Looking back & looking forward

Things have been going really well with Dalin. His progress these past few months have been noteable. He hasn't had a potty accident in a quite a while and he has been making marked improvements in his communication. The melt-downs have been less frequent and he has also seemed to be stimming a lot less as well. Don't get me wrong, it hasn't been perfect, both Rob and I have missed some family outings because Dalin was not up to going (work Christmas party, bowling with friends, New Year's Eve party to name a few), but overall he is doing SO WELL. I hate to even say it out loud (or write it in my blog), for fear I will jinx the whole situation. After a year of incidents like poop-smearing, flooding the bathroom, drawing on the walls, breaking treasured items and the like -- it seems unreal that things are going so smoothly. Yesterday, we drove 3 hours (each way) to see Cameron play in a high school basketball game. Dalin not only did really well on the drive, but also did great at the game. He sat through the whole game - never had to be taken out, never threw a fit. On the way home we stopped in Rock Springs to visit friends. He has never been to their house and he did really well there too. He was in such a good mood all day -- it was awesome! I am definitely counting my blessings and praying that these changes will hold. I know there will undoubtedly be some set-backs, but I have faith that we have rounded a critical corner in Dalin's treatment. I am grateful for the great strides Dalin made in 2008 and am looking forward to 2009 and all the JOYS it will undoubtedly bring!