Well this month has passed by and things weren't quite as we expected. I was able to start my maternity leave and had to return to school for two days. I attended school and noticed I was having problems with my vision in my right eye. I thought that I had scratched my eye taking out my contact lens. Then on Monday I went to pick up Mark from the airport. His blood clots were so bad that he stayed home from work. I decided to go see the eye doc. I went to see the eye doctor and when they have you look at the lights I couldn't see them. He immediately sent me to the optamologist. The optamologist sent me to get tests at Mercy. Mercy couldn't do them for a week, so I ended up in the er at lake forest. The er sent me to the neurologist, who did a stat MRI on Thursday. The MRI showed lesions on my brain. When I went to the neurologist Friday she diagnosed me with MS, and admitted me into the hospital. At the hospital I had a MRI of my spine and a lumbar puncture. I was immediately put on steroids to help the inflammation. I was in the hospital for four days and then placed on in home care. I learned how to administer steroids through my pic line, so I could be at home. Then the last few days I have been going from doctor to doctor. I will be starting avonex injections this next week, which I will have to give myself once a week. The side effects are flu like symptoms for a few days after the shot.

I also have had to change my diet. No sugar, gluten, corn syrup, fats, red meat, anything gm, artificial sweeteners, so pretty much a vegetarian diet is the best for me.

Please pray that my ms goes into remission and that I don't have any new lesions. Also that I will regain my vision in my right eye and feeling will come back in my left arm.

Thanks everyone for the prayers, cards, food, and all the thoughtful things! I am very blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. I thank God for you all!!

Briella's two month pics

Ellie's two year pic

We headed to Michigan to Boo Boo's Farm. It was the first time for Elle and Briella. We had such a great time. Hans was in heaven. I definitely think that he was made to be a farm boy. Elle had fun swimming and her favorite picking berries, but was tired from the lack of naps. When we returned home she went to bed at 6 and slept until 9 the next day.

Hans hiking through the woods to get berries.

Elle and Hans in the woods. Hans was able to climb the highest hills. Elle had a little bit of a problem do to her

Briella spent most of her time on the deck. Since mom can't do much with her walker she took baby duty. Briella was the best baby!!!

Garth took Hans out on the tractor. Hans had a great time driving it. Garth said Hans caught on quickly.

First day of hiking

Getting ready to go hiking

Swimming at Elk Rapids

Beware crazy driver on the road!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UP UP and AWAY.

Mark always took picture by a tree on all of his trips, so we are continuing the tradition.

Hans at the park trying to look cool!

Ellie loved Gwen although I am not sure how much Gwen loved her?!

Swimming at torch lake!!

Adam and Mark took Elle and Hans downtown to see the filming of transformers. I think the kids favorite part was playing at the water wall.

IGNITE CHICAGO

We got tickets once again mainly so we could see Toby Mac. Once again we were up close. It was a great day. We went with our wonderful friends Eric and Kristen. We used to be in small group together.

Group picture!

The boys goofing around having a great time!

Hans had to get two things! These sunglasses and a kid wearing a superman outfit to support.

He went on the slide numerous times.

Hans smashed the other kids. The other boy would stand up get his balance and Hans would smash him down.

The boxing gloves were twice the size of Hans but he was determined to do it and win!

Briella had to wear the flower at Elle's request.

We painted our toe nails and put on make up before we went out!

Elle got dressed up in every single dress up outfit she has.

Our little sweetheart!!!!!!!

Hans Loves Briella

Mommy/ Daughter day- we had fun going to shopping.

Hans and Elle had such a blast at Melissa and Brit's birthday party!

Briella got her pictures taken in the outfit from Auntie Dorothy. It is such a beautiful outfit!

Gunther and Berit had their birthday party. We headed over to go swimming. They have the ideal home for kids. There is an in-ground pool, pond with boats, 3 wheelers, playground and so much more. Hans and Elle spend their time at the pool.

Mark and Elle on the bridge over the pond. Behind Mark is my friend Kristen from work and now our small group leaders.

Mom and Auntie Dorothy came to visit. Of course Auntie Dorothy came bearing gifts. She is such a generous person, and it is easy to tell her love language gifts. The same as mine!

Elle had her last day of school and I was able to drive her. She didn't cry when I dropped her off. She loved being there once she got used to it.

4th of July with Family. It was such a great time and my arms got some freedom. Kent is such a baby person he held Briella most of the time. Hans was so excited to spend the day at the beach with his cousins.

My cousin Melissa and Elle. I love this picture!

What can I say about Briella? She is my sweetheart. She is calm and mild. I love when I am holding her and look down to see her smiling at me.

Elle has adjusted great to the baby. She is so happy to have her here.

As you can see so is Hans.

Elle ready to go to school.

We headed down to the taste for Kirsten and Sam's anniversary. They stayed down there at a hotel and we headed back home. It was such a great time. Although what we find most ironic is we always end up eating Lou malnati's pizza, which we can just get at home. Ellie wore a harness that Kirsten had purchased for her baby. She actually liked it. Elle ended up holding the teddy bear while one of us held the leash.

It didn't take Hans long to become a city boy!

Hans and Brie spend much of their time talking. Briella is such a good listener, which works out great since Hans loves to talk. On this day she decided it was her turn to talk.