Lai Family

Splits

2012-01-02T18:07:00.000-08:00

Ethan has been practicing doing the splits since watching Karate Kid. He has gotten pretty good at it too.

So Big

2012-01-02T18:02:00.000-08:00

This cute little girl is getting so big. She is growing so fast. Today she started babble. I love baby babble.

Christmas 2011

2012-01-02T17:56:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning before the kids attacked the presents. :)

Ethan and his lego alarm clock.

Ethan and Seth

Seth

Ashlynn enjoying the paper.

In their new Sunday clothes.

Rubberband Gun.

Spencer and Yvonne

Alec and Lesa

Pap Pap

Eden wearing her new monster hat.

Christmas Eve

2012-01-02T17:15:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's house.

Pheasant Hunting

2012-01-01T17:03:00.000-08:00

This is how Doug and Pap Pap spent Christmas Eve. Next time they'll have to bring a few more people with them because apparently they spent most of their time running around trying to flush the pheasant out. They ended up getting two though with the help of a guide and his dog.

Tangled

2012-01-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

All tangled up in her Rapunzel pajamas.

The Lights on Temple Square

2012-01-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

This year we finally made it to see the lights in Temple Square. It was cold but they were pretty.

DIva

2012-01-01T15:57:00.000-08:00

This is my Eden. She is such a little actress.

It was too quiet

2012-01-01T15:50:00.000-08:00

While I was busily putting laundry away, Eden was quietly playing in her brothers' room. That should have been my cue that she was up to no good because when I finished and went to check on her I found that she had put "makeup" (marker) all over her body and her brothers' room.

Pony Tails and Piggy Noses

2012-01-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

On Thanksgiving I put Ashlynn's hair into her first ponytail. By this time I was able to put Eden's hair into pigytails. Ashlynn's is definitely taking her time to grow. I also gave her piggy nose with some tape. It looks like she enjoyed it.

Homeless

2012-01-01T15:35:00.000-08:00

We went to check on the boys before bed and this is what we found. They bpth took turns sleeping in it over the next few days.

Grandam got run over by a reindeer.

2012-01-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving Grandma and Grandpap Lai took the older three kids up to Heber to ride on the North Pole Express. They had a great time riding the train, eating cookies and drinking ht chocolate. They even got a special visit from Santa Claus. Afterward they were going to meet up with us switch cars and head up to the airport to catch their flight back to Hong Kong. Well On their way down the canyon a deer came "out of nowhere" and ran into the van which Grandma was driving. Thankfully no one was hurt and the van was still drivable so they were able to make it back in time to get to the airport, but we all had a nice laugh about how grandma got run over by a reign deer.

7 Months Old

2012-01-01T15:11:00.000-08:00

Ok so Ashlynn has been 7 months for a few weeks now but I am just getting around to posting the pictures.

Ashlynn is getting so big. She is now army crawling and eating baby food. She loves to blow raspberries. Especially while she is eating which makes for a bit of a mess. She is such a sweet baby loved by all. Perhaps a bit too much by Eden, but she tolerates her love well.

I want to be alone

2012-01-01T14:59:00.000-08:00

"I want to be alone." This is Eden's new phrase of choice lately when she is upset or doesn't get her way. It's usually accompanied by much drama as she runs into another room and sprawls out on the floor. She is going to be fun as a teenager. ;)

"Mom can't do science"

2012-01-01T14:56:00.000-08:00

The boys got a Phineas and Ferb science kit for Christmas and have been begging to do an experiment. So I told them I would help them.To which they replied, "Dad has to help us. Mom can't do science experiments." This just made me laugh seeing as Mom is the one who majored in biology.

Smells Like a Stink Bug

2011-12-29T10:31:00.000-08:00

Last night we made a trip to Toys R Us so the kids could pick out a toy with the gift card they got from great grandma. The boys got more Legos and Eden picked out a strawberry shortcake. As she was playing with it this morning I was telling her how good it smelled. So Seth came over to take a sniff and quickly said, "It smells like a stink bug."

A Couple Edenism's

2011-11-24T08:40:00.000-08:00

"Mom, stop, I'm not talking to you." (pause) "I am talking to myself." Eden

On Thanksgiving she was talking about who would be coming over to our house for dinner. She listed off a few and then said , "and all the people I love." Awww what a sweetie.

Ashlynn at 6 Months

2011-11-16T21:27:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Ashlynn is already six months old. She is growing up so fast.

My brown eyed and blue eyed beauties. Sweet girls!

This girl is so happy and laid back.

She was more interested in rolling over than posing for pictures.

I love this picture.

Yummy. Give me the paper.

Pure Randomness

2011-11-16T21:14:00.000-08:00

Here are a few random photos of my silly kids.

Seth the garbage boy. He had a surprising amount of fun with that garbage bag.

Funny face Ethan.

Pig nose Eden. She was trying to make a pig nose with tape.

Ethan's "cheesy" smile.

Happy 2nd Liver Birthday Eden

2011-11-16T21:01:00.000-08:00

Eden celebrated her 2nd liver birthday on November 10th. I can't believe it has been two years since she was given the gift of a new liver and how well she has done. We celebrated her special day with cake and ice cream and sang happy birthday dear liver as she blew out her candles.

Sweet Sleeping Baby

2011-11-09T09:06:00.000-08:00

Ahh so sweet!

Brotherly Love

2011-11-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

Ok so maybe this is forced brotherly love, but they seemed to enjoy it.

Bubble Fun

2011-11-09T08:58:00.000-08:00

After "helping" me wash the dishes, Eden asked me if she could play in the bubbles. So I put some fresh water and bubbles in the sink and let her have at it.

As you can see she started out with all of her clothes on.

It wasn't long before she had her shirt off. Then in went her feet and her pants were off too. Once she was down to her undies she decided to jump right in.

She played in the sink for about two hours during which I got a lot done. Yeah for cheap entertainment.

Happy Halloween

2011-11-09T08:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween

All ready for school. The boys wore their costumes to school and Eden wore hers to her clinic appointment with Dr. Book. BTW she is doing great and doesn't have to go back again for six months. Awesome!

Ethan was a hunchback.

Seth was a mummy.

Eden was princess Ariel of course. Ok I have to brag a little here. This was my first attempt sewing anything other than straight lines and I think it turned out pretty good. :)

Ashlynn was a pumpkin :) She wasn't too pleased when we first put her in the cold pumpkin but once we stuck a blankie in there with her she seemed to enjoy all the attention. She even thought it was pretty tasty.

More funny things they say....

2011-10-24T19:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight for family home evening we were playing charades with different talents that people might have. I pulled the talent singing from the bag so I started pantomiming singing. Well Seth's guess of what my talent was, "embarrassing." Really is that what you think of me? I love you too buddy and we all had a good laugh about this one especially Doug.

As we were finishing up family home evening Seth was whispering in Eden's ear helping her to say the closing prayer. It went like this,

Seth: Dear Heavenly Father
Eden: Dear Heavenly Father
Seth: Thank you for this day
Eden: Your Welcome

These kids make me smile. :)

SL Tribune Article

2011-10-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Eden and Erica were featured in an article in the SLTribune on living donations for liver transplants. They are going to start adult to adult living donor program in Utah. http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/52676311-78/liver-transplant-donor-transplants.html.csp

Utah hospital to offer live donor liver transplants for adults

By heather may

The Salt Lake Tribune

First published Oct 22 2011 11:31PM
Updated Oct 23, 2011 10:42AM

Her belly swollen with fluid and her liver infected, Eden Lai was in the hospital six times in six months.

The 1-year-old was a candidate for a liver transplant, but her parents knew it could take several months or longer to get one from a deceased donor. Though her liver was failing, she wasn’t one of the sickest patients.

So in 2009 her mother decided to give a portion of her own liver to save her daughter.

“She had a big belly and really skinny arms and legs. She wasn’t getting nutrition,” said 32-year-old Erica Lai, of Spanish Fork. “I didn’t want to watch her get sicker than she already was.”

That option — a living-donor liver transplant — hasn’t been an option for adults in Utah since 2008.

Now the same surgical team that transplants segments of livers from living donors at Primary Children’s Medical Center is ready to do the same at Intermountain Medical Center for adults dying from liver disease.

With 146 Utah adults in need of a liver transplant — some for more than five years — waiting for a donor to die isn’t always possible. Statistically, about 30 of them will pass away before they get a transplant.

“If you are waiting for the cadaveric [transplant], it’s a gamble,” said Shiro Fujita, a liver transplant surgeon at both hospitals, noting that 2,000 U.S. adults die each year waiting for a liver transplant.

Fujita was recruited to Utah in 2009 to restart the Liver Transplant Program at Intermountain Medical Center, which ended in 2008 after just five surgeries when one of the liver surgeons retired.

As part of the first generation of transplant surgeons in Japan, Fujita, 55, started performing living liver transplants in 1998 in his home country, where transplants from brain dead donors weren’t legal until 1997. He also created the University of Florida’s living liver transplantation program.

Fujita has performed 63 living liver transplants including a handful at Primary Children’s — a track record that may alleviate the high complication rates found at transplant centers with less experience with living-donor transplants, such as Intermountain.

“He is probably one of the most experienced live-donor liver surgeons in the country because of his extensive experience in Japan,” said Willem Van der Werf, chief of Intermountain’s Division of Transplant Surgery.

This summer, the United Network for Organ Sharing approved Intermountain’s adult program. UNOS manages the national waiting list and matches donors under contract with the federal government.

Van der Werf said the option is critical for a state such as Utah, where statistics show patients have to wait longer and are sicker by the time they receive a transplant from a deceased donor. Utahns needing a liver have one of the nation’s longest waits: an average of 1½ years.

The wait could become longer under proposed changes to the national allocation system. Van der Werf said instead of livers from deceased donors being used within the state, they could be sent to the sickest patients in the region, which includes much larger states — with more sick patients — such as California.

“The pressure will be on for everybody to have to get really sick before they can be transplanted. That makes live-donor liver transplant a more attractive option, since patients already have about a 10-to-15-percent chance of dying before they can reach transplant,” he said.

Fujita became a transplant surgeon while caring for children in Japan who suffered the same congenital disease Eden Lai had — biliary atresia. It’s a blockage in the ducts that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder.

Eden’s jaundiced skin and pale stool revealed the disease. Since the 2009 transplant, the now 3-year-old is healthy, Erica Lai said.

“I was in the hospital one week. It was definitely the most painful surgery I’ve ever had,” said Lai, who had a Cesarean section and has had gallbladder surgery. Still, she got pregnant within a year after the surgery. “It took a couple months to really get back to normal.”

A parent giving a portion of his or her liver to their child can be an easy call. But among adults, the surgery is more ethically complex. A healthy person, usually younger than the recipient and possibly with a family of their own, is put at risk, Fujita said.

Surgeons have to remove around 60 percent of an adult donor’s liver. The remaining portion and the transplanted lobe will grow, but research has shown donors commonly suffer complications. A study of adult-to-adult transplants showed about 38 percent experience problems, most often bacterial infections and bile duct leaks. A small percentage developed psychiatric problems, including suicide.

The risk of death for a liver donor — 1.5 in 1,000 surgeries — is five times higher than from more common living kidney donations, according to a 2008 review of live donors in liver transplantation in the journal Gastroenterology. Five of more than 3,500 donors were listed for transplants themselves between 1994 and 2008, according to government data.

But risks must be weighed against the benefits: A 2011 study in the journal Hepatology of nearly 900 livingliver-transplant candidates showed a “significant survival benefit” for most recipients of living donations compared to receiving a liver from a deceased donor or waiting for one.

Fujita said many adult patients would rather wait for a liver from a deceased donor because they don’t want to put a family member at risk. But as they languish on the waiting list, they become more willing to seek help.

“For most patients their lives are essentially on hold just waiting,” Van der Werf added. “They’re not able to work, they’re not able to do the normal things they would like to do.”

He expects the hospital to perform a couple of transplants a year from living donors. The number is small because the sickest patients are likely to get a liver from a deceased donor quickly, and those who are healthier have a higher risk of dying from the transplant than from waiting.

Plus, the recipient needs to be small — the donated portion of the liver should be about 1 percent of the recipient’s weight — and the donor must be a healthy match.

Still, Fujita said Utah’s strong good Samaritan kidney program may translate to good Samaritan liver donations.

Lai was glad hear about the new adult program. She’s not worried about her own liver — which is functioning normally — but Eden’s.

“She may need another transplant at some time.”

The funny things they say.

2011-10-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

Eden: "Where did we come from?"
Me: "We lived with Heavenly Father and Jesus before we came to earth."
Eden: "So we came here on a space ship."

While looking at herself in the mirror tonight Eden declared, "I'm a teenager." I have no idea where that one came from. I am not ready for teenagers yet.

Eden this morning, "Look what I found in Ashlynn's nose." do I really need to tell you to keep your fingers out of your sisters nose?

Eden insisted on putting on some of Doug's deodorant earlier today and well now she smells like a man.

Ashlynn was making a lot of noise so I told Eden she was talking to her. Eden's response... "She's speaking Spanish." :)

Earlier today Ethan held up three fingers like a W and told me W stands for winner, and then he held up his forefinger and thumb like an L and told me L stands for almost a winner. :)

"Can I pet the baby?" Eden

"My daddys the best, and he's my friend. Your my friend to mom." Eden

"I'm the best too mom. Uh huh." Eden

"Dinosaurs don't like pajamas." So Eden tells me anyway.

Tonight my boys ate 200 US dollars worth of steak. They have some expensive taste buds I think.

"Mom, Ethan swallowed his coin last night" I just hope he doesn't set off the metal detector at the airport later today.

seth "sporks are awesome"

First Meals and Sassy Sister

2011-10-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

Here is Ashlynn's first impression of real food. As you can see by the look on her face she wasn't to impressed. I don't blame her, rice cereal doesn't sound too tasty to me either.

She is much happier sitting in her high chair playing with her toes.

And here is the sassy sister who insisted on wearing every one of her headbands backwards. What a little poser she is too.

Daddy's School Carnival

2011-10-20T14:09:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we went to the carnival at Doug's school. It was rainy and cold outside so everything needed to be moved inside. We had fun anyway.

Face painting fun!

The best fun was throwing balls while daddy was in the dunk tank. :)

Ashynn at 5 Months

2011-10-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

Here is Ashlynn at 5 months old. A little late, but better late than never. She was more interested in rolling over to get my paper than she was in posing for the camera. She is getting so big.

Ashynn at 4 Months

2011-09-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

Here is Ashlynn at 4 months old. She is getting so big.

Clean up your room!

2011-09-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

Last night we told Eden to clean up her room. Well when we went upstairs to check we found a spotless floor. Where did all that stuff go?

On her bed. I guess she took us literally when we said to pick up her floor.

Silly girl.

And silly boys.

Beautiful Baby

2011-09-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

Ashlynn taking her turn in the highchair the was used by my dad, aunt, unlcle, my cousins, myself and brother and sister and now all of my kiddos have used it at least once. Not bad for a 70 year old high chair.

What a sweetie she is.

First Day of Preschool

2011-09-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Eden started preschool this year. She gets to go to school with Daddy two days a week. So far she loves it. Hopefully she doesn't tell too many stories to her teacher.

TuTu Fun

2011-09-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

Why settle for one tutu when you can wear three.

Ashlynn at 3 Months

2011-09-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

She is always smiling.

Of course Eden had to get in on the action.

15 Year Anniversary of the Liver Transplant Program at PCMC

2011-09-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

Dr Book and her transplant kids.

Eden and Lulu with her mom Lizzie.

Dr Molly with Awesome Evan and Eden.

All tucked in.

2011-09-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

We went in to check on Eden before going to bed and this is what we found.

Yellowstone National Park

2011-09-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

Old Faithful

Oooh, Ahhhh

Had to get a picture of this one. :)

Buffalo hanging out at the sauna. There was a baby in that group.

The Tetons

Ashlynn was there too though she'll never remember it.

Johnson Family Reunion

2011-09-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

Roasting "Smarshmellows"

Enjoying the fresh air and snoozing with daddy.

Going on a hike with papa.

Jeff, Ashlee, Aunt Kathleen, and Aunt Crystal

Aunt Susie

Uncle Jason, Eden and Kitty

Ashlynn in a makeshift crib.

Going for a ride with uncle Jeff. I think she's excited.

Aunt Kathleen taking the Seth, Ethan, and Hunter for a ride.

Peek A Boo

Grandma snuggling with Ashlynn.

Two Months Old

2011-09-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

Ashlynn on her two month birthday.

2011-09-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

Hanging out at the zoo.

I think they had fun with their cousins.

Water fights are fun.

Seth got a little wet.

Alyssa staying out of the way with her balloon.

Ethan did too.

Saying good bye.

Ethan and Hayden

Niagra Falls, Lake Erie, and Pymatuning

2011-09-14T09:25:00.000-07:00

Niagra Falls

Monkey Boys

Alyssa and Eden

Eden, New York. We had to get a picture of this plus it is the hometown of Dr Molly O'Gourman one of our favorite GI doctors at Primaries.

Playing on the beach at Lake Erie. Kaylee was kind enough to let the kids bury her in the sand.

Digging in the dirt.

Uncle Jim with Hayden and Alyssa.

There was a lot of dye in the frosting.

My monkey boys and Kaylee.

After the day at Lake Erie we spent the night at this fun little bed and breakfast. They didn't have a portable crib so Ashlynn slept in a drawer.

Pymatuning, where the ducks walk on fish.

Yes those are really all fish.

Getting ready to toss some bread to the fishies.

Sampling the bread before feeding the fish. Gotta make sure its safe.

Great Grandpap Hemmis had a slushy. It was blue if you couldn't tell. :p

The Funny Farm

2011-09-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hunter, Seth, Hayden, and Eden waiting for their turn to ride the pony.

Ethan

Seth

Eden loved her pony ride. She giggled and smiled the whole time.

Chuck E Cheese and Birthday Fun

2011-09-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

Here's my birthday boys on their 6th. I can't believe they're that big already.

Eden riding the clock at Chuck E Cheese. I think she rode it about a dozen times.

Seth

Alyssa liked the clock too.

Doug counting out the coins for the next round of fun. We had maybe ten pounds worth of coins that we brought to from the chuck e cheese in Utah because the gift certificates we got for a great deal were only good in Utah. Yeah, Doug's backpack got made an extra pass through the x ray machine when going through security. It was all worth because the kids had fun.

Ethan

Alyssa, Hayden (the other birthday boy), Seth, Eden, and Ethan.

Pennsylvania Part 1

2011-09-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

Ashlynn's first plane ride.

Sleepy Boys

Sleepy Eden and her dolly too.

Meeting Great Grandma Hemmis for the first time.

Hanging out waiting for the Canonsburg 4th of July parade to start.

Drumming to the music on Brad's head.

The boys got to share their birthday with Hayden who is exactly one year younger than them.

Playing with sparklers.

Eden got in on the fun too but she had to wear sunglasses.

Sleeping, Strollers, and Pedicures

2011-09-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

The kiddos and Aunt Yvonne taking a snooze.

Seth

Eden

Ethan pushing Ashlynn in Eden's baby stroller. Poor girl.

Getting ready to paint toes.

Ashlynn's first pedicure.

Silly Kids

2011-09-13T21:58:00.000-07:00

Eden loves to sing and dance. Here she is putting on a show for us. I can't wait to se what the future holds for our little diva.

The boys had Papa trapped under the table. I don't remember exactly what they were doing but they were having fun.

Ashlynns 1 month photo shoot

2011-09-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

Swimming Lessons with Joann

2011-09-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

I think this is Seth though I could be wrong.

Ethan Maybe???

The boys started learning how to freestyle stoke this year.

Eden practicing floating on her back. She loved swimming lessons.

More Ashlynn Pics

2011-09-13T21:38:00.000-07:00

So Sweet!

Snuggling with daddy.

Hi folks.

Funny faces. There were some even funnier pictures but I figured I would spare her. She'll thank me for it later.

This picture reminded me of one I have of Eden. I'll have to find it to compare.

Team Liverators

2011-09-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

In May Eden was asked to participate in press conference to promote Team Liverators. A group of transplant surgeons participating in the Ride Across America campaign to promote the need for organ donors.

Here is Eden with some of the other kids blessed with the gift of a new liver.

Dr Book, Eden's liver specialist. We love her.

Here I am Eden, Dr Book and Dr Scaife who performed Eden's Kasai and her transplant. We owe so much to these wonderful people.

Uncle Jerry

2011-09-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

Uncle Jerry came to visit a few weeks after Ashlynn was born. It was fun having him in town.

Kindergarten Graduation

2011-09-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

OK so I am a little slow getting this posted, but I am so proud of my sweet little boys and all they learned last year.

Proud big brothers and sister and sweet new born pics

2011-09-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

Seth and Ashlynn

Ethan and Ashlynn

Eden and Ashlynn

Eden's Third Birthday

2011-09-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

I love this crazy little girl.

She was on a Cinderella kick a few months ago. Hence the Cinderella cake. She loved it.

Princess gloves and purse. What more could a girl want?

Ashlynn's Blessing Day

2011-09-13T20:46:00.000-07:00

Proud big sister!

Grandma and Papa Johnson

Daddy's Girl

Grandma and Pap Pap Lai

First Day of First Grade

2011-09-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

Two handsome dudes ready for school.

So excited!

Doesn't quite as excited as his brother but he was.

15th Annual Dash for Donation and a 15 year Celebration for the Liver Transplant Program at PCMC

2011-07-19T21:10:00.001-07:00

Dash For Donation

Saturday, August 13, 2011 - 8:00 a.m.

You are welcome to join Team Eden or create your own.

http://www.yesutah.org/content/race_registration

Day of Race Registration and Check in begins at 6:45 a.m.

$27 Single Pre-registration
$20 Team - per person
$15 Youth 18 and under
$30 Late Registration

Save $7 per person by creating a team of 5 members or more.

Cost for single registration will go up to $30 after August 11. Online registration will close at midnight on August 10.

There will be two locations, so be sure to choose your preferred location when you register.

PCMC's Liver Clinic Picnic

From 1-3 pm August 13th the Liver Clinic will be celebrating 15 years of the transplant program. There will be activities, food, etc.

Contact: Barbie Robinson: 801-662-3716

Ashlynn Kate Lai

2011-05-15T18:53:00.000-07:00

Ashlynn Kate Lai, 7:34pm. 6 lbs 8oz, 19 inches. May 15, 2011.

Liver Life PARTY - Provo Style

2011-04-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

A message from Carie Eastman carie.eastman@gmail.com. Hey everyone, First off, THANK YOU!! We are the #1 team as far as donations go. I'm grateful of all of you for helping make this happen. Second, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE (do you hear me begging?) if you know of anyone that is planning to attend this BBQ that hasn't registered as a 'walker' make sure they do it in the next 2 weeks. We are trying to determine how much food we need. Thanks again for all of your help!

http://go.liverfoundation.org/site/TR/LiverLifeWalk2011/LiverLifeWalk/1521702524?pg=team&fr_id=2570&team_id=27080

April Fools :)

2011-04-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

For April Fools this year we decided to play a few tricks on the kids. So I shoved some toilet paper in their shoes, switched out the bags of cereal in the boxes, made them some blue juice (water with food dye), and then we moved the boys into Eden's bed after they fell asleep.

They really enjoyed all their tricks and we have them convinced that the "elves" did all of it. Only one problem is I need to remember to take the tissue out of their shoes before I put them on them. Sorry Eden for not believing you when you said your shoe was too small and your foot hurt. Oops. :)

There's a baby in my tummy!

2011-03-30T20:15:00.000-07:00

So lately the kids have been giving the baby (my belly) kisses and trying to feel her kick. Well the other day Eden was sitting around with her shirt off, (something she does often) when she got the hiccups. Well as she was watching her belly move up and down with each hiccup she said to me, "Mom my baby's moving."
Silly girl. There better not be a baby moving in that belly for a very long time.

May 19th walk and 5k run for American Liver Foundation

2011-02-21T19:41:00.000-08:00

On May 19th, we will participate in the Liver Life Walk to raise funds for the work of the American Liver Foundation – the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to liver health and disease prevention. I hope you will join me on team Liver Life Walk - Provo Style. Beyond raising money for a worthy cause, the Liver Life Walk is a fun event for the whole family!

Liver disease is often unknown or misunderstood. Here are some compelling statistics:

1 out of every 10 Americans is affected by about 100 types of liver disease.

That is 30 million people — the number of people in the United States living with diabetes and cancer combined, and the same number of people who live in America’s 15 largest cities.

60% of the 26,000 people who die each year from cirrhosis have no history of alcohol abuse.

Nearly 17,000 people are on the waiting list for a liver transplant.

The American Liver Foundation (ALF) is dedicated to a future where there are effective treatments, cures, and no one dies waiting for a liver transplant. The ALF mission is to facilitate, advocate and promote education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease.

Participating in the Liver Life Walk is an opportunity to do something good in the community, work toward a future free from liver disease, and support the 30 million Americans affected. Start today

Join our Liver Life Walk team,

Make a personal contribution to this worthwhile cause, and

Raise funds for research, education and advocacy.

You can register at www.liverfoundation.org/walk and follow the prompts to register for the walk on Team Liver Life Walk - Provo Style. When you register, you will receive valuable fundraising tools and information from the American Liver Foundation, in addition to your own personal fundraising Web site.

Liver Life Walk & Twilight 5K Denver 2011 on May 19, 2011!

If you are unable to participate but would like to support my efforts with a contribution, you can donate online at http://go.liverfoundation.org/site/TR/LiverLifeWalk2011/LiverLifeWalk?px=1690174&pg=personal&fr_id=2570 .

With your help, we will fund important work and raise awareness of these diseases that afflict millions of people. If you have questions about the Liver Life Walk or the work of the American Liver Foundation, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your support!

Sincerely,

The Lai Family

Team Liver Life Walk - Provo Style

Mommy and Daddy

2011-02-01T20:36:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago we were driving in the car and Eden had kicked off her boots and pulled off her socks. Not unusual for her, but what she did next was hilarious. She started wiggling one foot and said this is daddy and then wiggled the other foot and said this is mommy. Then hi daddy, hi mommy. Then tonight as I was washing her feet she said your washing daddy, and then when I washed the other foot she said now your washing mommy. Oh silly, silly girl.

First (Hopefully Last Trip) To The Principal's Office

2011-01-06T08:03:00.000-08:00

So yesterday Seth and Ethan made their first (and hopefully last) trip to the principal's office. After some coercion and a call from the principal this morning I learned that they found a crayon in the vestibule during story time and started coloring on the carpet. From what I've been told it was a very large portion of carpet. I guess Ethan admitted to it right away and didn't get in as much trouble, but Seth denied any wrong doing before finally admitting to it. Of course when they got home Seth admitted to it and Ethan denied it. Go figure.
Boys! I suppose it is a good thing they aren't in the same class so they don't spend too much time together thinking of things to get into at school. Anyway I hope they've learned a good lesson about the repentance process.

It's a...

2010-12-16T18:16:00.000-08:00

Girl!!!

The funny things they say!

2010-12-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

EDEN

Lately Eden has been using her shirt as a napkin. So the other day as I was handing her her lunch we had this conversation.
Me: "Do you use your shirt as a napkin?"
Eden: "Yes"
Me: "No we don't."
Eden: "My pants!"

And just now she finished painting her toenails with... yogurt.

SETH

Out of nowhere this morning Seth proclaimed, "Sporks are awesome!" Love that kid.

ETHAN
And this is what Ethan brought home form school yesterday. What is it you ask? Why a gingerbread man mummy of course.

SETHANISM

2010-11-15T19:51:00.000-08:00

Ethan: Mom I sing in the bathroom at school.
Me: Really???
Ethan: Yep everyone does. My teacher says its ok.
(In kindergarten the bathroom is connected to the classroom. Must be an interesting classroom.)

What a difference a year and a new liver makes!

2010-11-13T21:08:00.000-08:00

One year ago Eden received a new liver and second chance at life.

And on Wednesday November 10th we celebrated her first liver birthday with some pink cake and ice cream.

We also took a trip to the spa. Where she received the royal treatment. Including her very first mani, pedi. Of course she was more interested in the princess movie that was playing.

This past year has been wonderful. Instead of watching Eden's health decline as we did for the first eighteen months of her life, we've been able to watch her grow bigger and stronger. She has gone from taking dozens of meds to only one prescription med plus some vitamins and aspirin. She has learned to eat again. It took a frustrating seven months, but now she out eats her brothers most days. She didn't talk or laugh before transplant; now she talks and laughs all the time. She went from not walking to running and climbing all over. My list of all her accomplishments can go on and on. Liver wise she is doing great. One of her lab values, her ggt, did take a jump a few weeks ago. So I'm hoping it has come down when she gets labs done again in a few weeks. Otherwise, all is well.

I am so grateful for the many prayers that have been said in her behalf, and the many services that have been given to our family. I am sooo thankful for the all of the doctors and nurses who have helped Eden and dedicated their lives to making others better.

God is good.

P.S. I am also doing well and haven't had any issues since healing from my surgery.

Timer is set for May 10th

2010-10-21T07:03:00.001-07:00

Halloween

2010-10-20T16:57:00.000-07:00

Trying to think of costumes this year. We were contemplating this one, what do you think?

Halloween decorations

2010-10-17T17:45:00.000-07:00

Frightmares at Lagoon

2010-10-17T17:37:00.000-07:00

We won some tickets for Lagoon from the 'Dash for Donations'. So we decided to go over fall break.

You get wet on this ride. Why dad stayed off.

The bat

Train time

Boats, cars, and rockets.

Course they would shoot each other given the chance

snack time

Going on a fox hunt

Dumbo all by myself

The dragon

Red Barn

2010-10-17T17:23:00.000-07:00

Time for a wagon ride to go get pumpkins. The best was ice cream thanks to Uncle Jerry and the apple spice doughnuts.

Mission Reunion

2010-10-17T17:17:00.001-07:00

JDRF Walk

2010-10-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

One of my former students Madison Rice has juvenile diabetes. We helped raise over $200 for research. Was a fun day. Erica had super Saturday she was in charge of, so I took all the kids.

We walked with the rockin Rices

Darth Vader and co. were there.

Crazy hair

Spring Lake Carnival

2010-10-17T17:07:00.001-07:00

Silly Boys

2010-10-17T17:01:00.000-07:00

Their friend killed a praying mantis and stuck it on the end of a rusty nail. Lovely.

Eden

2010-10-17T16:57:00.001-07:00

Eden found this pacifier and wouldn't give it up. She hasn't used a pacifier since she was 12 months old. Silly girl. We hid it as soon as we could get it away from her.

Got bedhead?

That's ok I can fix it with my tutu.

My very first haircut!

Don't I look cute?

First Day of school!

2010-10-17T16:51:00.001-07:00

Doug turns 30

2010-10-17T16:45:00.001-07:00

Spanish Fork North Park Opening

2010-10-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

Army Tanks

Fire Trucks

Pony Rides

Tractor rides in 55 gallon cows

Lego Land

2010-10-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

Train Time

They have a fun aquarium there

Presidents

Boys with the 'Father of our country'

Sir Seth and Ethan

Princesses for Eden

Eden like to copy daddy

Amazing what can be done with a lot of Legos

Realistic men including arm pit hair

Bob the Builder!

I like to move it move it

Sea World

2010-10-17T11:19:00.000-07:00

Yogurt Drink Accident!

Zoe and Elmo!

Lion fish

Were big kids!

Spinning is so much fun

Shamoo!

Polar Bears

Funny Walrus

Beluga Whale

La Jolla

2010-10-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

Kings of the world

Beautiful view and had we gone 10 days later could have seen the Great White Shark!

San Diego Zoo

2010-10-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

Who you looking at?

So lonely!

Long tongue!

Glad it is in a cage!

Double Decker bus!

Wild Animal Kingdom

2010-10-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

Fun to see all the wild animals, too bad they were not taking donations.

Giraffes

Remember Pinoccio

Cheetah

Elephants

Found out that someone likes noodles!

Medieval Times

2010-10-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

We were part of the Green Knights group. Course it turns out he is the bad guy :(

Disney Land 2010

2010-10-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

Okay it has been a busy summer and with school starting we never got somethings put up on the blog. So I thought today we would.

We spent 5 day at Disney Land and California Adventure Park which were fabulous. The highlight was because we went with Eden. She had a special pass that allowed us to walk up to the exit line and go on the ride. Because it only allowed 6 and we had seven because my parents went they allowed us to do rider switch so that most rides the kids got to go twice on.

We had a lot of fun with Mickey and the gang.

It was funny to see how Grandpa Lai could fall asleep anywhere too.

Mickey Mouse,

his house is deceiving, you think it is not that big but is goes on forever.

Tinkerbell

Classic Picture

Jedi Ethan

Bug eyes

Two sets of Twins

We road it but the stationary ones

Woody! The boys didn't want a picture though

Cinderella, had to see all the Princesses

Nap Time

Dumbo with Grandma

Mr. Toads

I think I can.

The Castle

Minnie!

I Love Kids!

2010-08-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

This was a recent conversation between Seth and Eden. Though it was mostly Seth doing the talking.

Seth: Do you want the keys Eden?
Eden: Yeah
Seth: Do you want the big car or the little car?
Eden: Yeah
Seth: Okay the pink key is the little car.
Eden: (waiting to get the keys)
Seth: Okay drive safe and stay off the highway.

Silly kids. I love eavesdropping on their conversations.

2010-08-02T12:20:00.001-07:00

Eden rocking out!

Another Little Eden Update

2010-07-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

So it has been a long time since I made an official Eden update. Mainly because she has been doing great. She is eight and a half months post transplant, eating and drinking on her own (no more NG tube :), talking up a storm (some of her favorite words are "I do it" and "candy"), down to three meds, and three months between clinic visits (She has never gone that long between dr visits.)

Mutton Bust'n

2010-07-24T21:36:00.000-07:00

Seth took first place in the Preshow. Which meant no trophy :(

Ethan tried to hold on as long as he could, but not long enough.

Super Clark Balloon Release

2010-07-23T16:18:00.001-07:00

To honor Clark (and support his family), a balloon release will be held on his birthday next Tuesday. Information as follows:

When: Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Where: Olympic Park, Lehi UT Map: http://bit.ly/9Ril87
Time: 6:00pm (Balloons to be released at 6:25pm sharp. Arrive early enough to fill your balloon with helium, put a message for Clark in it, etc.)

The balloons will be provided. If you'd like to bring your own pre-filled helium balloon, make sure it's green (the national color for organ transplants.) Kristin will have the Super Clark shirts there for those who'd like to purchase one. More balloon release info: http://bit.ly/akYMB6

If you're unable to make it to Lehi, feel free to release a green balloon wherever you are. (Send pictures to Kristin so she can post them on the blog! klkimble@gmail.com)

You scream, I scream, Eden screams for ice cream!

2010-07-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love ice cream? I am not surprised Eden finally figured out it is a good thing.

5th Birthday

2010-07-05T19:05:00.000-07:00

Wow, 5 years ago Seth and Ethan came into the world. Look at them now.

Primary Activity

2010-06-29T21:29:00.000-07:00

The boys had fun at a Primary activity they got to throw darts, eat cotton candy, and throwing pies at the Bishop. The boys got some fish as a prize, but unfortunately they died a couple of days later.

Lasik at Hoopes

2010-06-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

We have been thinking of having Lasik for a while now. So we went for a consultation and got funky eyes. I have since had surgery and have 20/15 vision. Erica will do later in July.

Eden Turned 2

2010-06-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

Lai Family

Splits

So Big

Christmas 2011

Christmas Eve

Pheasant Hunting

Tangled

The Lights on Temple Square

DIva

It was too quiet

Pony Tails and Piggy Noses

Homeless

Grandam got run over by a reindeer.

7 Months Old

I want to be alone

"Mom can't do science"

Smells Like a Stink Bug

A Couple Edenism's

"Mom, stop, I'm not talking to you." (pause) "I am talking to myself." Eden

On Thanksgiving she was talking about who would be coming over to our house for dinner. She listed off a few and then said , "and all the people I love." Awww what a sweetie.

Ashlynn at 6 Months

Pure Randomness

Happy 2nd Liver Birthday Eden

Sweet Sleeping Baby

Brotherly Love

Bubble Fun

Happy Halloween

More funny things they say....

SL Tribune Article

The funny things they say.

Eden: "Where did we come from?"Me: "We lived with Heavenly Father and Jesus before we came to earth."Eden: "So we came here on a space ship."

While looking at herself in the mirror tonight Eden declared, "I'm a teenager." I have no idea where that one came from. I am not ready for teenagers yet.

Eden this morning, "Look what I found in Ashlynn's nose." do I really need to tell you to keep your fingers out of your sisters nose?

Eden insisted on putting on some of Doug's deodorant earlier today and well now she smells like a man.

Ashlynn was making a lot of noise so I told Eden she was talking to her. Eden's response... "She's speaking Spanish." :)

Earlier today Ethan held up three fingers like a W and told me W stands for winner, and then he held up his forefinger and thumb like an L and told me L stands for almost a winner. :)

"Can I pet the baby?" Eden

"My daddys the best, and he's my friend. Your my friend to mom." Eden

"I'm the best too mom. Uh huh." Eden

"Dinosaurs don't like pajamas." So Eden tells me anyway.

Tonight my boys ate 200 US dollars worth of steak. They have some expensive taste buds I think.

"Mom, Ethan swallowed his coin last night" I just hope he doesn't set off the metal detector at the airport later today.

seth "sporks are awesome"

First Meals and Sassy Sister

Daddy's School Carnival

Ashynn at 5 Months

Ashynn at 4 Months

Clean up your room!

Beautiful Baby

First Day of Preschool

TuTu Fun

Ashlynn at 3 Months

15 Year Anniversary of the Liver Transplant Program at PCMC

All tucked in.

Yellowstone National Park

Johnson Family Reunion

Two Months Old

Niagra Falls, Lake Erie, and Pymatuning

The Funny Farm

Chuck E Cheese and Birthday Fun

Pennsylvania Part 1

Sleeping, Strollers, and Pedicures

Silly Kids

Ashlynns 1 month photo shoot

Swimming Lessons with Joann

More Ashlynn Pics

Team Liverators

Uncle Jerry

Kindergarten Graduation

Proud big brothers and sister and sweet new born pics

Eden's Third Birthday

Ashlynn's Blessing Day

First Day of First Grade

15th Annual Dash for Donation and a 15 year Celebration for the Liver Transplant Program at PCMC

Dash For Donation

Saturday, August 13, 2011 - 8:00 a.m.

$27 Single Pre-registration$20 Team - per person$15 Youth 18 and under$30 Late Registration

Ashlynn Kate Lai

Liver Life PARTY - Provo Style

April Fools :)

Eden: "Where did we come from?"
Me: "We lived with Heavenly Father and Jesus before we came to earth."
Eden: "So we came here on a space ship."

$27 Single Pre-registration
$20 Team - per person
$15 Youth 18 and under
$30 Late Registration