Life with The Leivas: Six Month Check Up

Friday, May 1, 2009

Six Month Check Up

Peter had his six month check up this morning. He won't actually be six months old until the 11th but I still can't believe that he's almost half a year old! He weighs 16 lbs, 15 ounces and he's 24 inches long which is right at the 50th percentile. Peter is a very happy, healthy little boy! Here's a little video clip of Peter practicing his newest skill, blowing rasberries.

3 comments:

Wendy said...: Adorable! Caitlin and I loved watching this video.
Love,
Wendy; Friday, May 01, 2009 10:57:00 PM
Shannon said...: I love reading your blog and getting to know your family. Would you mind if I post a link to your blog on mine? I have a list of Sanfilippo families and I would like to include your Olivia.; Saturday, May 02, 2009 9:25:00 PM
Ashley said...: Aww , remember when Ben used to do that! so cute!

It was good to see you yesterday, glad Olivia is doing well!; Sunday, May 03, 2009 1:47:00 AM

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.