Women's Expo

Liam and I met up with Auntie Anne (with no pretzels in hand...lol) for the Women's Expo that my chiropractor gave me free tickets for. It was such a girly-girl thing! Needless to say Liam wasn't too into it! :) But it was fun to feel like a woman for a few minutes with estrogen oozing in the air (remember I live with 2 other boys!).

Meanwhile outside, there were these giant blow-up activities for kids. With no money in hand, I got a pity-ride out of the attendant for Liam to go down the giant blow up slide, once he batted his baby-blues at him. I can't say it hasn't worked on me a few times...he's good!! He was born on a Tuesday...but not last Tuesday! :)

Anyway, just thought you'd enjoy the pictures from the day.

Yea, that's him...way at the top...the boy is fearless!

Hope your week is TERRRR-ific!

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Water Fountain Movie

I was having trouble uploading this water fountain movie last night, but finally got it to work. It is just too good to not have on the site! :) Enjoy!

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Water Fountain

Luke, Liam, and I went to the movies last night. Right outside the theater, there are a few water fountains where kids can run and play in.

Aren't the boy's just so cute??






After the movie, we sat and watched the water. It's hard to get used to outdoor furniture (fireplaces, couches, etc) here that people can use outdoors year-round. Little things make living here bizarre at times.



It was so funny to watch Liam running away from the water when it'd shoot up...





Here's me sportin' my cute new hair.





Also, I've finally got a MySpace site up (yes, I know...I'm a bit behind). It's in its infancy, but you can check it out: MySpace.com/ChristyAriel

Hope you have a super-duper weekend!!

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HA HA!!!

I got an amusing piece of mail today that I had to share. Below is a bill from Declan's "room and board" at CHOC for $632,926.43!! WOW!! Thank the LORD for insurance!! I LOVE the fact that the patient responsibility is ZERO!!! That just makes me wanna cry with joy.

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Bath Pictures! :)

Had to do it...he is just too cute!! That and it's great blackmail material when he turns 15. :)

He has this thing about drinking the water out of the tap....I don't get it, but he does it EVERY time.

Also today I had my follow-up with my ND. A bunch of the tests I did were back with some interesting results.

First, my food allergies tests came back with extreme allergies to Blueberries and Oysters?? I was like...huh?? Talk about 2 things that have nothing in common!! I wasn't expecting that!

Also, my thyroid is coming back as being Hyperthyroid. She's running more tests, but she doesn't think it has to do with my Thyroid malfunctioning, but rather indicative of another Auto-immune disease. When you have one (Myasthenia Gravis is one), you are susceptible to others. Her theory is that another possible Auto-immune disease is attacking my Thyroid making it wacky. So if that is supressed, then maybe my Thyroid will return to normal without any Thyroid Medications. That's the hope anyway...

Thirdly, she did a test for my Intestinal Permeability. It basically shows how my body is digesting and breaking down foods and proteins in my gut. It is WAY off. Another one of her theories is that food is passing, unfiltered, through my digestive system which signals my immune system to attack it. Some foods have similar chemical characteristics which confuses the immune system to attack all things in the body with that type of make-up. The short version, is that she thinks my body is attacking both my Thyroid and my Adrenal Gland (which is a part of my MG problems) because of I have poor intestinal permeability. She has me on this HUGE laundry list of things to take, including ProBiotics, to help close the gap between my cells in the lining of my gut to not allow food to "get through" unprocessed. It can be pretty dangerous if not addressed and left untreated. My intensive treatments will last for about 3-6 months.

Hopefully this will help me with the severe exhaustion I have all the time. The other day I slept for 14 hours solid!! Luke didn't wake me up and took Liam to school and brought him home...I missed the entire day!! It was embarrassing, but I didn't wake up!! I swear many days I could sleep that long without batting and eyelash. I'm really tired of being tired all the time!! (No pun intended) It's exhausting and I'm very eager and ready to get on with my life without planning the day around long sleep times and naps!! :)

Also today (it was a very busy day!), we had another hour-long mental health questionnaire about Liam's Autism intake stuff. I spoke with the ND about possible dietary and supplemental help there is with Autism, and she said a third of her patients are kids with Autism that she helps that way! In this week's People magazine, Jenny McCarthy has a front-page article going in to her story with her son's Autism. For those interested in it, it is a truly great article I would highly recommend. She's speaking at a DAN! Seminar here (Defeat Autism Now!) that I'm dying to go to!! One of the perks of living close to Hollywood I guess.

Well, I'm beat and it's getting late. Ta Ta for now!! I'll keep you posted when I know anything new about Liam's Autism Observations.

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Liam's Intake Appointment

Today Liam had an intake appointment with the school district to begin testing for any possible disabilities. It was basically to see if there's a need to bring out the "big guns" and continue with testing.

After 2 hours and 4 people observing and questioning him, we were told to come back for 3 more days worth of observations with Psychologists, Speech and Occupational Therapists, a Principle, Special Ed Teacher, and General Ed Teacher. You'd think he won the Nobel prize with the crowd he's drawing!

How many people does it take to observe a Liam?? The question of the day...

So, the long and short of it, is that we're in the door at least to figuring out what his needs are and helping him achieve his developmental goals.

Some areas of concern for me (and others) is that he has no idea how old he is, his own name, or that he's a boy or girl.

But he knows every letter, number up to 30, shapes, colors, and can now spell JUMP, CAR, and TOY...totally out of the blue. I didn't teach him that, and I know that's way more than the preschool is teaching....they're still working on "A" and "a". Needless to say, he gets bored when it comes to that stuff.

So, I'm excited to get him on the right path. And now I really have the time to devote to it, which I am thrilled about!

The IEP meeting (Individualized Education Program meeting) will basically discuss any possible diagnoses and the plan for his educational future. That meeting is November 8th, after they've gathered all the observations, Neurologist's notes, the hearing and vision test notes, and the speech therapy notes from Scottish Rite Development Center (where we started getting testing done). So...life is never boring with my kids!!

Hope you had a great Monday!! Here's to a fabulous week ahead!!

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Max Brenner

I'm not sure what it is lately, but yet another family has to deal with the devastation of losing their child! Another mom posted this in the BWS chat group I belong to:

Max Brenner passed away today at 11:40am. Max continued to suffer from severe tracheo-broncho malacia along with BWS complications. We thank everyone involved with this BWS group for the continued support throughout Max's life.

Matt and Serena Brenner
Max - 12 weeks - BWS

He was a little younger than Declan, and my heart just aches for them. Thank you for keeping their family in your prayers.

Much love and hugs to you!!

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Metal Mouth

I'm getting braces!! :D

I asked what I can do (besides the obvious brushing, flossing, etc) to keep myself from getting more cavities, and have better dental health...he suggested braces.



This will the the THIRD time I will have had braces...hopefully, third time's a charm!!

The orthodontist who put them one the 1st and 2nd times did not give me a retainer, which led to my teeth going crooked again. This new one is planning to put a permanent one in for me so this won't happen again.

My parent's had the best intentions with the 1st and 2nd times, but didn't have a whole lot of money to spend on it..."you get what you pay for"... isn't that the expression?

God love them for trying...

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Goofin' While Luke's in Agony

Today Luke had four of the six crown-temps put on. While Luke was in agony at his appointment, Liam and I were at home goofin' around. Some of the pics are cute though...

Making Liam laugh is the best part of my day...I just wish the camera strap stayed out of it (sigh).

That's some nice popcorn in his mouth...yum.

Cheese!

Also just a preschool update. The director told me that Liam's doing better and better every day. I'm so excited! It's the first school he's been at in a long time that I think truly wants to help him and not just babysit. It's so nice to see him enjoy it and being part of a group.

Luke then came home and crashed, the poor thing. One of the crowns was almost a root canal, the cavity was so deep. Needless to say, Luke is pooped for the evening, and not too excited to go back for the other 2 next year (we could only afford 4...the other 2 will go on next year's insurance).





(He loves it when I take his picture while he's sleeping, by the way!) :D

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New Church and No Life Vest!

Today we tried a different church. The one by our apartment was okay, but I wanted something a little more Gospel oriented. This new one is a mission church in Irvine (by Christian and Anne's) that meets at a park. It is a seriously cool park, I have to say, and really convenient for the kids afterwards.

Trinity is so cute!


Liam side-stepping...that's a new one.


Joy is such a big girl trying to swing across the monkey bars!



I melted at this one...Liam and Joy holding hands as we walked into church. OH, you just can't beat that!!


Afterward we went swimming at Christian and Anne's pool. Liam did it WITHOUT a lifevest!! He did pretty well. But it was a huge step for him! He just needs a little confidence, and he'll be backstroking soon, I'm sure. Watching his cousins (who are part fish) helps him to try it on his own. It's so nice having them close by as his little helpers.


They must think there's a wave coming through the pool soon!

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Singing Happy Birthday!

Here's us singing "Happy Birthday" to Liam.

Liam Loves Legoland

Today was so fun. The three of us went to Legoland after waking up late, only to discover that the day was gorgeous (low 70s) and the park was almost empty! Something we were not expecting! We got to go on so many more rides this time around. Liam, Luke, and I had a great time!

Luke was so excited to see a life-seize Darth Vader made out of legos!




Liam got to go on a ride all by himself! He's getting so big!

This is Legoland's version of the teacups at Disney...Liam got a little scared on that one. Luke really had it spinning though!! :)



One really cool thing about Legoland is half of it (or so) has a bunch of water rides. This is one of the dryer ones.



They also have something within the park called "Miniland", which is basically miniture cities/monuments all made out of Legos. The detail is so amazing. I can't imagine how long it took to make some of these!


This is all Legos (well, maybe not the water or trees), I kid you not!




Then we got tired and went to the gift shop to pick out a birthday present. Even in the gift shop there's statues of life sized characters. Luke put his football hat on Batman, which I thought was funny.



As we were leaving the park, a giant Pirate Lego came around for pictures! I love this one of the three of us!!


We then came home and caught up with Christian, Anne, Trinity, and Joy for dinner at our place and cake and ice cream/gelato (compliments of his Aunt and Uncle). They were nice enough to get him an ice cream cake. Luke didn't realize it and put it in the fridge until it was ready to eat....not the freezer. Well, it had mostly melted by the time we took it out. Luckily the words were still good on the top.


Also, when we moved back in June, we didn't bring a bunch of stuff since we were in kind of a hurry, and didn't know what room we'd have. Well we didn't bring our candles. And have since not picked up any, including today. So while we're getting ready to put the imaginary candles on the cake we use the barbecue lighter as our makeshift candle on our melted cake. It was sad, but really funny. Oh well, it's the thought that counts...





All in all, it was a fun day. We got to appreciate a lot of the things at Legoland this time that we didn't have the opportunity to see last time. And there's still a lot of parts (about half!) that we have yet to see...so I know we'll be going back again soon! Luckily Luke got a 3-month membership for the family for his birthday from Christian and Anne! (Thank you!!) So I know it'll come to good use! :)

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My Little Man Turns Four

Today is Liam's 4th birthday! Tomorrow we'll be celebrating it in true style by going to the boys' favorite place, Legoland (more pictures then). But today was mostly just picture day.

Before I show you those cool ones, here is a picture I've been meaning to take of Liam's preschool, Rancho Santa Margarita Montessori.

They made a crown for him on his special day...he loved it!

That's evidence of a good cupcake on his face, and wanting to talk to Grandpa...well not really talk, but see Grandpa...oh well...(you are loved man!)

He brought in cupcakes, and pictures from the day he was born and every birthday since. Sorry, I forgot to take pictures of the cupcakes before 24 hungry 3-4 year olds saw them. :)

I had taken in a naked butt-picture from when he turned one....one of my favorites... (Hey, it's in the mama contract...I have every right to embarrass him!) :D

His tush is so cute though!



After school and work, we went to the Olive Garden.



Have I ever mentioned that Liam is ambidextrous? It's pretty amazing...and here's my proof!

Drawing with his right hand...

Drawing with his left...

Don't you love how he holds those crayons? That looks so uncomfortable!

Okay, so here are the "real" pictures that we didn't think would turn out well as the shoot went horribly. Liam wasn't cooperating. He was just singing, daydreaming, and had no interest whatsoever with the camera-lady. The backdrop which spilled onto the floor was slippery, and Liam kept falling...even bonking his head into a chair. (sigh) But you would never know it as I think they turned out pretty darn awesome, considering!!

I can't believe how tall this child is getting! He looks huge next to that number 4, and his feet are on the ground!

Here's my Liam, waving good-bye to her, as if by doing that the photo shoot will end...lol

What a stud!

Just thought we'd get a picture of him in his swimsuit and cool boogie-board. He's a California boy now!!

Happy Birthday Liam! We love you so much!

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Six Crowns

I thought my dentist appointment went poorly. That is, until Luke went in to discover all of his silver fillings are falling apart, and they all need new porcelain crowns. I've been married to the guy for almost 6 years now (know him for 10), and I JUST find out he's got more metal in his mouth than small tanks. I'm amazed he makes it through airport security without any problems!

$4,400 worth of dental work!! YIKES!! That's $733.33 a tooth...not that I'm counting...

That put a damper on the evening...

But we could always get those false teeth that chatter when you wind them up!


It might get annoying after a while though, clattering away all night.

$4,400 it is!

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In Memoriam

It's hard to believe its been six years!



We love our troops!

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Mr. and Mrs. Incredible

Luke and I have decided what we're planning to humiliate ourselves with this Halloween. We are going to dress up as Mr. and Mrs. Incredible...why on earth do we do this to ourselves?!? I can't WAIT to see Luke in the costume:


Oh yea....the camera will be flashing like lightening that night! :)

I kept asking if Liam wanted to be Dash (which is so appropriate, I might add), but he insisted in being Mickey from Fantasia (basically a wizard costume). Have I ever mentioned that he LOVES that movie...go figure, it's all music...

Well, just thought you'd enjoy the mental image of Luke in red and black spandex. He he he.

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Baby News

Erika Klahn was happy to report a clear and cute 20 week ultrasound. You're half way there girl! :)

Also, Trisha Belinski (Luke's cousin) had Kanen Michael on September 4th. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

From the proud Grandpa:

Trisha had Kanen Michael- 7lbs 13 oz.-19 3/4 Tuesday 2:21am. Missed my birthday- the 5th- by one day. Great bday present!! TJ had a lot of chest pain trying to breathe caused by pushing. Drugs are great but one doesn't know what muscles are being strained. Thursday went to see if possibility of blood clot in lungs was causing the difficulty in breathing. She was in the early stages of pneumonia they found out. But still sore upper chest muscles. Would not have found pn. in early stages if not for the sore muscle. God is good and is taking great care of them. We praise HIM for his faithfulness and protection. Twyla is there yet and I will go back up this weekend. I had to come home to set up a leaf fountain (a side business we have) for a home show in Janesville on thurs. He looks like Nyah but she had more hair.

Proud Grandpa
Roger

It's Just HAIR

So I got my hair cut...not for world peace or global warming. Although you'd think it was for some noble cause (like my dear friend Sean Stake who actually SHAVED his head for raising a certain amount of money at work for Declan's Benefit...YOU ROCK DUDE!!!!! That is quite the sacrifice!!!).

I just didn't think it was that big a deal...it's just hair!! But I've had quite a large reaction to something that grows back!! It's crazy....IT'S JUST HAIR PEOPLE!!!



I didn't think it was that extreme....

(PS - You should be blinded by how white my teeth are...btw) lol

(PPS - Again, Ignore the messy kitchen...not sure why that's such a popular backdrop these days! :) )

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Thank you Notes

I can't put it off any longer...the cards have been piling and piling and I need to start on the thank you notes from the many beautiful sympathy cards and gifts we received. We were graced with over 300 cards to respond to! It is truly beautiful to see such an outpour of love and sympathy!

Here are just a few of the card piles:


Don't I have the best hubby who is actually HELPING me write them!?!?



The piles have to be organized you know...



Hopefully you'll get yours soon!! Although it is taking longer than we anticipated...it may be a while yet!! :D But please know we are spending time on each one to give it that personal touch! :)

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One Month Today

Today is one month since Declan went to heaven.

Not a day (or hour for that matter) goes by when I don't think about him, and what he'd be doing if he were still with us.

But...he's in a far better place, that's for sure!

Love you Declan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trinity's 6th Birthday Party

Trinity (Liam's cousin) had quite the party for remembering the 6th year of her life. It was absolutely amazing! It put small weddings to shame. :)



She had a dress-up medieval party with Build-A-Bears, games, and entertainment galore. Liam was in rare, sugar-induced form. Here's some pictures from the party taken on my phone (which is why the pictures aren't that clear). I left my camera at home, if you believe that one! But I at least got a few fuzzy good ones!!

Liam dressed up as a knight...and so did Trinity (it was funny). They both picked the same bear (a black dog) with the same color eyes...both of which were at separate stations and occasions, with about 15 options in each...you'd think they're related or something?!?!

They had all these games and toys to play with, and what does he play with most of the time....the train set... (sigh)

Anne worked so hard to make her daughter's bday the best.



The famous Octopus cake!!


Time to blow out the candles!




Happy 6th Birthday Trinity!!

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The Dentist

Remember me telling you how we thought it would be a good idea that we all got up to date on doc appointments? Well that included the dentist.

So I went to the dentist only to find out how my teeth are just basically little white pegs that are crumbling into my nasty gums. I told them I hadn't had a cleaning in a while, and with having baby, and being on Prednisone (which naturally strips the calcium out of your body), I ended up with 6 cavities....SIX!!! I didn't think that was possible! So our "Drill Sargent" dentist has me brushing, flossing, and swishing mouthwash every other minute. As if I need something else to deal with...

Oh well, I asked for it...

Liam's First Day at School

Today was Liam's first day at school. I went back to find the school intact without mutiny or chaos (well, maybe a little chaos). He actually LIKES going to this preschool! What a relief to find a place that he likes and is willing to work with the whole "non-nap" issue!! Praise be to God!!

Hopefully the good momentum will keep going and he will do well at his new school (Rancho Santa Margarita Monessori). I really love the director and the teachers. They seem very patient and understanding. So...so far so good!!

Kenan's Funeral

I heard Kenan's viewing and funeral went well. My dad said there were over 300 people there, most of which were kids from school that were bussed over! That's amazing!

Please keep The Saeger's in your prayers. Much thanks and love.

Kenan Saeger

A truly beautiful family from our church in Madison, WI had tragedy befall them on Wednesday, August 29th. Brian and Deb Saeger are close friends of ours. Their middle son was involved in a fatal car accident. He was 17 and just starting his senior year in high school on September 4th.

http://www.wiscnews.com/bdc/obituaries/210574

http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/9456341.html

The parent's of Kenan (Brian and Deb's son) sang a duet at Declan's memorial service! Thank you so much for keeping such a wonderful family in your prayers during this horrific time. The thought of another family going through the nightmare of losing their child is unbelievable. Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Death has been swallowed up in victory! Thanks be to God!

I know that my Redeemer lives,
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives Who once was dead.
He lives my ever-living Head!

He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.

Thanks again for your prayers and love!

Declan's Cremation

So this actually is a funny story...

Luke and I decided that after Declan was cremated, we'd put him in a mini-vase/pot that Luke molded and created himself in high school. For forever, we've had a joke that I would put HIS ashes in there...but Declan beat him to the punch. And so, Luke wanted to put his touch on where his ashes would lay, until they were scattered.



So (the now urn) has made a ton of moves unscathed, right?!? That was right until we went to pick up Declan's ashes at the funeral home...

While we were waiting (I'm not joking...I wish I were), Liam wanted to see the urn, and grabed it out of Luke's hands...the lid went flying in the air, and landed on the ground with a chunk missing off the side and a few pieces of broken urn on the floor. Liam had to put his "touch" on it too...



The urn, and Declan's remains, now rest out of sight and mind to 3 (almost 4 now!) year olds, above the kitchen cabinets...away from curious hands!

Can you see it WAY up there, next to the crock-pot?!?

(Ignore the messy kitchen)