

Austin is now 14 months old and almost 20 pounds. He still quite small for his age, which means he can wear his cute clothes for longer :) We were finally able to get his seizures under control in January with a series of steriod injections over a 6-week period. He was so good with the nightly shots- he didn't cry at all after receiving his first two injections (what a strong child!). After the seizures stopped, we were able to get him back into therapy. He now goes 4 times a week and is getting stronger and more alert. Although he is still not able to support his head by himself, he is tolerating being in a supported upright position and, in the last month has started to take an interest in the world.
His vision is taking off as he is now starting to reach for objects (his current favorite being a $1 red and silver pinwheel). We are also working with him a lot in his Bumbo to try to get his muscles more supportive. We found a little piano that lights up when you hit the keys that fits perfectly in the Bumbo tray and are trying to teach him to push the keys. Although he is not too impressed so far, we think he may pick up on this with the next few months or so. Another favorite activity is stroller rides at the mall where there are so many different colors and smells (mom enjoys this excuse to go shopping too!).
There is very little progress in the eating area. He had started eating a little bit by mouth in March and was doing so well, we had a swallow study performed. He unfortunately failed the study as his swallow is not always strong or controlled and he was inhaling some of his saliva and food. Shortly after, his teeth started coming in and he struggled so much with not inhaling his own saliva, that we have put the eating goal on hold for a while.
Austin now has 61/2 teeth. He never fusses as they coming in (although he drools like a Bull Mastive), so the first one was actually all the way in before we even knew it! He is quite proud of his teeth as he now brings his hand to his mouth (something we had been working on for a year) to check them out.
Austin will soon have a baby sister to keep him company. She is officially due July 5, but is scheduled to be delivered by c-section on June 28. Laura is currently on bedrest due to preterm labor, which is why she finally has time to update Austin's Blog :) We believe having a sister will really help Austin as hopefully he will try to mimic her. Our goal with Alexis is that she grows up to embrace everyone's differences and all the diversity in this world. Each and every child is very special no matter what gifts they have or haven't been given and our goal for Alexis is that she will be strong with her peers and help teach others how wonderful all of our differences can be.