Luke William Larson

Disney World and Halloween!

2011-11-01T12:56:00.016-05:00

October was a crazy month. Let's start with the 1st of the month. We left for Chicago on Saturday to stay in a hotel near the airport for our trip to Florida! We left Sunday morning and boarded our plane to Orlando. This was mine and Brynn's first airplane ride. Brynn slept the entire time and I kept busy with my Ipad and suckers. We arrived in the late afternoon to our resort and right away hit the pool.Our resort had 10 pools and 2 lazy rivers. Not to mention the playground, mini golf, water slides and splash pads. So much to see and do just on our resort. Here are some pictures of our resort from our balcony.Of course we had to try our our jet tub.The next morning, Mommy took us to the pool for a morning swim.Daddy joined us later.After dinner we played mini golf.On Tuesday, we all went for a drive to Daytona Beach. This is our first time at the ocean.Here's Brynn sticking her toes into the Atlantic for the first time.I really loved the waves and the water was pretty warm.Brynn had a great time chasing the "ducks" or what we would call birds.Here is her Baywatch action shot.We all got in on the chasing "ducks" action.My family at Daytona.Here we are with Grandma and Grandpa.Tuesday night, our cousins arrived. Here we are chilling in our bed.Wednesday we went to Disney World!!We arrived around lunch time so we stopped at Casey's Corner for some hot dogs and fries.Here is the beautiful castle.Brynn got a ride on Uncle Josh's shoulders.We first rode the carousel. Here I am with Grandpa. Brynn rode on the inside of the carousel with Grandma so Mommy was unable to get a picture of her.Next, Daddy and I rode Dumbo. Uncle Josh and cousin Marlee were behind us.Time for a giant sucker! I had this sucker all day until we got back to the hotel late at night.Mommy and I on the Winnie the Pooh ride.Brynn was mesmerized on the ride.Then it was time for It's A Small World.I chilled with Silas in our stroller.I got a chance to drive a race car! When we were done, they gave me an official Mickey Mouse drivers license. I went again with Grandpa because I had so much fun!Here is Uncle Josh and cousin Marlee in their race car.Here is Uncle Josh, Aunt Maria, Marlee and Silas getting off the Peter Pan ride. It was so cool being suspended from the ceiling in a giant balloon.We watched the electric parade and then went to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse.On Thursday, we hung around the resort in the morning and then went to Aquatica in the afternoon. Aquatica is a giant water park connected to Sea World.
On Friday, we went to Sea World! Here I am touching the sting rays.Brynn enjoyed the aquarium. She could of stayed there all day.After a very heavy rain storm, Marlee and I got our faces painted.I had to check it out in the mirror when I was done.Here is the finished product.We were late getting to the Shamu show so we had to stand. Daddy did take me to the splash zone for a while so I could get a little wet.After visiting the penguins, we played a penguin game.We all won a penguin. Of course Brynn called it a duck.At the end of the day, we went on the Journey of Atlantis ride. Mommy and I are in the second row.Here, Daddy and I are in the first row. I wanted to get extra wet. I ended up going on this ride 3 times. I would of went more if we had more time.Saturday and Sunday Florida ended up having constant downpours. We stayed at the resort and played games all day and then had a birthday dinner and celebration for Grandma that night. Sunday we had to leave Florida. The plane ride home was great!
The week after we got back, Mommy had an interview at St. Lukes hospital in Cedar Rapids. Mommy and Daddy also went house hunting and found us a house in Marion. By the next week, we had a new house and Mommy had a new job! We won't be moving until Dec 1st. I also had my check up with Dr. Ahrens on October 19th at U of I. I weighed 38.3lbs and was 41.5 inches tall. I've gained 2 pounds since moving back to Iowa! They felt I looked great but decided to add azithromycin to my daily routine for the winter. This will help with lung inflammation so hopefully I won't get sick.
On Friday October 21st, we went to the farm for a hayride and pumpkin picking. We ended up taking 7 pumpkins home to carve!The next day we met Ava, Caleb and their parents at Papas Pumpkin Patch for some more fall fun.Mommy and Brynn saw these cool white pumpkins.We took another hayride.They had a hay bale maze, animals and pumpkin bowling. We thought it was fun to roll the pumpkins down the hill.When we got home, Mommy and Brynn carved a pumpkin for Great Grandma Dorothy.Here we are taking it to her house.We also carved the other 6 pumpkins later that week. Well, Daddy and Mommy carved while sis and I had a snack :)Here we are with our finished pumpkins.October 28th was my friend, Kenleys, birthday. We went out to eat at Happy Joes and then to the YMCA for a Halloween party. They had a haunted maze, games and a hayride through the cemetery. When we got home, Dad set up the tent in the basement so we could "camp out". Sis and I had our snack in it first.Brynn got her first black eye right before Halloween.We went trick or treating on Sunday the 30th. Our first stop was the farm.We then went to Grandma Kris and Grandpa Bob's house. Kenley came with us too!I continue to do well in school and like it so much. I had Mom turn on some music one night so I could color. I surprised her by showing her that I could draw a stick figure. My teachers at school showed us how by playing the video Mat Man. Mom had to google Mat Man just to figure out what I was talking about. I told her to take my picture just like they do at school.Well, that was our crazy month. Next time I write we should be in our new house and I will be another year older!

Love and hugs,

Luke William and Brynn Elyse

August and September 2011

2011-10-24T13:12:00.008-05:00

Again, I have been slacking on keeping everyone up to date on my adventures. But I assure you, we have been plenty busy. I am going to slowly update our summer. Let's start off with August. I kept myself busy by playing with my friends, driving my mustang and gator, swim lessons and speech sessions.Mom and Dad also sold our house in August! They traveled to Michigan at the end of the month to get our play set from the back yard. We were so thrilled to have it here with us in Iowa. I started preschool at Cardinal Elementary on August 29th. My teacher is Ms. Bollman and my teacher aide is Tammy Current. My Mom and Dad take me to school everyday and pick me up. No bus this year as they wanted me in the a.m. class and my parents said no. So I go 5 days a week from 12:30-3:15.Now for September. Grandpa Otteman took us to the lake house for the Labor Day weekend. Jason, Jessica, Kenley and Kyanna joined us too! Here I am doing my treatment and showing Kenley how to play Angry Birds on my Ipad.We had tons of boat time! Here is Jason and Kenley.Dad, Brynn and I.Me and Kenley.Jessica and her girls.When we got back a bunch of ducks had swam up to our dock. Mommy went and got us some bread to feed them. Brynn was in love with the ducks.The next day, we got to do some fishing.It also gave Dad and I a chance to chat.Brynn got in on the action too.My Godfather Jason and I.Grandpa let us all take turns driving the boat.The girls :)When we got back from our boat ride, we had a cat fish on our line!Here are the Unruhs.And our family.We took a long walk around the lake. When we got tired we piled into our stroller.Before we went home, we stopped at the town park.Sis and I sat by a beautiful fountain.Here we are in the hamster wheel.We were being silly and decided to lay in it.One last group picture by the lake.Brynn had her 18 month check up with Grandpa on September 8th. She weighed 23.2lbs and was 32 1/4 inches tall. She is talking up a storm and cracks us up all the time. She loves to put Daddy's underwear on her head. She kind-of looks like a nun :)We've also been lucky to visit the farm quite often.Here is Great Grandma Loujean and Brynn snuggling.We closed on our house at the end of September so Mom and Dad went to Michigan again to meet the movers. All of our stuff is now in storage in Toledo, OH. Once we find a house they will be bringing our stuff to us. That's all for these two months. October has been extremely busy. I will update you on that month soon.
Love and hugs to all,

Luke William and Brynn Elyse

Catching Up

2011-07-24T17:09:00.014-05:00

I know. I know. I've been slacking in the blog department lately. We have just been so busy. Let me take you back to May. I went and saw a dermatologist because the site where my PICC line was sometimes causes me to itch and then produce a hive. The dermatologist called it a mastocytoma and assured my Mom there was nothing to worry about. I guess it's just a bunch of cells that sometimes produce at a site of "trauma" and occasionally react at different times. It doesn't hurt but sometimes it's just annoying.
On May 22nd, Mommy, Daddy, Brynn and I made our annual trip to the Toledo Zoo! Always so much fun to see all of the animals. We started at the aquarium.Made our way to the playground.Played a little dress-up.Took a little break on a mushroom.Watched the worker ants carry leaves from one end of the building to another.Sat in a beehive!And finally, we ate lunch and then played in the stream at Nature's Neighborhood. My favorite!I got up close and personal with some sea lions.And of course Mommy's favorite, the polar bears.Mommy and I climbed in a polar bear cave.And to end the day while Sissy was sleeping, I got to ride the carousel with Daddy.We were finally able to get the pool out on May 30th.Brynn had her 15 month check-up with Dr. Weinberg on June 2nd. She weighed 21 lbs and was 32 1/2 inches long. She is in the 32% for weight and 95% for height.
On June 9th, Mommy and Daddy traveled to Las Vegas for a long weekend. Grandma and Grandpa Otteman came and took care of us. I have no pictures to share but trust me when I say we had lots of fun!
My last day of school was June 21st. Here I am in front of my bus.My last time climbing in.Here's my bus driver Miss Caroline.And our bus mascot, Kermit! He sat with me a few times.Mommy and Daddy drove Brynn and I half way to Iowa on June 23rd to meet Grandma Ann and Midge. They took us to Iowa so Mommy and Daddy could have a few days to pack our things for our move to Iowa. On June 26th we were reunited and settled in to our temporary residence. On June 29th, we met with my new speech teacher. Her name is Sue. I will be meeting with her every Tues for the summer until school starts.
Daddy and Jason Unruh took Kenley and I to see the firetrucks.Kenley and I had fun playing in the back.I also got to drive.And so did Kenley.Here I am with Jason and Kenley on top of the firetruck.Jason let me try on his coat and hat.Brynn and I took some time to visit the farm. Brynn got surrounded by kittens!We had fun driving tractors.I took one to the back yard to drive on the rocks.On July 2nd, we went to Eden Valley to see Grandpa Larson.Here's Brynn at the tower.We also took a walk to the swinging bridge.Happy 4th of July everyone!!On July 13th, Mommy and Daddy drove me to Iowa City to meet my new pulmonary team. We first stopped and had lunch with Uncle Jason. Then we proceeded to the hospital. My new lung doctor is Dr. Richard Ahrens. We basically had a "get to know one another" meeting. I also had some blood drawn and of course my throat culture (which came back negative). I weighed in at 36 lbs 6 oz and was 40 1/2 inches tall.
Last but not least, we went to Lake View, IA on July 14th. We had an Otteman family reunion at the family lake house. We all stayed in a nearby hotel and hung out at the lake house everyday. It was great to meet a lot of new people and also to see some familiar faces. Here I am on my first boat ride (we had many boat rides that weekend).Here is Brynn on the boat with Daddy.I also got to drive the boat with Grandpa.My new friend Avery.Here I am showing Cousin Marlee my I-pad.Brynn had to make a few phone calls.All-in-all a great summer so far! Now, here are a few random pictures of Brynn and I. First, here is Brynn in her cool chick shades.And I in my cool dude shades.Brynn loves her drawers.Crazy girl!Here, Brynn is wearing a dress that our Mommy once wore.Sis and I hanging out in the oven drawer :)And a couple of myself.
I hope everyone is having a great summer and staying cool!
Love and hugs,

Luke William and Brynn Elyse

Easter 2011

2011-05-10T10:41:00.011-05:00

We'll start off with my appointment at U of M. I weighed in at 35lbs 9oz and 40.25 inches long. Dr. Arteta thought I looked good and no changes were made at this time. We did tell him we are moving to Iowa and he said we should start making our transition to Univ of Iowa soon.
On Friday, April 22nd, Mommy drove Brynn and I to Iowa. I must say we did an awesome job traveling. Lots of rain but no real issues.
Right away the next day we met up with Jessica and her daughter Kenley, Danielle and her daughter Chloe and Grandma and Grandpa Otteman, for an Easter egg hunt at Maquoketa State Bank. We had to wait until they said "Go"! I was dying for this blue egg right in front of me. I skipped picking up any candy and went for all eggs!!When we were done I got to open my eggs to find out what was inside. I got lots of dimes and quarters and one egg with a piece of paper that said PRIZE!! I got to go pick a prize. I came back with a big red ball.Later that afternoon we colored Easter eggs.And then we made birds nests. Grandpa Bob told Grandma Kris that one container had sugar in it but instead it was salt. Boy, were those nests salty. Luckily Grandma Kris had enough stuff to make a new batch with sugar!The next morning was Easter. Here is what the bunny brought us.Deb, Emily and Kayla Millwright stopped by with more presents. Look at my giant container of cheese balls!! I had cheese balls for breakfast, lunch and dinner.We went outside and hunted for more eggs.Brynn had fun pushing her baby in her new stroller.Grandpa Bob and I put together a puzzle.Then it was time to put the eggs in the nests we made. We later ate them with our brunch. Grandma and Grandpa Otteman joined us.Brynn got dressed up in her crown and boa.On Monday, Emily and Kayla took us to Build-A-Bear.
Here I am kissing my bears heart and then placing it inside the bear.Brynn enjoyed watching her bear get stuffed.We then had to wash our bears.And then pick an outfit and get them dressed.I got a Star Wars themed dog with the Star Wars theme song and Darth Vader outfit.Brynn got a bear with hearts on it and a pretty sun dress.We got to walk around the mall for a bit and ride in the ice cream truck before heading to Red Robing for lunch.Of course we went to visit Great Grandma Dorothy. We had fun playing with her toys. I found the airplane.Brynn had fun giving Great Grandma toys.I got a big hug from Grandma before we left.We also visited the farm while we were home.Here I am with Great Grandpa Scott.Great Aunt Kathy came for a visit with her daughter Dawn, and her girls Jayla and Macyn.Jayla and I went outside and looked for kittens. Then we sat by one another at lunch.Grandpa Otteman got out the Mustang car for us. I had fun driving Brynn around the yard.We had so much fun in Iowa. We're really looking forward to spending our summer there. The only down side of our trip was Brynn and I getting sick. We both had fevers for a few days and a cough. Brynn also had hives for a few days. Mommy took us both to the doctor when we got home and I am back on Cipro for my cough. We're working really hard to get healthy again. This winter has been really hard on all of us. I'll leave you with a few pictures of Brynn sitting in some of her favorite spots. She loves to sit in anything she can fit into.
Love and hugs,

Luke William and Brynn Elyse

A Quick Update with Exciting News!!!

2011-04-17T20:15:00.004-05:00

I hope this blog entry finds everyone in good health and happiness. I wish I could say the same. We have been battling the icky cooties in this house most of the winter :( I came home sick from school on Monday, March 7th with a fever and cough. By Friday, I was back on oral Cipro for 20 days. I had to stay home from school for 2 weeks so my parents could give me treatments every 4 hours and to avoid the hospital. Unfortunately, Mommy and Brynn caught the bug too. Brynn went to the doctor on the 10th for her 12 month well baby check-up and ended up sick the next day. She weighed in at 20lbs 14oz and 31 inches long. She is in the 93rd percentile for height! On the down side, she had a double ear infection and wound up on Amoxicillin for 10 days. Mommy was on heavy duty decongestants and saline rinses. She ended up on antibiotics after 2 weeks also. I am happy to report we all survived and after about 3 weeks we were cootie free! But now it seems I have contracted another cootie and so we are trying to eliminate it early with more treatments. Here is a picture of Sissy and I when we started feeling better.Brynn also graduated from her high chair to a big girl seat at the table.She loves to sit with her feet up and eat.On to something better. I went to the pediatric dentist on March 25th. I did an excellent job! They counted and cleaned my teeth and at the end I had watermelon toothpaste. Next time they said they would take x-rays. They said I did so good that they gave me lots of gifts :) I think I will go back again.
Here is a picture of Brynn on her way to have lunch with Daddy.I was showing Sis the correct way on how to push her baby in the shopping cart.On April 9th, Daddy took me to a robotic contest. We had fun sitting in the bleachers at EMU and watching high school kids compete in different games with their robots. On Sunday, Mommy took me to my very first movie, Hop. We got a large tub of popcorn and had a great time watching the movie.Ok, now the exciting news. Daddy told us this week that we are moving to Iowa! He finally got the approval from his boss to work from home. Mommy says we are living in Maquoketa for the summer and then we will look for a house in the fall. We are so excited to be close to friends and family again!
Well, that's all for now. Mommy is taking Brynn and I to Iowa over Easter break. We will be home from the 22nd of April until May 1st. Call or stop by if you are around. We'd love to see ya!

Love,
Luke William and Brynn Elyse

Brynn Elyse turns ONE!!!

2011-03-06T15:14:00.013-05:00

Hello to everyone! When we last left you it was just before Valentines Day. Mommy and Daddy helped us make some delicious sugar cookies.On the 15th, Brynn went to get her first birthday pictures taken. Here are a few from her photo session.She also loved opening her birthday cards that came in the mail.The week of Brynn's birthday we had real bad weather and so I didn't have school all week. I got to stay home and help Mommy prepare for Brynn's birthday party. On Thursday, Grandma and Grandpa Otteman arrived along with Grandma Kris, Deb Millwright and her girls Emily and Kayla. Here I am coloring with Emily.Here's the birthday girl.We had a birthday dinner and then celebrated with cupcakes.After dinner, sissy opened her gifts from Mommy and Daddy. She got a new kitchen and a lamb.The next morning, Mommy took sissy and I swimming at the hotel where Grandma Kris, Deb and the girls were staying.While we were gone, Brynn's cakes were delivered. Her birthday cake matched her birthday invitations and decorations.Here is her smash cake. A perfect ladybug with RED and BLACK frosting. What were my parents thinking?We had lunch once everyone arrived and then opened presents. Sis got a lot of really great gifts. Then it was time to sing Happy Birthday and dig into that ladybug cake.Time for a bath!! Mommy said it was Daddy's turn.Here is sissy with her Godmothers Emily and Kayla.We had a great weekend with friends and family. It was so nice that everyone could come see us.
After everyone left on Sunday, Mommy and Daddy took us to the Imagination Station in Toledo, OH. So much to see and do. We started out at the dino dig. Here we are searching for dinosaur bones.We also hammered for fossils.Then Daddy and Mommy took a turn riding a bike across the museum.We had to find out which ball would go faster.Then we went to the ball refinery. We would place balls in a slot and they would be sucked up into a tube. Hard hats are required in this area :)Daddy and I did magnet clouds.Then I played a harp.And a piano.My favorite was the grocery store. I had so much fun shopping for food and scanning the items.Brynn enjoyed the slide. She went down several times.I also drove an ambulance.Here I am at the construction site.I had fun playing in the water area. Brynn did also. She was soaked from head to toe. All the ducks got a "kiss" from her.I had my last appointment for the nutritional study that I participated in on March 4th. They did my body fat measurements and another dexa scan. This scan measures the body fat in my entire body. Well, that's all for now. Mommy is planning on taking sissy and I to Iowa for a week and a half over Easter. We'd love to see everyone! I will leave you with a picture of Brynn and I playing in my tent. Daddy and I got to sleep in it over the weekend while Mommy was at work.
Until next time,

Luke William and Brynn Elyse

Great Wolf Lodge and Philadelphia

2011-02-07T13:03:00.013-05:00

We'll start off by saying that I finished my iv antibiotics on Jan 5th and my PICC line came out the very next morning. It was so nice to be finished after those 20 days! Here's a picture of my sister and I sitting on the couch watching our favorite show together, Team Umizoomi.Mommy took me shopping and out to lunch at Red Robin one afternoon. The outfit I'm wearing is the one I chose at Von Maur, and the balloon is from our lunch date.My sister sometimes falls asleep in her highchair :)She also got to play with some snow in a cup while I was at school.Brynn has gotten really good at standing alone and even taking a few steps!We both got new swim gear for our trip. Here Brynn is in her ladybug swim suit.Sissy also got her big girl car seat delivered before our big trip.We got a little snow so Daddy and I thought we should go shovel. I'm really good at it.
Then I had fun just pulling the sled around the yard.Brynn got into the suckers one morning when Daddy wasn't looking.Sis turned 11 months old on January 25th!! She has 8 teeth and is saying a few words too.On January 27th, I went to U of M for a check-up. I weighed in at 34lbs 9oz and was 39 3/4 inches long. Dr. Arteta feels that I am doing well and he didn't want to make any adjustments to my routine at this time.
Of course, the day before we left for our trip I had to get an ear infection :( Luckily, I was able to get into the doctors office and get some antibiotics before we left.
The next morning, February 2nd, we traveled to Sandusky, OH to Great Wolf Lodge for a little water park fun. We had got a snow storm that night so we weren't sure how long it would take us to get there.It ended up being pretty good traveling weather. We checked in and had lunch in our room before hitting the water park.
Here we are on the lazy river.I ventured down a slide at the Oak and Soak.Brynn enjoyed the water too.Here we are together.A very nice life guard took a family picture. The park was very empty. Great for us!!Mommy, Brynn and I splashing around.Daddy and I ventured out to Fort McKinley. We had fun splashing around, shooting water guns, turning a water wheel and watching the water splash out from the giant bucket.Later that evening, Daddy took me to the arcade for a while.Sis and I put on our pj's for a little show and story time in the lobby. They also made it "snow" on us.We stopped at the Bear Paw cafe for a picture.The next morning we played in the water park for a while and then headed to Philadelphia to visit Uncle Josh, Aunt Maria, cousin Marlee and Silas.
Cousin Marlee and Uncle Josh headed over to our hotel the next morning to go swimming. The water was very warm and we were the only ones in the pool.We then headed over to Uncle Josh and Aunt Maria's house for lunch. I went outside to play for a while in the yard.Then, we all played together in the living room.Here is my newest cousin, Silas.Cousin Marlee wanted to try on my vest. She really liked it and didn't want to take it off.Here is Grandpa Larson and Brynn.I decided to get on Grandpa's lap for a snuggle and laughs too.Uncle Josh let me play with his guitar. I loved playing it. Cousin Marlee joined me also.The next day was cousin Marlee's birthday party. Here is Daddy and Brynn.The birthday girl, Marlee.Uncle Josh gave Brynn some of Marlee's birthday cake.After the party, we headed back to the hotel for a hot bath. We were in bed early that night because we were exhausted from all the festivities.We had breakfast at Marlee's house before we left for home. I asked Mom to hold Silas.Then sissy climbed up for a hug.All of the Larson cousins together!Finally, Grandpa Bill with all of his grand kids. We had such a great time! Next up is sissy's first birthday!!
Until next time.

Love and hugs,

Luke William and Brynn Elyse

Hospital and Christmas 2010

2011-01-02T14:34:00.011-05:00

Let's get right down to it, okay? Five days after my birthday, I was admitted to U of M Motts. I just wasn't getting any better with the oral Cipro. We arrived Wednesday night at 8 p.m. and they quickly got me started. Daddy and Brynn dropped Mommy and I off in my room. The internal medicine doctor came in and told us they would draw some blood, start my i.v. and also get a chest x-ray. We had all of this done by 10:30 p.m. and then they were able to start my i.v. antibiotics. I never cried one time. Everyone thought I was such a good little boy!
The next morning we were really busy. Breathing treatments, doctors, physical therapy (they did some hand percussion on me), child life (they provided me with "entertainment" and gifts), dietitians, and nurses of course. I wasn't able to eat or drink since midnight because they were eager to get my PICC line placed. Mommy was eager too because she wanted to take me home as soon as possible. Mommy was able to accompany me to get my PICC line. We finally got to go around noon. They gave me some Fentanyl and Versed to make me sleepy. Funny thing is, I never went to sleep. Instead I was awake the whole time and trying to talk. Mommy said I was slurring my words and talking very slow. She thought it was pretty funny. When I was done they had to take a few x-rays to make sure it was in the right place. Then I got a bunch of gifts for being such a good boy! Here is my name that the child life people made for me to hang in my hospital room. It now hangs on my bedroom door.Just before dinner Daddy and sissy arrived. Sissy didn't stay long because she was hungry and tired. Mommy took her home and Daddy stayed with me. Daddy took me to the lounge to play Ms PacMan!The next day my doctor said I could go home because my antibiotic levels were perfect. We were so excited!! While we waited for everything to be set up, I went to the gym with my physical therapist to get in some exercise. I did the trampoline, rode a bike and played with some balls. It was a blast!Mommy and Brynn came around 2 p.m. so we could learn how Mommy and Daddy were going to give me my medicine. My meds and supplies were delivered around 3 p.m. and then we were on our way home. My home health nurse, Sherrie, met us at our house after we got home. She did an assessment on me and told us what to expect. She said she would be coming to our house every Tuesday to change my PICC line dressing and draw my blood. I get my antibiotics every eight hours and breathing treatments every four hours. Here I am getting my meds. This was Daddy's first time giving me my meds.I also have a pouch I can wear around my waist so I can still be mobile with my meds.So far we have done well at home and I should be finished with everything on January 5th.
Now on to happier things. Grandma and Grandpa Eaton came to celebrate Christmas with us! On Thursday, Grandma, Brynn, Mommy and I made sugar cookie dough. I had fun dumping in the ingredients and helping with the mixer.After dinner, we rolled out the cookie dough and cut out our cookies. Brynn enjoyed eating the cookie dough :)Grandpa and Macie supervised.We spent Christmas Eve hanging out and eating. Grandma, Grandpa and Mommy went out for breakfast and then shopping at the candle store. After dinner we decorated our cookies for Santa. I loved putting on the frosting and sprinkling little snowflakes on my cookies. Once again, Brynn just wanted to eat hers :)Here are our cookies for Santa.Grandma and Grandpa gave us a Frosty the snowman book that they recorded and read to us. I play it almost every day.Then Daddy read us The Night Before Christmas. We didn't sit very still for the story and it ended pretty quickly.We woke up the next morning to a load of presents!It didn't take us long to have them all open. Mommy and Daddy spent a good part of the morning taking everything out of the boxes.
Brynn got a dollhouse from Santa.I got an airplane!We also got blankets from Grandma and Grandpa. Mine has airplanes on it and Brynn's has lady bugs. She likes to dive into her blankies.Grandpa Larson sent us some Vikings gear. Here I am with my new hat!That night we had a big Christmas dinner and played with our new toys. We had such a good time.
Now for a few random pictures. Brynn sure loves her ducks!!She also enjoys pushing her new shopping cart. Her baby is in front and her purse is in back. She is pulling herself up, standing alone and saying "yeah" and "read".I also surprised my Mom and brushed Brynn's hair.I made Mom give me a ride on my lion. I'm a little big for it now but I didn't care.Here we are all ready for the Vikings football game. Daddy got to actually go to the game because they were playing in Detroit against the Lions.I hope you all had a great holiday! We sure did. Now we are planning our trip to Philadelphia to celebrate cousin Marlee's 2nd birthday in February.
Until next time,

Luke William and Brynn Elyse

Thanksgiving and "I'm 4"!!!

2010-12-12T15:50:00.016-05:00

Last time I left you we had just visited Pittsburgh. For the next two weeks it was business as usual. I had school every day and two more tumbling classes before we headed to Iowa for Thanksgiving. The week before we left I came down with an ear infection. With the help of good old Amoxicillin, I was better in no time. Unfortunately, I also gained some nasal congestion and my cough made a return after my 20 days of antibiotics in October. More on that later.
We made our way to Iowa on Wednesday the 24th. Brynn took over the driving for part of the way home. We had great weather and made it there before dinner.Grandma Dorothy was able to make it to our feast. It was so great to see her.She also gave us our Christmas presents early. We both got pillow pets. They sure are soft and fun to snuggle.Grandma Kris and Great Grandma Dorothy helped me with my I-Spy book.Here is Daddy and Brynn after lunch.Later, we went to Grandma and Grandpa Otteman's house. Before dinner we all took a little nap. I slept with Mommy on the couch and Uncle Jason snuggled with Brynn on another.We also got a chance to play some Wii.Brynn turned 9 months old on Thanksgiving Day. She is wearing the same outfit I wore at my first Thanksgiving.I also got a chance to hang out with Kenley Unruh.We also saw Ava and Caleb Peterson.Deb, Emily and Kayla Millwright stopped by to give us some early Christmas presents too!!Deb got a chance to read to Brynn just like she did for me when I was Brynn's age.Here we are with Grandma and Grandpa.All-in-all a great trip!!
On Monday, November 29th, Brynn had her 9 month check-up. She weighed in at 18lbs 12oz and 29 inches long. Everything checked out great and she is right on track.
I went to U of M on Tuesday December 7th. I weighed 34lbs 3oz. Dr. Arteta is concerned because I am coughing too much. He told us I am having an exacerbation of my CF. He decided to give us another chance on oral antibiotics at home. If I do not get better in a week, or if this cough gets better and returns in another month, then I will have to go into the hospital for IV antibiotics :( Dr. Arteta says I will need IV antibiotics for 2 weeks. So far I have been on antibiotics for 5 days and I am coughing less but not there yet. Daddy plans on calling my Dr. tomorrow to see what we should do at this point. Pray for me that I get better and don't have to spend time in the hospital.
We got our pictures taken on December 2nd. Here are some of my birthday pictures.Grandma and Grandpa Otteman made the trip from Iowa for my birthday!! We spent the day running errands and having lunch together at TGIFridays. At 6p.m. was my party at the Putt-n-Glow in Ann Arbor. When we got there I noticed my name was written on the wall!Here's my preschool friend Abbie.All of my wonderful friends.Daddy's friend Merritt with his boys Brennan and Connor.My cake had a golf cart on it!We all got to wear glow-in-the-dark necklaces and bracelets.Here I am golfing.My friend Toby and his Mom Kym.Abbie and Brennan taking turns.Brynn and Harrison got in some "play time" too.My hole-in-one on hole 17!!After one round of golf I opened my presents.We all got to play one more round and then it was time to go. Abbie gave me a kiss goodbye.The next day we went to Briarwood Mall to see Santa and then to Braun's to get our Christmas tree.We brought it home and decorated it after dinner. Here I am with Grandma Ann.Grandpa Bill and I.Daddy and Brynn took a turn. Brynn wanted to put her duck on the tree :)Grandma Ann and Brynn gently placed an ornament.Here we are with our tree!!!I'll leave you with a few other pictures. Brynn standing by the gate and riding my lion. That was one of my favorite toys. She is now waving, clapping and crawling.Sis and I also like to play cars and trucks together.Next up is CHRISTMAS!! We're having Grandma and Grandpa Eaton, along with their dog Macie, here for the holidays.
Until next time,

Luke William and Brynn Elyse

Halloween and Pittsburgh

2010-11-08T21:09:00.013-05:00

Happy fall to my fellow readers! We'll start off with our annual trip to Wiards Orchard. We spent a few hours taking in the sights and sounds of fall. We fed the animals from an ice cream cone.Dad and I played a few rounds of mini golf. My favorite!And of course our usual hay ride through The Valley of the Lost.Sissy and I took a load off by some pumpkins.After a few other activities, it was time to find our perfect pumpkins.The next afternoon Mommy and Daddy carved our pumpkins.On Monday, October 25th, Brynn was 8 months old.October 28th was my Halloween party at school. Daddy came to school and joined in the fun with me. We played several games and then had music class.The next evening, Mommy and Daddy took us trick-or-treating in Milan. Brynn was a ladybug and I was an Air Force pilot.Brynn fell asleep during our trick-or-treat.On Friday, November 5th, we took a trip to Pittsburgh, PA to meet up with Uncle Josh, Aunt Maria and cousin Marlee. Welcome to Pittsburgh!We got to stay at the Embassy Suites for 2 nights. We went swimming every day and even took a trip to the Childrens Hands on Museum. They had some really cool exhibits. The first thing we saw was Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. Mommy loved the puppets.I got to sit on his couch and see his famous shoes and sweaters.You could climb in a castle and open doors to see a surprise.This was a really cool sand wheel that you could spin and watch the sand fall.My favorite was their new All About Air exhibit. I got to put on these cool goggles and climb inside a wind tunnel. They let us throw things around and watch them fly.I also got to dress up like a pilot.Here I am playing with trains.Brynn had a good time playing on the floor with toys too!On the third floor was a giant water exhibit. They had huge water tables and an area where you could put tubes together to make a water line.Aunt Maria would read us night time stories.Here is Brynn with Uncle Josh.Here are the princesses, Marlee and Brynn.My beautiful sissy.Here are the Larson cousins by the beautiful waterfall and fish.Me and my sis.Uncle Josh, Aunt Maria and cousin Marlee sitting by the fish.Here is my family :)We had a great weekend and hopefully can do it again!
I have two more weeks left of tumbling and then we will head to Iowa for Thanksgiving. I am looking forward to spending time with my family and eating some great food. I will leave you with a picture of Brynn and I playing with our fridge letters and a few of Brynn. She is learning to crawl and is cutting her top two teeth :) She will definitely be enjoying Thanksgiving dinner this year.
Love and hugs,

Luke William and Brynn Elyse

Star Wars & Stuff

2010-10-24T19:11:00.010-05:00

I hope everyone is enjoying the change of color this fall. It certainly is beautiful here in Michigan. On September 24th we took advantage of the nice weather and joined my class for a trip to Trabbic Farms. They had a huge selection of pumpkins and animals. We also got a chance to take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch to pick pumpkins. They gave us popcorn for the ride out and then donuts and cider for when we returned. The farmer then pulled out a huge pumpkin ride that would pull us around the farm and spin us in circles. What fun!! The only problem was the wind was blowing around 50 mph. Very dusty but lots of fun! I have no pictures to show you because Mommy thinks they may have been erased from the camera :(
On September 30th, Grandpa Larson had to have surgery in Minnesota. Daddy left Michigan to be with Grandpa to take him to the hospital and then spend time with him after surgery to help out. That meant Grandma and Grandpa Eaton got to come spend the weekend with us so Mommy could still go to work. Here is a giant card Brynn and I made for Grandpa Larson. I am happy to report he is very well and getting back to speed.Here is sissy with Macie.Brynn also got to try out her duckie tub for the first time. She loves to splash in the water. We had a great time with Grandma and Grandpa. Lots of quality time together while Mommy worked and slept. Bad part was I was not feeling well. I had got quite the cold a few days before they came. Also, Mommy caught the bug too :(October 5th, we went to U of M for my 3 month check-up. I weighed in at 34.3 lbs and 39". I actually had gained a little weight despite my enzymes not working since June. Dr. Arteta had to switch me to the very last option of enzymes called Pancreaze. This medication is new and just started being produced in September. He also suggested I go on an antibiotic for 20 days to clear up my cold. If I wasn't feeling better in 5-10 days I was going to have to be admitted to the hospital for more aggressive treatment. I am very elated that did not have to happen. Mommy is also feeling better too. It took us both a long time to shake this nasty virus. And, my enzymes are finally working :)
Thursday October 7th, we took a short drive to Houpt's pumpkin farm in Dundee. We met other families from the Monroe ISD to enjoy an evening of fun on the farm. We took a hay ride, walked the corn maze and played golf. My favorite!We joined the Randall family on October 9th for the annual Buddy Walk. This year we traveled to the Palace of Auburn Hills where the Detroit Pistons play. We had wonderful weather as we took a stroll around the Palace. I also got to take a ride on a train with Toby and his dad Scott.Later, I got to meet several characters from Star Wars. Here I am with Obi Wan Kenobi.I also got a picture with one of the sand people, a storm trooper and Darth Vader.Here we are at the starting line. All the good guys from Star Wars started us off.The bad characters from Star Wars and cheer leaders from the Detroit Pistons welcomed us at the finish line.
I got to carry Ben's sign for a while during our walk.Afterwords, we decided to go to Rain Forest Cafe for lunch. I got close to an alligator, elephant and fish.Here is Brynn and I in our Vikings gear getting ready for the Monday night football game.Brynn also got to sit in Mommy's rocking chair from when she was a little girl for the first time. This chair was given to Mommy by her Great Grandma Scott. It now sits in Brynn's room.Last but not least, we had dinner with Amy, Justin and Harrison on October 19th. I had a great time playing with the ball popper and Brynn played next to Harrison. We all had a great time chatting and playing while eating pizza.We are looking forward to Halloween and a trip to Pittsburgh to meet with Uncle Josh, Aunt Maria and Marlee the first weekend of November.
I will leave you with a picture of me and sissy being silly in my sunglasses.
Love and hugs,

Luke William and Brynn Elyse

Brynn's Baptism

2010-09-21T13:51:00.008-05:00

What a wonderful end to a great summer! Brynn had her 6 month check-up with Dr. Weinberg on Monday August 30th. She weighed in at a whopping 16lbs 14oz (67th percentile) and was 27 1/4 inches long (93rd percentile). She is a growing girl!
Mommy also had a babysitter come for a day so she could get some sleep after a long night at work. Here we are with our sitter, Amber.Thursday, September 2nd, we traveled to Iowa to spend some time with family and friends. We stayed with Grandma and Grandpa Otteman. I had a great time using the bubble machine while doing my treatments.Grandma Ann cuddled with Brynn and managed to get her to sleep.We spent Friday and Saturday having fun with all the Grandparents (and Macie too). On Saturday evening we all went to church for Brynn's baptism. Mommy and Daddy felt it was best if I spent time with some family friends while everyone else was at church. I met up with them afterwords for pictures.
Great-Grandma Dorothy joined us for the occasion, along with Grandma and Grandpa Eaton.Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Scott also made it to church.Here is Pastor Judy Heinrich.Emily and Kayla Millwright were Brynn's sponsors.Grandpa Larson looked nice with Brynn.Grandma and Grandpa Otteman along with Uncle Jason.We had a nice party at Grandma and Grandpa Otteman's house. Here is Brynn's beautiful cake.Mommy and Daddy also got her a nice bouquet of flowers with lady bugs in it.Here we are cuddling with Uncle Jason.On Sunday, we went and spent some time with Midge and Louie.We then had brunch with Grandma Bev at Grandma and Grandpa Eaton's house. It was so nice to see her since we don't get to very often. Deb, Emily and Kayla also joined us for the yummy quiche.Sunday evening we headed to Jessica and Jason's house for a cookout. Grandpa Larson pushed Brynn in a toy car. She loved it!I spent some time in the sandbox with Ava, Caleb and Kenley.Then it was off to jump on the trampoline with Ava.We had a great dinner and lots of fun!!On Tuesday, September 7th, we had Preschool orientation. It was nice to get back in my classroom. Thursday was my first day back to school. Mommy took my picture right as the bus was pulling into the driveway. I had a great first day and enjoy going in the afternoon.Brynn also got her two bottom front teeth. If you look really close you can see them.She loves to chew on carrots! By the way, she is sitting up all by herself.Mommy had a good laugh about what I chose for dinner one night. Macaroni and cheese, cheese poofs and cheese slices. HOLY CHEESE!!I continue to go to tumbling once a week and school Monday through Thursday. I have my routine appointment at U of M the first week of October. Oh, and one really exciting bit of news....I AM POTTY-TRAINED. WOOO HOOOO!!!!! Mommy and Daddy took me shopping to pick out my new underwear. I am so proud of myself.
I will leave you with a picture of myself and sissy. We really love each others company :)
Love and hugs,

Luke William and Brynn Elyse

A Little of This & A Little of That

2010-08-26T16:43:00.009-05:00

As summer is coming to a close, I thought I would update my blog again. As always, my sister and I have been keeping very busy. My final tumbling class and speech session was on August 17th. I enjoyed the tumbling so much that Mommy signed me up for the fall/winter session that runs until December. After that, Mommy says I have to take swimming lessons. Here are a few pictures of me at my last class. I am attempting the unthinkable; a somersault.On August 20th, Uncle Josh, Aunt Maria and cousin Marlee traveled from Philadelphia to spend a few days with us. Saturday was a rainy day so we went to Jungle Java. It is an indoor play place and cafe.Saturday evening Brynn had her first taste of baby food. Mommy gave her green beans. I don't think she really liked them. She had a few bites and that was it. Since then, she has eaten a whole jar each day at lunch. She really liked the squash, sweet peas and carrots.Sunday, we went to the Toledo Zoo. It was the perfect day to see the animals. Here I am with Daddy.We got really close to the gorillas.I also took a walk through a beautiful garden.Later in the day when it got hot, I took a refreshing dip in the stream at Nature's Neighborhood.Marlee and I took turns hatching from an egg.I also got a chance to pet and chase a goat.Mommy and I were truly impressed with the hippos this year. They came really close and opened their huge mouths to eat. We spent a lot of time watching them as I kept asking for more.Of course a trip to the zoo means a visit to see the polar bears. Here we are being silly next to the giant stuffed polar bear.Uncle Josh spent some quality time with Brynn.On Tuesday morning, Mommy lined us up for a photo. This is the first photo of the cousins together. Aunt Maria and Uncle Josh will be adding another cousin in December!We also got a picture with Uncle Josh and Aunt Maria before they left.Brynn just celebrated her 6 month birthday on August 25th. She will be seeing Dr. Weinberg for her check-up next week.We also wanted to let you know that Brynn will be baptized on Saturday September 4th at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa, Iowa. We will also be having a little celebration party at Grandma an Grandpa Otteman's house afterward. All are welcome to attend.
Last but not least, I will be going back to school soon. I found out that I will be attending the same school but will have a different teacher and I will also be going in the afternoon.
My treatments have been going well and I have been staying healthy. They did have to change my enzymes due to the FDA pulling my Ultrase off the shelf. They were not FDA approved and so they are hoping to have them approved soon. In the meantime, I was changed to Creon capsules but they did not agree with me. I have had some stomach issues for a while now and therefore not absorbing my food. I was recently switched to another medication called Zenpep. We are hoping that this medication will work. So far my absorption is getting better but not quite there yet. I will keep you posted. Looking forward to our trip to Iowa Labor Day weekend. I will leave you with a picture of Daddy reading my favorite book by Dr. Seuss and sissy and I playing the piano.
Hugs and kisses to all,

Luke William and Brynn Elyse

Minnesota, airplanes, and visitors

2010-08-11T17:57:00.017-05:00

Hello to all my readers. This summer has been very exciting for my little sister Brynn and I. We recently took a trip to Minnesota to see Grandpa Larson. It was a 12 hour drive and I don't mean to brag, but Brynn and I handled it perfectly. We had a lot of fun playing outside on the swing, 4-wheeler, and 3-wheel bike.

We also picked corn and potatoes from the garden for dinner. I learned how to shuck corn and throw out the bad potatoes.

After a couple days at Grandpa's house we headed down to Mankato for the Minnesota Vikings training camp, GO PURPLE!! We had fun watching practice and swimming in the pool at the hotel. We also had a chance to catch up with one of the Vikings Quarterbacks Sage Rosenfels. He went to high school with Mommy and Daddy. While in Minnesota I also picked up Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin jerseys so I am prepared for football season.

After training camp we headed to Bloomington. We had dinner at Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Lynn's house and I played with my cousins Miles, Nick, Alex, and Elaina all afternoon and evening. It was great to see them since they used to live here in MI and moved to MN when I was a baby.

The next day we headed to the Mall of America. We took a trip through the aquarium to see all the fish, turtles, and other sea animals, it was really cool. I even touched a starfish!!

After the aquarium it was on to the Nickelodeon theme park in the mall. We went on a really cool roller coaster a bunch of times and a few other rides.

We had lunch at the Rainforest Cafe and then I met Spongebob and Patrick.

After the mall we spent a few more days at Grandpa's house. We had a couple campfires and saw a bunch of Daddy's extended family. I had fun playing with all the other kids.

When we made it home from Minnesota we only had a few hours to prepare for our next adventure. Mommy's friend (and my Godmother) Jessica and her daughter Kenley came to visit us for the weekend. We had a lot of fun playing together. On Friday, Daddy worked from home and took care of Brynn while the rest of us spent the day at Rolling Hills water park. It was a great day and we were exhausted. I showed Kenley my nightly snack routine and she even got to hold Brynn.
On Saturday we went to Willow Run Airport for the Thunder in the Air show. We saw a lot of fast and loud planes. I was in heaven watching the planes fly in formations and do rolls, turns, and dives. We are definitely going to make this an annual event!

On July 12th I finished my potty chart. Mommy gave me my certificate and took my picture. We then had fun making a new chart with paper and markers. I continue to do well going on the potty but I am not fully there yet.
I will leave you with a picture of me sitting in Brynn's glider playing the Wii, Brynn's 5 month old picture and a silly photo of Brynn playing in her toy bin.
That's all for now, I'm looking forward to a visit from my cousin Marlee in a couple of weeks. Take care everyone.

Love Luke William and Brynn Elyse

Iowa and Cedar Point

2010-07-11T19:56:00.013-05:00

Hello everyone!! I've had a few new adventures this summer so I thought I would share them with you. On June 20th I traveled to Iowa all by myself. Mommy, Daddy, and sister Brynn drove with me to the edge of Indiana to meet up with Grandma and Grandpa Otteman. I traveled on to Maquoketa to stay with Grandma and Grandpa for the week. We had a great time going to the park, checking out the Aquarium, Putnam museum and also the water park.I also got to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa Eaton. We had a nice time coloring, putting together puzzles and of course playing with Macie.Thursday afternoon I got to go swimming with Jessica and then go fishing with Jason, Jessica, and Kenley. Daddy was a little sad that he was not with me when I caught my very first fish.I had a very exciting week and look forward to spending time with everyone again.
Brynn also had a few milestones in the month of June. Mommy decided to start her on cereal June 13th. She cried the entire time she was eating but did a very good job.Tuesday, June 22nd, Brynn rolled over from her back to her belly for the first time. On Monday, June 28th, Brynn had her 4 month check-up. She weighed 14 lbs and was 25 1/2 inches long. Dr. Weinberg said she looked great. Here is her 4 month picture.On June 29th I started my summer speech sessions. My teachers name is Teri and we hit it off right away. I will be meeting with her 5 times over the summer.
Mommy and Daddy took sissy and I to Cedar Point Resort in Sandusky, Ohio on July 3rd. Here's a picture of the park as we were driving. We checked in to the Hotel Breakers on Lake Erie for the weekend. We headed to our room and quickly changed to hit the beach. I wasn't so sure about the sand at first but I slowly warmed up.Ready for the beach.Brynn loved to rub her toes in the sand and even got a handful in her mouth :(We spent the entire weekend between the beach and the 3 pools on the resort.We had a great view of the park from our window. I could sit there and watch the roller coasters all day.Brynn and I got all dressed up for the 4th.I don't know what was so funny?After dinner we headed to the beach to get a spot for the fireworks. They were awesome!I've also spent some time splashing in the pool at home this summer.Brynn and I decided to give Dad a call at work. It was her turn to talk to Daddy.Brynn fell asleep in her jumper.And then I fell asleep with my football.This summer has been a blast so far and it is only half way over. I have my yearly check-up with Dr. Weinberg tomorrow and then I start tumbling on Tuesday. We will be traveling to Minnesota at the end of the month to visit Grandpa Larson,visit the Mall of America, and see the Minnesota Vikings practice!!
Oh....almost forgot, I started to go pee in the potty this week :) I am doing a wonderful job. Mommy and Daddy are so proud. We all clap and put stickers on my progress chart.

Love and hugs to all,

Luke William and Brynn Elyse

Memorial Weekend 2010

2010-06-09T10:54:00.026-05:00

Happy summer to my friends and family. We traveled to Iowa for the holiday weekend. We left Thursday night and arrived in Maquoketa at 12:30 a.m. on Friday. Right away in the morning we were busy making our rounds to see all of our family and friends. Jessica and Kenley came over Friday morning. I decided to share my delicious donuts with her.Jessica and Kenley both had a turn holding Brynn.I also enjoyed giving Kenley hugs and kisses. It's been a long time since we've seen each other.We then traveled to the farm to visit Great Grandma and Grandpa Scott. We were surprised to see Great Aunt Kathy with Jayla. Also, Kelly, Karyn and their new daughter Kyanna. Fabio, Jill and their girls Riley and Mckenzie.On Saturday morning we stopped to see Great Grandma Dorothy. She got in some cuddle time with Brynn as I was busy playing with cars and trucks.Saturday afternoon was the Stender family reunion. It was very hot so Dad and I took a break on the deck.Here is the Otteman/Larson family.I got to spend some quality time with my cousin Marlee.Grandma Kris cuddling with Brynn.Sunday morning, Jason, Jessica and Kenley came over to see us.I got to take Marlee for a ride in our new mustang. Grandpa Otteman bought it for us to ride when we come to Iowa.It was a great weekend with lots of visitors and fun. We are looking forward to another family visit for Labor Day weekend. Brynn will be getting baptized on Saturday Sept 4th at First Lutheran Church.
On June 8th, I had my last day of school. We celebrated with a family picnic at Carr Park. We spent the morning playing at the park and singing songs with Ms Laurel. We ended the day with lunch and more play time.I will be traveling to Iowa to spend a week with my Grandparents on June 20th. Mommy and Daddy thought I would have a great time with everyone by myself. I will also be receiving speech therapy throughout the summer.
I want to share with you a few random pictures. First is a picture of me sleeping in the desk chair during my night time snack. I sometimes get very sleepy eating all of that wonderful fattening food!Brynn has also found her thumb! She sometimes likes to twirl her hair while sucking her thumb.Here is a picture of me doing my treatment while playing on the computer. I have gotten pretty good at navigating the internet and games.More pictures of my beautiful sister.
Well, until next time.

Love,

Luke William

Painting, Great Strides, New Rooms and The Zoo :)

2010-05-13T18:26:00.010-05:00

What a busy month. So much stuff going on that we have been spinning in circles. First of all I have been teaching my sister how to paint. We had so much fun making Brynn's hand and foot wall painting just like I did when I was her age. Mommy helped her but I showed her how it was done. Mommy bought a new frame and painted it red to match her room. Here are pictures of us painting and the end result.
We also had my annual Great Strides walk on May 8th. Grandma Ann and Grandpa Bill made the trip from Iowa to walk with us. We also had a lot of friends (and a few furry friends) walk with us. The weather was very windy, cold and rainy but we walked on with a smile on our face, (maybe it was just the wind blowing our lips in different directions). After the walk we drove to our house and had a bar-b-que. I had a great time chasing the puppies around the house. I was so tired from all the fun, I fell asleep waiting for Daddy to do my breathing treatment.Thank you so much for all the generous donations. We raised close to $3000.00 and the donations are still coming in. I am so thankful for my wonderful family and friends, because without your support, I may never receive such wonderful care from my doctors as I do now. New medications and treatments come out quite frequently and that is the direct effect of your donations.Mommy and Daddy have been very busy getting our new rooms ready. Brynn has moved into the spare room and I now have a new big boy bed. Brynn's room is decorated in pink and red with lady bug decor. My room is a camping theme. Here a few pictures of our new rooms.On May 13th, we went to the Toledo Zoo with my preschool class. I rode the bus to the zoo with my friends and met Mommy, Daddy and sister Brynn at the front entrance. Here is Mommy and I looking at the ducks in the fountain.My friend Nick and I by a lion statue.Here we are at the Gorilla exhibit.Daddy and Brynn looking at the fishies.These are some giant crabs!Wow! Jellyfish.Here's a "Nemo" fish.We took some time to play at the play ground. I liked going down the twisty slide inside this giant boulder.We had a great day at the zoo and both Brynn and I slept the entire ride home.
We will be traveling to Iowa for Memorial Day weekend. We hope to see many of you so I can introduce you to my sister.
I will leave you with a picture of my beautiful sister, Brynn, and of course one of me kissing her. I love to kiss my sister.
Love and hugs,

Luke William and Brynn Elyse

Easter 2010 and Festifools

2010-04-14T18:38:00.012-05:00

Hello to my friends and family. So far this spring has been loaded with lots of new adventures and great weather. Here's a picture of me with my Daddy and sister.On March 25th, Grandma and Grandpa Otteman came for a visit. Here they are meeting my sister, Brynn, for the first time.We had a great weekend just hanging out and playing. I also ate corn on the cob for the first time. Yummy :)On Friday, April 2nd, Grandma Kris and Grandpa Bob came for a last minute visit for Easter. They also brought their dog, Macie. Macie and I had a great time chasing each other around the house. We were both worn out by the end of the weekend.Daddy also put together my new play set. Here are pictures from the beginning to the end. I would help by handing him screws.More pictures of me trying out my new play set.Here is Grandma Kris feeding my sister and Grandpa Bob holding her.On Saturday night we enjoyed a nice Easter dinner and then dyed Easter eggs. Brynn got in on the action even though she was sleeping. Mommy helped her dye and decorate her eggs. I even decorated an egg for Macie.On Sunday morning Brynn and I woke up to Easter baskets full of toys and books.After breakfast we went outside and hunted for Easter eggs. I found close to 50 eggs in our yard!Happy Easter everyone!On Sunday April 11th, we went to downtown Ann Arbor for the annual Festifools parade. It was a beautiful day.I also had my visit at U of M on April 13th. This is the time of year when I have my chest x-ray and blood work done. I was a good boy and received lots of stickers. I also weighed in at 32.2 lbs and grew half an inch. They said my weight gain since January was a little over 2 lbs. Dr. Arteta was happy with my progress and made no changes in my treatment at this time.
Again, I would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone about Great Strides. You still have time to sign up for the walk and make a donation. Any donation is appreciated. You can click on the link below to make your donation and sign up to walk with me. We continue to be excited about all the new research that is being conducted. If you would like to learn about new medications and treatments, you may do so by visiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation website found at the right side of my page.
I will leave you with a picture of our new family of four (our hands that is) and a picture of me and my baby sister at her 1 month b-day.
Love and hugs,

Luke William

Spring Ahead and Great Strides 2010

2010-03-17T21:11:00.008-05:00

Hello everyone, Spring is finally here!! I have been getting out to play now that the weather is warming up. I drove my Gator in the last of the snow, counted to over 200 on my swing, and even got in a round of golf.

Grandma Kris and Grandpa Larson were with us for some of the good weather too. Here are a couple more pics from their visit.

Last weekend Grandpa and Daddy took me to the hands-on museum in Ann Arbor. We met Scott and Toby there and had a great time playing with everything and having lunch together.

I also want to let you all know that it is time for my Great Strides walk of 2010. The walk is at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor this year on Saturday May 8th. Please visit the link at the bottom of this page or click here to sign up to walk with me or make a donation to the CF Foundation in my name. Your donations are greatly appreciated as we work towards our goal of $3000 this year. About 90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to CF research and your donation is tax deductible. Thank you very much for your support and we hope to see many of you join our team and walk with us.

That's all for now, love and hugs to everybody,

Luke William

I'm A Big Brother!!!

2010-03-07T20:04:00.009-05:00

Big news!!!! I became a big brother on Thursday February 25th at 10:17 p.m. My little sister Brynn Elyse was born at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI; the same place where I was born and where Mommy works. She was a whopping 6lbs 15oz and was 19 inches long, which is a lot bigger than I was when I was born. Grandpa Larson was here from Minnesota, thankfully, so that he could stay with me and Mommy and Daddy could go to the hospital. Mommy and Daddy left for the hospital at 4:00 p.m. and she was born at 10:17 p.m. She came real quick. Daddy came home real early in the morning so when I woke up he would be here. I spent the morning with Daddy and then he went and spent the afternoon with Mommy and Brynn at the hospital. It was snowing and really cold outside so Daddy thought I should just stay home and play with Grandpa.On Saturday, Mommy and Brynn came home from the hospital. I was a little mad at Mommy at first but I was quickly hugging and cuddling with her again. I was real excited to meet my new sister. I was hugging and kissing her immediately. Things are going well and we are all adjusting to the new addition.Now back to what I've been up to. February 7th was Mommy's birthday. She worked the night before so she slept until lunch. We then went to my friend's birthday party at the Monroe Sports Complex. We got to have pizza and bounce. We spent a few hours going down inflatable slides and bouncing around. Here I am with Ethan, the birthday boy.Bouncing and sliding.After the party, we went home and Daddy made a big birthday dinner for Mommy. We watched the Superbowl and had birthday cake.
Making my Valentines box for school.On Monday, February 8th, Mommy was 36 weeks. Daddy takes Mommy's belly picture every month. This time I wanted to show off my belly too!!Pointing at our babies.Kissing the baby.The next night we made Valentines cookies. I had fun stirring and rolling out the dough.On Valentines day we went to visit my babysitter Amy, her boyfriend, Justin, and their new baby Harrison. We had a nice time holding the baby and having pizza together.Friday, February 19th, I came home from school sick. I had fallen off the bed the night before and bumped my lip and on Friday I wasn't feeling well. Mommy thought I might have a concussion but it turns out I had a really high fever and what they think was a virus. Mommy stayed home from work all weekend to help take care of me. I spent the whole time on the couch sleeping. Lots of Motrin and Tylenol for the next 5 days. I was out from school for over a week. Thankfully I was feeling better when Mommy had to go to the hospital to have my sister.
It's been so nice having Grandpa Larson here as well as Grandma Kris. They both got to spend some time with me at my school. We sure will miss them when they leave. I'll leave you with more pictures of my sister and sledding with Daddy and Grandpa.I brought my sister her dolly. I felt she needed it.

Love and hugs,

Luke William (big brother)

Christmas 2009

2010-01-31T20:09:00.007-05:00

Happy holidays to my family and friends. What an exciting couple of weeks. We had a house full of family for Christmas. It was so much fun getting to play with my cousin Marlee and have Grandma, Grandpas, Uncles and an Aunt to have so much fun with. Everyone made it by Christmas Eve. Daddy even got out some of my old toys for Marlee to play with. I had to show her how to play my piano and then I did my treatment on my chair.We had a big family dinner and then decorated cookies for Santa!After making cookies Daddy showed me where Santa had been and where he was headed. It was really cool to see Santa flying through the air on his way to my house.Christmas morning, we woke up to a huge pile of presents. I got so many neat things. A talking Elmo, books, marble race tower, puzzles, Tag Jr books, clothes, games and playdoh. So many new things I didn't know where to start. We had a great day playing with toys and enjoying a lot of food.Here's Uncle Jason and I taking a break.Grandma and I playing with my marble race tower. Certainly one of my most favorite gifts. It has been a permanent fixture in our living room ever since.Daddy, Mommy and Grandpa Viking played Candy Land with me. Of course I won several times.Then Uncle Josh and cousin Marlee had to get in on the action.On Sunday, Grandma Ann, Grandpa Bill and Uncle Jason headed back to Iowa. For the next two days it was just Uncle Josh, Aunt Maria, Marlee and Grandpa Viking. On Monday night, me and the guys stayed home and watched the Vikings game while Mommy and Aunt Maria went to see a movie. We did lots of cool guy things.
Monday morning, Mommy and Daddy took me to U of M to get my cast off. It didn't hurt and I got lots of stickers for being a good patient. I didn't want to walk on it at first, but by the next afternoon I was running around again.
On January 6th I had my routine appt at U of M. I weighed 30.7 lbs and was 3 ft 1 inches tall. No new changes in my regimen this time. Dr. Arteta said I looked great and he would see me in April.
January 25th I took my first trip to the dentist. Mommy went first so I could watch what they do. I wasn't scared at all, that is until it was my turn. I sat in the chair, put on the "bib" and some really cool sunglasses. I even got to play with the "water gun" and "mr. thirsty". But that's where it ends. No more for me. With much reluctance, my hygentist got a quick look in my mouth and then we left. I will go back in 6 months and try again. She said everything looked good so far.Sunday, January 31st, Mommy and Daddy took me to see Sesame Street Live in Detroit. We left kind-of early so we of course had to stop at my favorite breakfast spot, Tim Hortons, for some yummy donuts.When we arrived, we were amazed at the beauty of the Fox Theater. We had great seats and the show was awesome. Lots of lights and music. I also got a new light up Elmo toy. At the end they shot off streamers and confetti. I had a streamer in each hand as I walked out.On our way home we stopped at TGI Fridays for lunch. We were so tired that we came home and had a big nap.
Well, that's it for now. School is going great and I still go 3 times a week. I have been making progress in my speech and also started potty training. I love to sit on my potty, just still not sure what I should do. I will keep trying though.

Love to everyone,

Luke William

My Third Birthday

2009-12-17T19:33:00.016-05:00

Hello everyone. As you may know I turned three last week. Thursday night we went to Chuck E. Cheese for pizza and fun. We had a big group of 20 including 4 kids and 16 adults. It was great to hang out with Brennan, Connor, and Toby. I had fun playing with the TV cameras, playing skee ball, basketball, and playing the other games and going on rides. Chuck E. Cheese even came out to sing happy birthday to me. Then we had some yummy Elmo cake. All of my friends gave me the tickets they won so I could get a robo panda toy...it looked way cooler than it actually is. Here are some pics from the party.
Grandma and Grandpa Eaton came to Michigan for my birthday weekend. On Friday morning we headed to Ohio to go to the big water-park Kalahari. After we checked in we found a cake and balloons in our room for my birthday. We spent the afternoon playing on the slides and in the wave pool. We had our own cabana to hang out in when we needed a break from the water too. After dinner Mom took me to the big game room before we headed back to the water. Here are some pics from the water-park.

We woke up Saturday morning with plans to play at the water park all day before heading back to Michigan but when I got out of bed I could not walk. I told Mom & Dad that my leg hurt so instead of spending the day at the water-park we headed back to Michigan to go to the ER. After a long six hours the doctors said I fractured my tibia. They put a cast on my leg and sent me on my way. Here's a pic of me sleeping with Mom after the cast was put on.
Since Grandma and Grandpa were here we had a Christmas with them and I got to open all of my presents and even help Grandma and Mommy open theirs.

After Grandma & Grandpa left Sunday morning we went out in search of a Christmas tree. This is the first year we decided to get a real tree. We decided on a seven and a half foot tall Douglas fir and tied it on the top of Mommy's SUV to get it home. We got home in time to watch football and decorate the tree.

I'm looking forward to more family visiting soon and opening a bunch of Christmas presents. Take care everyone. I'll leave you with another pic of me and my cast.

Luke William

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-09T17:54:00.006-05:00

I hope everyone had a great turkey day. Of course I was in Iowa visiting my family and friends. But first I would like to tell you that I had another lung function test done on Nov. 18th. This should be my last for a while as I am too big to fit in the box and I am too little to do what they ask of me. Thank goodness because this last one was rough. Daddy took me to my appointment because Mommy needed to rest for work. My appointment was at 1p.m. and we didn't get home until 4:30p.m. They had some equipment issues during my test. I threw up a few times from the anesthesia before Daddy could get me home. Once home, I laid on the couch and slept. Every time I tried to drink any water I would throw it back up. Mommy decided to stay home that night from work because I was so drowsy and sick. I ended up sleeping 17 hours straight. I was finally able to keep water down after midnight. I didn't go to school the next morning because I was still sleepy and Mommy wanted to see if I could keep breakfast down. By noon I was sleeping again. When I woke up an hour later I had a low grade temp and my left ear hurt. Mommy then had to take me to the doctor and get some medicine for my ear infection. I am happy to report that I am 100% better. What a rough couple of days though. Now on to Thanksgiving.
We traveled to Iowa on Wednesday night. It rained our whole drive home but luckily there wasn't much traffic. We had Thanksgiving lunch at Grandma Ann and Grandpa Bill's house. Here I am with Uncle Jason stacking blocks.We then went to Grandma Kris and Grandpa Bob's house for dinner. Grandma Kris had a job for me to do when I got there. She needed me to put in the child safety plugs into the empty outlets. Mommy told her I like to do this at home. She gave me a basket full of them and I went to town looking for empty plug ins.Here I am with Great Grandma Dorothy. It was so nice to see her. Deb Millwright and her girls also joined us for dinner. They gave me a really neat shirt for my birthday!Daddy's friend Sol stopped by after dinner. Mommy said they needed a mans night out.On Friday, we went to the farm to visit more family. Here I am with cousins Bayne and Clare. I had to say hi to Clare and lay next to her for a few minutes.Great Aunt Glenda played tractors with me.Then it was time to work. I helped by throwing wood down the chute to the basement to be stacked. It was a lot of fun.After lunch, Mommy's friend Erin stopped by to see me. She was on her way back to Colorado. It was nice of her to stop by.After dinner we went to Grandma Kris's house. Mommy's friend Jessica came over with her daughter Kenley. We had fun running around the house and chasing Grandma's dog Macie.Saturday, we stopped out at Eden Valley to take a walk and see Grandpa Bill and Uncle Jason. Daddy and I crossed the swinging bridge and we also took a walk up to the tower.For lunch we went to Ava Peterson's 3rd birthday party. Here I am eating lunch with the birthday girl. We had fun jumping on her bed and playing with balloons.Here is Grandpa Bill reading to me.Grandma Ann got a turn too!The next day was Daddy's birthday. We had breakfast at The Decker and then went home to open presents. I made Daddy a card and bought him a book and a new Vikings shirt. Grandma and Grandpa bought him a Wii. Of course we had to play it immediately. We had fun bowling. Daddy let me take his turn a few times. Now I have my own player and I must say that I do very well. Daddy also taught me how to play tennis.Here is Daddy with his Dairy Queen ice cream cake that he just had to have.We spent the afternoon at Grandma Kris's house watching the Vikings play and having snacks. We went home Monday morning. Traffic and weather was great. I stayed awake for the whole ride except for the last 30 miles.
That's all for now. I'm turning 3 tomorrow and Mommy and Daddy have lots planned for me so I will be blogging soon about my weekend.
I will leave you with a picture of me and my pumpkin tattoo and a picture of me watching our first snow.
Love and hugs,

Luke William

Fall 2009

2009-11-01T14:59:00.011-05:00

Happy Halloween everyone! I hope you all got lots of candy, I know I did. Let me start off with a visit from my Grandpa Larson. He stopped at our house on his way to and from Philadelphia. We had fun building big towers together with my legos.I also had my 3 month check-up at U of M on October 8th. I weighed in at 30lbs 2oz and just over 3 feet. Dr. Arteta was checking me over when he thought my liver felt enlarged. He decided to order an ultrasound just to make sure. Mommy went to a meeting for my nutritional study while Daddy took me to my ultrasound. I sat very still for my belly pictures and was very fascinated with the whole process. When it was over Mommy was waiting for me in the waiting room. A few days later we found out everything was okay. Thank goodness. Dr. Arteta says sometimes people with CF have enlarged livers and this means more medication. We feel very blessed everything was okay.
During the weekend of October 23rd, Grandma Kris rode an airplane to come visit me! We had a great time hanging out for the weekend.On Sunday, we traveled to Wiards Orchard for our annual fall trip. We started off by saying hello to the lamas and goats.Then it was off to touch the BIG pumpkins.Next, Daddy took me down the huge inflatable slide. WEEE!!!And then my favorite, the hayride through the Valley of the Lost.This year we decided to do the corn maze. We did very good and didn't get lost. It was a lot of walking but I was up for it.I also spent some time playing on the play equipment. I am getting really good at climbing ladders.Here I am driving a tractor.We then went looking for our perfect pumpkins. I picked this one. I sat on it to claim it.After dinner we all carved pumpkins. I didn't really like touching the ooey gooey mess that is inside. Mommy insists on saving all the seeds and baking them. Daddy carved Trick or Treat in his pumpkin and Mommy carved a monster into mine. She was so tired after carving mine that she just put a simple face on hers.On October 30th, Mommy took me to school for our Halloween party. We went trick or treating in a couple classrooms and played games in the gym. We had a great time! Later that evening, Mommy and Daddy took me trick or treating in downtown Milan. This year I was a monkey. I even carried my own candy bucket this year. The weather was 70 degress, little warm but still fun. Don't mind the last few pictures. Mommy's camera was on the fritz. I guess it's time for a new one.And now for a school update. I will be going three days a week now because I am doing so well and enjoy my friends. Mommy and Daddy have decided I will no longer ride the bus in the morning because it is just too early. I don't like to eat breakfast that early. I now get to sleep an hour later and have time to play and eat before Mommy takes me to school. Well, that's all for now. I hope to see some of you at Thanksgiving as we will be in Iowa for the holiday. I will leave you with a picture of me on Sandy the horse at Meijer. Mommy lets me ride the horse if I am a good boy while shopping.
Love,

Luke William

Summer Fun 2009

2009-09-15T18:53:00.008-05:00

I know, I know. It's been forever since I have written a blog. What can I say? I've been a very busy boy. So let's start back in July. As you saw from my last post I went to Sesame Place for the 4th of July weekend! Back here in Michigan, we visited a local water park called Rolling Hills. Here is Mom and I speeding down the water slide.I also spent lots of time walking around the zero depth pool.They also had a slide just for my size. We also spent some time on the lazy river and other splash areas. It's a nice park to visit on a very hot day.I also got in some play time at one of our local parks in Dundee.In the beginning of August, we spent a wonderful evening at the Monroe county fair. We had a great time riding on the ferris wheel.I also got to ride the choo choo train.We even saw a circus. Very intersting and fun!As an added bonus, we were walking around before we left and we heard the Spongebob Squarepants theme song. We turned the corner and there he was, singing and dancing to his song. I of course had to have my picture taken with him. I couldn't stop sitting on his big black shoes. We spent some quality time together dancing and shaking hands. What a wonderful moment.Here's a couple pics of me in one of my favorite purple jerseys. This is my Chester Taylor Minnesota Vikings jersey. I also now have an Adrian Peterson jersey that my Daddy says I have to wear every time the Vikings play.For Labor Day weekend we spent a few days in Iowa. Here I am visiting Great Grandma Dorothy. I wasn't very happy this day. Sorry Great Grandma.Grandma Kris and I spending some quality time on her porch.My Godmother Jessica and I snuggling.Aunt Maria and I having a chat.Uncle Josh and I. What a goofball!Daddy and I got some playing time in at Eden Valley while visiting Grandpa Larson. Kenley and Marlee joined us along with their Daddy's.On September 10th, I became a big boy and started preschool. Yep, that's right. I went to school all by myself. It's hard getting up early to get on the bus but I did it with no tears. The bus picks me up at 7:15 a.m. and my school is from 9:00-12:00. I have lunch at school and then they bring me home. I am just going on Tuesdays and Thursdays for now. Mommy says she may let me go more often if I like it. So far, so good. I also still get my speech therapy while at school.The last update I have is I am participating in a nutritional study at the U of M. We went in for an initial appointment where I had to get weighed and measured. I also had a Dexa scan that told the Doctors how much body fat is in my body. As a reward for being a good boy I got a new toy car. My parents learned how to do a diet diary. This means they weigh and measure every thing I eat and drink. It's a lot of work but they only had to do it for 2 weeks and then we move on to something different. I am in the study for 18 months and will have a few appointments to see my progress. My Mom has weekly phone calls with a study coordinator to talk about what I've been doing and what project they have in store for us. My parents are hoping that this will improve my nutrition and maybe get me to eat more foods. I also weighed 29 lbs 9 oz. Woo Hoo!!
Okay, so that's all I have to say for now. I hope to update everyone a little sooner this time. I love and miss you all!!
Until next time,

Luke William

Sesame Place

2009-07-09T19:51:00.009-05:00

Hello everyone, I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July. I went on a trip to Pennsylvania over the holiday to have some fun at Sesame Place. On Friday we drove to Philadelphia to visit Uncle Josh, Aunt Maria, and Marlee. We spent Friday night at their house grilling out and getting caught up. Here are a few pics from our visit.
Saturday morning we headed out to Sesame Place. It is a theme park based on Sesame Street and is designed for young kids like me. They have a bunch of fun stuff to do there including many water attractions. I went down a couple big water slides with Mom and Dad, rode the carousel with Dad, met Big Bird and The Count, saw a parade with all of the characters from Sesame Street, and even saw an Elmo's World Live show!!
We have arrived!!Here we are sitting on Sesame Street. We also saw Mr. Hoopers store!Here is Elmo at his show. The second photo is Elmo with his pet fish Dorothy.Here I am sliding down Snuffy's Slide.We went on Big Bird's Rambling River a few times. You get really wet!!I played in a little area only for kids under 5. I had fun running around and stacking blocks.This is the big parade they have twice a day. You get to meet all the Sesame Street characters and dance to music!Here I am walking around and splashing in the Teeny Tiny Tidal Wave pool. The deepest it ever got was 2 feet. I could of stayed here all day.I went on Ernie's Bed Bounce but had a hard time getting up to walk around. I ended up just laying there giggling the whole time.At Rubbie Duckie Pond I got to splash around in shallow water and go down some slides!I had fun going down Sesame Streak water slide with Mommy and Daddy!Daddy and I went for a ride on the Sunny Day Carousel.We got a chance to meet Big Bird and the Count.Here is the Count's Splash Castle. We didn't spend too much time here because you get really wet and I don't like being splashed in the face all the time.Mommy and I traveling down Slimey's Chute.This ride is called Sky Splash. You sit in a huge tube and go down a great big slide. If you look to the left you can see someone going down the slide on a blue tube. We did this ride many times.Saturday night there was a fireworks show and I thought it was great!! We watched from the parking lot and sat on the back of Mom's SUV. I liked the bright colors and was not afraid of the booms at all. I liked the fireworks so much that I cried when they were over.We went back to the hotel for a good night sleep. Sunday morning, we got up bright and early and headed back to Sesame Place for more fun!! We finally left the park around 4 p.m. and headed back west. On our travels, we stopped in Hershey, PA for dinner. We decided to take a drive around the town. Here is the downtown and museum. You can actually smell chocolate in the air. We thought it was fun to roll down the windows and stick our heads out to get a whiff!! We made it safely home on Monday afternoon. I also went to U of M for my 3 month check-up on July 1st. I weighed 26.5 lbs and was 35 1/2 inches tall. I lost a little weight but gained 1/2 inch. They want me to try Carnation Instant breakfast for added calories. Other than that, nothing changed. I am also going to participate in a nutritional study. I will update you on the specifics when I know more. I hope every one is enjoying their summer so far, I know I am.

Love,

Luke William

Memorial Weekend 2009

2009-06-20T20:41:00.006-05:00

Spring greetings to my loyal readers. I wanted to share with you what we did for Memorial Day weekend. We of course traveled to Iowa to see our family. On Friday, we went to DeWitt to have lunch with Grandma Kris and have some play time at the park. Here are a few pics of me on the tire swing, climbing the "rock wall" and teeter tottering with Daddy.Friday night we had dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Otteman's house along with my Grandma and Grandpa Eaton. We had fun sitting outside and playing with bubbles.
Saturday afternoon, we went to Eden Valley to camp with Grandpa Larson. This was my first time actually sleeping over in the cabin. Grandpa Larson got me a camouflage sleeping bag for my birthday so I had to try it out. I even did my treatment while sitting at the picnic table and watching Spongebob on our laptop.We took a walk to the swinging bridge. Once across, we hiked up the cliff and took in the view of the valley. Here are a few pics of our adventure.Sunday afternoon, Mommy went to see Grandma Dorothy while I took my nap. When I woke up, I had a fever and a sore ear. Grandpa Otteman took me to his office and confirmed I had double ear infection. Boy was I cranky. Grandpa took care of me and got some antibiotics and Tylenol. I felt better very quickly with my medications. Mommy was also sick and has yet to recover. I am happy to report that with extra breathing treatments and house arrest, I am 100% better.
The weather has finally started to look up. Mommy and Daddy have been trying to find things for me to do outside. The other day, when it was hot, Mommy gave me a couple buckets of cold water and a paint brush. I had fun "painting" the deck and dumping the water all over myself. I got quite a surprise when it was freezing cold water!!Here are a couple more pics of me on our deck. I felt it was necessary to bring my pillow and blanket out and take a siesta.Well, that's all for now. I continue to attend my classes in Monroe for the summer although not every week. I am off to Philadelphia again for 4th of July weekend to visit my friends at Sesame Place. I can't wait to share my adventures and pictures with you.

Until then,

Luke William

Great Strides May 16th 2009

2009-05-19T19:47:00.005-05:00

Hello everyone. I wanted to do a quick update on my Great Strides walk last Saturday. We had pretty good weather and a great group of walkers including Grandma and Grandpa Eaton, Grandma and Grandpa Otteman, Scott, Kym, and Toby Randall, Merritt, Carolyn, Brennan, and Connor Gillilland, and Joe Tychewicz. My babysitter Amy Harrison also stopped by to say hi with Justin and her puppy Phynn. Our fundraising efforts were very fruitful raising over $2600. After the walk we invited everyone out to our house for a cookout and some playtime. This was my first time having other kids out to my house to play. I was a great host and shared all my toys with my new friends. Here are a few pictures from the walk and the cookout.

I'm looking forward to a trip home to Iowa this weekend. I'll get to see all of my grandparents, Uncle Jason, and my Godparents Jessica and Jason Unruh. Mommy and Daddy are planning to take me to Eden Valley to camp out on Saturday night with Grandpa Larson. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures for the blog when I'm there. That's all for now, I'll leave you with a couple random pictures of me napping on a coffee table with an Aquadoodle for a blanket and sitting in a drawer playing with my V-Tech toy. Take care everyone.

Luke William