Something clicked at 6!

It clicked!! Carsen is now walking away from us.  He has made up his mind.  He doesn't want help and wants to walk and walk and walk ALL OVER!  He has impressed his family and his friends.  At his birthday party one of his friends yelled out, "LOOK, Carsen learned to walk for his birthday!"  It was so cute.  It was like his friends thought he just decided to do this.  We had such a fun time watching him at his birthday party.  Walking all over without help, turning around with such control and coming right back.  This makes me EXTREMELY nervous!  I am so scared of him falling and hitting his head.  He has grown out of his 5T jeans in the past few months and that means his falls are further and harder.  He is so proud of himself.  As he should be.  I think back on all the hard work he has put in for this moment in his life.  My brain pages through the multiple memories.  From learning steps, to walking in his gait trainer for hours and now ditching it at school so that he can walk the halls faster and more efficiently.  Although I am cautious, I am so thrilled for him.  Since potty training and increased balance control, I am a new hope.  Hopeful that this is the start of a new independence for him.  Hope that his cognitive abilities are much greater than we could ever know.  Hope that he can one day run around.  Hope that he can one day wear big boy undies.  Hope for his future.  We keep plugging away and praying for successes such as these.  This is what life is all about.

Standing ALL BY HIMSELF!

Cousin Time!

This post explains its self! :) Craziness!

Parade of lights!

My FAVORITE parade!! The parade of lights!  There is something about being bundled up, searching for missing gloves, running late and having a hot drink in hand.  The dark night, and all the lights! Our town is decorated for the season.  The floats are decorated perfectly and shine with lights!  Our community gets creative and pours out smiles and laughter.  Not to mention, they actually throw mini sized candy bars, light up balls, and boo boo ice packs.  Can't beat that to shove in your pockets!

The five of them...all bundled...

Jace and his only friend his age, Sophie.

Hallelujia

I just caught my boys showing the sweetest love to each other.  Eating supper, they both, yes Carsen included, used awesome eye contact and just stared at each other with huge smiles on their faces.  It was brotherly love.  Jace, showing Carsen love with his expressions.  This lasted for a good minute.  Neither of them have ever said a word to each other, but yet they have a bond.  A love that is so precious.  Carsen's grin at Jace is so sweet.  I am humbled at these expressions toward each other since their communication is limited.

We get done with supper and Jace signs "all done!"  I wash his hands, set him down and he walked right up to Carsen.  He grabs Carsens hand and tried to help him sign, "all done!"   How does a 18 month old understand how to use sign language?  It is a miracle.  How does an 18 month old know that his big brother can't talk?  How does he understand that Carsen needs help with sign language?  Watching Jace show love and encouragement to Carsen is by far the greatest gift I have ever received.  It is such a miracle!  As I write this, pandora plays "Hallelujia" and my soul rejoices.  Blessed with so many miracles everyday.  Hallelujia!