Getting ready for the holidays

So, we're all decorated, and Alli's been to see Santa 3 times already!  On Alli's list is a dreamlite, a stuffy, (thanks to the infomercials on Sprout) and some surprises.  She has also requested a sheep for Lauren...  Maxi, our elf made her grand appearance last Sunday, and has been flying back to the North Pole nightly to report the girl's behavior to Santa.  She's even left Alli a note.  Alli was very excited to receive this special "mini" note.  She had to take it to school that morning and share it with her class.
 Alli is so kind hearted.   She's very sensitive to and perceptive about other people's needs and tries to always be motherly and take care of people.  Every time we see one of the Salvation Army bell ringers, she insists that we donate.  She has even said "take it out of my money."  In our hurry to get out the door in the mornings, I forgot her naptime mat and pillow pet on Monday, and her cup today.  Her response both times was "It's ok Mommy, I'm not upset with you.  You have a lot in your head.  Don't worry about me."  I'm so proud of her for being so understanding and compassionate.  Sometimes, her reactions really surprise me, in a good way, and I feel so proud!
Last week, we went for Lauren's 4 month check up at the pediatrician.  She did good considering she had to get 2 shots and an oral vaccine (she doesn't mind the oral vaccine since it's sweet).
Here are her stats:
weight: 12lbs 9.5oz (17th percentile)
height: 24.25in (35th percentile)
head circ.: 16in (29th percentile)
Last week we also received the results from Lauren's genetic mapping.  Lauren's mutation is known as the delta F508 mutation.  To have CF, you must have 2 copies of a defective CF gene.  There are close to 1000 possible different mutations.  Lauren has 2 copies of the delta F508 gene.  The good news is that this is the most common CF mutation, so the majority of research done focuses on this.  80% of people with CF have at least 1 copy of this gene.  50% of those folks have 2 copies.  There are 5 classes of CF mutations, 1-5.  1,2, and 3 are considered "more severe."  "More Severe" meaning both the digestive tract and the lungs are involved.  Lauren's mutation falls into the Class 2, so is considered to be more severe.  I knew in my head this was going to be the case, but was hoping and praying that it wasn't.  We won't know how involved her lungs will be until she gets sick.  Not much changes now that we know this information.  Once she gets older, it will mean there will be certain drugs that will be tailored for her specific type of CF.  Most of these drugs are in clinical trials now.

Our immediate prayer is that God continues to protect Lauren from getting sick.  With the cold and flu season upon us, it's becoming increasingly harder to keep her away from sick people.  Our other prayer is that one of these drugs that are in the pipeline will be the magic cure.  We're trying to take things one day at a time.  We know God has big plans for Lauren, and are looking forward to Him revealing them to us.