Day 3 of Recovery...

There is not much to update...things aren't too exciting in my room. haha. I am here, playing bejeweled, watching One Tree Hill DVDs, icing knees on rotation, and attempting to do my leg "exercises". My left leg is feeling better...I can see the improvement in it's motion and bending. It is still tough to remind myself that the right knee needs more attention. But, I am trying. I am not up much so that helps. Doc said I am allowed to shower today but the idea scares me. I am afraid to stand that long...I haven't yet. So, brushed my teeth and washed my face. Then changed my clothes. That took a lot. It is amazing how the simplest of tasks can seem so challenging in a situation like this. I know, it was only 3 days ago. But who ever really takes time to recognize how important a working knee is?!
So, I am turning back to my mindless activities now. Check in again later...

In Recovery...

Well, my final surgery was yesterday. I think my nerves on whether or not it works won't settle until I am back for my post-op. Since that was when I found out last year that it didn't work. But, I am hopeful! The doctor is very happy about how things went and said that my knee looks very strong. I seem to have a little bit of a weak bone structure...which isn't all that surprising since I stopped drinking milk around age 6? haha.

So, here is how I am looking right now....
They went into my left leg to repair the right one. Since they went into both legs yesterday, my pain and soreness are pretty rough right now. I am having a lot of difficulty lifting and bending my left leg. With using crutches, I am not allowed to put any weight on my right foot so that the ACL has time to sit and not be worked. I am using a DonJoy brace (for those of you who knew it in 2000, it is the one that clicks when I walk!) on my right leg. That is so my knee does not bend at all. As I begin to recover, they will adjust the setting so I can bend little by little with it. As for the left leg, that just has to heal. I was told that there is nothing actually wrong with it. The pain I feel is the only thing stopping it from bending. So, I am icing and elevating and resting :)

I am really hopeful for this. It feels a bit better than it did yesterday so I am working today and bending the left knee. I already have a little bit of strength to life it off the pillow it is resting on...that is an improvement. I will keep you all updated as my progress moves along. All in all, Doc was happy with results. This should be a strong knee when PT is done and I am already letting my mind run with all the things I will be able to do once that happens! :)

happy Sunshine Day!!

A Good Vibe

Do you remember the show Ally McBeal? I can remember one scene where Ally was walking down the streets and a song came into her head and she almost couldn't tell if it was in her head or out in the open for everyone to hear. Her walk, her bounce, her stride goes with the music. That is kinda how I feel today. I don't know if it is a confidence, an independence, being in summer mode or just a good day. But, I can relate to her in that moment. I walked through the grocery store today and just felt like I managed to have eye contact with more people than normal. Smiles were exchanged each time. Is everyone in a good mood today? Is it the sunshine? I helped some old guy with his groceries because he couldn't read any of the labels so couldn't tell which milk was 2%. Walked around a bit with him. Is everyone feeling open to having conversations with others? I have been all over the place today...preparing for the surgery 5. And while my nerves are a bit jumpy, I feel settled. I feel joy, determination to heal and recover quickly from this one, organized in my approach to camp work, wedding preps, etc. I don't know...I just feel good.

Wanted to share this....In looking for the scene from Ally McBeal I referred to, I found this. haha Does anyone else miss this show and it's hilarity?

Baby Boom

Seemingly, this has become the week of the children....haha. After spending the beginning of the week with Erin and her little girls, I went down to see Heather yesterday. A long overdue visit, I had a great time coloring with Brigid and Maggie, holding Ellie and catching up over some coffee with Heather! Here are some pics...

Victor and I are taking Brett and Todd to see Up tonight! I am pretty excited. I haven't had much QT time with them lately and I heard great things about this movie! Plus, what else would people do in this rain?!?!

Since I have been MIA....

Here are some pics of the time I was gone...I chose my favs from each moment in hopes that it will bring us up to speed....

Most Recently....the birth of my 6th niece Cara Suzanne Petura... June 14th, 2009

She is sooo tiny! I could even tell the difference between Ellie and Cara when I got to hold her!

I absolutely LOVE this picture....she is totally posing for it!

Birth of my 5th niece Elizabeth Ann McCarron...June 5th, 2009 Big Sisters Brigid and Maggie were so excited to meet little Ellie...this pic is classic!

Clearly she loves me as much as I love her! :)

And dating back a month + now....our trip to California...Cousins (well, some of us!!) Shot

My "new" family shot....yet, at this point, I still had no clue! haha

Oh and by the way, did I mention I am engaged? haha You knew that already! But, just so you know, this one is my FAVORITE pic.


So, as you can see, the end of the school year was busy but full of joy and blessings beyond words! 2009 has been an awesome year so far. Here's to Summer Vacation (and more blogging with extra time!)