Brag Alert!

For those of you who aren't a member of the RTS list-serv: Brag Alert is a warning that means "Look out! I'm about to brag about my child!". I haven't had a "brag alert" moment with Austin in a while but he's learned something new!

Austin has always been able to climb UP the stairs by crawling but was terrified to go back down if he made it all the way upstairs. He usually would just sit at the top of the stairs and holler for us to come get him and help him get back down. As long as we helped him over the very first step, he could crawl down the stairs backwards by himself. Saturday, we sent him up to his room to calm down and ten minutes later my husband noticed he was halfway down the stairs all by himself! GO AUSTIN!

Allergies?!?!

Well Austin's eye dr.'s appointment went better than I expected. I was only in the waiting room for a half hour. Austin was quite anxious but I don't blame him considering he's had 4-5 dr.'s appointments in the last 2 weeks. Poor kid! Another one tomorrow as well...

Anyway, Austin's eyes are right on track so I was quite pleased. However, the dr. proceeded to ask me if Austin has had a cold recently to which I replied "no". The corners of Austin's eyes are usually red (he scratches them with his thumb nail) and his lids are somtimes puffy (which I figured was inherited since my DH eyes are too after waking up). Well along with a few other tip offs, the dr. concluded that Austin has seasonal allergies. I was really surprised to hear that since no one in my family or my husband's family has allergies. My sis does but she didn't develop them until adulthood! We got a prescription for drops so who knows, maybe I'll see a big difference!

Just another day

Well Austin is still doing ok with his new orthotics. Can't say I LIKE having them on his feet yet. It's a bit of a hassle to take them on and off along with his shoes a few times a day but summer is coming...it is right? LOL

This week is winter break for Austin so we're trying to keep busy so he won't get bored. Yesterday we went to the zoo for an hour ( it was 35 degrees outside and really windy). It was nice to get out of the house and get some fresh air even though we were nice and cold after a while!

On today's agenda is the dreaded eye dr. appointment. It's not that I don't like going or I don't like the doctor. I just HATE the wait. The dr. usually looks at Austin for about 2 minutes (not exaggerating either) but I'm usually there for at least an hour. Austin has always had a good report so we're praying for yet another one today. Thankfully, my bud, Jennifer is willing to keep Andrew for me. Exploring in a dr.'s office is not a good idea!

Unsteady Steps

Well Austin is now beginning to wear his SureSteps. We started today having him wear them for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening like they suggest. He didn't seem to mind them much but he is walking a little stiff legged. The only downside to these that I see so far is the fact it eliminates his ability to bend at the ankle to squat or whatever.



My husband and I spent the morning at Target trying to find shoes that allow the orthotic to fit. I was told it may take a long time and to not give up easily. Well we lucked out and Target was our first and only stop. While Ben walked Andrew around the store to keep him entertained, I browsed the aisles looking for little boys size 8-9 lace up, no rubber toed shoes. When I was just about ready to give up, I found a pair of blue Thomas the Train shoes. Lo and behold, they fit with the SureSteps in! I was sooo glad I didn't have to go to any other stores! As I worked Austin's poor foot with his orthotic into his new shoe, it hit me. I shouldn't be sitting on the floor of Target taking insoles out of shoes, desperately trying to accomodate my kindergartner. I should be chasing him around the store putting toys back on the shelf...like the other moms. Of course, tears formed and I *almost* started crying right there on the floor but I shook it off, gave Austin and hug, threw the shoes in the cart, and went to find the rest of the family. One step at a time...

Orthopedic Appt.

Just got a call from the Orthopedic office in town. Austin's SureSteps are already in and ready to be fitted. I'm excited but apprehensive at the same time. What if they slow Austin down? What if he hates wearing them? I guess I shouldn't be too worried. After all, Medicaid paid for them so it's not like I'm throwing my own money out the window if they don't work out. We picked out the "transportation" theme for the print on the SureSteps. I actually wanted Austin to chose which print he wanted but he was too caught up in the sucker I gave him for being good at the appointment. His bedroom is decorated with all kinds of vehicles so I thought it was fitting. Less than 3 hours to go and we'll see how things turn out...

First time parent all over again

Oh my goodness, I still can't get over the fact I have a child that talks. Granted, Andrew started talking well around his first birthday but I LOVE it! I love that he yells "mama" over and over till he gets my attention! For an 18 month old, this boy has quite the vocabulary. My guess is he can say close to 50 words and sign 3 or 4. He'll repeat anything you ask. For instance, this morning he decided to add another animal sound. *MEOW* So for a whole half hour, I had my very own cat. LOL He's so cute with his animals too. You ask him what a cow says and he'll reply " Mooo, ruff ruff, meow".

To give Austin kudos, he is amazing me. For years now, he'll go for a day or two of babbling. Sometimes I'd hear "mamamamam" or "babababa". The very next day, it would be gone never to be heard again (maybe 6 months or more). Well we've come to that time again. This time is WAY different. He says "mama" on command (which he's never done) and occasionally will say it with purpose. You can tell it's hard for him to concentrate enough to get his mind to cooperate and form the words but he usually says it. This babbling episode has lasted 2 weeks now and I'm desperately hoping it's going to stay and turn into the beginning of Austin's "first words".

SNOW SNOW SNOW!

Holy cow, did we wake up to snow this morning! Of course, I haven't stepped outside (a great way to spend a snow day!) but my husband estimates that we got about 10 inches overnight! I do love the fresh white snow though. It looks so pretty (and it covers up all the nasty dirty snow)!

As I just mentioned, school was closed today due to the snow so Austin is home with me as well. I think he'd be happy watching TV all day long if I let him! Even though I try to limit him to one video a day, he get SOOO mad when I turn the TV off. Needless to say, I've got Veggie Tales coming out my ears today!

Here goes nothing!

Well, here it is. I'm officially a blogger. Who would've thought?!? I love reading everyone else's blogs so finally I got the guts to start one of my own.

Austin (who has Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome) had an Orthopedist appointment today. I was actually rather suprised at how well he did. Austin can get so tense and nervous at what's to come, that he ends of crying and is inconsolable. Not a tear today! Anyway, we were referred there by his PT to have him fitted for SureSteps (www.surestep.net). The doctor felt Austin would benefit from them (he has poor balance and low muscle tone) so in 2 weeks he'll try them on! I'm anxious to see how Austin will react to them.