Eye Surgery #1.

October 13th Luke had surgery on his cute little eye balls in an attempt to straighten them out. This surgery is very routine and it went well. We got to French Hospital (in SLO) at 8am and were home just after 1pm. The biggest issue was the HUGE storm that hit that day! We didn't lose power until the middle of Tuesday night/Wednesday morning for a few hours but trying to get an unhappy kid from the hospital to the car in the midst of a mini-hurricane proved to be a feat.

The surgery's outcome has been okay. I really only notice a minor difference but Dr. Stathacopoulos seems pleased with it and others who don't see him daily say there is a change. We were warned that we would still need to patch and he would more then likely need further surgery (or surgeries). The trick is trying to convince his brain to use both eyes. The doctor can straighten them perfectly but that still doesn't mean his injured brain will cooperate. Add to all of that the apraxia (how his eyes move around from side to side at times) and he's just a complicated case.

And for those of you who really like the gory stuff- the literally cut into his eyeballs and lengthened/relaxed the inside eye muscles. IN HIS EYES. Yikes. The inside of his eyes were really red but they are healing. You can see the stitches (blue!) in his eyes but those will dissolve. We're doing eye drops (a little slice of hell for mom, dad and Luke!) until the redness is completely gone.

The day after the surgery. Still turning those baby blues in...

He-Man Luke. Seriously- this kid is a trooper.

2 1/2 years old = cheesy picture smiles.

The city's massive clean-up the day after the storm. This is our neighbors' house. Trees were down everywhere.

Pumpkin Perusing.

That's right. Not picking, perusing.

We headed out to the Avila Barn on October 9th because Matt got home a little early from work and it sounded like a nice, seasonal, FREE activity. Luke, in typical Luke-fashion, was not impressed with their selection of animals (he still dislikes farm animals- "All done baby goat!") but enjoyed leading us around (the Kid Walk has sparked a new interest in being upright!) and checking out the giant pumpkins. We didn't buy anything because it was so early in the month and the weather has been so hot. No use in purchasing a pumpkin that would be rotten by Halloween, right? Fortunately, Luke didn't care so overall it was an enjoyable trip and a tangible reminder of why we are so lucky to live in this area.

Big boy and bigger gourds. And some hay.

Handsome Henard Men.

Luke telling Daddy about the Great Pumpkin?

"I wanna walk."- Luke

May not enjoy farm animals but he does enjoy lavishing love upon seasonal produce. We may have a farmer on our hands yet...

The only giant pumpkin we took home.

Because I Could Look at These All Day.

Just had to share additional pictures from Luke's foray back into the Kid Walk. These I took on October 5th. He's just so darned determined. Love it.

Tongue out in concentration is a must.

"Hey Mom!!" (I hear that about 20x a day)

We should have his next dentist appointment take place on the playground.

I was recently asked if we were actually going to get Luke his very own Kid Walk. I said "no" and then the very next day found out we are! We're working on getting the prescription from Dr. Maguire (orthopedist) and will hopefully have one before too long (no clue how long it takes once it's ordered). The walls of our home will never be the same but small price to pay to get him MOVING upright!

Spine Tingling.

We randomly wandered into the Dollar Tree at the beginning of this month and it happened to strike a creative nerve with Matt. He spent $9.79 to create this "terrifying" scene in our yard (photo enhancing by yours truly).The inflatable ghost even survived on his fishing line (so he floats, of course) during the horrible storm we had on the 13th. Countless TREES didn't survive this storm but a $1 hanging plastic toy did- nice work, Daddy!

The purple skeleton is my favorite part. Happy Halloween (one week early!)

Hard to Say Goodbye.

Luke and Lori- September 30, 2009 (last session)

Because the state of California loves to make things as complicated as possible, September 30th was our very last occupational therapy session with our OT, Lori. She was there from almost the very beginning and it wasn't until she entered Luke's life (and our home) in September 2007 for regular weekly sessions that Luke's vision really seemed to kick in. She has an amazing gift and we have been so fortunate to have had her as part of "Team Luke" for the past 2 years. Our weekly sessions with her will be greatly missed.

Luke's OT will now be Sheri, who works at the California Children's Service's Medical Therapy Unit (MTU) with Luke's physical therapist, Linda. We met Sheri back when we started PT there (February 2008) so the transition will be relatively easy. We've always enjoyed our brief chats with Sheri and she's helped out with Luke in the past so, although we're sad to say farewell to Lori, we're looking forward to the future. Whereas Lori came to us at home and was limited in what items she could bring, Sheri has a whole room dedicated to OT. I'm confident she'll keep Luke's right arm/hand very busy especially since she has a COMPUTER for Luke's to use!

We have been so fortunate with all the therapists we've worked with so far. We have loved each and every one of them and it's so hard to part ways. Luke is definitely a fighter but he would not be the incredible little guy he is today without his therapists. We work hard as parents, but they have the knowledge, compassion and endless patience to push Luke harder then we ever could. And for that we are forever grateful- thank you!!

What Happened to September?

I ask that because, seriously, I vaguely remember it being Labor Day and then boom- the Halloween decorations came out. I have never had a month go by so quickly before.

Labor Day Weekend we headed to Fresno to visit with Matt's family and for Matt to participate in the annual dove hunting with some of my family. My cousins' house is AMAZING and we always have the best time hanging out by their pool.

This should be an ad for something. Floatie things, white hats, blue kid glasses- something. He is just too darn cute.

Family togetherness.

Luke with Grandma Steph.

A common scene.

She's sweetly aggressive but he plays it cool.

That's right Luke- you only belong to one lady (mommy!)

The week after Fresno, Luke's top 2 year old molars came in along with a cold. Lots of fun around our house for a couple of days. Crabby days = extra tired nights so we're fortunate that Luke relishes his sleep.

Blowing bubbles (gross, I know, but good picture timing, huh?)

Our next weekend brought Papa and Grandma Chrissy to town to care for Luke and the dogs while Matt and I headed to Santa Barbara for Melissa & Steve's wedding. It was great to get away for the night and it was a beautiful wedding.

Sisters by chance, friends by choice (Beth, Melissa and Marissa).

The following weekend, Luke, Matt and I headed up to San Jose. We had a wedding to attend for our dear family friend, Natalie Kloes. She married her longtime love, Jeff, and we were so honored to be invited to the festivities.

From left: Chris, Gina (Chris's fiance,) Matt, Beth (in the same dress from the weekend before!) Natalie, Jeff, my mom, John, Sarah & Brad (Luke went for a overnight stay with Panda & Grandma Steph).

Luke and I stayed in San Jose that week because Uncle Brad and Aunt Sarah were getting married the very next weekend! Plus, I scheduled a Stanford eye doc check-up so we got that out of the way.

Hard to believe that after almost 1 1/2 year engagement that the big day was almost upon us! We had pizza with Brad on the Thursday before and he was calm but slightly anxious.

Luke and Uncle Brad. I allow Luke to wear Giants attire on very special occasions and only while in the Bay Area. This one is for you, Uncle Brad.

Our trip up to the wedding location (Walnut Creek area) was slightly chaotic but we got settled in and Luke was lucky enough to get to spend Friday night at the hotel with our friends Jim & Deb. Matt and I were able to enjoy the rehearsal dinner and not have to worry about a cranky 2 year old. Thanks Jim & Deb!

Brad and Sarah seemed so excited and ready for their big day. I took tons of pictures that night but this one is by far my favorite.

The night before the BIG DAY!

The wedding came and went in a flash and it was amazingly beautiful to say the least. I took a few pictures prior to the ceremony so I have to share one of the radiant bride.

In the limo on the way to the church. Stunning!

I took absolutely NO pictures at the reception but instead opted to enjoy the incredible party put on by the MacDonald family. I snagged this picture my cousin took off of Facebook because I had to post one of the happy couple!

Brad & Sarah Hersom heading out to their awaiting limo at the end of the night.

And if three weddings in a row wasn't enough- Matt and I celebrated 7 years of marriage on September 28th. I had to share my favorite picture from that long ago event.

September 28, 2002

And there you have our month of September. A mini-family vacation, new teeth, 3 weddings and an anniversary. I apologize for falling so far behind (we're almost done with October?!) but I think I've been plenty shamed by all I've spoken with recently and promise this will never happen again (yeah right). Oh- and Luke turned 2 1/2 on September 27th! Can you believe that our baby is on rapidly approaching 3 and we're talking preschool right now?! Such a cliche by time really does fly.

Coming VERY Soon (I SWEAR).

Lots of pictures, hopefully more videos AND an update on Luke's eye surgery (scheduled to happen the morning of October 13th). Until then, a video of Luke on October 8th at therapy in the Kid Walk. The kids on the playground are part of the preschool that shares the therapy center's campus. It's not edited so forgive me for the shaky camera work. Also, my apologies for the very audible background sniffing. I was having a very proud mommy moment.

Luke on the Playground (unedited) from Matt Henard on Vimeo.