It's a fact.

When you're this cute...

...you get a free giant firetruck balloon.

Pre-Birthday Event.

Luke had his CT scan this morning at Sierra Vista and it went perfectly. I was very concerned because it requires him to hold still for a few seconds so they can get a good picture. Unfortunately, he's on a really uncomfortable board that basically pins him down- pretty scary for a baby. But we timed his nap perfectly so he was suitably sleepy and Dad talked him through it. The entire scan took about 3 minutes and we were good to go!

The scan itself will be reviewed by Dr. Edwards, the Stanford neurosurgeon, at Luke's next appointment on April 7th. The main purpose is to make sure the shunt is in a good place and that all is as well as can be expect in Luke's sweet little head. We [Matt and I] also keep a copy so if there is ever a shunt malfunction and we're out of town, the attending ER doctors will instantly be able to compare a CT scan they do with how it looked prior to the malfunction.

The scan was so quick that I didn't get any picture but here's just a random adorable picture because I have a million of them. Taken on Easter night, Luke had a serious bath-time moment with his new rubber ducky.

Cool Rider.

Luke rode in the front of a grocery cart for the first time on Tuesday! He remained happy and chatty the entire time and proceeded to charm all the ladies (both fellow customers & employees) at Vons. Of course, Mommy was telling anyone that would listen that Luke is going to be 1 YEAR OLD in just 2 days! So general female fawning and Luke eating up the attention was to be expected. We're so proud of our big boy!

Peaceful, Easy Easter Sunday 2008

It’s wild that this was Luke’s second Easter and he’s not even one year old yet. So much has happened in such short time but it seems like last year’s was a lifetime ago. Easter 2007 we found out that Luke’s pituitary gland had started working even though earlier in the week the doctors told us it was not. Easter 2008 we discovered that Luke really likes kiwi. And that pretty much sums up what life with Luke is like- extraordinary miracles mixed with everyday delights.

We, or more specifically, Daddy, started out this Easter at 4am with Luke waking up in throws of teething pain (all four of his front bottom teeth are emmerging.) After 2 hours of immense unhappiness, Luke finally dozed off but was up again at 7am. I got up with him and proceeded to race through breakfast and showers so we were on our way to church by 8:15am.

Much to our surprise, our earlier screaming maniac of a child was an absolute angel throughout mass AND even allowed us to go out to breakfast (Big Sky Café!) afterwards. He even managed a few “smile”-cued smiles when pestered by Mommy!

After a wonderful nap (seriously- this kid went to sleep giggling and woke up with a smile on his face) we packed up and headed to Lake Lopez so Daddy could go fishing and Luke and Mommy could cheer him on. We spent 2 hours there (with everyone else on the Central Coast,) the weather was amazing but sadly, we brought no fish home for dinner. However, we did bring home about 10,000 pictures of Luke in a cute hat so the trip was well worth it.

We also vigorously worked on our “just take the darn picture” smile.

The day was so special that I will even share photographic proof that Luke has a mommy.
We capped our Easter off with an amazing meal at home and Luke’s chipper mood remained throughout his dinner, our dinner, blanket playtime and his bath. As frustrating as the day began, it ended so quiet and peaceful.

March Madness

Life has been getting very busy these past couple of weeks so forgive me for not posting more. Like I've told many- my blogging frequency depends on many factors (like SLEEP! Luke was teething badly last week...) so the number of posts will vary from week to week. So please don't forget us and I promise to keep the Luke-info coming!

Last week, Luke's occupational therapist, Lori, got him all strapped into a splint for his right hand and arm. The splint keeps him thumb out to encourage him to recognize and use his right hand and the strap up his forearm is to assist in using the whole arm. It doesn't bother him (it's very soft material and velcro) and but he only wears it for a little while (1-3 hours) each day and usually while laying on the floor playing.

On Friday, Luke and I went up to San Jose for the first time since Christmas so I could see a play on Saturday afternoon (with Godmother Aly!) and attend Heidi's 30th birthday party that same night. After 2 months of no traveling, the 3 hour car ride up was interesting but overall Luke was a good boy for Grammers and Grandpa John and enjoyed Cousin Aidan's old highchair. Notice Grammers' dog Murphy looking dejected on the right side...
While in San Jose, Grammers and I worked on teaching Luke hand movements to the musical classic "Five Little Monkeys." At the verse "One fell off and bumped his head!" Luke would bonk himself a couple of times (lightly) on the head. I managed an action shot of the smart little guy.
This morning I decided it was time for Luke to try "real" food. After weeks of bite sized baby crackers (they literally melt in your mouth) I presented Luke with his first Cheerio. I held my breath waiting for the inevitable choking and- to my delight- nothing! He just crunched it up like an old pro! Now he just needs to learn that it is not necessary to insert your entire hand into your mouth when placing food inside. As more teeth appear, different foods are eaten, songs are learned and favorite toys emerge, it's becoming more and more real that Luke is going to be a year old next week. It's so encouraging that he's bright, alert, deteremined and HAPPY which is all Matt and I could hope for from our child, regardless of abilities or disabilities. We are confident that he will continue to progress physically but understand he will do so at his own rate. Luke is just our fabulous little man and we thank God that we were chosen to be his parents!

Swinging Sunday.

Matt put up a swing for Luke in our backyard on Sunday and Luke was less then enthusiastic. He tolerated being in there but was on the constant verge of tears (notice his happy face!) Between the time change and threat of new teeth, our happy little boy has been replaced by an angry beast. Hopefully jovial Luke will return in time for his big 0-1.

Maybe not so yummy in his tummy.

Fortunately, there has been no food that Luke has rejected or been allergic to so far. With this in mind and in an attempt to be a "good mom," I decided to make real carrots and chicken (sent through the handy food mill) for Luke's lunch. Per usual, Luke was a trooper and attempted to eat what I was feeding him (tasted good but the texture was odd and it was a little dry) but it incited some of the funniest faces and sounds I have ever seen from the little guy.

Weekend Visitors

Luke's Grandma Stephanie & Grandpa came to visit him this past weekend. After a brief trip out on Saturday for lunch and downtown strolling, we spent the rest of the day at home so they could maximize their Luke-snuggle time.