It was another big day for Austin, day two of therapy. Austin's first session went well. He cried alot more than the others but worked through it with great success. On his second session of the day, Austin was all smiles when he saw Ramone!!! Ramone started off with a very difficult exercise where he had Austin standing on boxes, but the boxes where turned where it was just the narrow sides and Austin had to balance himself with just his ankles held, however Ramone said that is like standing on his own. He was very, very impressed how long Austin was able to do it. It was to the count of 300 where I think Ramone calculates that at 150 seconds. Another one of Austin's exercises was to be able to step out of a box using one foot a time. On the first attempt Austin was successful, by the third repetition, Austin was doing it in seconds. Austin had alot of challenges this evening but proved yet one more time that his brain is smart,and it is catching on. Austin truly is working on his own and his responses are not just autonomic, well some still are, but what progress we have made in two days. Every session gets more exciting!!!! It's so nice to see Austin cooperate and not just cry for a whole session of therapy!!! He doesn't even need to be put on a swing! Again at the end Ramone commented on what a great session Austin had, and how he has such great potential.

Austin had his second session with Ramone this evening, and all I can say is WOW. Austin didn't cry, but did fuss and whine some, but did very well. He was even woken up from his nap that he took on the way to the office, and he still cooperated. Seems like Ramone does exercises in sets of three. By the third set Austin has mastered it. He is doing it with his vestibular system and making Austin's brain do the work. Austin has a really smart brain, wish he could have been made to use his brain like this a long time ago. Austin was able to stand on his own for over one minute tonight. That is much better than the 18 seconds we have had at home. All I can do is smile so big when I see Austin working. It is amazing the potential he has and the talent Ramone has to bring it out. On another note....who would have ever thought that I would have a hard time finding something to eat? Not me. However the language barrier is really taking it's toll. I might actually lose that weight I've been talking about for so long. We are doing well. After seeing how well Austin does I anticipate the next session. We'll keep you posted.

Austin had his first therapy session this am. Was actually his evaluation. First let me say that Ramone is everything plus more that all the other moms say. His energy is amazing. Austin actually showed off pretty well for Ramone. Ramone said that Austin has great potential. Austin is going to have to work really hard, but it will all be worth it. This trip is worth everything that we (and everybody else who helped us)worked hard for. I know great things are going to come out of it. Austin actually walked with a one hand hold for about 4 steps. He didn't like it by any means, he felt very unsure of himself, but he did it. Can't wait to update later with more good news.

Austin and I ventured out on our own today. What a great day we had. We started off at the park which was so beautiful. We were surrouded by the Andes mountains and lots of families playing with their children. it was a nice day out probally around 85 degrees with a light breeze. After that we ventured to the mall and walked around. Payed for my first transaction in pesos today. I thought I did very well. I was so proud of myself. I ordered by Te verde frappachino. The cashier then asked me where I was from, when I told her she said "Grand Canyon". I guess I need to work on the accent part. It must have given it away I wasn't from Chile. Went to Tony Roma's for my dinner and saw an English menu, thought I was in luck. When I went to order nobody there knew English. Go figure. Pointing was my savior!!! We start therapy tomorrow at 7:45. I'm very excited and I think Austin is going to love to be able to move around in a bigger area again. I think I'm getting a hang of this Chile thing, and I hope it keeps getting better.