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Children's Mercy Genetics Clinic Visit

Today we visited Children's Mercy Hospital's Genetics Clinic (everyone is first evaluated and talked to by the genetics staff before going on to the down syndrome clinic). We met with a genetic counselor and then a great geneticist who discussed what causes down syndrome and answered all of our questions that we had about the genetics part of down syndrome. (If you are still unsure of the cause read on in red, if you already know skip down to the black text again)

What Causes Down Syndrome
The human body is made of cells. All cells contain a center, called a nucleus, in which genes are stored. Genes, which carry the codes responsible for all our inherited characteristics, are grouped along rod-like structures called chromosomes. Normally, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent. Down syndrome occurs when some or all of a person's cells have an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21.
The most common form of Down syndrome is known as Trisomy 21. Individuals with Trisomy 21 have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46 in each of their cells. The condition results from an error in cell division called nondisjunction. Prior to or at conception, a pair of 21st chromosomes in either the sperm or the egg fails to separate. As the embryo develops, the extra chromosome is replicated in every cell of the body. This error in cell division is responsible for 95 percent of all cases of Down syndrome. For more facts about Down syndrome http://www.ndss.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid=74

We were thrilled to learn that Alayna has now caught up to Aidan's birth weight and length. As of today she is 8 weeks old and 7 pounds 14 oz. and 19 3/4 inches long. YAHOO!!! (I knew those newborn diapers were getting snug).

We have an appointment on April 1, 2009 at the Down Syndrome Clinic. This will serve as a consultative service and screening for Alayna yearly through adolescence on top of her routine visits with our family pediatrician. A team of professionals will meet and review Alayna's needs then will problem solve to help improve her quality of life. The team consists of: a pediatric geneticist and nurse practitioner, a genetic counselor, a registered dietitian, an occupational therapist, a behavioral psychologist, a clinic coordinator, an audiologist, and a speech pathologist. This clinic is not something we HAVE to do rather something we are going to try out to see if it is helpful to our family in providing more eyes in which to evaluate Alayna and make suggestions on how we can help her meet her goals. Will let you know more after April 1st.

Alayna is all decked out in her ballet outfit!

Thanksgiving, football, 7 weeks already

7 weeks old and already Alayna is the life of the party...

Alayna was the center of attention today at Uncle Ed and Aunt Jane's house (and may I add she loved every minute of it).

It was a little like a football game...First, cousin Kellie held her, then cousin Kara intercepted, then back to Kellie, oh wait here comes Aunt Jane in for the hand off, oh now Uncle Ed (but, wait he has greasy turkey fingers and fumbles her back to Kellie oh no here is great grandma in for the final hold...wow that is a lot of baby holding yardage. Of course, Alayna snoozed right through it all and enjoyed all the doting on her.

We hope that you had your fill of turkey, dressing, cranberries, pie, family & friends.

We pray that you stop for just a moment to reflect on what you are thankful for.

Our list this year is SO huge we couldn't begin to list it in one blog (well I could but you would get tired of reading it quickly, I'm afraid). SO, here is what we are thankful for the short version...(cliff notes for you teacher types out there!)

Our Amazing God who has blessed us beyond measure. Our two beautiful, healthy, wonderful children, loving families that support us, outstanding friends who comfort and care for us, our awesome church family, and all those awesome prayer warriors who continue to lift our family.

Alayna is doing well and growing like a weed, just yesterday Aidan and I were amazed that she was doing mini push ups during tummy time.

We go to Children's Mercy Hospital on Dec 4th to the Down Syndrome Clinic for a checkup. They will follow Alayna every 6 months until she is 18. Thanks for the prayers, please keep them coming.

Will leave you with a few more pics...

Uncle Ed tries and tries to wake Alayna but to no avail. Doesn't he know babies have to sleep to grow (great grandma told him so)...

Aunt Jane "Queen of the baby spoilers"

Alayna...

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Please keep those prayers coming for Alayna and LC! LC reached 9 pounds 1 oz today. YAHOO! Go girl go...

Smiles continue

Alayna is being super spoiled by her Aunt Elise this week as she is on vacation. Today Elise was kissing Alayna on her neck and Alayna was loving it and showed it by grinning and making all kinds of fun baby sounds (glad I had the video camera close by).

She is watching people more, especially faces and imitating them. She also is talking and babbling a lot more now. She also tried the rolling over trick on me again this morning. Gotta watch that girl every minute.

She loves her baths and today Aidan was so excited that he got to wash her before he went to school.

She will be 6 weeks old tomorrow. Wow time is flying...

Smiles for Big Brother

Who says babies don't smile until after 2 months of age??? As you can see see Alayna didn't read that baby book. She is smiling for all she is worth at Aidan.

He loves to have her lay on the couch and then he plays peek a boo with her, going back and forth. She moves her head and tracks to find him.

It is truly amazing to watch how much love they have for each other already. (Of course, she isn't trying to get to his matchbox cars yet...). We got out the music & lights bouncer seat this week (ok Aidan is having more fun playing with it than Alayna is yet) but, I am sure she will soon love it like he did when he was a baby.

Just to prove I am not always behind the camera...

Alayna continues to nurse well and is getting bigger by the day. She will definitely let you know when she is hungry...she lets out a little yell then once she is fed she is back to her happy, laid back self.

We are so blessed by both our children and we are glad you stopped by to check in on us.

To look alike or not to look alike

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We thought we would let everyone see how Jason's genes have definitely played a huge roll in this family. Above is our little cutie, Alayna and below you will see someone she looks A LOT like (although he is a lot bigger than her at this age), Aidan. Even though she has darker hair than Aidan they both look just like that crazy British guy I married...I am SURE I carried them both and have the c-section scars to prove it.

Alayna has definitely got the boys wrapped around her little finger. Aidan loves laying with her and taking their picture and daddy loves snuggling in with her and sleeping for hours. I think I have my work cut out for me...