Day 1 (Dec. 14): Ouch. 21 stitches, two broken teeth, and a one messed up jaw bone (broken and dislocated)
After getting my wisdom teeth out yesterday, with no complications, I took my pain killers to help me sleep. Little did I know it would literally knock me out (almost immediately). While walking from the kitchen to the bedroom I passed out and hit the floor (note to self: hard floor packs a hard punch).
Brian called 911 and the neighborhood firetruck, lucky number 13, arrived at the house. You can find humor in almost anything and our friendly doomsday paramedic is someone we still laugh about.
Here are two tips for those who want to be paramedics or firemen:
1) Comments like: "you could of broken your neck and died" are not helpful.
2) Worried husbands have a hard time remembering when the last time the real Christmas tree was watered when wife is bleeding. Stay focused on the task at hand.
Anyway, thanks firetruck 13 for the medical help, for watering our Christmas tree, and the 9 free batteries for our fire alarms should our Christmas tree spontaneously go up in flames.
This night I am thankful for friends like the Ericksons. Doug came over in the middle of the night to watch the kids while Brian and I were at the ER. Calm and collected, you helped us so much.
I am also thankful that the kiddos are deep sleepers. They slept through the fall, the paramedics, and all the excitement- Thank God!
Day 2 (Dec. 15): Put on a Brave FaceA promise is a promise. I told Chloe I would be at school to see her sing her 12 Days of Christmas. A lot of make-up, Motrin and a stylish Hello Kitty band aid and I am ready to face a class of kindergartners. Brian was there to help me along the way (he is a true super husband). I found out that listening to children singing does my soul good.
Day 7 (Dec. 20): Making Progress to NormalI got my two front teeth fixed on Friday and stitches out today. It is amazing how the body heals. Kyle can now look at me...before the blue stitches freaked him out. Chloe, lovingly, called me Frankenstein when I had stitches-- too bad it is the Christmas season and not Halloween.
Day 9 (Dec. 21): Super Ouch- Wired ShutYesterday, I went in for surgery. I have a mouth full of wires and a huge welt and bruise on my left cheek. I wonder, did Doc Martin punch me in the process? Just kidding, I know it is from him realigning the jaw, but it feels like a punch.
Day 10 (Dec. 22): Nancy the Super AuntNancy arrived on the 21st and took over kid duty on Wednesday and Thursday. She kept things light and close to normal by keeping the kids busy with movies, wrapping gifts and doing art work. She should receive a prize for suffering through Chipmunks III- even the kids thought it wasn't the best.
Day 12 (Dec. 25) Christmas and Pancake ShakesIn true Andrews family style, we made the best of it.
Grandmaman Andrews stayed with us for a few days and spent Christmas Eve with us. She was great helping out with the kids and celebrating the Christmas season.
On Christmas Day, the kids woke up early and Santa arrived with treats for all of us. Angry Birds ruled the roost- stuffed toys, t-shirts, card games, oh my.
I discovered my new favorite kitchen utensil- the Ninja blender (yes, it does works just as good as the infomercial promises). I broke it in with an ice cream pancake shake (vanilla ice cream, apple-maple jelly, and one pancake) - yum. This would be the first of many new soup and shake concoctions. My daily menu now includes: liquid Motrin, protein drinks, homemade juices from my friend Julie, Campbells cream soups, applesauce diluted with juice, and cream of wheat diluted with milk. Goodbye bread, candy, and meat--I miss you.
Day 20 (Jan. 2): Goodbye MotrinThe headaches and soreness are finally getting better and I am able to get through the day without mega doses of Motrin ( I still refuse to take Vicidin). Seems like a little thing, but it is a big step to be able to wake-up without my head pounding.
Day 35 (Jan. 19): Wires Are OffI am simply elated to have the wires off! It is pure joy! The arch bars are still there but now all I have to contend with is a little rubber band. Toast and Pei Wei fried rice were my first menu items of the day. I am still eating soft foods but at least it is not just liquids.
I'm working on getting the jaw to open with stretching exercises. It is about as close as I get to working out on a regular basis ;)
Day 38 (Jan. 20): Thank You Friends and FamilyEveryone showered my family with kindness and support. Today, Kyle's class made me a get well card that warms the heart and reminds me to thank our many loved ones. A shout out goes to:
Brian- Thank you for being a super dad and supportive hubby. You are my rock.
Kyle and Chloe- Thanks for the prayers and asking me everyday if I felt better.
Nancy, Mom and Gaetane- Thank you for all of your help. From shopping, to reading with the kids, to doing laundry--you were there to keep us going.
Andrews, Ericksons, Schotts, Austins, and McMullens- Thanks for the many play dates and distractions while I recovered or had doc appointments.
My ASU colleagues and friends- Thanks for all of your kind letters, emails and support. A special shout out to Gini, Cindi and Sandi for carrying the load while I was away from work. Julie I loved the juices and feel energized every time I drink them!
