Addie started kindergarten this fall at Glen Lake Elementary and is in Mrs. Brennan's class. She loves school, new friends, and comes home every night eager to share something she learned. Her favorites at school are recess, Spanish class, math and being with new friends.
We have had a fun fall season of vehicle fairs and activities: Harley Hopkins, Minnetonka Vehicle Open House, National Neighbors Night Out and the Chan Fire Station. James and Addie love climbing around on all the trucks!!
At the end of August, we were blessed to go on our 4th (?) annual trip up to Lucas & Jessie's parent's cabin. They are such amazing hosts and we always have a wonderful weekend! Highlights were: reading stories in the sauna with Lucas, tubing, playing hide-and-seek, playing with the babies and fishing. :)
James learned to finally balance on his Strider this September. He had spent a morning at Grandpa's house, and after an entire morning of riding, came home confident on the bike. That's all it took! Now he rides that thing to the park and when we go to get Addie at her bus stop. Addie was encouraged to try as well, so Grandpa took off the wheels of a small bike for her to try. She is so incredibly timid, but at least she is practicing.
Addie turned 6 this fall!! She had her first friend birthday party and LOVED it! We invited a few of her friends and had a tea party. Grandma, Nana, Auntie Julie, Mimi and Mom all dressed up for the party as well.
Stefan and I were lucky enough to go to NY and Boston. Stefan had a work visit on Long Island for a day, so we were able to fly together for a long weekend. We spent 2 nights in NY. I spent 1 day on my own in NYC. I was so proud of myself. I woke up early, caught a train to Penn Station, then hoped on a Bus Tour. I was able to see the 9/11 Memorial (amazing), went on a ferry ride past Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, saw the Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Center, Theater District, went shopping, Time Square, ate the best slice of pizza, and had a blast (even though it rained the entire day!!). The next day Stef and I went to the top of the Empire State Building. Breathtaking!! We then caught a train up to Boston to visit Dan and Maari. Boston is a gorgeous city. We had an amazing time and Dan and Maari were wonderful hosts and tour guides! Thanks you guys for a great weekend.
This October, my sweet Grandpa Gene went to be with Jesus. We miss him so much already. He was a wonderful man. Heaven gained a gem! We celebrated his life today at his funeral. It was wonderful to gather friends and family, and to be able to share stories of Gramps.
Updates on Little Lukey Poo:
-Genetics testing all came back negative, nothing found again. We have a follow-up in December where they may choose to run another series of tests. At this point, they say it is a long shot that we will find a specific syndrome.
-Luke had his first helmet made in July at Gillette, didn't fit. Second one, in August, didn't fit. Last one, in September, gave him a pretty nasty cut. So... we were discharged from Gillette and sent down to Children's for a second opinion. We just met with the team yesterday, and they are going to give it a try!
-PM&R doctor had him fitted for leg braces to wear at night. We've only tried them once and he screams in pain, so I'm not sure how we are going to ease into them. :(
-Luke is now a whopping 13 lbs. 2 oz. Such a peanut! We saw a family at DSW this weekend, and their daughter was 2 years old and only 19 lbs. It so gave me a glimpse of what Luke might look like. This tiny little sweet peanut!
-Meet with the neurologist last week. Stefan and Warren were able to also attend the appointment. Nothing new, he just wants to follow Luke every 8 months to make sure his head is growing and that he is not having any seizures.
-BEST UPDATE: Luke was chosen through Starkey Hearing Foundation and the MLB All-Star game to receive a free pair of Starkey hearing aids. Bill Austin, the CEO, was the one who fit and created his hearing aids. What an amazing experience!!! They are in the ear aids, and work beautifully!
Little Luke continues to grow and gain new abilities. Thank you again for all your prayers! We are truly blessed. Love, The MN Juliens
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| Addie teaching Luke how to play the piano. |
