Now, I know I love babies. No secret. They're cute, they're cuddly...they're God's greatest gift. Nothing, however, could have prepared me for my first encounter with Sydney. Imagine if you will, the sweetest scent on earth, coupled with utter beauty. This child is something to be seen. Chad and Rachel should be the proudest parents ever. She looks like one of those porcelain dolls for sale in the magazine ads. Not only is she perfectly formed, but she doesn't make a peep (unless of course her little hiney touches the cool air to be changed..and, who can blame her for that). I also have to say that I am SO impressed with how laid back Chad and Rachel are. If that little Sydney Lou Who were my own (props to Jason for coming up with her nick name), I would be guarding her with my whole being. "Eh, you hold her", is more their style :). Way to go, guys. I believe I will schedule a meeting with Will to reevaluate our current family timeline plans.....haha jk.....but seriously....

Dental School

God certainly is full of surprises! After being placed on the wait list for the University of Maryland (the ONLY school that could beat BU), we assumed all signs from God pointed to Boston. We were certainly mentally prepared for the move (so close to family!).

On March 30th, Will spoke to another pre-dental student on an online dental forum. He mentioned that he would be calling Maryland that day to turn down their offer for another offer to Harvard dental school, which would open up another spot at Maryland! Will received a call THAT day from the school saying a spot had opened. It all happened very quickly.

This news was of course bittersweet. Maryland will be much more affordable (think over $100,000 more affordable) and it is widely considered to be a better school than BU. But the obvious downside is that we will be far from family.

It is really comforting to me to know that God has His hand in this. We will be moving to a completely new location, not knowing anyone. Part of this scares me, but part of it really excites me. As a follower, I know I should be excited. He clearly has plans for me that I don't. My mom told me she and my dad had prayed the night BEFORE, asking that God would reveal to us sooner or later His plans concerning dental school.

I just think it's so cool that even when we make wrong plans, God gently pushes us in the right directions. This verse came to mind:
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” (Prov. 16:9)

I also just need to say that I am so proud of and thankful for my husband. After getting the acceptance into a school that he would be crazy not to go to, he only cared about how I felt. He knew he would be taking me farther from my family, and that was his only concern. That only makes me happier to go :)