When Luke gets sick it is always a gala affair. This weekend he had a stomach virus which ended on Monday morning. The early hours of Tuesday morn found Nathan and I cradling our stomachs and toilet lids as that same virus hit us simultaneously.
A mere two days later, with his immunity already down, he has a cough, cold and fever. When we suggested medicine (liquid, chewables, or ohpleaseno... suppositories) to reduce his fever he promptly vomited repeatedly in the bathroom sink to signal his dissent. So we wait it out, encourage him to drink water, to rest and let his stomach settle down.
So far Dominic and the bigs remain unscathed and relatively healthy ((knock wood)). Never a dull moment in this humble abode...not even when ya want one!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Sleep patterns
My husband and I don't sleep in the same bed anymore. We don't even sleep in the same room, in adorably 1950's-esque separate twin beds, me in ankle length flannel and him in a two-piece crisp striped pajama set.
I sleep in Luke's room, with him like a barnacle on my side, as close as he can get to me without me actually absorbing him. Should I wake in the night and attempt more than an inch of freedom from his clutches he will sense it and scuttle closer again. Many nights I end up with approximately 1/4 of a full side bed to call my own, staring blankly at my phone screen, counting down hours of sleep I could get if I fell asleep RIGHT NOW and willing myself to slumber.
Nate usually sleeps on the couch, sometimes with Dominic and sometimes (blessedly) alone. We each awaken sore and un-rested. We miss our bed. We miss being able to close the door to our room without offending a small person. We miss being able to snuggle or have more than an hour together, alone.
Last year we spent way too much money going to Maine for three days so we could feel like there was more to us than being parents. I liked it. It felt like adventure and a small bite of freedom. Nate felt displaced and uncomfortable; too far from home. What I think he would like is more time/space/freedom for us within the confines of our home. I confess that right now I can't imagine that wish coming to fruition no matter how much we'd like it. Luke is too fragile and dependent, Dom is too unpredictable and, if I'm being truly honest, just too damn grumpy.
I tell myself that it won't always be like this but I'm not sure I believe it.
I sleep in Luke's room, with him like a barnacle on my side, as close as he can get to me without me actually absorbing him. Should I wake in the night and attempt more than an inch of freedom from his clutches he will sense it and scuttle closer again. Many nights I end up with approximately 1/4 of a full side bed to call my own, staring blankly at my phone screen, counting down hours of sleep I could get if I fell asleep RIGHT NOW and willing myself to slumber.
Nate usually sleeps on the couch, sometimes with Dominic and sometimes (blessedly) alone. We each awaken sore and un-rested. We miss our bed. We miss being able to close the door to our room without offending a small person. We miss being able to snuggle or have more than an hour together, alone.
Last year we spent way too much money going to Maine for three days so we could feel like there was more to us than being parents. I liked it. It felt like adventure and a small bite of freedom. Nate felt displaced and uncomfortable; too far from home. What I think he would like is more time/space/freedom for us within the confines of our home. I confess that right now I can't imagine that wish coming to fruition no matter how much we'd like it. Luke is too fragile and dependent, Dom is too unpredictable and, if I'm being truly honest, just too damn grumpy.
I tell myself that it won't always be like this but I'm not sure I believe it.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Time marches on
The first day of a new year. No less chaotic than any other, but a good chance for some reflection.
One year ago today Luke was curled up on the couch still recovering from the broken collarbone that he'd sustained while swan-diving off our armchair, face first onto the tiled floor a mere foot below. He was wearing diapers, and he was comforting himself with a pacifier ("noonie").
Today Luke is flitting around the living room, munching Doritos (one of the 3-5 foods he will currently tolerate) wearing Batman Lego undies like a big guy. The only "noonie" around belongs to his little brother Dominic and if I were to offer it to Luke he would laugh and act like I was nuts.
It has been a year marked with turmoil and uncertainty but it is important to acknowledge the gains Luke's made...gains he has initiated and participated in. I am proud of him, today and always.
I have new worries, of course, since worrying is as inherent to me as breathing. The food aversions continue at full strength. I worry about his teeth, and how we will react when he has his first loose tooth. Luke continues to act before thinking of the consequences (pushing his brother over, kicking his Dad)...but I remind myself...last year I couldn't have imagined a day without Luke in diapers. Nothing is static, even on the very rare occasion we wish it were.
I look forward the next year with my family, with my sweet and maddening little Luke. Happy New Year's to all of you!
One year ago today Luke was curled up on the couch still recovering from the broken collarbone that he'd sustained while swan-diving off our armchair, face first onto the tiled floor a mere foot below. He was wearing diapers, and he was comforting himself with a pacifier ("noonie").
Today Luke is flitting around the living room, munching Doritos (one of the 3-5 foods he will currently tolerate) wearing Batman Lego undies like a big guy. The only "noonie" around belongs to his little brother Dominic and if I were to offer it to Luke he would laugh and act like I was nuts.
It has been a year marked with turmoil and uncertainty but it is important to acknowledge the gains Luke's made...gains he has initiated and participated in. I am proud of him, today and always.
I have new worries, of course, since worrying is as inherent to me as breathing. The food aversions continue at full strength. I worry about his teeth, and how we will react when he has his first loose tooth. Luke continues to act before thinking of the consequences (pushing his brother over, kicking his Dad)...but I remind myself...last year I couldn't have imagined a day without Luke in diapers. Nothing is static, even on the very rare occasion we wish it were.
I look forward the next year with my family, with my sweet and maddening little Luke. Happy New Year's to all of you!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Notes to Lucas
First tooth - 8 months old, and another tooth 2 weeks later!
First solids - April 19, 2008
First crawl - August 10, 2008 - the day you turned 9 months old!
First pulled yourself up to standing - September 10, 2008 (the day you turned 10 months old - you have a pattern!)
First word - "Bip" (Pip) followed soon after by "da" (daddy)
Top two teeth - 11 months old
Next two top teeth - 14 months old
8/18/08 - Tonight when we were laying down to get you to sleep you laughed at something or other. I laughed because the sound of your laugh is so sweet. You laughed at the sound of me laughing and before long we were both in hysterics. This went on for a good 3 minutes, which doesn't sound like long but when you are cracking up it's quite a long time. I love you so much.
8/21/08 - We took you for a check-up yesterday. You are a little over 21 pounds and 29 and 3/4 inches! You are in the 50th percentile for weight and head circumference and the 90th percentile for height. I wonder if you will be tall like the men on my side of the family.
This morning you woke up at 4:30 in the morning. Your Dad went in to change you and bring you into our room. I heard you over the monitor through a sleep haze, saying "Hi Da-yee". Your Dad said back "Hi Luke". It was adorable. We love you so much sweet boy.
9/1/08 -
You love when Daddy plays the guitar. You kick both legs and shake your arms around. When he stops playing you cry. I have a video of all of the above. Your dad and I get such a kick out of it. You have so much personality for such a little guy!
First solids - April 19, 2008
First crawl - August 10, 2008 - the day you turned 9 months old!
First pulled yourself up to standing - September 10, 2008 (the day you turned 10 months old - you have a pattern!)
First word - "Bip" (Pip) followed soon after by "da" (daddy)
Top two teeth - 11 months old
Next two top teeth - 14 months old
8/18/08 - Tonight when we were laying down to get you to sleep you laughed at something or other. I laughed because the sound of your laugh is so sweet. You laughed at the sound of me laughing and before long we were both in hysterics. This went on for a good 3 minutes, which doesn't sound like long but when you are cracking up it's quite a long time. I love you so much.
8/21/08 - We took you for a check-up yesterday. You are a little over 21 pounds and 29 and 3/4 inches! You are in the 50th percentile for weight and head circumference and the 90th percentile for height. I wonder if you will be tall like the men on my side of the family.
This morning you woke up at 4:30 in the morning. Your Dad went in to change you and bring you into our room. I heard you over the monitor through a sleep haze, saying "Hi Da-yee". Your Dad said back "Hi Luke". It was adorable. We love you so much sweet boy.
9/1/08 -
You love when Daddy plays the guitar. You kick both legs and shake your arms around. When he stops playing you cry. I have a video of all of the above. Your dad and I get such a kick out of it. You have so much personality for such a little guy!
A star is born
The end of my pregnancy was arduous.
Pre-eclampsia snuck up on me, and my due date came and went. In a classic case of misplaced trust I followed the doctors' advice and was induced three days after my due date. However Luke was not ready to greet the world. He did not budge and after 12 hours of start and stop contractions his heart rate began to decelerate. The decision was made to perform an emergency c-section. I was deeply saddened over this outcome since I had pictured a very different birth experience.
My sadness over the change in events was quickly eclipsed by the most intense and profound love I'd ever felt...
Lucas Robert Heath arrived at 7:35 A.M. on November 10, 2007, weighing 9.5 pounds, and measuring 21 inches long. He was beautiful.
Pre-eclampsia snuck up on me, and my due date came and went. In a classic case of misplaced trust I followed the doctors' advice and was induced three days after my due date. However Luke was not ready to greet the world. He did not budge and after 12 hours of start and stop contractions his heart rate began to decelerate. The decision was made to perform an emergency c-section. I was deeply saddened over this outcome since I had pictured a very different birth experience.
My sadness over the change in events was quickly eclipsed by the most intense and profound love I'd ever felt...
Lucas Robert Heath arrived at 7:35 A.M. on November 10, 2007, weighing 9.5 pounds, and measuring 21 inches long. He was beautiful.
 |
| Lucas ~ 3 hours old |
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| Bright-eyed and winsome |
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| Happy little-big guy in his Bumbo |
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Didn't you see the signs?
For years I would torture myself with this: DIDN'T YOU SEE THE SIGNS?!?
No.
No.
No...but maybe I should have....
No.
No.
299.00
"Lucas recites and sings his ABCs. He tends to have echolalia. He can point to pictures and has 50 to 100 words...He seems to enjoy physical contact with his mom.
Head normocephalic. Fontanels closed. No hair whorls...
Lucas is able to climb and W sits, but did not require truncal support...
Lucas was a cute little boy who seemed younger than his age of 34 months...Lucas made little eye contact and did not point to indicate to an adult an interest in something out of his reach.
His mom noted that he was more easily distracted during this session than he usually is at home. Lucas likes familiarity.
DIAGNOSIS
Autism: 299.00;
Dyspraxia: 315.4"
And I thought maybe...maybe my heart was breaking.
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