Where’s Your Belly?

Wow, where does the time go? Since the last post, Lucas has turned into such a big boy! Over the past six months (since the last post), Lucas has stopped using bottles, he started walking, running, dancing and climbing. He loves ALL foods, except breakfast foods. He will never turn away from fruit, but he doesn’t really like sweet foods, unless you offer him M&Ms; his favorite. He has a mouth full of teeth and gets a kick out of pretending to bite you.

He is picking up new words each day. Some of our favorites are: Happy, Shadow, Car, Night Night and Kiki (for Kayleigh). His little personality is also coming out as well as some of his interests. He LOVES playing with cars. He makes car noises and spends lot of time pushing the cars/trucks/trains (anything with wheels) around the house.

Lucas adores his big sister, Kayleigh. They are really lucky to have each other. One of his favorite things to do is wake her up in the morning. He opens her door and plows his way over to her bed. So far, she is delighted to be awakened this way. Not sure how long that will last. He then climbs up on her bed and they spend a couple moments rolling on top of each other and laughing. They both really enjoy playing together, taking baths together and going for evening family walks.

Lucas just returned from his first official vacation. We went to Michigan where he experienced the beach for the first time. He was a little unsure at first, but once he was plopped in the sand with a shovel, he had a great time. We all hope to return to the beach next summer. Despite the beach being in Michigan, it might just become our favorite vacation spot.

Lucas is one!

Lucas celebrated his 1st Birthday on January 11, 2009. Lucas had a penguin party that included penguin sugar cookies and an igloo cheeseball with penguins made out of olives. Several of Lucas' friends and family made the trip to Columbus on the chilly Sunday afternoon to celebrate the milestone. Lucas wasn't too interested in his cake and even cried when the cake was placed in front of him. The little guy was so stimulated from all the food and fun that he couldn't even make it to opening presents. Lucas was fast asleep before the party even ended. The presents were opened the next day and Lucas and Kayleigh have both been enjoying all the new toys!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

After much hesitation from Mom and lots of persuasion from Dad, Mom finally decided to cut little Lucas’ locks. It was an emotional event, and tears were choked back watching Lucas transform from a wild little baby into a more conservative looking boy. Mom kept a lock of the hair and will treasure it. After only a couple weeks, the re-growth is looking like there might still be some curl left in his hair! It has taken some getting used to, but all in all, he is still an adorable little boy that Mom and Dad love to gobble up with kisses.

Lucas’ First Christmas

Lucas’ first Christmas started out in a difficult way.  First he became sick on the Monday before Christmas and that afternoon, water invaded the basement.  Dad spent many hours trying to clean the water out of the carpet before it was eventually ripped out.  Grandma and Grandpa’s basement also had water issues – on an even larger scale and the whole family was called on to help keep the water under control.

Through it all, there was quality family time and it was a great Christmas.  Lucas had no problem tearing through the wrapping paper to get to the surprise inside.  His favorite presents included a police motorcycle rocker and a set of tractors.

Home All Week

Lucas did not go to daycare all last week because he was suffering from Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Mom and Dad took turns staying home with him. He had a bad rash around his mouth and a little on his hands and sores inside his mouth. He was feeling so bad that it even affected his appetite. As bad as he was feeling, he still had a smile now and then. Now, he’s feeling much better and is eating more than Jell-o.

Lucas can now stand with the help of a small table or couch or anything less than three feet tall. He’s also starting to crawl much faster. This is making Mom and Dad more tired. He’s also starting to make more noises, some that sound a little like, “Da-da!”

Like Father, Like Son

Lucas does his best impression of Dad.  Over the past couple months Lucas has passed several milestones.  He has now learned how to sit up on his own and is very close to being able to crawl.  Mom and Dad are both excited and worried about him b eing mobile.  He has also started to eat baby food, cheerios, applesauce, etc.  He still is never quite satisfied, no matter how much food we give him.  He sleeps through the night now, going without a bottle, and most nights without a peep -- Mom still wakes up, though.

Bring on the cereal

It has been several months since our last blog update, and life keeps getting busier and busier.  Mom returned to work at the end of March.  Since that time, the entire family has been adjusting to the always-rushed schedule.  Lucas seems to enjoy his friends at daycare.  He gets regular visits throughout the day from his big sister, Kayleigh.  Kayleigh affectionately calls Lucas, "My baby Lucas."  She adores her brother, still. 

Lucas has managed to stay relatively healthy during the spring months, but just a couple weeks ago, he came down with quite a list of infections including pinkeye, ear infections, and a yeast infection on his neck. A good ol' antibiotic cleared it up, and he is back to his usually happy self.  Lucas' demeanor is pretty laid back until it is time to eat.  He enjoys his bottles, particularly in the middle of the night.  He now weighs just under 20 pounds, which is more than his sister weighed when she was one.

Lucas started cereal at 4 months, but Mom and Dad stopped it until he felt better and his infections cleared up.  He is now 5 months old -today - and loving cereal.  Lucas is also becoming more and more vocal as he explores his voice by making cooing sounds.  He is still working on getting his body to roll over which is no easy feat considering the belly he is packing around.

We are all enjoying the fun of having a baby in the house, but a good night of sleep would be much appreciated in the near future!

Hanging Out

Lucas is a growing boy!  He continues to eat every 3 hours and is taking between 4 and 6 ounces each feeding.  He would prefer to eat every 2 hours, but Mom and Dad are trying to get him on a schedule, and are worried he is getting too big.

Bright Eyes

Lucas currently has bright and beautiful blue eyes. Mom and Dad aren't sure were they came from, and Dad is certain they will change to brown. Mom is hopeful that Lucas will keep his dark hair and blue eyes and be a heart breaker when he gets older.

Lucas has been meeting several of his family members the past couple of weeks. He received visits from his Aunt Cindy, Uncle Pat and cousin Andrea when he was just one week old. The three were brave enough to babysit Lucas and Kayleigh, giving Mom and Dad a night out on their own. Lucas also met Aunt Kelly, Uncle Chad and cousin Caden this past weekend. He has enjoyed all of his visitors, but seems to like the kisses from his big sister Kayleigh the best.

Learning Daytime, Nighttime

Day 2 with Lucas went very well.  Both grandparents came to visit at the hospital on Saturday.  Mom and Dad brought Lucas home on Sunday afternoon.  Mom and Dad and Grandma and Grandpa threw a big sister party for Kayleigh.  She loved the cake and ice cream and has been feeding her "I'm a big sister" Dora.  Sunday night was a long night for Mom and Dad as Lucas thought it was daytime.  On the contrary, he's been sleeping all during the day Monday.