Life with The Leivas: Fun with the Family

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Fun with the Family

My parents were able to come up for the weekend after Peter was born. We had a great weekend and it was their first time to Washington state. Mike arranged for my dad to ride in one of his Stryker vehicles on Friday then we all went to the Olympia Farmer's Market on Saturday. Sunday everyone went to Cabella's (ultimate sporting goods store) while I got to stay home and rest with Peter. We had a great time and here are a few pictures of Dad and the Stryker.

At the Farmer's Market Olivia didn't want to ride in her stroller but she loved pushing it around. I think it'll be a while before we let her push Peter in the stroller but she had a blast!

1 comment:

Jennifer Mortensen said...: Hi Laurie! Peter is such a cutie pie! Thanks for sending pictures. You all just look so happy. But you might want to think about sending Olivia to Drivers Ed for strollers before letting her push Peter around :)

We all miss you!
Jennifer; Wednesday, December 03, 2008 2:38:00 PM

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MPS/Sanfilippo Syndrome

In October, 2008 Olivia was disgnosed with MPS III or Sanfilippo Syndrome, type B. MPS stands for: Mucopolysaccharidoses. It is a genetic lysosomal storage disease (LSD) caused by the body's inability to produce specific enzymes. Normally, the body uses enzymes to break down and recycle materials in cells. In individuals with MPS and related diseases, the missing or insufficient enzyme prevents the proper recycling process, resulting in the storage of materials in virtually every cell of the body. As a result, cells do not perform properly and may cause progressive damage throughout the body, including the heart, bones, joints, respiratory system and central nervous system. While the disease may not be apparent at birth, signs and symptoms develop with age as more cells become damaged by the accumulation of cell materials.

Babies and young children with Sanfilippo Syndrome appear normal, but symptoms begin to appear with age as more and GAGs build up in the cells of the body. There are 3 stages to the disease. Stage 1 the child begins to lag behind peers and begins to display difficult behaviors. Stage 2 the child losing his/her language, becomes hyperactive, chews on everything, and has sleeping difficulties. Stage 3 the child slows down, becomes dependant for all mobility and loses the ability to chew/swallow. There is no treatment or cure for Sanfilippo. Life expectancy varies.