Everything happens for a reason...

This past week I have learned that everything happens for a reason. There is a reason why we came down here to dental school (not only because Scott worked hard and got in) but because of the events that have transpired over the last couple of days.

About two weeks ago I woke up to my vision going really blurry in my right eye, pain with eye movement and it really started to bother me. I started to get a little worried and decided I would go to the optomotrist. After going there I was told to go to an optomalogist. Through our insurance getting to a specialist can be very difficult and thankfully to a very persuasive husband I was able to get into the specialist the next day. After about 40 minutes of waiting and Taycee showing off to all the older people, we finally got to see the doctor. We told him what was going on and immediately he told us we needed to head to the St. Joseph's hospital to be seen and there was a chance my eye sight might not come back because I had waited so long to see a doctor. Immediately panic went through my whole body. What was going on? I had no idea and I was freaking out. We left the office frantic, called my parents and were on our way to the hospital. After spending two nights in the hospital and having a spinal tap and two MRI's they finally diagnosed me with multiple sclerosis. They gave me 5 days worth of steriods to get my vision back because I also have what they call optic neuritis which is a symptom of MS. I have noticed improvments in my vision but they can say it can take up to 6 months to fully recover so right now I am hoping for a full recovery.

Honestly, I was scared to be diagnosed with MS and the whole time while I was getting my MRI I kept praying over and over that everything would be ok. Scott and I had been researching things on the internet trying to figure out what was wrong, so MS was something that we had read about, and new it was a possibility to have. While I was getting my MRI I had this overwhelming feeling come over me that said Natalie, everything is going to be okay. I knew after that that I was going to be okay and no matter what I had, I could live with it.

So as of right now we are waiting to hear back from one more test and then we will meet up with the Doctors down here to figure out the best plan for treatments. I say everything happens for a reason because there is no better place we could be at right now then right here in Phoenix AZ. The hospital we went to specailizes in neurological disorders and there is an amazing MS doctor here. I am thankful that we know whats going on with my body and am ready to start treatments and start fighting it.

Untitled from Natalie Holm on Vimeo.

Wild animal park zoo

We went to the Zoo with Scott's family while they were here. Lets just say it was a very eventful experience.

The whole time Taycee refused to ride in the stroller. She wanted to be a big girl and push it. When she wasn't pushing it she was throwing a fit. When we would finally let her push it she got the biggest grin on her face. Oh no! She already knows how to work the system!

I had never been to a zoo where there were so many freakin' birds. They were flying everywhere around us. They weren't part of the zoo just a bunch of crazy birds flying around very close to our heads. Well we were talking about how gross it would be if one pooped on us and the next thing we knew Scott got pooped on. It was very hilarious until the same thing happened to me. Ya after that I definitely kept a look out for what was above me! This is me getting the poop out of Scott's hair and thinking it was hilarious!

It definitely must have been mating season at the Zoo because not only did we get to see the turtles mating but we also got to see the tigers. Yes it was very funny but we didn't get the camera out in time to snap a picture of the tigers!

I don't know if we will be visiting the Zoo anytime soon. I think we had enough fun for quite a long time.

Happy Birthday Taycee Bug/Happy 4 Year Anniversary

Since Scott always calls Taycee "bug" I thought it would be fun to throw her a ladybug party. Thank goodness for a great friend who lives here who can make cake and was able to make an adorable ladybug cake. Thanks Kristen it turned out so cute :) The party was so much fun and we had a lot of friends come. Also Scott's parents and Crae came for the weekend and were able to spend Taycee's birthday with us. It was a busy day getting ready for it but I think it turned out great. I can't believe our little girl is one. I know I say this all the time but time has really flown by with having her in our lives. I can't even begin to explain the joy she has brought into our home. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for trusting us with one of his children and giving us the opportunity to raise such a happy baby. We love her so much! Here are some pictures that we took of her big birthday party!

And also it was our 4 year anniversary! It kind of got put on the back burner while we were preparing for Taycee's big birthday party but I was definitely not forgotton by Scott. I got some beautiful flowers that day and he let me go pick out a couple of outfits at the buckle. I am so thankful to be married to him and love him so much. What a ride these past 4 years have been. 4 years ago we were getting married, a year ago we were having a baby, and this year we are celebrating a 1st birthday. I couldn't ask for a more special day!

1 Year Pics

While I was home a while ago I had Taycee's pictures taken by Tasha Price. Even though she wasn't one yet I wanted them done so really in these pictures she is about 11 Months. I am so pleased with the way they turned out and have finally gotten around to posting some. Thanks Tasha for some awesome pictures...again :)

Happy Easter

Happy Easter Everyone!

This week lets just say has been very uneventful! That's because I have been a loner for the past 4 days. Scott went with the school basketball team to Kirksville, Missouri to play in a basketball tournament against the other A.T. Still University school. So Taycee and I have been doing a lot of shopping and walking around outside to pass the time. Scott gets home today and I am so ready to have him back!

On another note my baby is 11 months old tomorrow. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. Its a bitter sweet feeling to think that next month she will be turning 1.

Some things that Taycee does at 11 months are:

Crawls everywhere

Loves her baths

Frightened of the Vacuum

Pulls herself up onto everything

Blows Kisses

Gives High Fives

Knows where her Belly Button, toungue and nose are

Won't stand alone even though she could if she wanted to

Gets into everything

If you pretend cry it breaks her heart and she starts crying too

Still has no teeth (Scott is scared he is going to have to make dentures for her)

You know your child is a copy cat when....

You are sick with the flu barfing in the bathroom while she is outside the door standing up against it trying to make throw up sounds also. Seriously as I was puking I couldn't help but laugh. Yes, the flu bug made it to everyone in our family and I am pleased to say that made it through it and survived!

Taycee is also fascinated with blowing bubbles right now.