The Zoo Continued.....
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Birthday at the ZOO
Luca's Birthday Party at the Zoo!
Luca celebrated his birthday at the Zoo with lots of his friends today! We had delicious cupcakes, lots of smiles, hugs and presents. The animals we got to see were the penguins, peacock showing his feathers, gorillas, cows, and goats. Quite the mix. It was even a little sunny outside which was a special treat. What a great way to celebrate Luca's second year of life!
Luca celebrated his birthday at the Zoo with lots of his friends today! We had delicious cupcakes, lots of smiles, hugs and presents. The animals we got to see were the penguins, peacock showing his feathers, gorillas, cows, and goats. Quite the mix. It was even a little sunny outside which was a special treat. What a great way to celebrate Luca's second year of life!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Day with the Whites!
Super fun time with the White's:
Luca spent much of Wednesday with Nancy, Shelby, Lewis and Makenzie. The family that I began caring for their children 10 years ago when Makenzie was a little younger than Luca. It has been such a joy to get to see Makenzie and Lewis grow up and now also be a part of Luca's life! They even threw him a little birthday party with cupcakes and popcorn at the end of the evening! He loves spending time with all of them! It is great to live in nearby in West Seattle. Here are a few pictures from their fun day together!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Birthday soon!
Happy Birthday SOON
It is that time of year again, Birthday Time for Luca on Friday. It is an emotional time for me and somehow it hit me by surprise this year yet again. I am so grateful for his life and thinking back to just two years ago today not knowing how things were going to turn out in so many ways I am just in awe of who he is today. A walking, talking, laughing, playful, determined, social, funny and intelligent little boy! These last two years have been the most challenging, humorous, agonizing, tiring, stressful, powerful, joyful, and deepest of my life. I can't believe how much Luca has taught me and what a different person I am today because of his life. How I love you my dear son, Luca! You are a blessing and a treasure to us all!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
All the videos
ALL THE VIDEOS:
You may wonder why all the videos tonight...well, John is working, he is currently in day 3 of 4 and works from 11 am-11:30 pm so I am home, Luca is asleep and the internet is cooperating tonight.
Luca and I had a great day. We went to Pike Place Market, downtown Seattle, on a big bus! It felt like it was the first time he had been downtown because he is finally old enough to kind of experience it. We had a lot of fun and he loved riding the bus 30 mins. each way. Sometimes when we stopped at a stop light he would say, "keep going bus."
This evening we were talking about our day the way we usually do and he said, "Luca ride on a big bus" I asked, "where did we go on the big bus?" (just curious to what he would say). He thought for a minute and said, "Seattle" Wow, I said "your right we did go downtown Seattle." He is something else!
Here is a little explanation on the videos:
1. Luca took his hammer puzzle piece and went over to the wall John just finished and starting hammering on it. So cute! He starts getting in his funny voice at the end. He cracks both of us up all day, I think he even cracks himself up.
2. Luca during OT with his therapist the amazing Caroline! She is very talented and we are so glad she is working with Luca. She brought this spoon for Luca to practice eating with it. He seems to be more into putting his fingers in the yogurt during the video than using the spoon. Oh well at least you can get the idea.
3. Luca walking around outside. Amazingly he grows more stable everyday! He wanted to go sit on the fleece blankets at the end of the video and be cozy. This is one of his favorite things to do.
4. Layna and Luca's first duet caught on video. Layna came over for a stroller ride/walk today, which was nice even though the weather wasn't! We are all dying of cloudiness here in Seattle. Jess is ready to add another playmate to the team soon! Baby boy Tysuchia is already well loved and talking about by Luca! Can't wait to meet him!
You may wonder why all the videos tonight...well, John is working, he is currently in day 3 of 4 and works from 11 am-11:30 pm so I am home, Luca is asleep and the internet is cooperating tonight.
Luca and I had a great day. We went to Pike Place Market, downtown Seattle, on a big bus! It felt like it was the first time he had been downtown because he is finally old enough to kind of experience it. We had a lot of fun and he loved riding the bus 30 mins. each way. Sometimes when we stopped at a stop light he would say, "keep going bus."
This evening we were talking about our day the way we usually do and he said, "Luca ride on a big bus" I asked, "where did we go on the big bus?" (just curious to what he would say). He thought for a minute and said, "Seattle" Wow, I said "your right we did go downtown Seattle." He is something else!
Here is a little explanation on the videos:
1. Luca took his hammer puzzle piece and went over to the wall John just finished and starting hammering on it. So cute! He starts getting in his funny voice at the end. He cracks both of us up all day, I think he even cracks himself up.
2. Luca during OT with his therapist the amazing Caroline! She is very talented and we are so glad she is working with Luca. She brought this spoon for Luca to practice eating with it. He seems to be more into putting his fingers in the yogurt during the video than using the spoon. Oh well at least you can get the idea.
3. Luca walking around outside. Amazingly he grows more stable everyday! He wanted to go sit on the fleece blankets at the end of the video and be cozy. This is one of his favorite things to do.
4. Layna and Luca's first duet caught on video. Layna came over for a stroller ride/walk today, which was nice even though the weather wasn't! We are all dying of cloudiness here in Seattle. Jess is ready to add another playmate to the team soon! Baby boy Tysuchia is already well loved and talking about by Luca! Can't wait to meet him!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Amazing Person
Hi, there is an amazing person I would like you to meet. Her name is Sarah Kovac. She is 27, has AMC, in her upper extremities only, has a 1 one year old son, drives with her feet, lives independently and cares for her son as a stay at home mom. The list goes on an on, and her story is one of courage, strength, determination, and heart break and joy. She has some awesome videos of her doing everything with her legs and feet. I know Luca has to wear AFO's and does not have the mobility she does in his feet, but it is pretty amazing to think about how he is going to find a way to do everything in his own way. Thanks Sarah, for your inspiration to us!
http://www.sarahkovac.com/2011/04/broken-and-beautiful.html
http://www.sarahkovac.com/2011/04/broken-and-beautiful.html
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Aunt Mari and Aunt Nora
Aunt Mari and Aunt Nora spent some quality time with Luca over this last weekend. They came over and hung out with Luca while I was working at church on Sunday and John was working. They read stories on the couch all cozy for an hour, I heard. What a great time! The first picture is Luca opening a flap with his mouth just for fun, he thought it was funny.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Newest running partner
Luca was such an inspiring running buddy today, talking to me the whole way and encouraging me to go really fast! We had a nice sunny day to run at Discovery Park.
newest driver
Pictures of Luca from Discovery Park, he won't smile but still looks pretty cute!
Luca wants to learn to drive....a car and a motorcycle. Here he is practicing. Pretty funny!
Grandpa Jim
This video shows how Luca can get himself to a standing position when leaning against the couch. He was also asking for Grandpa Jim unprompted. It was so cute we had to get it on video:) I think he wants to go on another big airplane ride!
Rockets in my pockets
Rockets in my Pockets-Luca loves to walk around the house with rockets in his pockets. He sways from side to side and looks like he is ready to draw!
Also a sweet picture of John reading to Luca.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Update
Here is a little update on the Walker household:
Katie just got back from a Children's Ministry conference in sunny San Diego. I love that city and want to go back so I can explore with John and Luca. It was my first time to San Diego. I didn't get to do very much sightseeing but loved seeing the beach (for a few hours), the sun, and eating some very authentic Mexican food! I also loved spending time with my co-workers Jean and Mary! Lots to bring home and apply to church from the conference. Earl said it well, "it (CM conference) is like taking a drink from a fire hydrant."
Luca had a great time at home with John the first two days I was gone (Jess and Mari gave him some breaks, thank you!) and then Brooke, the last two days. What a gift to have Brooke home from Haiti and able to care for Luca while I was gone. Luca bonded with her right away (I mean how could he not:) and had a fantastic time.
Today John got to fulfill his birthday present (a surprise trip to New Orleans to see Jeremy Jones). He is gone till Tues. and the sun is shining there with temps in the high 70's. I hope he has an awesome time and I am sure he will.
Luca and I had a good but long day. I think he was afraid that if he fell asleep for a nap I would leave again. After trying to get him to nap for 2 hours this afternoon I finally asked him why he wasn't going to sleep. He said, "no mama go to big church again" It pierced through my heart. I told him I was not going on any more trips and that we were going to be together for lots of days. Then he asked if we could take a nap together. Too bad that doesn't even work a little bit:)
Other updates:
Luca is talking up a storm, singing songs, expressing humor and all of this thoughts. It is so much fun. The other day I said I was really tired and Luca said, "mama tired, Luca handsome". He thinks everything is funny and laughs a lot. Today we were at the "choo-choo house" Barnes and Noble and he was playing so well with the trains, he would push one through a tunnel or up a hill and shout, "I did it, Choo-choo made it, choo-choo so happy, yay gaga (Luca)" the whole room was entertained by his excitement at the train table. A 6 year old girl gave him a stuff animal to play with as she left the store and told her mom. "she (me) is never going to get him to leave this store." It totally cracked me up. Luca and I did successfully leave about 5 mins. later but I am sure Luca would have stayed all day if I hadn't told him it was time to go. As we walked out the front door he said, bye choo- choo house, see you tomorrow:)
He is walking SO well with is AFO's on and even in his bare feet! He walked by himself in bare feet from his room to the back living room today many times! I was so happy. He is also falling less because he can stand for a long time balanced and he is stabilizing himself if he gets off balanced. I think all of these changes are just all the more impressive because I have been gone and can really notice them. I will post some more pictures and videos soon!
He also has given himself his first chore (which he loves) putting junk mail and papers into the recycling box. He will walk back and forth from you to the recycling box all day if you keep giving him papers. Great therapy and it tidies up the house too. He has such pride and joy in doing a job and completing a task. He is truly a treasure!
Katie just got back from a Children's Ministry conference in sunny San Diego. I love that city and want to go back so I can explore with John and Luca. It was my first time to San Diego. I didn't get to do very much sightseeing but loved seeing the beach (for a few hours), the sun, and eating some very authentic Mexican food! I also loved spending time with my co-workers Jean and Mary! Lots to bring home and apply to church from the conference. Earl said it well, "it (CM conference) is like taking a drink from a fire hydrant."
Luca had a great time at home with John the first two days I was gone (Jess and Mari gave him some breaks, thank you!) and then Brooke, the last two days. What a gift to have Brooke home from Haiti and able to care for Luca while I was gone. Luca bonded with her right away (I mean how could he not:) and had a fantastic time.
Today John got to fulfill his birthday present (a surprise trip to New Orleans to see Jeremy Jones). He is gone till Tues. and the sun is shining there with temps in the high 70's. I hope he has an awesome time and I am sure he will.
Luca and I had a good but long day. I think he was afraid that if he fell asleep for a nap I would leave again. After trying to get him to nap for 2 hours this afternoon I finally asked him why he wasn't going to sleep. He said, "no mama go to big church again" It pierced through my heart. I told him I was not going on any more trips and that we were going to be together for lots of days. Then he asked if we could take a nap together. Too bad that doesn't even work a little bit:)
Other updates:
Luca is talking up a storm, singing songs, expressing humor and all of this thoughts. It is so much fun. The other day I said I was really tired and Luca said, "mama tired, Luca handsome". He thinks everything is funny and laughs a lot. Today we were at the "choo-choo house" Barnes and Noble and he was playing so well with the trains, he would push one through a tunnel or up a hill and shout, "I did it, Choo-choo made it, choo-choo so happy, yay gaga (Luca)" the whole room was entertained by his excitement at the train table. A 6 year old girl gave him a stuff animal to play with as she left the store and told her mom. "she (me) is never going to get him to leave this store." It totally cracked me up. Luca and I did successfully leave about 5 mins. later but I am sure Luca would have stayed all day if I hadn't told him it was time to go. As we walked out the front door he said, bye choo- choo house, see you tomorrow:)
He is walking SO well with is AFO's on and even in his bare feet! He walked by himself in bare feet from his room to the back living room today many times! I was so happy. He is also falling less because he can stand for a long time balanced and he is stabilizing himself if he gets off balanced. I think all of these changes are just all the more impressive because I have been gone and can really notice them. I will post some more pictures and videos soon!
He also has given himself his first chore (which he loves) putting junk mail and papers into the recycling box. He will walk back and forth from you to the recycling box all day if you keep giving him papers. Great therapy and it tidies up the house too. He has such pride and joy in doing a job and completing a task. He is truly a treasure!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Luca and his friends
Here are a few pictures Jamie took of the kids. I love seeing the little friends together!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Walking with Popeye
Luca and Popeye walking!
Luca has spend a lot of time walking or being helped to walk by Popeye. Thanks again dad! Everyone's hard work as well as Luca's has paid off!
Luca has spend a lot of time walking or being helped to walk by Popeye. Thanks again dad! Everyone's hard work as well as Luca's has paid off!
A day at the park
AT THE PARK:
Luca got to go to park with his friend Scarlett. They both like to swings and they like to imitate one another. Luca wanted to sit just like Scarlett with both arms in front of the swing:)
There is also a picture of Luca on the motorcycle! He is very into these right now and tells us all the time that he wants to ride a REAL MOTORCYCLE! I am already scared.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
floors
The floors in our house are wrecked beyond being repaired and refinished. I have been thinking about painting them and doing something like this. Any thoughts on painting our floors?
Friday, March 4, 2011
A week apart
Visit to NC
After a week in NC, John, Luca and I are all glad to be together. Luca couldn't be happier to have mama home and all to himself. He is showing off all he learned this week, walking city blocks now by himself, telling stories and anything else he thinks of. His vocabulary continues to expand in a rapid way. He keeps me laughing all day long.
Here are a few pictures from my trip to NC. I loved getting to know my new sweet niece, Sophia and spending time with the wonderful Molly, Annie and Owen!
After a week in NC, John, Luca and I are all glad to be together. Luca couldn't be happier to have mama home and all to himself. He is showing off all he learned this week, walking city blocks now by himself, telling stories and anything else he thinks of. His vocabulary continues to expand in a rapid way. He keeps me laughing all day long.
Here are a few pictures from my trip to NC. I loved getting to know my new sweet niece, Sophia and spending time with the wonderful Molly, Annie and Owen!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)