Magic and Bumblebees

MOMMY:

I asked the nurse if there is any time during the protocol when we expect Luis' blood counts to be up. Likely, his immune system will be weak more often than not, at least until the 'maintenance' phase, which should start around the new year. Needless to say, Luis' immune system is weak right now.

Last week, Luis needed two transfusions (red blood cells and platelets). With his low platelets, he was getting tiny bruises all over. His platelets have increased due to the transfusion but they are still somewhat low and he could need another transfusion within the next week or so. Time will tell. A nice treat is that we don't have to head to London this week. He only needs one chemo drug, and the satellite clinic here in Windsor at Met Hospital is able to administer it through his port.

Luis got spoiled at Met Hospital today (well, aside from the needle). After the kicking and screaming ended, he got to pick a toy from the treasure chest. While we waited for the results of the blood work, he got to play his new favourite game, Mario Kart. It used to be my favourite game about 15 years ago (Wow, where has the time gone?). Luis was also treated to a personal magic show from Ron the Magician who visits the floor every Monday. He made things disappear, changed a deck of cards into a toy car, and pulled a handkerchief out of Luis' sleeve. The coolest trick was when he gave Luis a foam ball to squeeze very tightly in his hand. When the magician waved his hand over Luis' and Luis opened his hand, THREE balls popped out. He loved that! The magician then treated him to two hot wheels cars, hot wheels tracks, and a book. Luis also had an opportunity to see a ventriloquist, but the dummy scared him :-P

On our way out of the hospital, who should Luis happen to spot? Bumblebee!!! He wanted to go look at the car. He got close and he kicked it. When I asked why he did that, he said "I wanted to see if it would transform". Hah!

Luis and Bumblebee

PS - Good news! I finally got Julien onto formula. YAY!!! If anyone wants to know my trick, it was persistance and consistency. After offering a bottle at the same time every day, Julien eventually took to breastmilk in a bottle. Once he was consistently taking a bottle of breastmilk, I started adding a small percentage of formula. Day after day, I gradually increased the percentage of formula in the bottle. After about three weeks of this game, I went for it and offered a bottle full of formula and he took it! I've tried over and over again since and we're in the clear. Now I can start lining up babysitters to help out when I go to London (weekdays and weeknights) and other appointments. He's a super easy baby. Any takers?? :)