3.14.2010

Don't Worry, Be Happy Now

I'm still here! Don't worry, I didn't jump off a cliff or drink the kool-aid.



We've been so busy since my last update with doctor appointments, PT, OT, ST, traveling, in-laws, and my new obsession with JoAnn fabrics...



We finally got some good news about the genetic test results. It seems that even though Lillian has the rarest of the rare types of PWS (only 1 in over 3,000,000 babies will be born with her genetic imprinting defect) our genetic counselor, the lab that processed the results, and one of the top geneticists for PWS in the country all believe there is a very low chance for recurrence.



*phew*



There's always the offer of prenatal testing for the next pregnancy, but Phil and I both agreed we aren't really interested in that. If we end up with another baby with Lillian's condition, that baby will bring us just as much joy as she does and they will live a happy life just like she will.



Speaking of living a happy life... We flew to Florida to meet Lillian's new endocrinologist and LOVE her. She filled us with so much hope and positive energy about Lillian's future. She made it very clear that Lillian will have plenty of opportunities in her future to do big things. She will go to school, she can go to college if she chooses, she can ride horses, play soccer, and have sleep overs. For the most part, she will live a pretty typical life. There will always be some things here and there that will be a bit of a challenge, but it all seems so much more manageable. (Did I mention said doctor and I had the same bright neon pink toe nail polish on? She's spunky AND smart.)



She was impressed with Lillian's strength and said she could tell we have a great PT, which we do :). We talked about Lillian's feeding issues (she's still tube fed because she doesn't want anything to do with bottles... but boy does she love her veggies!). There's a wonderful dietitian that will be taking over Lillian's diet once she returns to work after her maternity leave. Luckily she is working with the doctor by email to get us started on the right path to making Lillian a skinny kid... which is not an easy task with a child that has PWS. It's a crazy balance of trying to feed her the minimum amount of calories without taking away her energy or brain growth. Thank God they are professionals.




And here's Lillian modeling the first dress I've attempted sewing her. If you click on the pictures you can see the fabric up close (and my hot pink toe, lol):

14 comments:

  1. She is so beautiful and I absolutely love that dress! You are so talented. I'm happy she has such wonderful doctors! She looks like such a happy girl and I pray she continues to do well!

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  2. I wanted to tell you that your daughter is beautiful. I also have a daughter, Delilah, with PWS. She is 8 months old and amazing. We recently went to visit the same Doctor (from what I gather) in Florida and were just as thrilled. She is so amazing and gave me so much hope for Delilah's future. I could not imagine seeing anyone else.

    I also have a blog for my daughter, www.delilahsjourney.blogspot.com. I always enjoy learning more about the beautiful children that have to deal with PWS. Know you are in our thoughts.

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  3. Who is the geneticist? If you don't mind my asking. Also the endo in florida, is it Dr. Miller. We were trying to decide whether to take Mackenzie there. Also, if it is, is she going to be your primary endo, or are you going to have one where you live also?

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  4. That is amazing news.

    Gosh I love that little girl and her cheeks! <3

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  5. I'm sure all this recent news about Lillian is so exciting and encouraging!!! These pictures are so adorable of her...and the dress is precious ~great job! This past week I tried the same thing...but using a pillow case, I was pleased how it turned out ;-) If you want you can take a peak at it here:

    http://presentexpression.blogspot.com/2010/03/few-recent-creations.html

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  6. The endo is Dr. Miller. The endo we were seeing in Indiana just didn't have the knowledge to care for Lillian the way Dr. Miller does, so for now she is our primary endo and I hope it stays that way. She is beyond amazing and I just appreciate more than I can even express.

    The geneticist is Dr. Driscoll. We haven't spoken with him directly, but Dr. Miller (Jennifer) forwarded our test results to him and he confirmed the low chance of recurrance. I trust him over our own geneticist any day.

    So glad that there are other moms we can share our journey with!

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  7. That dress is darling and such great news! Lillian is so lucky to have such amazing parents...you guys are doing an incredible job and I am sure you will inspire others going through similar situations with your positive energy and dedication. Amazing.

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  8. I'm so glad you got good news!! I've been thinking of you and your family. Lilly is such a doll and that dress is adorable. Did you use a pattern??

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  9. Yayy for positive appointment! She's so beautiful! -Sagittmama

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  10. Laura - I used a pattern from JoAnn fabrics, but next time I think I'm going to try to make a pillow case dress. It's so much easier! Now if I could just find some cute pillow cases...

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  11. Happy to hear about the good news and even happier you found a doctor you like! Love love the dress! So cute and summery:)

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  12. Thanks Sarah for the info. I love reading your blog!

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  13. She is so beautiful! And that dress is very awesome!

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  14. I love the dress!! And I'm glad you got some good news too.

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