Ben Simmons: When Two Worlds Become One

New Member of the Family

I'm still adjusting to life in Philadelphia. It's been almost 6 months that we've lived here, and so much has happened. The city that I grew up hating, despising everything about, has become my home. The puke green I used to gag at, is now the colors of my home team. Don't get me wrong, Dallas will always be my home. I was born and raised in sweet Texas and I am forever a Texan. I am forever a Cowboys fan, after all I am the granddaughter of the owner. But, if this year has taught me anything, it's taught me that everything changes and you never know what's in store.

Baby Simmons is almost here, and we anticipate the arrival more and more each day. Our friends and family cannot wait to have a new addition to the family. In the grand scheme of things, being pregnant has been a blast, and I can't wait to experience it again. We've selected a name that we both adore, we've baby-proofed our house, and the nursery is near complete, only a few accessories to be chosen. The closet is filled to the brim with clothes, awaiting our sweet angel's arrival. We talk about the future all the time - what our baby will look like, what characteristics they will take from both of us,  what they will grow up to be. Ben tells stories to my stomach every night, and smiles so bright when he feels a kicking response. He is so in love.

Ben is going to be a great father, I can already tell. He's been dreaming of becoming a dad all his life. He cannot wait for all the adventures we will take as a family, how different and exciting holidays will be, and teaching them the game of basketball. He grew up with such a wonderful, strong father figure and he can't wait to be that for our baby. 

I must say, if anything has kept Ben positive through the tragedy that struck with his most recent injury, it's our angel. He's been held back from the sport he loves, forced to undergo another surgery, and watch the team he so desperately wants to play for from the side. It could have easily sent him into depression, but the anticipation towards our family has kept him positive, hopeful, and motived. He is determined to get back out there and be the best role model and provider for our family.

"Baby, please come home," Ben whined on the other line. "Ben, I've only been gone for two hours," I pointed out, giggling at how needy he is. "But I miss you and I'm bored," he said pouting. 

I was in the middle of getting our baby registry ready for our upcoming shower. Friends and family from all over the country, and Australia, are flying in for the event and we couldn't be more excited. 

"But I have a surprise for you," he said, trying to persuade me. It's a real shame he hasn't learned how stubborn I am. "Ben Simmons, I will be home in one hour." With that, I hung up the phone. 

Now, I had the next thirty minutes to decide which bottles, sheets, and so many other things to put on our registry before saving my fiancé from his boredom.

Two hours later, oops, I pulled into the garage and shut the door. The northern winters that I am not near used to have come, and I absolutely dread being outside in the bitter cold. I walked into the house and shouted for Ben, unsure of where he was. There was no response, so I walked over and set my purse and phone on the kitchen island. "Ben!" I shouted once more and turned around.

My heart skipped a beat and I jumped when I turned around to see him standing directly behind me. "Ben...." I said, completely shocked.

He just smiled, and looked so proud of himself. "Why are you holding a puppy?" I asked, looking at the beautiful silver puppy in his hands with piercing blue eyes. 

"Well you see, I was out today and I came across these people selling puppies and they were so cute so I stopped and played with them for a bit. When I tried to leave, this little guy kept crying and chasing after me. So, he didn't really give me a choice." 

I couldn't believe this, but what a Ben thing to do. I guess coming home to your fiancé and a new puppy is a norm I'm not adjusted to yet. "So naturally, you bought him? Without asking me? When we have a baby coming?" I said in a stern tone. His smile faded, and he looked worried. "Babe, I'm sorry, I just..." he said, stumbling to come up with a response. 

I stood on my tip toes and kissed him. "This is exactly why I love you." I said smiling. "So you're not mad?" He asked. "How could I be mad? We have a new puppy!" I said while taking him into my arms. 

For the rest of the night, we sat on our living room floor playing with the newest addition to our family, the happiest pup I've ever known. We decided to leave it up to social media to name him. After all, we just had to name a person so we're done thinking about names. 

The people of Twitter spoke, and we're excited to have Chief to play with everyday. I must say, going to bed that night, with my head rested on Ben's heart, his hand rested on my stomach, and Chief curled up with us, was the best sleep I've gotten in a long time.

Our family keeps growing and I am so blessed.