Vintage Luke- Summer 2008

Matt put together an amazing music video containing footage of Luke over this past summer. Thanks Daddy!

Rules of Engagement.

Luke is becoming increasingly interested in the dogs but has very, very definite ideas as to how they are to behave.

1) The dogs are not to lick Luke.
2) The dogs are not to brush up against Luke (on purpose or accidentally.)
3) The dogs are not to look at Luke.
4) Luke will pet the dogs whenever he wants. For proper dog response, please see Rules 1-3.

I caught Luke "reading" the book in his lap (a picture book I put together that he loves to turn the pages of, chew on and murmur "baby" to- because they are all of him!) and he was alternating turning pages with petting Rocco. Rocco had his head down until I snapped this picture. The pecking order is being firmly established amongst the smallest members of the Henard family.

NOTE- Lola is nowhere to be found. She and Luke have issues. It's a very complicated relationship in that she's smaller and more intriguing to Luke BUT she will suddenly bark (Rocco hardly ever does) and Luke HATES that. However, she is also 1/2 of the dog wrestling team that Luke has appointed himself referee of (he sits on the floor laughing while the dogs race around him, growling and playing, and commands "more!" if they stop) so she's got that going for her... But Luke often throws toys at both dogs and Lola is having none of that (Rocco could care less.) Ah, the drama that is Luke and Lola (like "Luke" and "Laura" from General Hospital- get it?!)

Learning to Play Well (?) With Others

Luke's good buddy, Carter, came over on Sunday with his mom and dad, Amber and Andrew. Since last we've seen Carter, he's become a crawling (and pulling up to stand) machine. He's a very sweet little guy and I can't believe how much he's grown in such a short period of time!

Anyway, our time at school on Fridays must be paying off because Luke was very relaxed with Carter and only really got upset when Carter started crying (domino effect!) and tried to climb on him. They even started playing together which Luke seemed more interested in but that's more his age-appropriate (Carter is almost exactly one year younger then Luke- he was born March 2008.) It's hard to believe what a little boy Luke is becoming!

"You're a nice kid Carter. I might consider sharing this toy with you."

"I've considered it and decided NO."

"After I get done fully covering this toy in my spit..."

"You may have it!"

"Whoa- don't get grabby! I've changed my mind! Hands off!"

"Trit Treet!" (and Other Stuff)

Luke "Chicken Little" Henard

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

After our family cold last week, Luke and I headed up to San Jose on Friday until this past Wednesday so he could visit with his a couple of his Stanford doctors on Monday. Dr. Edwards (neurosurgeon) was satisfied with Luke's shunt and happy to see him making progress. Dr. Alcorn (opthamologist) was very happy with the positive difference the glasses have made in Luke's life and was estatic to hear that 1) he keeps them on and 2) he will wear his patch daily and for an average of 2 hours (back pats for mom and dad!) It was a nice trip up there with Grandma Carole and it was lovely to have two Luke-normal doctor reports. The breath-holding and dread of the past 1 1/2 years involving Stanford visits has turned more into routine and a good excuse to spend the day with Grandma. *knock on wood*

Since pictures are said to be worth a thousand words, I'll let them do just that. Here's what we've been up to the past week:

Uncle Brad had knee surgery recently but came over to visit Luke at Grandma's. Luke is very into turning pages lately so kicking back with a good book is always welcome.

Luke and Grandma at a pumpkin patch near Stanford (that's his unusual "pum pum" by Grandma's foot.)


Luke's way of telling mom that taking pictures of people eating is rude.


So I just take away his food! (Just kidding! He was pouting over not being allowed to play with his almost empty plate and fork.) Mean mom.


Luke carving his "pum pum" with Dad. Mom was responsible for keeping seeds out of his mouth.


The finished product.


"Boo!" (A favorite Luke word)


Comparing quanity of teeth with the pumpkin? Luke wins- barely.


Celebrating fall at school. Fake leaves = real fun.


Baby you can drive my car...


With a little help from my friend.


D.W.S.- Driving While Silly.


I didn't know monsters could drive?!

Luke does a monster noise/face that is a "must see." And the funniest part is it's all about YOUR reaction for him. Maybe we'll see another Dad-produced video on here soon?

Happy Halloween!

Because So Far This Week Has Been A Bummer.

Luke ended this past Sunday with a slight runny nose which morphed into a full-blown cold by Monday (yesterday.) He's doing slightly better today (not as much visible "drainage" but still so stuffy) but I've still kept him in his pajamas and canceled all of today's appointments. Since we've not left the house in a few days, I decided to post some random pictures from last week.

At Luke's physical therapy, they've gotten a new device which is perfect for getting Luke to put weight on his legs and, eventually, walk. Luke being Luke, he totally enjoyed the new experience and even had a picture taken of him that is likely to show up in the therapy unit's newsletter (I'll be sure to scan and post if this happens!)

More interested in the straps then the anything involving the lower body...

He figured out how to move the big left wheel with his good left hand. Again, no need to use the legs! Grr... (But the large wheels are removable!)

I have never personally been a big fan of Halloween, but having a child pretty much inspires you to have spirit and enthusiasm for any and all holidays. Target had these items for a couple of bucks each and Luke loves them. He's constantly grabbing for the witch hat ("hat, hat, hat...") and we've started keeping miscellaneous small toys in his "pum pum." (Note- he says "hat" on his own but we have to suggest "pumpkin" for him to respond "pum pum"- just an FYI on his language development!)

What you can't see is me holding his left hand to keep the hat on for 2 seconds. He prefers the investigate and chew experience to actually wearing it.

Readying his mouth for the tasty treats which will soon be of abundance in there. Unless Daddy gets to them first.

It Only Took 18 1/2 months...

I finally got a picture of Luke and the first person who ever held him! This is Dr. Heidi Freeman, my OBGYN. She delivered Luke and it still cracks me up- had to do so while standing on a stool (she's very tiny!) I absolutely love her and could never be more grateful for her making the very tough decision to bring Luke into this world when she did. She's a wonderful doctor and we're very lucky to have her on our team.

Luke's First Field Trip

Luke's Parent Participation class had a little field trip to the Avila Barn pumpkin patch last Friday. The kiddos (and parents) got to go on a hayride and then pick both a small and medium pumpkin from the patch. Very sweet and a definite must-visit for all families on the central coast.

Luke shows off his mad pumpkin sitting/balancing skills.

Mid-pumpkin pick.

Daly and Luke.

Teacher Julie (in blue) with her 12-24 month Friday Fall'08 Class.