Lucas is walking!!!

Lucas has been taking several steps but it was only last night when we saw him move from one part of the room to the next. When he feels he is losing his balance, he stops and steadies himself then starts again.

Way to go, Lucas!!! We are so proud of you!!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Old Stuff but Still Post-Worthy

Lucas has been doodling a lot. Here is one of his many works. We are trying to determine if he is right-handed or a lefty. Recently, he has been using his left hand more. I cannot say his right hand is weak though. This guy's grip is solid!

August 15, 2010

Everyone got up early for Sunday Mass in Pink Sisters convent in Tagaytay. It was a good 1.5 hour drive from Manila.

Blue Team

Orange Team

Some brother time at Bag of Beans

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Rare times we caught him wearing his glasses long enough to capture on camera.

and smiling too!

He has been moving a lot now and gaining confidence.

Breakfast at MMLDC, October 24, 2010

mugshots

We got our passports yesterday. Here are the pictures of the boys.

New Look for Lucas

Portions of his head has been shaved in the first few weeks of life and shaved again early this year. Anyway, we will not let it pass just like that. As Rafa did before, Lucas had his first ceremonial haircut done by his one and only Tatay.

The momentus event happened the same day our new President took oath and assumed his elected post.

Pictures to follow.

21 Months

Here are some vital stats:

Weight: 12kgs
Medicine/Supplements: Multi-vitamins (syrup), Ascorbic Acid plus Zinc, Thyrax and Cephalexin (stopped iron and cod liver oil)
Milestones: creeping; pulling to stand; cruising, follow instructions when in a good mood (e.g. if you want to be carried, you have to sit first); babbling (grandma claims he calls her)
Conditions being monitored: VUR, Hypothyroidism, Developmental delays

A Restored Heart

Around this time last year, Lucas' heart was repaired.

This picture was taken a few days before his surgery. He was at The Medical City battling an infection in preparation for the heart operation.

Donning a Dr. Siongco original, after his surgery. The gown design is ideal for those who have undergone surgery. It is easy to put on and fasten back. Complements the smile perfectly.

A year after, who would have thought these are pictures of the tiny baby who had his heart restored a year ago?

We would like to thank all those who have supported us and prayed with us. Thank you to all the doctors and nurses who took care of Lucas in The Medical City and Philippine Heart Center. This is another testimony of God's Love and Power.

Rafa turns 3

Update on Lucas

Lucas had recently visited the ER. When the doctor was asking for the history, I realized that there are some health concerns that have been resolved:

• Hirschsprung's - resolved
• Congenital heart disease - resolved
• Weight - Lucas is 11 kgs
• VUR - on Cephalexin, previously on Cefixime

When he saw his pediatrician, the doctor's instructions are to stop taking Heraclene, Pediasure and VCO. The rate of Lucas' weight gain is so fast. To prevent it from going over, the doctor advised to lessen the other supplements given to him. This is quite a breakthrough!

Rafa's ER Experience

It was Black Saturday, we are home and playing.

Rafa started to complain about a tummy ache.

I initially thought he needed to poop and put him on the seat several times. No poop and the pain did not go away.

We called our pedia and she advised to apply hot compress with instructions that if it does not get better, we should go to the ER.

I brought my mom to the church for her service. On the way back, my hubby is calling that we are going to the ER since the pain would not go away. When he finally removed Rafa's pants to wash him up before going to the hospital, he saw a BULGE. My husband has an inkling as to what he saw.

His suspicions were confirmed by the doctors.

Here Rafa is given a dose of sedative. The doctors want to sedate him so that he will not feel when they manually reduce the hernia.

Diaper cover to secure the line

After the manual reduction done by our beloved Dr. Almonte, Rafa was able to sleep.

In the pre-anesthesia room, waiting to be wheeled-in the OR

In the recovery room, waiting for the anesthesia to wear-off. He was on bed 6 but stayed mostly in my arms.

Chose his gear for post operation nebulization. He was very cooperative all throughout.

Got out the same night. Thank You, Jesus for always being in control. It was a very successful surgery. God is great!

Kissing the Hand: "Mano"

"The Filipino tradition of pagmamano involves kissing an elder's hand or raising the hand to touch your forehead. Children do this especially during holidays when visiting grandparents to ask for gifts." (from http://tagaloglang.com)

For our family, this is how we greet our elders. Rafa, our first born, has been doing it for quite some time now. Just recently, Lucas learned it! We hope to capture it on video soon. He is doing it quite consistently and we are so thrilled.

Pull through Journey - January 2010

My husband writes very well. Whenever we have prayer requests, it is always he who composes our letters. I usually edits a few typos here and there but that's about it.

I'm linking to his blog to post our Lucas' third and fourth ORs last January. We also claim that these will be his last.

Pre-Pull Through
http://www.biboylaboy.com/2010/01/my-pre-pull-trhough-fb-posts.html

Pull Through
http://www.biboylaboy.com/2010/01/pull-through.html

Post Operation Update
http://www.biboylaboy.com/2010/01/lucas-post-operation-update.html

Urgent Prayer Request
http://www.biboylaboy.com/2010/01/urgent-prayer-requests-for-lucas.html

Lucas Update After Re-OR
http://www.biboylaboy.com/2010/01/lucas-update-after-re-or.html

And finally, Lucas is out of the hospital
http://www.biboylaboy.com/2010/02/lucas-is-out-of-hospital.html

It is always nice to look back and thank God for seeing us through.

Crocs

When Crocs first came out, I was totally against it. I don't know who in their right minds would pay for those things!

Fast forward, my friend went to the Crocs Mega Sale. I found myself asking her to buy identical pairs for my two boys. Here is a picture of the purchase.
Thanks Jo! Rafa almost never takes them off! Hope it made your trip worth it.

18 months of Lucas

On his 18th month, Lucas had an appointment with his pedia. Every meeting with the doctor is a moment of truth. Last check up was February 15. He weighed 8.3 kilograms.

Drumroll please...

After a month, he now weighs 9.4 kilograms. This is by far our greatest weight gain for that short period of time. I would like to commend our Mamita and Ate Ayang who tirelessly took care of him. Fed him constantly and diligently kept his journal. We won't be able to do this without you.

Our next goal is to be diaper rash-free. Thank you for praying with us.

Happy Walk 2010

Nanay with the boys at Sky Dome

With fellow mom of a baby with Down Syndrome

Officers of DSAPI

Children dancing to Nobody, Nobody but You

Family Picture, of course!