Lightsalot.

Lights. A lot.

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Meet my little niece, Fern! Exactly five days older than my little Rocket, she is already one of the most beautifully unique people in my life. Fern was born with Apert Syndrome, an incredibly rare and randomly occurring chromosomal anomaly. This caused some of her bones to prematurely form resulting in an uncommonly shaped skull and fused fingers and toes, all aesthetic abnormalities. A multitude of surgeries will take place in her life before she is even in her preteens. Just last week she went in for brain surgery! Despite all of this, she is a perfect, happy little spirit, a total champion. Having Fern in my life has caused me to view the world in a whole new light. I regret every single time I've judged a person for their appearance because people are so much more than just skin and bones. Life will be a little harder for this one than most of us, but she is so loved and I can't wait to see her grow and flourish into a fearless little woman. I urge you to check yourself next time you see someone who looks a little different. #ApertSyndrome

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The lazer gun on my tummy is now a sniper rifle! #theperks

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A few days ago we played what will be our last major show until my baby comes galavanting into the world. And what a way to go out! We played the legendary Air Canada Centre in Toronto opening for Paramore, total blast (even 6 months pregs). 

Good friend and smashing photographer Jess Baumung (www.jessbaumung.com) came out to shoot some of the memories, and here are a few of the soundcheck, backstage and show shots. 

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Here's a couple more pictures of Beau, myself and our level 1 human we're building (photos by Jess Baumung, killer photographer and friend http://jessbaumung.com).

To quickly answer a few questions, we're currently six months along, we won't find out if it's a girl or boy until D-day, and neither of us plan on stopping our journeys in music any time soon (in fact, I've already got album 3 in the works--two babies next year?). 

One thing is for sure though, this baby will be born with a badass combover. Hopefully have super powers as well.  

Much love from Beau and Lights (and player 3). 

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I call this one "Slave to Feels". #DailyStanley

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Daily Stanley, Aug 2012 edition! Fyi. that little fleck on his mouth is actually a drool driblet.

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Today we were lucky enough to have an incredibly sweaty lovely day off in the beautiful city of Amsterdam, where its denizens ride bikes and little cars, canals wind between the buildings and the cheese flows like...something that flows a lot. There is a very peaceful feeling about the place putting this spot among my top ten favourite in the world.

Is it cheesy that I bought a Holland shirt? Who cares! I love cheese. And we will be back in Holland next month for more.

Bless you, Dutch!

Lights.

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Reunited with my beloved little cat-hund! He is so needy he was willing to pose primly for this photo. Also, feeling the new shirt my Beau sent me from GHSF. (http://merchline.com/goldenheartsshineforever)

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Toronto is my city. You should come visit some time.

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Best decision I ever made. 

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Names on names on names...

So, I have been hearing about some drama among the beautiful folks in my fanbase over my name. Here's the sitch: I changed my first name to Lights, legally it's on my documents as Lights V. A. Poxleitner (haven't changed my last name yet... can confirm it's a lot of work!!). Among a number of reasons, I felt it was a really crucial step in the next part of my life. BUT if you like to call me Valerie, that's ok too. I think it's a handsome name, so do my parents!

Every name means something, Anne is my grace, Valerie is my bravery and Lights is my... well that one speaks for itself. I do not know what Poxleitner means (possibly do not want to know...? Sounds a little diseasy). Regardless, I encourage you to look into what your name means, even your middle name. I think each name is influential in your character and life, one is not less important than another.

This is turning into a longer post than I intended, but all this to say, all of my names are valuable to me. In person it's easier to call me Lights if by chance we should meet, it's what I go by these days ;) but elsewhere in this wild wild west of the internet or on the streets or on a mountain trail.....call me what you like, Valerie, Diana Prince, Uncle Lights, just don't call me late for dinner! 

(I had to)

Love you guys very much. Do the same for each other!

Lights. 

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Amid all the chaos and misunderstanding in the world I thought I'd share with all you fancy people what an emu looks like when resting. 

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One of the pieces (by incredible fantasy artist, Clyde Caldwell) that inspired me during the making of Siberia. Nice gal. 

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RIP Reinier, my beloved comb-over. You shielded my right eye for a solid number of loving years. Rest well. On the floor or wherever you ended up being swept. 

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For some reason this made my day.

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Had the pleasure of stopping by the Blizzard headquarters today, such a chill and creative, collaborative environment within the campus. The amount of patience and dedication put into the game is overwhelming, each tile and monster is "lovingly" placed within the world by hand. Even saw some sneak peaks of things to come with Pandaria, and had the oppportunity to chat (then grimace) at the couple of dudes who develop the stats/locations and drop rates (dun dun dun) for game items. I'm looking at you, Twinblade of the Phoenix....you will be mine...

Seriously though, the escape I find in the product these people create is awesome, I'm proud to be a Warcraft fan, and mounting Diablo fan as well. Thanks for all you do, Blizzzzzzz!

Lights.