I apologize for not updating the blog for such a long time. Our lives have been so busy lately and by the end of the day I am utterly exhausted. I am happy to report that Kyra is doing wonderful. She is developing a pretty charming personality and knows just how to work you with that charm. She keeps us busy that is for sure. Developmentally she is improving everyday. Kyra still refuses to walk on her own but she willing to walk with the pediatric walker without our assistance now. I still say the only thing holding her back is the fear of falling. Her vocabulary is amazing. She is constantly chattering. Kyra can fully express all different emotions. Her "surprise face" is too funny. Along with knowing the different emotions also comes the understanding that maybe we are not reacting appropriately to her cues. She will begin to throw a fit about what she does or doesn't want. If you ignore the outburst she will politely get your attention and tell you, "Kyra crying" as if questioning whether you heard her or not and helping you to realize your have not responded as she would like.

Her favorite thing to do lately is to go outside. She loves her walks and enjoys feeding the neighbor's horse. Kyra gets a bit of a grizzly voice when she calls for them. Well actually orders them to come over is more like it. "Come here Maggie! Come here Oliver!" Kyra still believes she controls the world. She says their names so clear and will inform you that they like apples, carrots and "graaase"

Kyra also enjoys greeting the contractors working next door on our new home. She yells out "Hi" each time I take her out. They usually cannot hear her from where we are but never the less Kyra's determined spirit keeps her yelling until one of them notices her. Daddy spent several LONG days digging a basement for our family. Digging a basement on the "rock" is a somewhat impossible task but he did it. Now we will have a greater peace of mind knowing we can get Kyra into a safe environment in the event of severe weather. There were far too many times this past summer when I worried about what we could do to keep her safe with little options. Now we know that we can seek shelter and not compromise her health in the process.

Kyra also learned about the equipment Daddy used. One day her nurse took Kyra outside and as they walked by the bobcat machine Kyra announced, "Bobcat" Later that day the nurse wrote in her notes the development Kyra was making: "Kyra said "horse" when she saw the horse, "digging" when she say Daddy digging in the ground and "bobcat" when she saw the bobcat." I'd love to know what on earth the person reviewing the notes thought about Kyra seeing a bobcat. Or better yet, why wasn't there a concerned phone call made?!

We still go to the Clinic every two weeks for IVIG. Kyra enjoys her visits with the staff there. She is especially fond of one of the nurses, Dan. The last two times we have pulled into the parking garage, without a word from us, she announced "Coming Dan!" She greets people as we walk onto the elevator and two weeks ago before I had the chance, Kyra thanked the gentleman that made sure to hold open the doors so we could make it on the elevator. She is a polite little one and so appreciative of the attention given to her.

For many of you this blog and our stories are all you know of Kyra. Most of you have not even physically scene this little miracle yet you know her and her beautiful spirit. So often I have expressed my sincere gratitude for everyone associated with Kyra's blessing, the nurses, doctors, family, friends, everyone. Daily I recognize how much we have and how far we have come together. The moments and the memories our family gets to create and cherish are more than we thought possible. I could never say enough about each one of you and how your continued support lifts us, drives us and blesses us. I pray each of you recieves the same blessed gifts as this:

A week ago I was sitting across the room from where Kyra was playing. She was content, leafing thru her books and making the noises for each animal on the page. The next thing I knew she had made her way over to me, reached her hands up, hugged my legs, sweetly said "I love you mommy" then lifted her head up with puckered lips. Upon recieving her kiss she simply turned and scooted back over to her books. Nothing more. You can only imagine the tears that came flowing ... .what an amazing gift when you recieve love.