Austin, Austin, Austin....where to begin.
Austin is in the first grade now and seems to really enjoy school. Like all of us, some days aren't as good as others, but he has learned many good things from school. The best one of all...Austin can ride the bus now without his wheelchair. Austin has learned to walk up the bus steps all by himself. Learning to come down them is a work in progress..some days he trys his best to come down, other days he likes to play the sitting game on each step, but it still means that he doesn't need to be transported to and from school in a wheelchair. He has learned to love all sorts of vegetables being at school. He turns the water on to wash his hands. He goes over to the changing table at school when he needs to be changed and can even climb up onto the table himself. He is even learning to pull up his pants after getting changed. He recently received an IPAD and we are in the process of learning how to use a chat program on there to help him communicate. Communication is an area in which we are really focused on right now. Lately he is communicating alot more using eye contact, grabbing things, pulling on our shirts or grabbing our arms. With that said, he is also showing more frusteration when we can't figure it out. He makes loud noises, slides down on the couch or chair or sits on the floor and kicks his legs when he is mad or frusterated. Sometimes I feel like sitting right down next to him and doing the same. We are hoping that the IPAD will help him communicate with words and/ or pictures by giving him choices and making him choose. We definately see that he is starting to make connections to different things. It's great to see that his little brain is working. He likes to help himself to things that are within reach. So after many a spilled glasses, many a broken items, we are learning that Austin is MOBILE and nothing is safe. He leaves a trail of destruction. We always can tell where Austin has been. It's all good though and we wouldn't change it for the world. He has become a climber and likes to try to climb anything and everything. He can walk to bed now, climb in the bath (with assistance of course), walks to the car and with a little boost can get into the big SUV by himself and scoot back in his seat. Austin seems to be eating much more orally, so we don't use his feeding tube nearly as much as in the past. Hopefully in the next year or so, we can say goodbye to that. Austin is a very happy little boy. He loves to play with his brother and Dad and loves to cuddle with mom. He has made so many accomplishments in the past year. He has so much in that little body and brain of his. He still has many more hurdles to overcome, but with his continuing progress we always see HOPE!!!!

Day 8
Therapy in Santiago
Well, where do I begin. Austin had a laughing type of day at therapy and has discovered new sounds and the desire to say the "H" sound. He is so darn cute when he trys to do it. Not only is therapy going great, Austin's appetite is very good and his desire to try different ways to communicate with us seems to be greater. The other day Austin ate two hot dogs in twenty minutes. For those of you that don't know Austin too well, he is very picky, most of the time taking a single bite of something and then throwing the rest to the ground, very rarely eating enough to make up a whole meal. Just two more reasons that Cuevas Medek Therapy is so beneficial to Austin. Not that we needed any other reason. Morning session was great for Austin today, but afternoon, well lets just say that Ramon said "diffictult, but good". At times Austin was laughing so hard during an exercise, that Ramon made a joke that "Austin is making mockery of me!" Poor Ramon, Austin just had a big case of the giggles, and if you have ever heard Austin laugh, he can get a whole room laughing!!! Although Ramon didn't seem to want to laugh with him. I will post pictures tomorrow, although not very many from today. Early bed time tonight. I can only imagine how Austin feels.

Day 7 Therapy in Santiago Morning session. Excellente!! We were all proud of Austin. Ramon was able to do some more experimental exercises with him. To Ramon's suprise Austin surpassed his expectations!!!!! Ramon said "Something just told me to do this exercise with Austin and I wasn't too sure what to expect, but had a good feeling and WOW!" When we see the responses Austin is having to therapy it is such a great feeling. Sometimes words can not describe. Great Morning Session

Well, may have spoke a little too soon. Afternoon session was difficult, but a good challenge for Ramon. Austin was just not having the afternoon therapy. At first he laughed with each exercise, then he would just sit. Per Ramon, "partly because he just didn't want to do it, partly because he wasn't "clicking" with the brain and the other part because he was still processing all the input from the AM". Guess every session can't be the same. Overall still productive. Wish we could figure our little man out sometimes and what he is thinking.

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Day 6 (Continued)
Therapy in Santiago

Here is Austin's best session by far. He ROCKED it! Way to go buddy! So happy for Austin and all his accomplishments so far. I also want to thank Big brother Zach who has been such a great kid for his grandparents this past week or so. It was very hard the day we had to leave for Chile, but he has been having a good time and being a great helper. We are proud of you Zach and can't wait to see you. XOXO

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Day 6
Therapy in Santiago

Here starts our second week here. We did some exploring over the weekend and went to the heart of Santiago...the Mercado Central, which is their central marketplace for fresh fish, poultry and bakery. It was very busy down there, and we tried to fit in with the chileans. We had the chance to sit down and have a great lunch of Chilean Seafood. Not sure what it is about us, but all people do is stare at us. Gee, could it be our height, because we tower over most of the population or maybe Austin's chair/stroller, they have never seen anything like it. Not to sure what it is, but I would really like to learn spanish, just to ask them what they find so fascinating about the three of us. We went through the Meropolitan Cathedral, and what a beautiful church it is. We thanked God for all the progress Austin is making and has made over he past two years since finding Cuevas Medek Therapy. Then came Monday, back to therapy. First session was another good one. Ramon is working with Austin now so that Austin initiates the steps more on his own than with the help of Ramon, so he used a "soft touch" rather than a stronger hold and remarkably, Austin did very well.

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Day 5
Therapy in Santiago

Finally, Austin is remembering Ramon and the great therapy that he instills in his brain. It took Austin till about Wednesday, late, to get back into the therapy mode with Ramon. Ramon said that is very common with these children. Austin's sitting is NOT a setback, it is an evolution according to Ramon. He is more aware of his possibilities now. That is AWESOME news. We love that the possibilites are endless with Austin. Austin had a excellente day with therapy. What a great way to end the week.

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Day 4
Therapy in Santiago

Well from Wednesday night to Thursday morning, there were 4 earthquakes here in Santiago. We actually only felt one of them at about 8 am in the morning. We were sitting on the couch and we turned to the door of the apartment because it sounded as if someone was trying to get in, then the building shook a little and then he felt like we were swaying back and forth, kinda like in a boat. Probably only lasted about 1 1/2 minutes, if that long. It is really hard to keep time when something like that happens, especially being our first real experience with one. So, off we went to therapy then. It was a normal day like usual. Guess around here that is part of everyday life. Thursday was Austin's first full day of therapy that he was feeling secure, trusting in Ramon and allowing him to pass the message of the exercise. Ramon made a discovery today. To give Austin's body a better sense of security, Ramon would put his forehead pressed up against Austin's back when Austin had the desire to sit, by doing so, Ramon said that this "recharges the energy between him and Austin". It worked, Austin would then go from a half sitting position to standing nice and tall. Ramon never gives up, and 9 out 10 times gets Austin to respond in a positive way to his exercises. Ramon's brain is in constant creative mode, and that is what makes him a one of a kind therapist.

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Day 3
Therapy in Santiago

Well, as I sit here writing about Austin's day, I just found out that there was a 5.7 eartquake in Valprasio, Chile, which is 80 or 90 miles away from us. Luckily we felt nothing. We were in the therapy office with Austin. Thank goodness. If I would have felt that, I think I would have been in panic mode. So, on to Austin and the reason we are here. Austin was determined this morning to play the sitting game with Ramon during therapy, luckily a quarter of the way through he had a change of heart. Ramon was able to connect with Austin and his mind and has now figured out a key to working with Austin. He figured out how to handle Austin's insecurities and how fast he can change movements with Austin to make him feel comfortable and enjoy being in an upright position. I knew Ramon was Austin's miracle. Austin just needs to figure that out! The afternoon was a great session and I was actually able to video tape some of it and I will post tomorrow. Buenas Noches!

Day 2
Therapy in Santiago

Well, day started off good. We were on time for therapy. First therapy session of the day....not so good. Ramon said that the difference between Austin from last time (Montreal) to this time is that he is MUCH stronger. I know, there is nothing wrong with that, that is actually a good thing. However, Austin is making bad decisions, the decision to sit more while Ramon is trying to do his exercises with him. When Austin decides to do that he pushes force against what Ramon is doing and makes the exercise ten times harder. Austin is not that light anymore. With that said, it is posing more of a challenge for Ramon. A challenge that he is DETERMINED to figure out and how he can get through to Austin and that smart brain of his. The afternoon went better. Austin was able to complete more exercises but still wanted the easy way out and tried to sit in some. Ramon's last words to us besides Adios, was "I will figure this out and what I need to do to get through to him." It was a great reasurrance of why we come all he way to Santiago, Chile, because I know he will.

Day 1
Therapy in Santiago

Well the morning was a little off. We got up early. Got ourselves ready for therapy, then woke Austin up and started to get him ready when the phone rang. We thought it might be Claudia (Ramon's daughter) reminding us of our therapy time or maybe even changing it. Well, it was Claudia, but she was asking us where we were, we were supposed to be there fifteen minutes ago. Oh crap, our clocks were one hour behind, thanks to technology and the lack of keeping up with the time change. Needless to say, we got our jog in for the day. First therapy session was a reaquainting session with Ramon and Austin. It was okay, but definately room to improve. Our second session of the day was a little more productive, but proved that Austin definately has a mind of his own and he can make decisions. He made plenty of decisions tonight to purposely to sit and relax, hoping the exercise would be done and he could go home. Not with Ramon. Perseverance is the key to his teaching and that is what he did. Austin tolerated very well. In his own words and sounds definately let us know how he felt about it. But no crying. Yeah, Austin. We are off to a good start.

When I was searching for Austin's blog today, I googled it and up came an award, for an award winning blog of someone with a rare conditions. Maybe we are getting somewhere in help to figure out Austin!!! I hope this opens up a new beginning in finding out what the heck is going on with Austin and someone is searching for a challenge.

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Where has the time gone. 2011 already. What a great year it is going to be for Austin. He ended last year with his new found freedom of the ability to walk on his own. He loves it and explores our house all the time. His teachers and therapists say at school that he is all over the place. His new found freedom has earned him plenty of 1 minute time outs in the classroom since he won't sit still and finish a project through. Secretly though, I think his teachers and therapists are very proud of him, since he has come a long way. Austin's goals for now are working on his stability and balance, weaning off the GTube and getting it taken out, (which means Austin will have to take everything by mounth), and communication. Austin has begun to use more sounds and better eye contact, but not using his words. We hope that will come with time. We are looking forward to his trip to Santiago, Chile in March to see Ramon. It seems like everytime we go Austin gets stronger and stronger and somehow it opens up new abilities for him. That therapy is a wonder for his brain and his body. We are so fortunate to have found it.

Austin had his first evening of equine therapy yesterday. We all weren't sure what to expect from therapy or what to expect from Austin and what he may think. Well, you just never know...Austin loved it. I thought he would hate the riding helmet he has to wear, but he made no fuss over it. We thought maybe he would cry because it may be scary to him, but not at all he smiled and rode tall the whole time. Even the owner was quite surprised and happy with Austin's response. What we learned is that physical, emotional and mental awards are achieved working around and riding horses. This therapy is helpful in developing balance, coordination and strength in riders with disabilities. It also promotes independence and self-confidence as riders learn to ride and care for these horses in a friendly and supportive environment. Finally this equine therapy provides recreational opportunities to many individuals for whom such opportunities are severely limited. Are hopes for Austin are that he enjoys it and maybe it will open up more doors for his brain.

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Austin is a WALKING MACHINE! We are so happy (and drained) that Austin is mobile. The best part of it all....he does it on his own. He is so proud of himself as are we. We enjoy watching Austin discover his new found freedom. Austin continues to do well in school. We hope to be starting hippotherapy (horse therapy) within the next few weeks. After talking with the trainer, we think this will be another great compliment to all the other therapies that Austin is doing. Stay tuned for more.

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It was a rough start after we returned home for Montreal. It all started with a 24 hour hospital stay for Austin for non stop crying and not being able to console him as he screamed in pain and hit his head with his hands. After 5 weeks of the same stuff he finally got diagnosed with migrains. After several doctor visits and no answers his wonderful neurologist Dr. N, came up with diagnosis and prescribed him some medicine and now we have our happy Austin back. Needless to say that was a very rough time for all four of us.

Now here we are three weeks into school and Austin is doing wonderful. He has a very long day. He gets picked up at 0815 and doesn't get home till 4:40. We were quite worried it would be too long for him and that he would hate to sit in his wheelchair for so long, but we were wrong, he is doing great. It's mom that is having the hard time. I took Austin to school the first day and as I'm driving through the school parking lot to find a spot, and being unsuccessful the first time around I thought, "It's a sign, Austin is supposed to come back home with me", tears started rolling down my face. I said to myself "I will try one more time to find a spot" and low and behold there it was, a spot right in front of the school office.
As I got Austin out of the car and finally found his teacher, I realized that this was a good place for Austin to be. There were lots of kids lined up on the sidewalk in their wheelchairs, just like Austin. Finally a place that had children similar to Austin. He was in good company. The staff was very welcoming and embraced Austin like they have known him forever. I left with tears, and had the longest day of my life in a long time. Anticipated everytime the phone rang that it was the school calling to tell me that Austin was crying and miserable and I should come pick him up. The phone never rang and Austin finally came home at the end of the day on the bus, with the same stoic look I left him at school with. The teacher gives a great, detailed log everyday of how Austin's day went. After three weeks of school, I am learning how to utilize my time better everyday, and worry a little less each day. I now know Austin has good care and is surrounded by children similar to him in all ways. It is going to be a good experience for us all. Although Austin's day is long, he never ceases to amaze us with his energy level and how active he remains when he comes home. Austin's teacher says that he is the only walking one in the class and the only one that can eat by mouth, so he keeps himself and everyone really busy. They have learned quickly that nothing is safe when within Austin's reach. Austin is walking independently at school and with help. Has learned to climb up on the changing table. They say they are working with him to get up and stand up on a step stool to wash his hands (which shouldn't be too hard, since Austin is a magnet to water). He is learning to ride a tricycle. Everyone is working on communication with Austin through picture cards. We hope to get some type of Aucom device for Austin so he can press buttons that say words for him so he can communicate in that way. One of Austin's therapists feel that after working with him that he may suffer from Apraxia. It is just her hunch and not an official diagnosis.

Austin shows us everyday of the endless possibilites that he has. We are so excited and we enjoy that everyone can share his journey with us through his blog. Hope you enjoy the pictures and Austin walking alone on the slippery tile.

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Days 9 & 10
Well we can't believe our trip is over. It has been a wonderful two weeks of therapy for Austin and what an amazing place to say we visited. Yesterday was St. Jean Baptist Day. The entire providence of Quebec drops whatever they are doing to participate in the festivities. The holiday is the most important one of the summer. It is also known as being an extremely poplular drinking day. Similar to New Years Eve. We got to enjoy the evening in the Old Port of Montreal. It had a very European feel and was so neat to see. Austin was a little emotional at therapy today, and after Ramon feeling bad and thinking it was something he was doing, Bill told him "it wasn't him, Austin was just sad that today was his last day with him for awhile." Ramon got a good chuckle, and business went on as usual. This afternoon Zach got emotional because Austin was crying and he said "he didn't like to see his brother upset and crying." What a great big brother. After some explanation Zach understood and wanted Austin to be able to do the things we take for granted on a daily basis. Bill and I noticed that while out here, Austin seems to be more alert, more in tune to his surroundings. He was very curious and made great eye contact for communication. Just another great thing about the CME therapy. It really gets Austin's brain working and communicating. We are so grateful that Austin had this opportunity to come to Montreal to see Ramon. We have made our reservations with Ramon to go see him in Santiago from March 14-25 2011. In the mean time Bill has been given great instructions to follow to keep up this wonderful therapy at home. We will be departing tomorrow to go back home to Phoenix.

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Day 8: Well today we felt the 5.5 magnitude earthquake that happened on the Ontario/Quebec border. One of us thought Austin was kicking the couch and the other thought Zach was running back and forth playing, then we looked outside and saw everyone leaving their houses and the buildings. It happened so fast. Another great day of therapy. Austin and his brain are receiving so much information ever day, and every day they work harder and harder. We are so proud. We are also proud of Zach who is very homesick and would like to go back to Phoenix "where they speak English".

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Montreal Day 7: Austin woke up around 3 am with a cold....yuck!!! The champ didn't let it stop him from a great day of therapy. Although really mellow in the morning he still worked hard and got the job done. I didn't post as many videos today as usual because this afternoon Bill and I got to participate with therapy to prepare us for at home. It was alot of work, but it makes it much easier to actually participate with the exercises than just watch. Hope you enjoy the videos. For some reason the pictures got all turned around, but you get the idea of Austin's day.

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Day #6. We had a nice relaxing weekend at the 2 different zoos. We let Zach plan our weekend, since Montreal "isn't much fun, like Phoenix". We started the week off right with therapy. We hope you enjoy our video.

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Day 5: It was a rough morning for therapy as you will see in the videos, but good ole Austin and his brain still made it very productive. It was another good day of therapy. Ramon' stated that Austin is different this time around. Different being that he is picking things up much better and his brain seems to be more accepting of things. Yeah Austin. Big brother Zach is glad to have two days without therapy and I'm sure if Austin could talk he would say the same. It has been a fantastic week, and has gone by super fast. We are so greatful that we decided to come out here and work with Ramon'. We are looking forward to a nice family weekend and another successful week of therapy next week.

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