Life with The Leivas: Mommy Moment of the Week

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Mommy Moment of the Week

This week's mommy moment is possible thanks to the miracle of modern picture messaging. While I was settled in the hospital in Durham with one peacefully sleeping child I was able to text the hubby this picture of Olivia.

He responded by texting me this picture of an equally peaceful and precious Peter.

I love knowing that both kids are peaceful and content. I hope they were having sweet dreams! If only nap time would coincide this easily when they were in the same place!

2 comments:

Laura said...: Love it!!; Sunday, February 14, 2010 7:50:00 PM
Shannon said...: SO SO cute!!; Monday, February 15, 2010 3:09:00 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.