Genetics 101

For a variety of reasons, Biology in 10th grade really stands out to me. It could be that I had it with one of my best friends, the interesting teacher, the very heavy table mate that always leaned back on his chair making me fearful of him falling on me, or the fact that we dissected a pig. Clearly, however, the content of Biology didn't stick with me--and last week I wished it had.

LJ tested positive for Cystic Fibrosis on his Newborn Screening done the day after birth. We found this out the first week we were home with him--getting use to life with a newborn and recovering from the trauma of his delivery. Then, because of the nature of the test, we had to wait the entire month to determine if the diagnosis was positive or a false positive. Yes, January was a very long month.

However, last week after numerous appointments, tests and questions we were told that LJ has CFTR-related metabolic syndrome (CRMS). This is where genetics comes in. Basically, LJ has a genetic diagnosis of CRMS because he inherited a Delta F508 AND a R117H-7T gene from JLO and myself. What we now understand this to be is a very, very, very mild version of CF where he probably will not develop any symptoms of CF in his life. If he does, they will be very mild.

We were prepared to deal with whatever the results told us, but obviously are very thankful that this prognosis is very positive. Thanks again to all for your thoughts, prayers and concerns as we experience the ups and downs of parenthood!

Our Little Glow Worm

It's hard to believe that it's almost been a month since we welcomed LJ into our lives--and what a wonderful month it has been. Yes, we are still sleep deprived and can't quite figure out how to get regular household things done during the day---but we are so happy! We love being parents to our adorable, if we can say so, little son!

We just love this picture of LJ as a little glow worm in his swaddle (a.ka. "burrito").

Life with LJ

I realize I haven't been updating the blog as frequently as when I was pregnant. The reason? Well, I refuse to believe that anyone wants to read about how many times LJ poops or pees or how much he ate, spit up or drooled. And as of right now--that is what life with LJ is like. And we love it. We also spend a lot of time cuddling, reading, and singing. LJ really enjoys his Grandma Time (and we know how much Grandma enjoys it!) and getting his hair washed during bath time. As far as JLO and me? Well, we thankfully, have gotten into a routine so we both can get enough sleep to function (at least to the point where the daddy is no longer going to the silverware drawer looking for a Mountain Dew) and making dinners (although quicker and less involved than before) that we both enjoy (we've come a long way since the first night home and a random cup of soup).

So, all in all, life with LJ is pretty awesome. We are so thankful for this opportunity to be parents!

One -Week Photo Shoot

Here is a sneak peak of LJ's one-week old photo shoot (courtesy of http://meneghinphotography.blogspot.com/).

Happy 2011!

How we brought in the New Year. . .

Changed diaper.
Counted down from ten.
JLO gave SVO and LJ a kiss.
JLO went to bed for his "sleep shift."
SVO and LJ went back to rocking in the chair trying for a "sleep shift."

Although it was a little calmer than the last eight NYE's we've spent together, we loved it.