"It was all about survival," continued Eric.  "A lot of early intervention is important.  Carver County qualified Leif for a waiver that helps him access those services.  Now he's starting to work independently at school and doing a great job.  Last night he really clicked on math."
Speaking of the great strides, Eric stated, "Leif started out on the premie chart and now has far outgrown it and gaining more ground all the time."

When Leif was 16 months old, his little sister Ava was born.  The date was July 27^th, 2000.  Not long afterwards Eric and Julie were divorced -- the kids were toddlers -- but Julie also lives in Victoria and there is an open and caring relationship among all parties, including Eric's wife, Amy.
Continued on page three.
"Amy is an absolute blessing," said Eric of the woman he married in 2003.  "Julie and my parents will absolutely agree that Amy is a blessing.  She walked into and accepted an untypical situation."
Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Amy was vacationing in Hawaii and Eric, too, was in Hawaii.  "It was a family trip for my parents' 45^th wedding anniversary," he explained.  The bond was immediate and so strong that Amy happily moved from the warm south to the cold north and married a man with two child-ren.  Deep affection between the couple is evident.
Amy is quick to point out that Julie is a wonderful and strong mother.  "Julie takes Leif to most of his doctor's appoint-ments," she said.  "Julie is incredibly active with everything to do with the kids and they live with Julie half the time."
"We went to visit my parents in Gulf Shores last May and the kids really enjoyed themselves," said Amy.  "Leif likes to list his highlights -- the pool, the ocean, the snake my father shot in the backyard, and the Blue Angels.  We hope to make the trip with the kids annually."
Home life at the Ewalds is also full of activities.  "Amy brings Leif to Lifetime Fitness where he enjoys swimming and excels at rock climbing, and we do cub scouts together," said Eric.  "No one has indicated any kind of achievement wall for Leif and maybe they never will."
Watching television is not an auto-matic or daylong activity, however, in the Ewald home, and few TV programs are allowed.  "Leif loves the Discovery Channel," said Amy, "especially stories about baby animals being born."
"I like Sponge Bob Square Pants!" states Leif.
"I like Hannah Montana," said Ava.   How about their favorite meal?
"I like PBJ and ribs," said Ava, who assumes everyone know that it stands for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
"I like chocolate and chocolate," said Leif, who refused to add anything else to this particular list.
"Leif likes green pasta and baked ziti at meals," said Amy.
Is their dad a good cook?  "He makes good ribs," said Ava.
Is Amy a good cook?  "Yes, a better one," said Ava.
"Yes!  Yes!  Yes!" exclaimed Leif.
What grade are they in?
"I'm in second grade," said Ava.
"I'm in third grade," said Leif.
What do they like about Victoria Elementary School? 
"I like PE and Recess," said Leif.  "We play cops at recess."
Explained Ava, "PE stands for phy-sical education and that stands for gym.  I like library, art, and writer's workshop."
Said Leif, "Daddy, would you help me make a rescue buoy and let's paint it red."
What does Ava like about her big brother? 
Click here to continue Leif Unleashed.