A Wonderful Surprise!

We are having a baby! We were waiting to talk about it until we were able to have a doctor's appointment. Our first appointment was yesterday and everything looks great! We were able to see our baby on the ultrasound and hear the heart beat. I am 9 weeks along and due September 2nd. Unfortunately I have been very sick for a few weeks. I realize that it's a good sign that the baby is "taking well" but not being able to keep food down makes school ( and pretty much everything else) difficult. Thankfully the doctor gave me a prescription so I can get back on track with school and clinicals. After all, no one in the hospital wants to be taken care of by someone who keeps on getting sick!

Even though we were shocked to hear this news, we are thrilled beyond belief. It's an exciting time for our families as well...the first grandchild! My guess: girl. Ben's guess: boy. At least one of us will be right!

One Year

Today marks the one year anniversary (can this be considered an anniversary?) of Ben's MS diagnosis. I usually don't remember dates, but this one is easy to remember because we found out exactly 6 months from the day of our wedding. It was not a huge surprise when we found out that day. Ben had gone through months of tests that started way before we were even married, and we had been warned that MS was the diagnosis we were going to hear. Even though we were somewhat expecting the news, it was a lot to process, and it feels like it has been much longer than a year ago

The reason for this post is to give an update on how Ben is doing. We know so many of you are praying for us and we are so thankful for you. Praise God this will be a short post, because there is not much to update! Ben is still getting an infusion once a month in Cullman and seeing the doctor once every 3 months. The infusions do not give him many side effects which is a huge answer to prayer considering how severe the reactions were when he had to take a shot once a week. The main issue after an infusion is some stomach cramping and he feels dehydrated. I try to tell him that it would get better if he drank more water and less coke/mountain dew but he says that his "quality of life is more important". He sure does love his soft drinks!

Here are a few specific prayer requests:

- For his next MRI to be clear of any new lesions on his brain and spine

- For the infusions to continue to be effective

- That the numbness in his legs does not return

- For Ben to be able to continue working out at a good intensity without any complications

- For the other patients we meet during Ben's infusion. They are in all different stages of the disease and there are many sad situations.

- For our attitudes. Enough said.

- And because we worship an all-powerful God: we can be bold to pray for a cure.

More on Maggie

Maggie has been in the family for about 6 weeks. On Wednesday she will be 12 weeks. We love having her around, despite the craziness involved in having a puppy. A few friends have not had the chance to meet her yet because they decided to move far away *insert bitter sigh* so we thought we would "introduce" her on the blog.

Maggie's Likes:

- waking up early needing to go outside

- eating leaves

- playing with other dogs

- tearing all toys apart

- chasing after Ben in the back yard

- homemade dog treats from my cousin Kati

- sticks of all sizes, especially sticks 10 times her size

- playing fetch with tennis balls

- cuddling when tired

- going to the vet (isn't that strange?)

Maggie's Dislikes

- being in the crate during the day

- cold weather

- having to be calm around strangers (meaning she just isn't calm around strangers)

- being told no

- wearing a collar

Here are a few pictures from the last 6 weeks. I really need to be more intentional about taking pictures. I also want to learn how to take better pictures with the camera. These pictures are better than nothing...

She always wants to be leaning against you. It's pretty cute.

She was very "helpful" when putting up Christmas decorations

Maggie and Margot. You can see more of the cattle dog in her when she tries to herd all of her friends.

Yes, this picture is dark, but I love her eyes. So cute. So earnest.

Christmas morning she helped me unwrap my gift. How kind of her. I have never seen so many tiny pieces of paper.

She also was on team Jen and Joe during The annual New Years Eve The Office Trivia game. Pretty sure she is the only reason they won again this year.

She is FULL of character and we love her.