Lucas Camilo

It’s been a busy time for us lately and we haven’t had much time to update Lucas’s blog.  But the little-guy-who’s-not-so-little-anymore has been doing great, making tiny strides that to us seem huge, and wowing all those around him.  Krista’s mom is back in town for a visit and, having not been here for a few months, was excited to see Lucas’s latest tricks.  The finger wag that we mentioned before has become a hilarious addition to his repertoire, and you can now sing “If you’re happy and you know it” with Lucas in your lap and go on for a good 10 minutes: from “wag your finger” to “touch your tummy” to “make a kiss,” Lucas is right on cue with the motion needed to show that he’s happy, and if there’s any pause in the action then he’ll immediately start flipping his hand in the sign for “more.”  In fact, these days as you get close to the end of a book or a song, Lucas puts his hand in the air with his fingers extended and clenched together, poised to make the “more” sign the moment you stop doing whatever you’re doing.  It’s really cute.

Among those most impressed with Lucas’s recent developments are his therapists, and indeed they’ve played an important role in his progress, both in terms of increased movement and ability to interact.  It’s been a while since we’ve talked specifically about the therapists, and it’s worth mentioning them by name as we’d most certainly recommend them to other parents looking for physical, occupational, or speech & language therapy.  Erin has been with us the longest, having taken over Brown Bear Home Therapies from Evan last summer.  Erin is a physical therapist who now comes to our home twice a week, and she’s been working with Lucas to develop strength in his arms, legs, and core, as well as coordination in his movements.  She’s a real believer in Lucas and often chides him when he gets lazy and doesn’t push himself to do something that she knows that he can do.  By the end of a session with Erin he’s usually totally exhausted and ready for a nap, often pulling his arm over his face to indicate that he’s done, then adding a “bye bye” wave if Erin didn’t get the hint that he was ready for her to leave him alone.

More recent additions to Lucas’s team are Debbie (a speech/language therapist) and Erika (an occupational therapist) who together make up the home therapy company Eat, Speak, Play! It took a few sessions for Lucas to warm up to them – the first time they came he freaked out at the sight of big, new toys, and refused to wipe off the angry face for an entire hour – but he’s been really hitting his stride of late.  Debbie and Erika focus on communication, and working together they get Lucas into positions where he’s able to express himself – through signing, vocalization, and via the iPad.  Maybe they’re just being nice, but lately Debbie and Erika have been totally blown away by Lucas’s progress and they keep saying over and over again how smart he is.  We’re pretty amazed too; despite all of his physical limitations Lucas seems to be catching on to everything so fast and clearly understanding the world around him.

As we deepen our relationships with the therapists, we were all sad this morning to wave a collective goodbye and happy travels to Victor (Lucas’s nurse since December 2009) who is taking a month off to visit his native country of Sierre Leone.  April 27 is the 50th anniversary of independence in the African nation, and Victor is returning for the celebration, and spending the whole month there along with his fiance.  We’re excited for him, but Lucas will miss Victor’s high-5s and his loving adoration, while we’ll miss our collective morning rants about local news and debates on international politics.  In his place a new nurse named Sarah will start coming to our home next week – the first nurse other than Victor or Florence to spend significant time with Lucas in almost a year.

Though winter has returned to Washington DC for a few days, we’re looking forward to a good, restful weekend with Gramma Susan.  Yesterday Lucas and his Gramma snuggled up and took an afternoon nap together, and if it really snows on Sunday we’re guessing Lucas will demand “more” naps on Gramma’s lap.