Life with The Leivas

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Family of Four

We're still here, just enjoying each other as we are adjusting to being a family of four! Olivia is still loving the baby and being a big sister. I'm really surprised at how helpful she is! I wasn't expecting her to be so helpful but she loves to get Peter's blanket or his pacifier or bring me the boppy pillow.

Mike's parents were here when we were in the hospital and my parents are here through this weekend. It's been great to have all the help around the house. Olivia has loved the extra attention from her grandparents. We've just been busy spending time together and hanging out.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Pictures of Peter

I just posted some pictures of Peter on Shutterfly, click on the link below to check them out:

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=1AcNWTRm5ZsWHs

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

It's a BOY!

Mike and I are proud to introduce the newest member of our family......Peter Salvador Leiva. Peter was born via c-section on 11/11/08 (veterans day) at 8:57 am. He weighed in at a healthy 8 lbs, 3 oz and is 20 and 3/4 inches long. He does have a lot of hair but it's nothing compared to the mop of hair that Olivia was born with! The delivery was surprisingly smooth, the surgery went well. The doctors were all impressed to see that Peter's umbilical cord was tied in a knot. Apparently this is a sign of good luck or good fortune in many Asian cultures but I can't seem to find anything on google about it. Anyone know anything about this?

Peter and I are doing well and resting comfortably. Thank you so much for all the thoughts and well wishes. Here's the first of many pictures to come.....

Monday, November 10, 2008

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the big day! I can't wait! Mike and I have spent all day reminding each other that we'll finally get to meet baby leiva tomorrow. The car seat is installed in the car, the bags are packed and loaded, we're ready. Now all we have to do is get to the hospital by 6 am tomorrow. I know that I will miss Olivia but she seems to have adjusted to Mike's parents and she didn't even cry when Mike's mom tucked her into bed tonight. We'll be in touch......

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.