Treatment Update

We haven't posted for a while - sorry for that! I had my training and first treatment last Sunday, February 15th. The training went well - Angie (the home nurse) was awesome! I have done two shots solo, and they have gone pretty well. The side effects have been minimal. I've had some temperature control issues, but I'm not entirely sure this is because of the medicine. It is honestly a little overwhelming to think about doing this every other day for the rest of my life, but I know the process will get easier. I know it will become part of my routine!

Eat This, MS

Sarita and I ran the Polar Bear 10K today. This was my first race since being diagnosed with MS, and it felt really good! The weather was absolutely beautful today! I didn't notice it at the time, but we look like we were color coordinated for Valentines' Day. Nice.

Miles and Trains

As most of you know, Cooper loves trains. He especially loves Thomas the Train and his 'friends'. That said, Miles has been getting an early introduction to being an engineer. He mostly just watches Cooper play while chewing on an engine, but he gets pretty excited when we get a track set up and the trains go around. He is growing up so fast!

A One-Horse Open Sleigh...

Early last week it snowed about six inches. I had sales meetings all week and wasn't able to enjoy it with the boys until it had melted a bit. But, when Saturday came, we made a make-shift sled for Cooper and had a great time.

Beta-Nurse Elaine

My "Beta-Nurse" Elaine called me on Monday to talk about training me to give myself injections. It was a really good conversation. She is a nurse employed by the drug company (which happens to be Bayer) and she will be my nurse "for life" as long as I am taking Betaseron (and she doesn't retire!) She has been working with MS patients for her entire career - over 30 years. She is out of the KC area, and will drive to my house to train me on how to give myself injections. For the first time, I felt like someone in this process has wanted to talk to me and truly hear me. It was really fantastic. She gave me a cell phone number that I can use to contact her at any time with questions about betaseron, or about MS in general. God is so good. I went to bed that night wondering if I have MS so I can get to know Elaine. There are a bunch of details that need to be worked out, so it looks like I will be starting treatment next week. Nate is traveling Tues - Thurs, so maybe Monday or Friday? We have to wait and see when I get my first round of meds sent from the pharmacy...

Thank you all for praying!

Oh yeah - and here is a picture of me with my last "daily" soda from Woods Express.

Those of you who know me well probably think this cup looks a little small. And it is. Just a mere 20 ounces! I slowly weaned myself off of my daily 44 oz big chiller. But the good news is, I can buy a 44 oz cup at Woods Express for just $.10 so I can continue to use them as my water cup.

Poor Baby

Here is Miles on his last day of nursing.



Even though Miles looks pretty sad, the weaning has gone really well. He is taking a bottle well on most days. Aunt Hanna is here to help us this week, so that has been a HUGE blessing for our family while Miles adjusts.

Miles' Baby Dedication

Miles was dedicated to the Lord this last Sunday at church.

Our Little Tea Pot

After eating lunch today, Cooper had a song in his heart! (and we actually caught it on video...)

Picture Tag!

Kim tagged me.

The rules are...

1. Go to where you store your digital photo folders & open the 4th folder.

2. Go to the 4th picture and post it.

3. Explain the picture.

4. Tag an additional 4 people.

This is one of the pictures we took for Miles' 6 month pictures.

I am tagging Sarah T., Lisa M., Gina R., and Jessica W.

Maggie and the Jungle

Today at lunch, out of the blue, Cooper said, "When Maggie is a big boy, she gets to go to the jungle. With me. Maggie and I will go to the jungle together. She will be Adam, and I will be Eve."

Interesting.