Owen's 3!

Happy Birthday my miracle baby!  From conception til' now you are my miracle from God!  I will eventually have to tell the story of your conception and birth...but for now, lets reminisce on the last year.
    Big boy you turned two, but my how the year flew...GEE now you're three!!!

 1.  You became a BIG BROTHER!
 2.  Went to your first wedding (Auntie Amber's)
 3.  Experienced your first (of many I'm sure) "body buried in sand"

4.  Had your fair share of dress-up days!  5.  Helped mommy bake :)

6.  Learned to ride a two wheel bike @ 2 1/2 yrs old!!!  7.  Swam underwater while holding your breath!  And jumped off a diving board!

 8.  Moved to a new home and picked out your bedroom  9.  Enjoyed your first "trick-or-treat"
10.  Discovered several nearby parks, and how to ride your bike to them all by yourself!

11.  Made new friends...and tried to impress them!  

12.  Learned how to do "tricks" on bikes and skateboards

13.  Expanded your vocabulary by like a BAZILLION words..and questions of "Why for?"

 14.  You have melted our hearts by finally saying "I love you" in response to us telling you first...and even telling us unexpectedly.
15.  Climbed an entire indoor rock wall-all by yourself!
16.  You have memorized bible verses and bible songs!
17.  You have ridden on trains, explored the train museum, and watched your first "Thomas" show.
18. You have helped Harper learn to brush her teeth!
19.  You have slept in your bed ALL NIGHT twice! Wohoo :)  (maybe next year it will be even more!)
20.  You have been MD symptom free this year!

You have learned how to do so many new things this year, I know next year will just be competition!  You are an amazing boy, and I know you WILL do anything you want to in life.
 I am so thankful that the God of this universe, the God who created the heavens and the earth, Adam, Eve, Noah, and Abraham, created YOU...and entrusted you to ME.  I love you!  And I tucked you into bed tonight, with joyful tears in my eyes, knowing how precious every minute is and knowing you enjoy it all!

So much to do, so much to see...enjoy being 3!

Thank you friends and family for all your continued prayers!  We covet them, and rejoice in the miracles God has preformed in our lives this last year.
Aubrey

Blood Test Results

I (Aubrey) received these results (determining whether I'm a carrier of Becker's or not) a little while ago, but have not posted because there is a lot of emotion attached.  (and I am still editing this post weeks after starting it)
    I am a carrier of Beckers Muscular Dystrophy.  My mother is also a carrier.  My family is being further tested to figure out where exactly the gene mutation started.
    What does this mean?  It means that Harper will be a carrier as well as my two sisters.  If and when my sisters have children it is my prayer that God spares them the pain of ever having to hear "your son has Beckers MD."  This is a very rare form of MD and the Dr.'s we have seen have not followed cases of Beckers.  For now we live and enjoy and we'll update when we have news.
    Thank you for prayers!
P.S. If you happen to see a fundraiser for MD give!  It is amazing how our "little" can be made into a lot.

Harper Turns 1!

October 31, 2011 Harper entered the world (@ 8:56pm, Owen was 8:44am...I tried to push her out on 8:44, she's stubborn!) and this past year we've enjoyed her spunkiness.  We had a BIG celebration!

I do have to admit though, just as with Owen, I mourned for myself at the loss of my "baby."  I do not know if every mom feels this, but that's it...they are only babies for a short while!  I am thrilled to see what this year brings.  It has already brought her first tooth, which popped through (FINALLY) yesterday!

A few of Harper's favorite things:
* Swings
* Sliding down slides head first (by herself!)
* Eating sand
* Eating (in general, everything and anything)
* Music
* Blankies
* Bath time
* Laughing like a sheep
* Playing peek-a-boo

mmmmm...did she enjoy these!!! 

she loves to drive!!!

and brush her teeth!  

what a great day!  Thank you God for blessing me with two beautiful babies and a wonderful man to share them with!  

in lala land

Where oh where have we been?  Since becoming a stay at home mommy...I now squander my "free time."  Amazing how time flies when you're having fun!  We sure do have a lot to update.

DAVIS
Davis is...pretty chillax.  That really is the best word I have to describe it thus far.  People are friendly, the environment is pretty (not to mention cool), and there's a lot of fun stuff to do with the kids.  The first whole week we were here Owen woke up every morning asking "go to the park?"  It is literally 5 or 6 houses down, and HUGE...kinda hard to say no.  So, we venture over to the park daily, sometimes two and three times, even in the dark!
    Some of the great things about Davis so far: 1.  Park  2.  We ride our bikes everywhere, even to Church!  3.  Kid friendly (seriously great)  4.  Yummy local food...great pizza, thai, and other places to eat  5.  Awesome downtown, farmers market, and local events
    Yaya came for a visit and we had a blast!  Check out the pictures!  We welcome all visitors :)  Owen and Harper are growing up so fast, and enjoying every minute!

KIDDOS
Owen got a major haircut!  (As did Aaron and I).  He is learning Davis language "park, downtown, train, tunnel, Co-Op and Nugget (grocery store), and a new favorite Frozen Yogurt."  After pretty much stalking the park daily for people Owen has made friends this week and is starting to play with kids instead of mommy!  Owen has been riding a two wheeler for a little while now, which is so much fun.  Other than two year old tantrums and fits he seems to be pretty healthy and happy.  Night terrors have started up again, even in the day time...prayers for restful sleep are appreciated!  They are still unsure if any of it is related to Beckers, but hopeful that it's not.

Harper has been walking for about two months now and she's flying!  That girl sure is determined.  Her favorite things at the park are walking up slides, swings, and a springy horse.  She still has NO teeth!  Amazing!  However, she sure can devour some food.  She eats all table food, except cottage cheese.  She is starting to answer questions, usually with a nod or "yah."  Yaya taught her how to shake her head No!  She loves playing on bikes, push cars, or anything that has wheels.  She just got her first helmet for our bike trailer and is adorable in it.  Oh yeah, Harper will be one on Halloween...I cannot believe it.

Both kids started going to BSF with my on Thursdays (Bible Study Fellowship) and are meeting new people, and experiencing new things.  They love being outside.  We are working on a schedule, and trying to get them both to nap at the same time...which is so nice when it happens!

Here's some recent pictures...enjoy!

Owen playing in the backyard...with long hair!

Owen and Harper wearing aunties beanies :)

Harper and Owen 

Yaya, Emma, and Harper

Too cute!

Oh yeah, thanks cousins!!!

Always putting on a show (Owen received this guitar from his Big Bear class as a going away gift.  It is a beautiful reminder of how we will always be connected, and how important music is!).

Learning to rock, like her brother!

Movin' on

Owen update:
*Geneticist says she's very encouraged by Owen's diagnosis, results, and prognosis.  We will not need to see the neurologist or seek help until we see symptoms arise.  They predict at least til' his teens!  We are so hopeful and encouraged after seeing them.  Neurologist consultation is scheduled for October, we'll keep you posted.  Meanwhile we're just living our lives to the fullest and trying to give Owen the best childhood we can.
*I (Aubrey) had my blood drawn and it's currently being tested at City of Hope.  We are trying to find out if I am the carrier.  We will know in 3 more weeks.

Owen's a happy and healthy 2 1/2yr old

Big News:
We have, upon MUCH thought and consideration, decided to move our family.  For many of you reading this it may seem sudden and out of the blue, but it has been on our hearts and minds for a year now.  We wanted to move last year, but with the news of Owen's diagnosis we decided to stay close to family.  After Owen's second and final diagnosis we felt the door of opportunity opened again.  A week from tomorrow we will (if all things work together) be packing up and heading out.  Where to you ask?  Davis.  We have been visiting and visiting and visiting...and the more we're there the more we want to stay.  We enjoy the relaxed small town feel where people are intentionally aware of their environment, children, and relationships.  We  have decided that Davis would be a wonderful city to raise children in.  With me staying home, and Aaron available on his 4 days off, we will be able to provide our children with what we have always wanted to-time and attention.  We are both so excited to start this new chapter in our lives.  We appreciate all the support we have received, thank you!

Tidbits:
*Harper started taking steps on August 27th!  She was 9months and 28 days old!  So proud of her.  She will be taking off in no time.
*My last day of work was so bittersweet.  I am truly blessed to have been able to work with so many wonderful women!  I'm grateful to our psychologist/infant mental health specialist and her work in my life.  I love and will miss all the families I've come to know.  SAMC, you have such a special place in my heart.  Owen's going to miss everyone, especially Nadia!  xoxo

Ch-ch-changes...

Kelley Family Update:

*Tomorrow we meet with Owen's geneticist, yikes!  We are very nervous and a little worried.  Praying that God would give us peace and help us to remember everything they say!  I (Aubrey) on one hand am looking forward to this because it will help me feel less "in the dark."  Whatever tomorrow brings, we will get through it.
*Harper, officially an expert crawler, is now saying "Mama."  She is still so little but doing so much!

BIG NEWS!  I am so excited!  NO, I'm not pregnant!  However, I am going to be able to do my dream job...I'm going to STAY AT HOME with my kids!  This is something I have dreamed of since i was 12.  I am so thrilled to be able to do this, so thankful for a supportive husband, and so happy to fulfill my dream.  September 7th is my last day at St. Agnes.  I have so many mixed emotions about leaving such a wonderful work family, but I can't wait to be at home.  I am truly going to miss each co-worker, their kids, and the families I have come to love.  I've poured my heart into my kids the last five years there, and now I get to pour it into my own children.  I feel so lucky!
    So, a big thank you to my husband who has been so helpful in positioning us so that I can stay home, supporting my decision, learning to live with less so we can enjoy more and loving me more than I deserve.
   
*My sister Amber got married two weeks ago (August 4th)...and it was like a huge family reunion.  We had a blast!

Owen's Test Results

  *Narrator:Aubrey
    As of last week it had been 12 weeks since Owen had his blood drawn and sent to LA for a DNA biopsy.  Everyday of the last two weeks i was silently (and not so silently) freaking out.  Every time the phone rang I cringed.  We avoided the mailbox often, which did not help.  Aaron and I were anxious to say the least.  We still had not heard from the Neurologist either.  Last Wednesday at our life group I asked for major prayer for my anxiety, and that the results would come soon.  I have to say God listened and answered our prayers.  The next day, Thursday May 10th, I received a phone call on my break at work while I was on the other line with Aaron.  I didn't recognize it, so I ignored it hoping they would leave a message.  When they called again and didn't leave a message I googled the phone number.  it was a line from the UCSF office.  I texted Aaron and told him it was the call i had been waiting for.  I wasn't ready at the time to hear the news, so I waited til' my lunch hour.  I ran some errands, and got in my car and called the number back.  Jamie Fisher answered (the UCSF gal we originally met with when we saw Dr. Curry).  I told Jamie " I want to know, good or bad, I just want to know."  --With every fiber of my being I prayed the three days straight before that, that God would take this from us, that this would all be some crazy misunderstanding.  I prayed that if it was God's will that he would take this all away.-- and then she said "Owen does have a form of Muscular Dystrophy.  It's a more rare form than Duchenne's, it's Becker's."  The conversation continued, and I will be next to get tested.  But all I heard in my own head was "Owen doesn't have a death sentence anymore.  My baby is going live, a lot longer than expected, and I'm going to enjoy it all." GOD IS GOOD
    This is still a serious diagnosis, however, but we were prepared for the worst.  For us, this is great news.  The next step is for me to get tested, and if I am the carrier, my sisters and daughter will be tested as well.  Becker's is a slower progressing form of MD, which Jamie said symptoms may arise between 5 years of age and adulthood.  This grants us time, time is on our side.
    I received the best mother's day gift this year, the gift of life for my son, and grace.  God's mercies are new every morning, and we will sing his praise!  We serve such an amazing God.  We are ready to walk this road with your support.  We appreciate ALL of your prayers, thoughts, well wishes, gifts, and love. Matthew 21:22 NIV "If you believe, you will receive, whatever you ask for in prayer."
    With thankfulness, appreciation, and JOY,
The Kelley's

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001725/