Saturday, April 21, 2007

Week 1- 24 weeks old Pictures


Luke is very tiny. His head fits into the palm of our hands.

Luke likes to keep his left arm up by his face or in his mouth.

Naming Of Luke Michael Becka

Russell and Erika both liked the name "Luke" because of its simpleness and biblical nature. St. Luke was a physician but also a gifted writer who wrote the Acts of the Apostle and the Gospel of Luke. His gospel emphasizes Jesus' mercy to sinners and outcasts.

His middle name is "Michael". We chose this name for two reasons. One is that he is named after Michael J. Bertsch ( also known as Mike). He was a great man who never knew a stranger. He passed away in December of 2006 but will always be remembered by Erika and Russell for his caring and kindness. We remember Mike teaching us all the words to the Golden Oldies songs, deer camp trips, and floating on the river in New Braunfels ( which later became our hometown).

Also, a good friend of ours commented that St. Michael is an Archangel, the protector against evil.

Prayer to St. Michael

St. Michael, the archangel,defend us in battle; be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Friday, April 20, 2007

Hospital NICU Information

Luke is in the NICU at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio. It is on the 4th floor of the hospital. While in the NICU, only Russell & Erika plus 6 people they choose are allowed to go in to see him. The visiting times are from Noon - 6:00 pm; 8:00-10:00 pm. Only parents can visit between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am.

Russell and Erika are staying at the Ronald McDonald house at the hospital.

Map to the hospital is at this link:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&q=christus+santa+rosa+hospital&near=san+antonio,+tx&layer=&ie=UTF8&hl=en&z=15&ll=29.430104,-98.49462&spn=0.018763,0.039911&om=1&iwloc=A

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Preemie Info

http://www.preemie-l.org/ has some good general information about preemature babies including:


For family and friends, there is a good section of advice on how to help the parents at http://www.preemie-l.org/advice.html

Please bear in mind that the information on the Preemie-L website is general and all of it may not apply to Luke as each premature baby is unique.

Wanted - Picture of Luke


Luke's Mom and Dad breaking the wishbone at Thanksgiving. I bet they were wishing I would post a picture of Luke on this Blog.

If someone gets a digital picture of Luke, please e-mail it to stibora@swbell.net so I can include it on here.

Kevin



Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Details on Luke

Birthday - April 16, 2007
Weight - 1 lb, 8 oz.
Length - 11.75 inches

Welcome to the Luke Michael Becka Blog

Hey everyone, welcome to the blog for Luke. I thought this would be a good way for everyone to stay up to date on the latest status of the newest member of Russell and Erika's family. I am new to this Blog thing so I am figuring it out as I go but this is a really cool way to share information with a group of people without having to call everyone every time there is a change in Luke's condition.

Another cool thing is that the people reading this blog can leave comments, questions, well wishes, etc. for Russell & Erika and their family without having to call them. It is often difficult to reach them while they may be busy with taking care of Luke, Shelby, Justin and Jacob or just trying to get some rest. This blog will allow them to hear from you and share news about Luke without having to repeat the info to every family member and friend.

Kevin