any of us lost you at a party, we could just listen and find you, but then the REALLY ANNOYING LOUD voice in my own head was, well, louder. So I decided to talk about her instead. But know in your heart that your laugh was the first thing I thought of. 😀

    Hey, feel free to use ebay for your tonsils. Maybe if there are 2 of us, we’ll drive the prices up with bidding wars and stuff. Could be a win-win!

    And thanks for noticing the ninee on Robert’s shirt 🙂February 21, 2013 – 5:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Sara - Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold up. I CAN whistle.
      It’s just I can only whistle while inhaling, not exhaling.
      I guess you’re saying that inhale-whistling doesn’t even count. Harsh. If you’re not looking, it sounds just like exhale-whistling. Really. But yeah, to avoid the ostracizing and shame, I decided I should be able to do it BOTH ways. I don’t want my nieces & nephews to be embarrassed by my shortcomings…

      I guess if something is going to be alarmingly outsized about me, better that it be my laugh than say, my ass.
      Or my nose. Or ego….

      Good point about the tonsils: Maybe if we BOTH sell them on the web, people will think it’s a craze that’s passing them by! (“Everyone’s buying tonsils and I haven’t bought any yet!! Why am I wasting my time on the Harlem Shake?!?”)
      😀February 21, 2013 – 6:18 pmReplyCancel

      • admin - Oh. Whoops, sorry…I do think whistling on the intake counts. I won’t rub in my trophy by saying that I can do it both ways, because I try to be kind that way.

        And can I trade my outsized ass for an outsized laugh? Because my pants are too tight.

        HA to the “everyone’s buying tonsils and I haven’t bought any yet!” while wasting time on the Harlem Shake! We will change the world!February 21, 2013 – 8:16 pmReplyCancel

        • Sara - FYI, your pants are probably tight b/c of global warming. I don’t know why the media hasn’t pounced on this story, but it’s true: global warming shrinks clothing. And I know it’s true b/c ALL of my clothes are tight.

          That’s science, baby.February 22, 2013 – 5:21 pmReplyCancel

  • karen somethingorother - I love the feelings you have for your sheets. You can’t even put it into words. Hilarious.February 21, 2013 – 10:20 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - 🙂 thanks, Karen!February 22, 2013 – 8:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Alana Terry - You must have some pretty impressive tonsils… Just saying…February 22, 2013 – 7:22 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - Do you want to start the bidding? Somebody has to, after all…February 22, 2013 – 8:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachel - See, I was right. No way could I touch these questions after you! Too daunting! I love the tags at the end (oh, and did I mention the pictures?) What kind of google searches are you gonna get out of this post, I wonder?February 22, 2013 – 11:00 pmReplyCancel

    • admin - You so COULD have, and done an amazing job of it but I don’t blame you at all. In fact, when I first saw them, I though “huh…how in the world do I do THIS?” Then, I said f’k it and answered only one. Oh and did you see the way Josie handled it? She had her kid answer them all. Pretty adorable. So feel free to consider yourself tagged if you decide to play! Because you were totally on the list (as you know). <3February 23, 2013 – 12:35 amReplyCancel

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