Lucas Camilo

Lucas had a good week despite coming down with a bit of a cold.  The 90 degree temperatures in Washington DC meant we got outside a few more times, including a great walk through the neighborhood, admiring the tall blooming trees, running into friends, and getting decorated with flower petals.  Lucas still isn’t too happy about the bright sun, so getting out in the morning or late afternoon tends to be the best bet.  And though the brimmed hat helps, he might be due for a cool pair of baby sunglasses.

This week Lucas also took various turns mounting his yellow “peanut”.  The occupational therapist recommended this rubber, inflatable object that is similar to the classic exercise ball except that its peanut-shaped, with a groove down the middle.  Once on the peanut Lucas can extend his body in a giant stretch, practice putting weight on his feet, and roll from side to side.  He likes going upside down and seems to really enjoy posing for glamor shots while doing the famous peanut-back-roll.

Lucas had another special visitor this week, Krista’s old friend Jojo who came all the way from Southampton, England (via Montreal where she was visiting her brother).  Krista and Jojo met in Austria 16 years ago when they were high school exchange students and have kept in touch all these years.  Jojo is a doctor, so it was great to exchange hospital stories with a friend who has experienced the doctor-patient relationship from the other side.  (For example we learned that not all parents are suckers for a doctor who compliments their cute baby;  rather, some incredulously ask if the doctor says that to all parents, leading to an awkward situation.  Ultimately, Jojo suggests we find other criteria for assessing Lucas’s care providers.)

By the middle of the week Lucas had come down with a cold which meant lots of snot soaked rags and more frequent suctioning.  He wasn’t slowed much by the cold, though it did limit some of the activities that we could do.  Now Lucas seems to have turned the corner, and if the weather stays nice we may get out for another Sunday walk in the park.