Sweet Liam

As promised on fb, I am updating about my precious nephew (including new photos). Liam was diagnosed with PKU shortly after he was born. Apparently it is part of the blood work that DHEC does for newborn babies in the hospital. I do not profess to be knowledgeable about the disease, I basically just hear things from Pat and Michelle and try to read up as much as I can (http://www.pku.com/). Essentially, poor little Liam can not process protein like most of the rest of us. He is currently on a special formula which he needs a certain amount of each day and then he can nurse for the rest of the time. Each week Pat and Michelle have to take a blood sample (twice) to DHEC to have his protein levels measured to adjust his feedings accordingly. Yesterday was the first time they took the levels in themselves and he is doing VERY well. Most people with PKU are essentially vegans for the rest of their lives, getting the only type of protein they can by way of supplements. So, that is the extent of my general knowledge, please comment to correct me if I have said something incorrectly (it's entirely possible and probable). As for Liam individually, he is back up to his birth weight and doing great!!! And, he is PRECIOUS! He has fantastic parents and they are all doing well!

Pie and his babies....I think he might be in heaven here!!

Delainey loves baby Liam!

Happy 5th Birthday!

Dear Delainey,



Happy 5th Birthday! I cannot believe that 5 years ago today we welcomed you into the world. Your Mommy and I were so excited to have you become part of our little family. You were the first grandchild for the Allens and the Olivers and you were given so much love from the beginning. All of your grandparents were waiting for you at the hospital when you were born and everyone was overcome with joy when you came into this world.

You have provided nothing but happiness for anyone and everyone that you have encountered so far in your life. We are so proud of the young lady that you have become. Your Mommy and I brag about you all the time. You are a wonderful daughter and a fantastic big sister. Your little sister idolizes you and you treat her with such patience and love.

Over the past five years you have learned so much and we cannot wait to see what else you will learn in your life. You are a very good swimmer, you love to play outside, your imagination is through the roof, playing dress-up is a favorite hobby, and overall you are a fantastic well rounded little girl.

Always remember that your family loves you very much. God has truly blessed us and we could not be prouder. You are the best 5 year old I know.



Love,

Daddy

End of the Summer

These are just a few images from the end of the summer. The weather is starting to cool now and our time outside is getting shorter. The girls are busier than ever with school, dance, and learning new things. Everyone is growing up way too fast.
We did enjoy a nice Labor Day together as a family with a bike ride/walk down at the river, a nice lunch at Chik-Fil-a, and then a vist to EdVenture. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our everyday lives that we forget to slow down and enjoy some time together just the four of us.

Come on Fall!

Baby Liam

The Columbia Fam now has a nephew and cousin. Uncle Patty and Aunt Chelle welcomed William "Liam" Allen to the world and we are so thrilled to have him join our family! Sorry for the quality of the pictures, but they were taken with my cell phone as we forgot the camera. We aren't off to a good start on being a good Uncle and Aunt!

Another First

Jacqueline also started "school" this year. Right now she goes to a drop-in where she can hang out for a few hours while Mommy runs errands and does her real estate thing. As you can see, she had no problems on her first day. Laura put her down and she headed right for the entrance.