Happy Second Birthday

I can't believe you are two years old.  It seems like just yesterday that I was looking at you in your little isolette in the NICU and wondering what your future would be like or if you would ever be able to walk or talk and look at how far you have come.  You are constantly talking and cruising around in your walker and even taking a few steps all on your own.  You're Dad and I are so proud of you and also want you to know how much we love you.  We know that so far your life hasn't been that of a typical two year old, with seemingly endless doctor's appointments and therapy but you have such a sweet spirit and you fill our hearts with so much love.  We are better people because of you and all that these trials have taught us.  We will never be able to teach you all that you have taught us in this short amount of time  We know that this next year will be filled with even more accomplishments and we feel so lucky to be apart of them with you.  You are and will always be my sunshine.

One Step Forward ...Two Steps Back

It's been a while since I updated and there's a lot to catch up on.  First off, all the progress Asher made walking came to a screeching halt the first time he realized that he could fall and that falling wasn't going to feel too good.  He became so nervous about falling that he would scream as soon as I took my hands off him and bend his knees to sit down.  Teaching an older child to walk is apparently nothing like when a 11 or 12 month old starts walking and has no fear.  Asher is aware that he can fall and he's fearful of it.  It's also harder for him to catch himself when he starts to fall because his muscles are so tight.  His therapist and I have just been taking it slow and only doing what he's comfortable with.  She has assured me that this is just a phase and that Asher will work through it.  It's just so hard to see him taking a step backwards.

I finally got the baby kneez and they have been awesome so far.  My only complaint is that because of the almost sweater knit material they're made of everything gets stuck on the fabric.  The only place this has been a problem is when he's crawling around on the grass.  On the positive side they do seem to stay in place and they're actually pretty cute.

Asher has been talking up a storm lately and he's even been doing some three and four word combinations.  He's speech therapist told me today how amazed she is at his progress.  The main thing we need to work on now is his articulation.  He isn't putting ending on some of his words so they seem to run together.  He also seems to be struggling with his long "o" sound.

I feel so fortunate that Asher is continually progressing and I have to say that even though his therapists and I put in a lot of work to help him get there he really is the star.  He works so hard and has such determination.  I have such a soft spot for not only the other parents out there going through this journey but especially for these sweet innocent children that don't know any other way of life.