Amy, Chris, and Olivia Grace
Well I had promised some new pictures of Olivia, so I finally had the opportunity to go through the pictures we had taken lately and share with you some of our favorites. We hope you enjoy them....
Some tummy time while Daddy has PT
Horsing around with Papa, or is it Papa horsing around?
Talk about being lazy! Liv couldn't even be bothered to pick up her bottle!
Wonder if any of it made it in her mouth?
First of all, I would like to apologize to all of you who regularly check our blog. I am so sorry that I haven't updated the blog lately. I have been overwhelmed with so many things at home, that when I do get a chance to write something all I want to do is crash. I will do my best to update some new pictures of Olivia soon, but I thought I would let everyone know how Chris' PT is going.
Chris had his second PT appointment yesterday, and it appears everything went good for him. In his words, they really worked him hard. I guess the PT person said they were nice to him on the first day, but now it is time to get to work! =) Chris rode the bike for about 10 minutes and they also did some stretches checking his range of motion. Based on what the therapist saw yesterday, she said she would like Chris to start coming on Fridays too. So now he has PT on M-W-F. We're working on remembering to do the stretches at home (I say "we" because I have to be the bad guy who reminds him to do the stretches after he's had a stressful day at work) which will help the road to recovery.
On the good news side, Chris is now using only one crutch. We borrowed some canes from my dad, but he's not quite ready to use those yet. Periodically, he will walk short distances without any assistance. He's doing great at getting himself ready totally on his own, and he pushes himself (within reason) a little everyday. He thought he may be able to drive now, but he's not there yet. When he sits in the drivers seat, his foot touches the accelerator when it's relaxed. He has a difficult time getting to the brake. So for now, Amy's taxi service is still running.
Well that pretty much brings you up to speed on PT. Liv is doing great and I will post new pictures and an update about her soon.
Well, we had a second doctor's appointment for Chris' knee yesterday and things are looking good. Chris still needs to wear the brace, but they adjusted it so it will bend with his leg. He can now put weight on his foot and the doctor said he doesn't have to use his crutches anymore. (Chris plans on using the crutches for a bit yet while he gets used to using that foot again.) The doctor also said that he can drive...not sure how I feel about that one! =) Chris, however, is realizes that it will be a bit before he does that. He isn't comfortable getting behind the wheel quite yet. Chris does still have some numbness in his foot which the doctor said could be residual from the nerve block that was used in the surgery. We are going to do our own research on that one. It seems odd that 6 weeks later the nerve block could still be effecting him. The bigger news is that Chris begins PT next week. I know this will be rough on him, but it is a good thing. It will mean he can finally see some progress and develop a sense of healing. Right now, he doesn't see the progress he has made and still gets quite frustrated. It will be a rough road, but it is a step closer to feeling more normal. Please keep Chris in your prayers as he begins this next phase of his recovery.
I wanted to share with you part of an email that I recently received. I hope it speaks to you the way it speaks to me...
Just this morning, I am going to leave the dishes in the sink,and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once not even a tiny grumble when you scream and yell for the ice cream truck and I will buy you one if he comes by.Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while wwe sit on the porch and count all of the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours and miss my favorite TV shows.
Just for this evening, I will run my finger through your hair as you pray I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and the mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.
And when I kiss you good night, I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, I will thank God for you and ask him for nothing except one more day.......
Ok, I am about a week late posting this, but better late than never! Olivia had her first TEETH pop through. Yes! Both bottom teeth arrived at the same time! They are hard to see in this picture, but they are there. Now I think her smile is even cuter (if that is possible!).
