The Kids

Emily
In January 2001, we welcomed our first child. Emily was born with Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC). This means she was born missing the major connector in her brain between the left and right hemispheres. Just after she turned 3, we found out that the cause of her ACC was a rare genetic disorder called Oral Facial Digital Syndrome Type 1 (OFD1)—caused by a spontaneous mutation. You can read all about Emily from before conception to just after she was born by clicking on the Emily's Story tab. I haven't finished her story yet, but I hope to add more soon.

Emily is not defined by her disorder. In many respects, she is just like any other child. She helps and fights with her siblings in equal measure. She loves to laugh and play pranks on willing participants. Emily likes to make inventions, is interested in how the body works and wants to be an astronaut when she grows up. Her disorder does make learning and retaining information difficult, but she constantly amazes us with what she can do.


Garrett
October 2005, brought us the arrival of our first son. Since the first day, Garrett has been all boy and kept us on our toes. At 6, he wants to know and do everything. He loves superheroes and playing the Wii. Garrett wants to own a pizza restaurant, be a scientist and be rich. He is also incredibly funny and outgoing. I don’t think he has ever met a stranger.


Austin
April 2007, just 18 months later, gave us our third child and second son. Austin was unexpectedly born at home and delivered by Mark. He was the world’s best baby! He looked very much like an old man, which is fitting as we believe him to be an “old soul”. Austin loves music, dancing, and playing with his brother and sisters.


Anna
Our latest edition was born in March 2009. Anna arrived in a beautiful underwater delivery. I don’t know if it had to do with her birth or not, but she is the only one of my kids that has always loved water! She thinks she is a little princess and can occasionally be slightly high maintenance. She loves keeping up with the bigger kids and gives them a run for their money.