some christmas cheer

As much as I hate to post on top of that lovely ode to the Griz, as a offspring of MSU grads, I had to. Just wanted to let you all know of some news our family received. Some of you may have seen this already on facebook, but the least technically savvy (read: old) family members, I thought you should be filled in too. Nate was diagnosed with Myotonia Dystrophy which apparently is a (very in comparison) mild form of muscular dystrophy. So it's a very slowly progressive disease that affects your muscles. He went in because his grip strength was bothering him. He wasn't able to play golf because he couldn't grip the clubs hard enough. The neurologist said he won't regain this strength and likely will lose other muscle strength throughout his body, including legs, eyes, and heart. But again, this is likely YEARS down the line. He's feeling fine and taking this surprising well. I'm personally still a little leary of the diagnosis because it's a strictly hereditary disease that one of his parents would have to have and neither of them have symptoms. I have no doubt that he is somehow diseased, though! If this is his diagnosis, it is a little worrisome because it's a dominant trait and so our kids have a 50% chance of having it. But I'm not really sure exactly what the prognosis is. We will be going to see a specialist after the first of the year.

On another note, Emma had her first Christmas program tonight with her daycare class. Only 3 other kids showed up, but it was pretty cute. She's the one second from the left. Emma's friend Ava is the last on the right and she was so hilarious and really got into it! Sorry about the jerky picture. What an amateur! You also can't hear the song very well, but it's the Chipmunks singing Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!