Farmer's Market

Spencer and Gwen broke in my wheelchair before I got home. Gwen is getting soooo big. In this photo she is wearing the dress she wore at Thanksgiving, but with pants because it fits her more like a shirt!





Saturday we all went to the Farmer's Market like we always do. It was a bit of a bumpy ride (my wheelchair needs shocks!), but a very enjoyable outing. We even had breakfast at The Palace Cafe (mmm...blueberry pancakes). Gwen had fun playing with her Auntie Angelique who was pretending that her knee was a horse, and her hands the reins while she sang theme song to Bonanza. Someone asked Angel and I if we were twins...and I can see why from these photos!

Home Sweet Home

I got home Thursday 1/8 and boy is it sweet to be home! I didn't realize how small and drab my world had become over the past 2.5 weeks. Outside the hospital life is going on- people are doing things, and there is color. My house seems so vibrant, with its red couch and shiny hardwood floors, green plants, and holiday decorations. The ramp into the house works great, and the living room and kitchen are totally accessible with the wheelchair. The bedrooms are a bit difficult, but with my walker I can hop all around the house. The bathroom is a bit tight, but works. It is so nice to be with Gwen and Spencer (and my sister Angelique who is staying with us for 2 weeks). Being home is great, but comes with its own frustrations. It is heartbreaking to hear Gwen cry, and not be able to go to her; though I am so happy to be able to nurse her, and my supply seems to be keeping up with her demand. I feel bad not being able to help out around the house. I suppose I should enjoy this time and the opportunity to be leisurely as I lie on the couch, but I would really rather be helping out. It is really hard to accept that you don't have control of things in your own home. I am trying to relax and let go, and focus on healing, loving my family, and enjoying all our great friends.

Getting ready to roll

They are letting me out for good behavior on Thursday! I can transfer myself from the bed to my walker and then to my wheel chair, which means I don't need to be here anymore! They would send me home sooner, but they give patients 2 days to get ready for coming home. Spencer and his Dad built a ramp so I can get in and out of the house safely, and him and some friends are rearranging our furniture this evening so I have the space to hop around with my walker and wheel about the living room and kitchen. The biggest news of all, I took a shower today! It was such a relief to sit there with running water. The shower was out of hot water, but the lukewarm water running over me as I sat on my shower chair was so refreshing it brought tears to my eyes. Tomorrow I am going to work on getting in and out of the car so I will be ready for the ride hoe Thursday morning.

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!