One of the best things ever...

is waking up next to the Lily Bug. She loves to nestle in your neck with her warm, wonderful smelling breaths and her soothing snores.

Happy Birthday Grandpops!

Thank you for the song. Love, Lily.

Going on two months now!

Just this morning, Lily said "enough of the sappy sad stuff...show everyone some more fun photos of me!" So here you go!

Our little Lily

We have some sad news. Our little Lily was just diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Lara found out she was a carrier earlier on in her pregnancy. After checking Brian for the same relatively common gene mutation, we all thought Lily was in the clear. As it turns out, Brian also has a gene for the disease. This particular mutation went undetected months ago as it is not one of the 40 more common genes that the doctors were searching for.

Cystic fibrosis is a disease that primarily affects the lungs and the pancreas. CF patients can be prone to lung infections due to increased mucus production. In addition, patients can have difficulties retaining nutrients and can grow and develop poorly due to insufficient secretion of the pancreatic enzymes. At this time, it has been determined that Lily's pancreas is functioning beautifully. We sort of suspected this as she seems to be growing big and very strong (we think we have a future Yosemite climber on our hands).

We are lucky that Kaiser Permentente in Oakland (where we are all members) has one of the most reputable cystic fibrosis centers in the country. We met with Lily's doctor, the head pulmonary specialist, recently. In addition, we met with a powerful team of nurses, nutritionists and social workers. After assessing Lily, it was determined that she is a very healthy baby. She is gaining weight, getting taller (well, longer) daily and seems to be generally thriving. At this point, given her stats and her genotype, it looks like Lily may have a very well functioning pancreas. To be safe, she can take enzyme supplements prior to feeding. We also will start Lily on a daily physical therapy regiment to ensure the healthiest lung function possible. These are all preventative measures.

As Nanny puts it, "we are going to take our cue from Lily." Since we met her, she has always had a healthy appetite, pooped and slept well. She has been nonstop smiles, gurgles and cuddles. We are enjoying her immensely and we are pretty sure she is enjoying us. We feel incredibly lucky and very hopeful.

Lily and her friend, Edim

Lily has a friend named Edim. The two have been friends for quite a while now as they took yoga classes together while in utero. He is also Lily's next door neighbor. They are lucky to have their bedroom windows face each other. Occasionally the two make faces at each other through these windows. In a couple of years, they will probably move on to communicating with tin can phones so their moms don't hear all of their secrets. We see these two being good friends for a long time.

Lily's Photo Shoot

For Lara's birthday, Lily was excited to celebrate and requested to be dressed up in something other than a onesie. Here is pretty Lily posing before her night in the town.

Grandpa George

Lily's Grandpa George was able to meet Lily briefly following her early delivery. He then had to head up to Wise River, Montana, where he teaches a Geology field camp for the University of California, at Berkeley. Geology field camp consists of undergraduate geology students learning how to map and identify the various rock outcrops within a defined field area. The Wise River area is full of fascinating geology and provides an ideal setting for students to learn. Although field camp is an exciting time (and huge effort) for Grandpa George, he happily postponed the course so as to be able to greet his grandaughter. But now field camp is in full swing, and that includes Lily's grandmother Brimhall (Nanny) as the camp cook... and camp mom.

Grandpa has been planning activities for Lily since Brian and Lara first meet. He built the Montana cabin with both geology and Lily in mind. When we asked him why he put in such a large closet in his bedroom (5 years ago), he was quick to say "it's for the kiddo's forts!"

Lily cannot wait until Grandpa comes home. She is excited to be wheeled around by him in a red wagon with her little Crow indian mocasins hanging over the edge. She wants him to rent a boat and take her fishing in the San Pablo Dam Resevoir (stopping by Happy Donuts along the way)...she's hoping that he will eventually let her control the motor and steering wheel. Lily cannot wait to do Grandpa's hair while they watch movies together. He will let her use as much styling goop and as many barretts as necessary to create fun mohawks and such. She is also excited for him to take her to his office on the Cal campus so she can scoot around the McCone halls on her roller skates.