Shad's blog!

Shad finally updated his blog! I've been begging him for months to do it! and finally he did it! oh my! Anyway, check it out, leave some comments, tell your friends, etc. ShadHopkinsPhotography.blogspot.com Oh, and if you haven't already, go buy the July issue of BMX plus magazine!

pictures from last weekend...landons stuff and staying with Riley and Breanne

Landon

So last weekend our little nephew Landon came out to see US!...ok not really. But Hallie, Mike, and Landon all came out from Michigan to celebrate a few very important days in their lives. On Friday the 2nd Landon was legally Hallie and Mike's baby! On Saturday we got to go to the Salt Lake temple and see Landon be sealed to Hallie and Mike. It was really a special experience. Then on Sunday we got to see Landon get a blessing from his dad in church. Riley and Shad got to participate which was special. I'm going to post my pictures later but in the meantime check out the photographer's blog. (my sister hired a photographer to capture these moments!) http://threewinksstudio.blogspot.com/ Except I should have posted mine first and then hers later because now that I post my pictures after her's they will just look ridiculous. Anyway, Landon looks so cute and my mouth hurt so bad after the pictures and trying to make these kissing noises that made him laugh so hard. Oh the things we do for the ones we love!

A miracle has happened

Ok, so I guess I should finally post a blog about our news and make it known to everyone, or at least to those of you who don't know yet. Shad and I are having a baby! I am now 14 weeks which is so exciting! Our due date is November 4th (but if you ask my mom she'll swear it's earlier than that!). We were lucky to get an ultra sound at 6 weeks to prove to us it really was true! So the little baby looks like a little DOT in the ultra sound. That UFO circle to the left of the shaded in baby is the placenta forming. (these are all things I'm learning) 

Most of you who know me well, know what amazing news this is and how surprising it is! For example, my mom's response when I called her was "Are you sure? Is this even possible?" For those of you who don't, let me explain. (Although I'm going to try and give a shortened version) 

When I was in high school the doctors found a small tumor growing in my pituitary gland, a pituitary adnoma. After high school in May 2002 I had surgery to remove it at Cedars Sinai hospital. The whole thing was interesting to say the least and after the surgery the adnoma grew back. So I've been on medicine ever since to try and control it. But the doctors have told me since day 1 that because this is in my pituitary gland it will have a big affect on me having children. The prospects were not eliminated, just narrowed down a bit. 

 

Well, Shad and I were thinking lately that maybe we should start thinking about having children once I've graduated which will be in December. So we started going to a doctor up in  Salt Lake who could regulate my medication and help get my adnoma under control which would then make it easier for a fertility specialist to help us. BUT, apparently we wont be needing it! After a visit with my doctor and telling him how yucky I'd been feeling he said "Well, are you pregnant?" and I said "uh...I don't know, am I?" and he said "I don't know take a pregnancy test."  When I left the doctors office, I said a prayer. I've had so many medical problems and I've always known that Heavenly Father would bless me with children I just didn't know when or how. But I remember saying "I need a miracle" to basically be pay off for everything. Well, I took that pregnancy test and there it was, that unforgettable plus sign. I will never forget the feeling that I had when I saw it. And I will never stop thanking my Heavenly Father for this blessing. We don't know how or why it happened, but it did and we are so excited and grateful! 

So now I just have to focus on finishing school and having this baby!