Thursday, September 27, 2012

My One Year Spinal-versary

 

One year ago today I had surgery on my spine. 

When I walked into the hospital that day I couldn't stand up straight; I walked with a cane; I was living in agonizing pain. The surgery was not easy. They entered through my abdomen to access my spine where they fused levels L4 and L5. 

The recovery was rough. I walked slow; I wore a brace (for three months); I couldn't bend; I couldn't lift (which was sooo hard considering I have a daughter with severe brain damage). But I survived it all. And once that back brace came off I began to restore my body. 

Now here we are, one year later and I am in the best physical shape of my life. I have lost over 20 pounds; I have strengthened my core; I can lift and carry Elisabeth with ease. 

I walk away from this experience absolutely in awe. In awe of modern medicine and in awe of the human body. And I am grateful that I was able to recover and will never take for granted the fact that can do things - like put Elisabeth in her wheelchair and lift a gallon of milk.

Life is good.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

The Queen Turned 5!

The Queen

The Decorations


The Crown


The Cake

 
[Notice the g-tube button on the monkey!]


The Gifts

 

The Entertainment

 

The Celebration 



And that's how a queen turns 5!

Monday, September 24, 2012

It's Elisabeth's Birthday!

*Five*

Five years a miracle
Happy birthday to my little angel.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Be Back Soon

Hanging with my besties from Atlanta.

Be Back Soon!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Nutcracker Parts 2012!

Not such an angel after all... 


Lorelai was not so pleased to have the same part for a second year...but she has warmed up to the idea now and is looking forward to it! 

(Believe it or not) 

She and Alexandra have been watching a DVD of a past Nutcracker performance over and over and over.... 

Feels like Christmas here!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Summer's End

We are clinging to these warm summer nights while they last... 

 

Fall will be here soon...

Friday, September 14, 2012

Best Friends

 

Meet Claire. 

She happens to be QE's best friend. 

She is the kind of friend that you share sock monkeys with (see above). 

Claire is the kind of friend that understands the tougher things in life (like seizures and hydrocephalus). 

Claire is the kind of friend that comes to 5th birthday parties!!! 

Yes, it's true! Claire and her parents are coming to Washington next week - all the way from Atlanta, Georgia. We haven't seen them in nearly 3 months...and that is far too long for best friends to be apart, don't you think?

So we are busy, busy, busy getting the house in order for their arrival. 
Because it's not everyday that best friends come to stay. 

 (So excited!!)

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Snap!

A few days ago it got a little windy in our neck of the woods; this is not uncommon.

Unfortunately, the wind took its toll on our tree. Donald looked outside to find that a huge section of it had broken off. I know it's not the end of the world, but I am so sad to see that big empty spot. The tree has been growing and growing for the past few years and it had finally become more than a little twig - but now it just seems a little bare.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Let's Dance

The big girls had their first ever jazz class yesterday...and then came home and spent the rest of the day dancing in the family room. I'm pretty sure I heard 'Everyday I'm shufflin' 200 times over. At least.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

The Orange Tree

Before continuing on with this post, may I recommend that you read this post first. 

Now...look at that little orange tree; that little piece of my family history...
 look how it is has grown!

 
Speaking of growing...look how tall Alexandra is getting! 
She is going to be 10 in just 4 weeks! 

You'll also notice QE's monthly delivery of food on the front porch.
I wish all grocery shopping was so simple.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Elisabeth's 1st Day

Elisabeth had her 1st day of her 3rd year of preschool yesterday. After a difficult summer of pain and agony, she was so excited to return to something she loves so dearly.

[Look at those legs! Loooooooong.]

 

As she boarded the bus she suddenly realized what was happening. She started waving her arms through the air with excitement and yelled "Again! Again!" as loud as she could. (See bottom left picture).

 

Happy days are here 'again'.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Growing: Part VIII

We are nine months into this growing-out-my-hair business. 
Can you believe it!? 
 
 
[September]


A Look Back

[August]


 
 [July]


[June]


 
[May]


[April]


 
[March]


 
[February]


 
[January]

***What's this all about??? Click here.
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