As many of you now, Julia has Williams Syndrome, which is a deletion on the #7 chromosome. It is a relatively rare syndrome - less than 30,000 diagnosed cases in the US. There are a myriad of issues that can accompany the diagnosis, but no real rhyme or reason as to which ones will affect which person.
Because of this, and because Julia has had no medical evaluations or support until now, we chose to have a full evaluation done at the Williams Syndrome Clinic in St. Louis. Why St. Louis? For starters, it is the closest clinic to us that accepts older children.
Off Julia and Becky I went to St. Louis last week. We had 3 therapy evaluations, one vision screen, one hearing test, 7 specialist appointments, two ultra sounds, 2 x-rays and one blood draw scheduled.
The second reason for St. Louis? It's where the Yingling clan lives! We got a chance to see Grandpa Yingling!!
And - since St. Louis isn't that far from #1 daughter and her family...they came and surprised the girls!
The newest addition and the next to be newest addition...
We did a little bit of sightseeing before our clinic appointments
And had a little/big Christmas celebration with the extended family! My sister in law Kathy went all out to make it super special!
Love these two loves!
Cousins and their kids!
Uncle Tony and his fan club!!
And Julie discovered why Uncle Dean is the very funnest and favorite!
Although Uncle Mike is certainly giving him a run for his money at the craft table!
Being schooled in the fine art of crafting by her Aunt Becky!
On the 6th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me - wonderful extended family!
We also received very great news at the clinic. After all those appointments - she needs glasses and has slight hearing loss, needs some custom orthotics for some posture issues - and that's it. With all the potential life threatening issues that could exist, that's it.
A true Christmas miracle.
A true Christmas Miracle in so many ways! I am glad you were able to turn this visit in to some family time and no just appointments! PS, is this the one that just had the baby on Sunday via C-section?
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