Last week at therapy Austin was amazing yet again. Austin decided instead of therapy in Miss Julie's room, he would entertain the waiting room full of parents. Miss Julie put a chair in the middle of the room and stood Austin about 2 feet from it. Austin had that determination in his eyes that he was going to get that chair. That is what Austin did. After 3 steps, totally unassisted, two with his left and one with his right he reached that chair. Everyone was so happy for him, even himself. I hope to catch it on video tomorrow when we go to therapy. But of course, we know how that goes when the video is running.... We want our Chile friends to know that they are in our thoughts and prayers during this devistating time.

As Austin and I were playing on the floor, Austin did such an amazing thing....as he stood in the middle of the room, holding on to nothing, Austin picked of his left leg and took a step. There was no assistance what so ever and nothing to hold on to. He did it all by himself, his first indepent step. Wow this little boy is so amazing!!

When I picked up Austin from school today I got the surprise I longed to see.......as the door to the classroom opened, there was Austin standing there at the front of the line with only a one arm hold. He walked out to me with minimal assistance and I couldn't have been prouder. What a great start to the new year.

2009 is a very special year to us, because we discovered "Cuevas Medek Therapy". WOW what a year! It seems only a few short months ago that we celebrated the coming of this new therapy. Austin is really enjoying his preschool class. His friends in his class are so great and watch over him and his needs. These kids are so great to watch at that young age with there care and compassion. Austin participated in his Christmas program for the first time this year. He enjoyed ringing the bell and making his own song up with his noises. With my parents in town we enjoyed a white Christmas up in Flagstaff with family. Austin and Zach enjoyed sled riding for the first time and were all giggles and smiles, except for one minor accident on the hill, but glad to report no injuries. Seeing Santa this year was quite challenging for Santa. When Austin was asked what he wanted for Christmas, big brother Zach helped him and said "Austin would like a Baby Einstein DVD and to learn how to walk." What a great big brother. Santa gave us a smile and a nod. Austin still amazes us everyday with his mobility, sounds, eye contact, appetite and participation with activities. He loves to wrestle with daddy and Zach. He's become quite good at scooting, hopping and pulling to stand. He experiments with free standing within arms reach of objects and can stand independently for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The joy in his face is so awesome. Daddy is so great at the routine of therapy for 30 minutes everyday. We have all been so excited to these advancements and watch Austin discover so many new things. We are planning a trip to Montreal, Quebec next June to meet up with Ramon (Austin's miracle therapist) to work with him for two weeks. Ramon travels during Chile`s winter months. Ramon was so amazed to see Austin cruising the countertop. He loved it. What a whole new world for Austin and he knows it. We thank GOD everyday for leading us to Ramon` and giving us the motivation to work the exercises with Austin daily. Who knows...up next we will be blogging about Austin's first independent steps and first words. Hard work and prayer will get us there.