Lucas Camilo

Like a whirlwind Burke’s family arrived in DC on Wednesday and Thursday: first his parents and then his sister Ashley and niece Madden.  None of the Stansbury crew has really had a chance to visit with Lucas since his surgeries in early October and since he started moving and acting more aware shortly thereafter (Lucas’s grandparents Nonna and Papa were here in early November but could only see Lucas for an hour because of the strict flu-season visitation policy at the hospital.)

We say whirlwind because of the new arrival who had never actually met Lucas before yesterday: his cousin Madden.  She just turned five and is a bundle of excited energy, ready for whatever new adventure awaits.  Unfortunately Madden has a bit of a cough, and given that we’re doing everything we can to prevent Lucas from getting sick she has to keep her distance, at least initially, and wear a mask.  It’s still exciting for her to see Lucas, though, and for the rest of the family to play with him and marvel at how much he’s grown.  Lucas celebrated his grandparents arrival on Wednesday by somehow staying awake and active for a good six hours straight in the afternoon.  So many people paying attention to me, he seemed to be thinking… I guess I have to perform!

The family also brought with them a few treats for Lucas, including a stand-up baby mirror that he already seems to enjoy checking himself out in.  Nonna brought a hat she knit a few years ago that (sort of) miraculously fits Lucas (and will continue to fit him for months to come.)  Meanwhile Madden discovered the nearly-alive rocking horse that Krista’s sister brought Lucas, and promptly named her Catherine and got to work slapping her rear with the cowgirl hat.  Hopefully Lucas will be ready to ride Catherine with Madden before she grows too big…