from Shelby's e-mail:
First let me explain that my family is full of B names. There’s Babu (my dad) Bobby (me) Bibi (Vinny) Baby (Shazzar) and Bambo (Jambo). Mama and Jo-she are here too, but don’t get a B name. And we call him Buka so he’s even a B.
Sometimes he calls me Babida which sounds just like Barbie Doll…it’s so funny!
Lulu (Brook – the one that actually does start with B doesn’t in his language.)
Kobe (Aunt Barb – Stivini used to call her Mama Kobe instead of Mama Yakobo so now Luka calls her Kobe which means turtle – maybe you knew that.)
Babepi (That has two meanings, either Jafeti the guy who works for us, or chapati)
Dani, Mama Ailin, Jeni, and Eliah all have their real names – but Mama Hekima and Mama Ailin are called Mama Ailin.
Gari (car)
Pi-piki (motercycle)
Dee-ay (help or let me help he means to say saidie)
Dow plees (down please)
Ap plees (up please)
No plees (no please)
Tari (finished he means tayari)
Chai (he will just chant that over and over when you give him some chai)
Kate (mkate)
Wawa (water)
Bye!
Lolo (pillow)
Lia (when shaz cries)
Lala (when anyone lays down)
Tende (twende when he wants to go anywhere)
Tatu or two (if he wants to jump off something or have you swing him when your walking)
Mema (for usiku mwema when our workers go home or we are leaving somewhere)
He says ona all the time.
And my personal favorite is Pombe (he means tuombe/let’s pray)
21 July 2008
30 May 2008
Pictures
Here are pictures from the past week (Shaz gets to be included in Luka's blog because he's Luka's "brother.")
He doesn't only walk, he DANCES!
Kissing Shaz (this MAY be the only picture we have of Shaz awake)
Oh, and Mama Case (Lynn Caraway) is holding Shaz
Luka's feet are up because Dingo the dog was just a teeny bit frightening (check out how HUGE Luka is!)
Way too cool
With big sister Shelby
Me and Shaz
Nothing cuter than a sleeping baby
Shaz doing what he does best
He doesn't only walk, he DANCES!
Kissing Shaz (this MAY be the only picture we have of Shaz awake)
Oh, and Mama Case (Lynn Caraway) is holding Shaz
Luka's feet are up because Dingo the dog was just a teeny bit frightening (check out how HUGE Luka is!)
Way too cool
With big sister Shelby
Me and Shaz
Nothing cuter than a sleeping baby
Shaz doing what he does best
28 May 2008
Luka visits!
We got to see Luka again last week! He is HUGE! Paul and I were blown away to see how much he's grown.
When he first saw Paul, he got a huge grin on his face, left Mike (his "Babu") and ran towards Paul. At the last second, Luka stopped suddenly and started crying. We understood that he recognized Paul as a friend but was a bit scared to get left behind by Babu. We pray that God will protect Luka from abandonment anxiety and will give him a stable, permanent home.
We were so pleased to see him RUNNING. He still pauses to check his balance every several steps but is so much confident in his walking abilities.
He's picked up the new trick of walking around with his hands in his pocket. He WOULD look really cool except he tends to trip and face plant on the floor because he can't get his hands out quickly enough to catch himself. I promise we don't laugh too hard.
He's really a big kid, solid and yes, a bit round! Such a departure from the skin-and-bones kid the Caraways first saw at the orphanage over a year ago.
He talks more now, too. His most used word is "a-please!" (put me down, please; pick me up, please; give me more, please; take it away, please; etc.).
He giggles a LOT. And is still very ticklish, thank goodness.
He loves Shazzar and calls him "Baby." According to Lynn, when he hears Shazzar cry, he runs to Lynn with a worried look on his face and repeats "baby, baby!" until Lynn goes to comfort Shazzar.
When he finished his breakfast, Lynn told him to bring his empty plate to Joseph (the cook) and say "thank you." The kitchen was about forty yards away but Luka obeyed, much to our amusement.
What a great smile!
Luka and The Shaz
Going in for a smooch
When he first saw Paul, he got a huge grin on his face, left Mike (his "Babu") and ran towards Paul. At the last second, Luka stopped suddenly and started crying. We understood that he recognized Paul as a friend but was a bit scared to get left behind by Babu. We pray that God will protect Luka from abandonment anxiety and will give him a stable, permanent home.
We were so pleased to see him RUNNING. He still pauses to check his balance every several steps but is so much confident in his walking abilities.
He's picked up the new trick of walking around with his hands in his pocket. He WOULD look really cool except he tends to trip and face plant on the floor because he can't get his hands out quickly enough to catch himself. I promise we don't laugh too hard.
He's really a big kid, solid and yes, a bit round! Such a departure from the skin-and-bones kid the Caraways first saw at the orphanage over a year ago.
He talks more now, too. His most used word is "a-please!" (put me down, please; pick me up, please; give me more, please; take it away, please; etc.).
He giggles a LOT. And is still very ticklish, thank goodness.
He loves Shazzar and calls him "Baby." According to Lynn, when he hears Shazzar cry, he runs to Lynn with a worried look on his face and repeats "baby, baby!" until Lynn goes to comfort Shazzar.
When he finished his breakfast, Lynn told him to bring his empty plate to Joseph (the cook) and say "thank you." The kitchen was about forty yards away but Luka obeyed, much to our amusement.
What a great smile!
Luka and The Shaz
Going in for a smooch
09 April 2008
E-mail exerpt
From Therese, whose family is taking care of Luka now while the Caraways are out of the country:
Just wanted to say thank you so much for your visit and thanks for leaving this very special little boy with us. We are having a ball! No wonder you love him! He is such a joy to have around. I never did get to see the pictures of when he was so skinny but Kim told me last night that he was like one of the little boys that we know in the village who is very sick
and i can hardly believe it. He is learning so much and loves walking up and down our ramp. Leah usually gives him his evening bath that he loves, He slept on Erin during the whole church service Sunday, Zach played ball with him last night on the back porch, Danae read him some stories for bedtime and guess what I did when he woke up - changed the poop!
He's very trainable and when he wants to throw a fit we tell him to say "no, please," instead and he shuts it off and says it. We've also taught him that when there's bread on the table, he has to eat what's in front of him before he can have it. We love all his facial expressions and the way he eats, and his earlobes are to die for!:) We don't know what God has for his future, but it will be fun to see what God has for him. We are going to enjoy him while he is here and hopefully bless his life. Lynn sure blessed his life by nursing him back to health!
Just wanted to say thank you so much for your visit and thanks for leaving this very special little boy with us. We are having a ball! No wonder you love him! He is such a joy to have around. I never did get to see the pictures of when he was so skinny but Kim told me last night that he was like one of the little boys that we know in the village who is very sick
and i can hardly believe it. He is learning so much and loves walking up and down our ramp. Leah usually gives him his evening bath that he loves, He slept on Erin during the whole church service Sunday, Zach played ball with him last night on the back porch, Danae read him some stories for bedtime and guess what I did when he woke up - changed the poop!
He's very trainable and when he wants to throw a fit we tell him to say "no, please," instead and he shuts it off and says it. We've also taught him that when there's bread on the table, he has to eat what's in front of him before he can have it. We love all his facial expressions and the way he eats, and his earlobes are to die for!:) We don't know what God has for his future, but it will be fun to see what God has for him. We are going to enjoy him while he is here and hopefully bless his life. Lynn sure blessed his life by nursing him back to health!
Luka's visit
I feel terrible that we didn’t blog once during Luka’s visit with us, but we’ve been so busy that even the snatches of internet time we DO get aren’t enough to update our blogs.
We had SUCH a fantastic time with Luka. I have been asked a number of times whether or not Luka recognized us when he saw us again—it’s hard to tell. It certainly didn’t take him long to warm up to us! It is both encouraging and heart breaking to see how quickly Luka is able to adjust to new surroundings. We know he benefits from being the recipient of so much love from so many people, but we do with that he could have a permanent family to call his own.
It was such a joy to see Luka WALKING! He was toddling more than walking at first, but even in the two weeks he was with us we could see huge improvements. He LOVES to walk, often refusing to be carried even after the end of a long day. His confidence and balance have improved a lot, too.
We were warned that Luka has gotten “fat and sassy” and it is true, although not to the extent we feared! He IS nice and round, but is also taller, so he doesn’t look TOO fat to me. ☺ You can judge for yourself as you look at pictures. He definitely is much more outspoken (whiney) when he doesn’t get his way, but again, we saw a lot of improvement as we continually insisted that he refrain from whining.
He can say “please” (“plesh”), which is adorable! He knows that saying please is a more effective way to get what he wants than whining, although even “please” sometimes fails to get him what he wants, when what he wants is to climb the ladder up to our loft!
The Houghton students loved him, of course. It was just a joy to have a child amidst all the college students.
We dropped Luka off with the Bentons (in the same mission as the Caraways, who have been taking care of him) in the Rukwa Valley. The Bentons have a lovely house with a kitchen separated from the living area by a “ramped” hallway. Luka immediately discovered the excitement of toddling down (and up) the ramp and, after taking a few tumbles, became a pro at “running” back and forth. He especially loves to play with his cars, having someone roll one towards him as he frantically tries to outrun it.
We miss him!
(Check back for pictures)
We had SUCH a fantastic time with Luka. I have been asked a number of times whether or not Luka recognized us when he saw us again—it’s hard to tell. It certainly didn’t take him long to warm up to us! It is both encouraging and heart breaking to see how quickly Luka is able to adjust to new surroundings. We know he benefits from being the recipient of so much love from so many people, but we do with that he could have a permanent family to call his own.
It was such a joy to see Luka WALKING! He was toddling more than walking at first, but even in the two weeks he was with us we could see huge improvements. He LOVES to walk, often refusing to be carried even after the end of a long day. His confidence and balance have improved a lot, too.
We were warned that Luka has gotten “fat and sassy” and it is true, although not to the extent we feared! He IS nice and round, but is also taller, so he doesn’t look TOO fat to me. ☺ You can judge for yourself as you look at pictures. He definitely is much more outspoken (whiney) when he doesn’t get his way, but again, we saw a lot of improvement as we continually insisted that he refrain from whining.
He can say “please” (“plesh”), which is adorable! He knows that saying please is a more effective way to get what he wants than whining, although even “please” sometimes fails to get him what he wants, when what he wants is to climb the ladder up to our loft!
The Houghton students loved him, of course. It was just a joy to have a child amidst all the college students.
We dropped Luka off with the Bentons (in the same mission as the Caraways, who have been taking care of him) in the Rukwa Valley. The Bentons have a lovely house with a kitchen separated from the living area by a “ramped” hallway. Luka immediately discovered the excitement of toddling down (and up) the ramp and, after taking a few tumbles, became a pro at “running” back and forth. He especially loves to play with his cars, having someone roll one towards him as he frantically tries to outrun it.
We miss him!
(Check back for pictures)
28 February 2008
E-mail excerpts (a bit late, sorry!)
From 4 February:
I sent a phone message today after I tried to call but couldn't get an
answer. Hopefully you read that Luka walked!!! Both yesterday and today he
has taken up to eight steps before falling. He loves doing it and shows off
for other people. He really has a balance problem, but just in these two
days we have seen improvement! I am so excited - I actually started crying
yesterday when he first walked. He can stand himself up (though his head
seems to throw off his balance often), and toddles away. It is so cute to
see and he is soooo very proud of himself! What an achievement this is for
him and us!
I also sent you a message that says Sister Agripina says that Luka is
definitely adoptable. I asked again about his mother and she said she could
not get him back. Then, while Stephanie and Nicole were working at the
orphanage on Tuesday, Luka's mother came! She walked right up to Luka,
seeming to recognize him at once. He was with Stephanie. Steph said there
was definitely something wrong with her. She appeared very sneaky and
almost like she was on drugs. She found a flower and tried to get Luka to
take it, but he wanted nothing to do with it or her. Finally Nicole went
and got Sister Agripina who talked with her in her room and then Luka's
mother left. She continues to say that his mother will never get him back,
nor family because they left him the second time. Just thought you'd want
to know this information. Know anyone who wants to adopt him?? I hate to
bring him back to the orphanage and don't plan to do it for a while.
From 22 February:
Luka is doing great and walks all over the house now! He still falls a lot
and has balance issues, but improves everyday. He is so proud of himself
and loves the fact that he can walk!
I sent a phone message today after I tried to call but couldn't get an
answer. Hopefully you read that Luka walked!!! Both yesterday and today he
has taken up to eight steps before falling. He loves doing it and shows off
for other people. He really has a balance problem, but just in these two
days we have seen improvement! I am so excited - I actually started crying
yesterday when he first walked. He can stand himself up (though his head
seems to throw off his balance often), and toddles away. It is so cute to
see and he is soooo very proud of himself! What an achievement this is for
him and us!
I also sent you a message that says Sister Agripina says that Luka is
definitely adoptable. I asked again about his mother and she said she could
not get him back. Then, while Stephanie and Nicole were working at the
orphanage on Tuesday, Luka's mother came! She walked right up to Luka,
seeming to recognize him at once. He was with Stephanie. Steph said there
was definitely something wrong with her. She appeared very sneaky and
almost like she was on drugs. She found a flower and tried to get Luka to
take it, but he wanted nothing to do with it or her. Finally Nicole went
and got Sister Agripina who talked with her in her room and then Luka's
mother left. She continues to say that his mother will never get him back,
nor family because they left him the second time. Just thought you'd want
to know this information. Know anyone who wants to adopt him?? I hate to
bring him back to the orphanage and don't plan to do it for a while.
From 22 February:
Luka is doing great and walks all over the house now! He still falls a lot
and has balance issues, but improves everyday. He is so proud of himself
and loves the fact that he can walk!
22 January 2008
Good News
We've just heard from Mike Caraway that Luka can now stand on his own two feet...unaided!
Also, a couple of previously unpublished photos of Luka over Christmas:
Also, a couple of previously unpublished photos of Luka over Christmas:
14 January 2008
Saying goodbye
Luka went back to Sumbawanga on the 11th of this month. This is a little after-the-fact, but I have avoided writing this post because it is still painful.
The past month has been quite hectic with most nights spent in various hotel rooms, most days spent in cars. Luka was a trooper despite the many hours spent in his car seat! Thankfully, we had a day back at Masumbo to just relax with Luka before we had to say goodbye.
Right now, he is staying with our friends, Mike and Lynn Caraway, who live near Sumbawanga. He will stay with them until more can be determined about his mother, who has been looking for him but is considered (by the government and orphanage) unfit to care for him. (For those who are curious about Luka's situation and would like more background info, please shoot us an e-mail at shaffnersATgmail.com.) Please pray about this situation!
Even though saying goodbye was difficult, we have felt a peace knowing that God will go with Luka. We are also incredibly encouraged by the leaps and bounds Luka has made developmentally.
Luka still isn't walking, but he sure is trying to! He has perfected the "bear walk" on all fours.
We took Luka for a few more tests in Dar, and Luka's iron levels are now considered normal even by American standards.
We also got a chest x-ray done to determine whether or not Luka DID indeed have TB (as was reported by the orphanage), and the results show that there is no damage or abnormalities in Luka's lungs.
We had Luka's stool tested several weeks ago and parasites turned up, but a healthier diet and lots of clean drinking water has brought about definite improvement (and significantly fewer nappies to change!).
Luka is talking more, playing more, and definitely has developed a "personality" (attitude)! He has moved up several age levels developmentally and will soon catch up to what is considered normal for two year olds! (check the About Luka section for more updates)
Even though Luka is no longer living with us, I will continue to update this website as we receive more information from the Caraways and other friends who are involved at the orphanage.
These two months with Luka have been an incredible blessing for both of us, and we certainly believe that the hardest part of fostering him was saying goodbye.
Thanks to all who have been keeping up with this blog the past couple of months! Thanks especially for all the encouragement and prayers.
The past month has been quite hectic with most nights spent in various hotel rooms, most days spent in cars. Luka was a trooper despite the many hours spent in his car seat! Thankfully, we had a day back at Masumbo to just relax with Luka before we had to say goodbye.
Right now, he is staying with our friends, Mike and Lynn Caraway, who live near Sumbawanga. He will stay with them until more can be determined about his mother, who has been looking for him but is considered (by the government and orphanage) unfit to care for him. (For those who are curious about Luka's situation and would like more background info, please shoot us an e-mail at shaffnersATgmail.com.) Please pray about this situation!
Even though saying goodbye was difficult, we have felt a peace knowing that God will go with Luka. We are also incredibly encouraged by the leaps and bounds Luka has made developmentally.
Luka still isn't walking, but he sure is trying to! He has perfected the "bear walk" on all fours.
We took Luka for a few more tests in Dar, and Luka's iron levels are now considered normal even by American standards.
We also got a chest x-ray done to determine whether or not Luka DID indeed have TB (as was reported by the orphanage), and the results show that there is no damage or abnormalities in Luka's lungs.
We had Luka's stool tested several weeks ago and parasites turned up, but a healthier diet and lots of clean drinking water has brought about definite improvement (and significantly fewer nappies to change!).
Luka is talking more, playing more, and definitely has developed a "personality" (attitude)! He has moved up several age levels developmentally and will soon catch up to what is considered normal for two year olds! (check the About Luka section for more updates)
Even though Luka is no longer living with us, I will continue to update this website as we receive more information from the Caraways and other friends who are involved at the orphanage.
These two months with Luka have been an incredible blessing for both of us, and we certainly believe that the hardest part of fostering him was saying goodbye.
Thanks to all who have been keeping up with this blog the past couple of months! Thanks especially for all the encouragement and prayers.
Favourites
Luka is laughing, not crying, although it is hard to tell!
We left a suitcase in the middle of the floor and Luka thought it looked like a nice bed
Luka not a little bit mesmerized by the PSP.
Hanging out with Uncle Lawrence at Mikumi
Headphones, tassled beanie, fingers in mouth, carseat... can't get much cooler than that
Books are the best babysitters
Oh, do I love this face!
Luka sure loves his bath! Note: the water was muddy because it is river water, not because Luka was that filthy
Luka's first kiddie meal at Spur in Dar. I think Paul and I got more of a kick of it than he did!
Sorry for the poor quality--these were all taken on a cellphone camera.
08 January 2008
Picture backlog
Enjoying breakfast at Fox's Tented Camp in Mikumi (unfortunately, backlit)
at the airport parking lot with Uncle Vic
Out for a walk with Uncle Vic (again with the fingers in his mouth)
The easier way to carry a 30 lb child
06 January 2008
Vacation!
I don't have much time but thought it would be good to take advantage of the internet connection here at our friends' house and quickly post an update.
My family came for Christmas! They had a great time with Luka. We spent most of the time traveling around Southern TZ and Luka has proven to be an old pro at surviving long car journeys, with the aid of snacks and occasional stretches.
Luka also got to experience his first safari when we spent Christmas at Mikumi National Park. We were cracking up because Luka excitedly pointed to every animal and shouted, "Mbwa! Mbwa!" (dog). At least he recognizes that they are all animals!
Lots of pictures to post, but unfortunately, the picture uploader doesn't seem to be working right now... SO! Next time!
My family came for Christmas! They had a great time with Luka. We spent most of the time traveling around Southern TZ and Luka has proven to be an old pro at surviving long car journeys, with the aid of snacks and occasional stretches.
Luka also got to experience his first safari when we spent Christmas at Mikumi National Park. We were cracking up because Luka excitedly pointed to every animal and shouted, "Mbwa! Mbwa!" (dog). At least he recognizes that they are all animals!
Lots of pictures to post, but unfortunately, the picture uploader doesn't seem to be working right now... SO! Next time!
21 December 2007
Luka's New Friends
Elijah, Paulina, Moliana, Luka, Naomi, Steveni
Check out all the kids under 4 staying that the Hodgson's house in Mbeya last weekend!
(also check out Luka's deer-in-the-headlights look)
Tuende hospitalini, part II
So Luka got his measles shot. He screamed and screamed, but it was hard to tell if the shot was actually that painful or if Luka was just ticked that we forced him to stay put on the hospital bed, since he started screaming as soon as we set him down and didn't stop until we picked him back up. (Wow, that was a long sentence.) I was able to display my (lack of) courage by turning around and plugging my ears during the actual injection, to the amusement of the nurses.
Luka's immediate panic upon entering the clinic should have given us a clue that he had done it before. We had tried to contact the orphanage to see if he in fact ALREADY had his immunizations, but we didn't hear back until AFTER the shot--so the poor kid was injected for no reason! (Don't worry too much. We were advised to give him the shot anyway, despite the chance that he might have already gotten it, because both pediatricians in town insisted that duplicating immunizations is much better than the risk that he is not immunized at all.) Anyway, we think Luka deserves a Chupa-Chup. And we deserve another most neglectful foster parent award. Shoot, that's twice in one week.
In other news, Luka is defying all expectations and hasn't pooped ALL MORNING, despite the fact that he ALWAYS poops in the morning. So no stool test yet!
Luka's immediate panic upon entering the clinic should have given us a clue that he had done it before. We had tried to contact the orphanage to see if he in fact ALREADY had his immunizations, but we didn't hear back until AFTER the shot--so the poor kid was injected for no reason! (Don't worry too much. We were advised to give him the shot anyway, despite the chance that he might have already gotten it, because both pediatricians in town insisted that duplicating immunizations is much better than the risk that he is not immunized at all.) Anyway, we think Luka deserves a Chupa-Chup. And we deserve another most neglectful foster parent award. Shoot, that's twice in one week.
In other news, Luka is defying all expectations and hasn't pooped ALL MORNING, despite the fact that he ALWAYS poops in the morning. So no stool test yet!
Tuende hospitalini!
Luka's getting his measles shot today! (We are actually at the internet cafe next door, waiting for the doctor to come in.) We are also hoping Luka poops sometime soon (I never thought I'd say that) so we can get his stool analyzed. After that, we're off to the OTHER hospital in town to get Luka's chest x-rayed.
Poor kid.
We'll post the results sometime soon, although we don't anticipate having much internet access the next few days because we are going to Dar to pick up my family.
Woohoo!
Poor kid.
We'll post the results sometime soon, although we don't anticipate having much internet access the next few days because we are going to Dar to pick up my family.
Woohoo!
19 December 2007
Mbeya visit
We just got back from Mbeya, where we were checking out this year's home stay site as well as catching up with the GMI folk. Casey and Shelby arrived on Monday and got a chance to see Luka. Everyone was so shocked to see how much he has grown (length-wise and girth-wise). Luka did very well with all the stimulation--and there was a LOT of it. Lynn and Mike came with one-year-old twins from the orphanage, which brought the grand total of kids-under-5 to a whopping 6! The Hodgson's living room looked like a daycare!
I think I deserve the prize for most neglectful foster parent. The last night in Mbeya, I decided to let Luka sleep on a bed instead of his pack-and-play because the mosquito net that goes with his crib smelled like poop. I made sure to tuck the net under his mattress as tightly as I could, not wanting him to fall out of bed. Sometime during the night, I heard Luka mildly whimpering. Since he does this every once in a while, I said "shhhhhhh' really loudly and he almost immediately stopped. This happened again two or three times until morning--each time, Luka stopped within a few seconds.
When I finally woke up, I couldn't find Luka in his bed. And I noticed that the mosquito net was untucked. Only then did I realize that there were two little legs sticking out from under the bed. It turns out that Luka had fallen out and had wedged himself under the bed sometime during the night! Yikes! The poor guy must have been so uncomfortable. And boy, did I feel bad for shushing him.
I think I deserve the prize for most neglectful foster parent. The last night in Mbeya, I decided to let Luka sleep on a bed instead of his pack-and-play because the mosquito net that goes with his crib smelled like poop. I made sure to tuck the net under his mattress as tightly as I could, not wanting him to fall out of bed. Sometime during the night, I heard Luka mildly whimpering. Since he does this every once in a while, I said "shhhhhhh' really loudly and he almost immediately stopped. This happened again two or three times until morning--each time, Luka stopped within a few seconds.
When I finally woke up, I couldn't find Luka in his bed. And I noticed that the mosquito net was untucked. Only then did I realize that there were two little legs sticking out from under the bed. It turns out that Luka had fallen out and had wedged himself under the bed sometime during the night! Yikes! The poor guy must have been so uncomfortable. And boy, did I feel bad for shushing him.
11 December 2007
Camping pictures, part II
Paul and Luka in the hand-me-down baby backpack (that was used to cart Colton Rabenold around. Yes, Colton is now 18)
Paul and Luka in the water! Apparently, I DID get a picture of Luka "swimming"
The boys
Walking update
I think this mad dash for posting updates is in reaction to all the pictures I posted yesterday. But more pictures are coming, I promise!
Luka is still not walking, but he is incredibly active. Part of the trouble is his lack of desire to walk. He has perfected a fast-as-lightning crawl and is perfectly happy scooting around on his bum when he's got something in his hands. I read in a British book on baby development that babies who learn to butt-scoot are almost always behind in learning to walk, simply because they don't feel the need to. Definitely true of Luka!
We also think that part of the reason why he is not yet walking is that he still hasn't built up enough strength in his lower legs (calves). He is such a solid baby, but his lower legs look like toothpicks (especially compared to his humongous thighs-of-steel). We've been trying to encourage him to use his lower legs by setting his toys (and sometimes his desserts) in the middle of our coffee table so he has to stand up to get to them (mwa ha ha). He also likes standing on the Moyers' couch to look at the dogs, or on our pillows to look outside our bedroom window, which is good exercise, too.
Luka can "walk" if I hold his arms up. At first I thought it was just a matter of balance, but I am realizing that he has a very hard time holding himself up when I let his hands drop down so that he can no longer let me carry his weight.
All in all, Luka's shown much improvement and is very active, but needs a little more time in order to build the confidence to walk.
Luka is still not walking, but he is incredibly active. Part of the trouble is his lack of desire to walk. He has perfected a fast-as-lightning crawl and is perfectly happy scooting around on his bum when he's got something in his hands. I read in a British book on baby development that babies who learn to butt-scoot are almost always behind in learning to walk, simply because they don't feel the need to. Definitely true of Luka!
We also think that part of the reason why he is not yet walking is that he still hasn't built up enough strength in his lower legs (calves). He is such a solid baby, but his lower legs look like toothpicks (especially compared to his humongous thighs-of-steel). We've been trying to encourage him to use his lower legs by setting his toys (and sometimes his desserts) in the middle of our coffee table so he has to stand up to get to them (mwa ha ha). He also likes standing on the Moyers' couch to look at the dogs, or on our pillows to look outside our bedroom window, which is good exercise, too.
Luka can "walk" if I hold his arms up. At first I thought it was just a matter of balance, but I am realizing that he has a very hard time holding himself up when I let his hands drop down so that he can no longer let me carry his weight.
All in all, Luka's shown much improvement and is very active, but needs a little more time in order to build the confidence to walk.
Long overdue: our trip to the pediatrician
We are so fortunate to have two great pediatricians in town. One of them, Clare, is a British doctor whose husband is working with Student Partnership Worldwide. She agreed to see Luka, although she does not usually do consultations in her home (she volunteers at the government hospital several days a week).
To make a four-page check-up summary short:
-Luka has been diagnosed as anemic. We were encouraged to have his blood tested (he tested a 9.7, which is not terrible, but we're aiming to reach 11 or 12, which is "good" in European standards). We are now giving him iron supplements, which turn his poo a lovely shade of olive green.
-Luka might have a heart murmur, possibly related to his anemia. While he was absolutely lovely during the hour-long check-up, Luka decided that he was fed up with sitting still right when Clare needed to listen to his heart. She instructed us to have his heart checked in a month or so.
-Luka's weight is at the 80-90% percentile according to the TZ growth chart and at around 30% according to the US growth chart. Either way, he is healthy! His head measurements came at a whopping 95% in the US growth chart, which is no surprise considering we often joke that he can't walk simply because it takes too much work to carry all that weight! His head is huge! (but healthy!)
-Luka's cough didn't seem to concern Clare. When she heard what treatment had been prescribed when he was first (allegedly) diagnosed with TB, she concluded that he probably DIDN'T have TB and was given TB medication because TB is often a knee-jerk diagnosis. She told us that we could have Luka's chest x-rayed to rule out the possibility entirely, but also said that he looks so healthy that we probably don't have to worry.
-When we asked about Luka's age, she told us that it is impossible to tell. Her best guess is somewhere around 18 - 22 months (the only real "clue" is the fact that two of his molars have already come in and he's got lots of other teeth). She encouraged us to pick the younger age because it doesn't hurt Luka to be placed at an age closer to his development level, and also observed that he looked remarkably close in age/development to her 18-month-old daughter. She told us to pick a birthdate for Luka because it will be helpful for him later on to have a day already given to him, rather than leaving him with no birthday and the responsibility of coming up with a date himself!
All in all, Luka is healthy! We have dewormed him, given him vitamin A supplements, and are mixing iron supplements in with his food. We have an appointment with the doctor to give him the measles vaccine and will take him for a chest x-ray.
To make a four-page check-up summary short:
-Luka has been diagnosed as anemic. We were encouraged to have his blood tested (he tested a 9.7, which is not terrible, but we're aiming to reach 11 or 12, which is "good" in European standards). We are now giving him iron supplements, which turn his poo a lovely shade of olive green.
-Luka might have a heart murmur, possibly related to his anemia. While he was absolutely lovely during the hour-long check-up, Luka decided that he was fed up with sitting still right when Clare needed to listen to his heart. She instructed us to have his heart checked in a month or so.
-Luka's weight is at the 80-90% percentile according to the TZ growth chart and at around 30% according to the US growth chart. Either way, he is healthy! His head measurements came at a whopping 95% in the US growth chart, which is no surprise considering we often joke that he can't walk simply because it takes too much work to carry all that weight! His head is huge! (but healthy!)
-Luka's cough didn't seem to concern Clare. When she heard what treatment had been prescribed when he was first (allegedly) diagnosed with TB, she concluded that he probably DIDN'T have TB and was given TB medication because TB is often a knee-jerk diagnosis. She told us that we could have Luka's chest x-rayed to rule out the possibility entirely, but also said that he looks so healthy that we probably don't have to worry.
-When we asked about Luka's age, she told us that it is impossible to tell. Her best guess is somewhere around 18 - 22 months (the only real "clue" is the fact that two of his molars have already come in and he's got lots of other teeth). She encouraged us to pick the younger age because it doesn't hurt Luka to be placed at an age closer to his development level, and also observed that he looked remarkably close in age/development to her 18-month-old daughter. She told us to pick a birthdate for Luka because it will be helpful for him later on to have a day already given to him, rather than leaving him with no birthday and the responsibility of coming up with a date himself!
All in all, Luka is healthy! We have dewormed him, given him vitamin A supplements, and are mixing iron supplements in with his food. We have an appointment with the doctor to give him the measles vaccine and will take him for a chest x-ray.
10 December 2007
Camping pictures, part I
We went camping with our friends Andrew, Miriam, and Ben this past weekend. Luka loved being outside and was, for the most part, very happy and well behaved. Luka liked the river but hated the baby paddling pool Andrew brought along. He liked Andrew and Miriam but was scared of Ben. He liked hanging out without a diaper but didn't like lying exposed (he insisted on covering up with a kanga--what a modest guy!). This child is full of contradictions!
Paul, Kat, Luka, Ben, Miriam, and Andrew
Kat and Luka in the water (he later went in up to his chest and splashed around with us, but unfortunately, we were too busy playing to get any pictures!) I picked this pic to post because my arms look buff--oh wait, it's just the lighting. Oh well, at least you get the action shot of his arms waving frantically.
Playing with Ben and Luka (check out his new phone). Andrew in background.
Paul, Kat, Luka, Ben, Miriam, and Andrew
Kat and Luka in the water (he later went in up to his chest and splashed around with us, but unfortunately, we were too busy playing to get any pictures!) I picked this pic to post because my arms look buff--oh wait, it's just the lighting. Oh well, at least you get the action shot of his arms waving frantically.
Playing with Ben and Luka (check out his new phone). Andrew in background.
07 December 2007
Talking in his sleep, Part II
For those of you who read my other blog, you've probably noticed that a sleep-talking theme has emerged the past few days. Here's another story to add to the collection!
We had to walk down the hill (and zipline across the river) in the dark the other night, and I bundled sleeping Luka up in a kitenge and fastened the fabric around me, sling-style. His little head bobbed up and down as I gingerly made my way down the hill, but he stayed asleep. To my dismay, I found myself slipping on a loose rock and in the midst of the fall, a still-sleeping Luka brightly chirped, "Uh, oh!" It took me a while to get back on my feet, I was laughing so hard.
I guess Luka is a deep sleeper.
We had to walk down the hill (and zipline across the river) in the dark the other night, and I bundled sleeping Luka up in a kitenge and fastened the fabric around me, sling-style. His little head bobbed up and down as I gingerly made my way down the hill, but he stayed asleep. To my dismay, I found myself slipping on a loose rock and in the midst of the fall, a still-sleeping Luka brightly chirped, "Uh, oh!" It took me a while to get back on my feet, I was laughing so hard.
I guess Luka is a deep sleeper.
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