Joy!

So far 2012 has been hectic, full of Griff traveling, shocking medical news (if you don't know what I'm referring to look at my post "You Had A Stroke"), many doctors appointments, tons of blood work, loads of prayers, trusting God and unexpected joy.

There has been joy in that all, yes every single test I went through, has come back normal. The ophthalmologist is amazed that I have no long term vision issues. The hematologist is shocked that there are no lasting effects of the stroke. And my neurologist is also surprised by the findings. There is a lot to thank God for and there is a lot to find joy in.

One other "small" thing we are joyful for is that we are expecting baby Jones #3! We are joyful, though we were shocked, to say the least. I had found out January 12th I had had a stroke and was told by the neurologist that I should not try to get pregnant. Little did we know I already was. The following week, on January 18th, I took a pregnancy test that shockingly came back positive. We wanted to add to our family but the timing and everything seemed bad. We haven't told many until now because we just weren't sure what was going to transpire in the early weeks. We are thankful to God for this life and we are truly filled with joy. God's timing isn't bad, it is perfect. He has used the awareness of the stroke and this pregnancy to bring us closer to Him and we are so grateful.

Would you join us friends in praying for a healthy baby? Lord willing, he/she will be due mid to late September. We aren't going to find out this time what we are having since we already have one of each, so we are excited for the surprise to come. Please pray for me and a healthy pregnancy too. I have felt amazing these first 12 weeks, truly amazing. But, because of the stroke this is considered a high risk pregnancy, with the chances of another stroke being possible. I'm not fearful this will happen but would love your prayers for health every step of the way.

Join us in thanking God for the amazing gift of life and all the miracles he has performed through the stroke diagnosis, all the tests and subsequent normal and great test results. This is a miracle!

While You Are Gone

Dear Daddy,
You have been in Germany for too long. It is making Ellie very sad.
I am trying my best to share with her because I love her but sometimes it is hard.
Mommy has read us books every night in bed. We like our new quilt that Great Grandma Henry made us.
Ellie got a new hat for Easter. She is wearing it a lot. Sometimes she lets me wear it for fun, but it's pink and I don't really like pink.
We have been playing this really fun car game with Grandpa. We get in our car and he pulls and pushes us around the room. He goes a little too fast for me sometimes but Ellie likes him to go really fast. She even crashed one time and she just laughed, she is funny like that.



I can't wait to have you home Dad. You have a good time there and eat lots of yummy food and get ready to wrestle when you walk through the door (Mom can't wrestle at all like you).
Love you Daddy,
Riley