Gigi's Playhouse 5K run and Inspirational Walk

The month almost got away from me before I remembered that I hadn't shared any photos of this year's Gigi' Playhouse 5K Run/Walk.  This has become an event that we look forward to each year and has become a time that our family and friends look forward to sharing with us. It is really amazing to see how much love Lucas has from everyone and it means so much to us that everyone makes it a point to spend this special day with us.  It was pretty awesome that we got to help Lucas cross the finish at this year's walk and are looking forward to next year's event where Lucas can cross this all on his own. As a parent my heart was so full with all the love and support at this event!

Lucas and cousins! They are the best!

The main man!

Strike a pose

Lucas got an opportunity recently to do a little modeling for a Chicago based boutique and designer. The campaign was a "Made in Chicago" theme and let's just say it was a super fun and amazing experience. Here are a few photos from the event. Can't wait to see more.  Here are a few photos!

Pure Awesomeness!

Hungry after all the photos!

Hanging with the boys!

Wonderful weekend

I couldn't let the weekend get away from me without posting some fun photos of Lucas at the park. Now that he is more mobile he loves moving all over and enjoys exploring his surroundings. It's pretty cool going to the park and we can enjoy more than just the swings.

On the move

Lately we have been on the move with life, work, family and anything else you can name but regardless of how busy we have been Lucas seemed to be have mind set on showing us the true meaning of being on the move.  In just a matter of a few days we have seen him pull to stand on his own, crawl up the entire staircase at our home and crawl up and down anything he can. That also includes me anytime I decide to sit or lay on the floor with him.

Needless to say, this is such an exciting time for all of us and as a mommy I couldn't be prouder with the determination and motivation Lucas has for learning and accomplishing goals. I am so proud of him and how hard he works to achieve his milestones.  These reflective moments are the ones that make me feel so fortunate to have Lucas as my child and push me to always be my best for him.  He continues to do things that are inspiration to us all and I can't wait to see what's next. 

I can get up all by myself!

Mommy I am coming for you!

I am almost there!

  

Now you're mine!!

Boys will be boys

During this weeks OT session Lucas' therapist decided to try something a little different in the beginning and thought a structured activity where Lucas could not crawl away would be good for him.  Especially since this involved him sitting on the swing with her and allowing her to accomplish the intended goals while he thought he was playing.  (Gotta love therapists!)  Since Lucas enjoys being on a swing so much he thought this was one of the best sessions ever. After he spent a good amount of time working on the swing he was able to work on challenging his crawling and working with crayons and markers to make dots and vertical lines. During this session we got to work on our core strengthening, hand-eye coordination, following directions and a boatload of fine motor skills that I didn't even get to capture in photos since I was too busy watching and learning!

Doing a little swinging before the work begins

Emily explaining to Lucas the activity of taking an animal and putting it in the barrel

Now it's Lucas' turn

Lucas putting the animal in the barrel

Getting ready for extreme crawling!

Playing before going over the top!

And up he goes.....

His own set of wheels

Recently we got an adaptive tricycle and we couldn't wait to try it out and get Lucas used to it.  He really enjoyed our riding session tonight as we zipped along the driveway. At first his legs were a little locked as he was unsure about what was happening but he soon got the hang of it.  The tricycle was customized to fit him and was given to him by the Pioneers Club who have been making these bikes for special needs kids for many years.  We feel so lucky to have received one of these for Lucas and plan to continue working on riding all summer long!

Hot stuff!

All strapped in and ready to go!

Working on Connected Speech

I was in for a real treat this week since I was able to be at our weekly speech session. We moved up our appointment time so now I can be there before going to work. I am so happy that our therapists are very flexible and do what they can to help out working parents.

This week Lucas was working hard on the b sound, sign language and connected speech. The therapist is trying to build Lucas up to about 7 seconds of continuous sound that will his verbal ability not only gets strengthened but this also will help with his breathing pattern while talking. So many fun and interesting things I learn when from therapists and Lucas!

Pure excitement while sitting in the Rifton chair

"Hmmm, I love listening to her sing to me"

Going for a 3-pointer!

"Beep, beep, beep!!"

Color in Motion

So we did our first 5K of the year on June 2 and it was a blast. Despite the little bit of rain we still managed to get full of color and support Special Olympics in the process. As you can tell Lucas had a blast! We are certainly wanting to sign up next year!!