Light at the end of the tunnel

Rumor is I may be going home next Thursday. Spencer and I still have a lot of unanswered questions about what this will look like, what supplies we will need, where we will get them, how they will get to the house, who will pay for them, etc. We are trying not to drown in the details but want to make sure we have everything we need for this transition.

It has been really nice to have visitors, and I want to extend an invitation to anyone who's schedule permits a drive to San Leandro to come for one. This isn't the most exciting place ever, but I have noticed that too much down time for me is a bad thing, and socializing keeps my spirits up. I have various things to keep me busy, in addition to my therapy, but Sundays there is no therapy which makes for a long day. Just give me a call ahead of time so I can make sure I am presentable :-)

Happy Friday!

It's Me!

It's me! Literally and metaphorically I am starting too be me a little more each day (new and improved with my bionic knee and clavicle). I seem to be making progress at quite a steady pace and with minimal assistance can get out of bed and use my walker to walk on over to the toilet- the first time I got to use the toilet I cried, and then I got to wash my hands with running water, and cried again....the little things we take for granted. For long distance travel (i.e. down the hall to the 'gym' or activities room where the computer is) I use a wheel chair, and while my right shoulder is a little tight, this is basically pain free (though I won't be winning any races). I am able to hold Gwen and nurse her more comfortably as my ribs heal. I should be coming home some time next week. The criteria is for me to be able to get out of bed myself and transfer to a wheel chair. I am very close to being able to do this, it is very difficult though. Imagine trying to stand up without bending your legs...very tricky. Spencer is coming early tomorrow so he can sit in on my Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy and we hope to start getting a better idea of what I might need when I do go home; what supplies and what kind of help and for how long. They are special ordering me a wheel chair because my legs are so long the foot rest is too short so my feet dangle off the edge. Instead of crutches I will likely be using the wheel chair or walker until my left leg is weight bearing (another 4-6 weeks or so).

Thank you everyone for all your love and support. Special thanks to Sandee (Spencer's Mom) for taking care of Gwen. This allowed Spencer to be with me (he stayed with me in the hospital every night and the whole time I was in Oakland, even though he was still recovering himself from the soreness of the accident). We were able to be together and focus on me being better and not have to worry about Gwen since we knew she was in good hands. I missed her, but I never worried about her. Thanks Grandma Sandee!

I am looking forward to 2009 and wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Multitasking Mama

Ambrosia has resumed her normal breastfeeding schedule thanks to her safe pain meds (the same ones they give to c-section mamas after birth), her very supportive family, and Ambrosia's unwavering determination. Only the 24 hours after surgery had to be thrown out due to pain meds. Now Gwen visits twice a day for direct breastfeeding, and receives breast milk in between at home (from a bottle). Her right arm has limited use and her left rib is still very sore, but Gwen and mama have found a position that works.

Here's Ambrosia breastfeeding while a continuous motion machine performs physical therapy on her left leg to speed recovery:

Happy Reunion!

Today Ambrosia was released from Oakland Kaiser and admitted to the Kaiser rehab center in San Leandro (510-481-8575). It is finally safe for visits from Gwen, here's the happy mommy + baby we all love:



Ambrosia is making a lot of progress in PT. It is safe for her to stand on her right leg and while her rib injury makes it a little difficult she hopes to be able to hold a crutch under her left arm soon. Here she is practicing standing with the left arm/right leg: