Holy Heck What Just Happend

I am coming to my senses - getting life back on track the best I can. And Iam wondering what in the heck just happened. the whole procedure and recovery were beyond what I had imagined - or understood it to be. Which might be the worlds way of saying just trust that needs to be done and let it be.
What an amazing,difficult, difficult and amazing adventure this has been. The best part is that we ALL rose to the occasion just like we knew(hoped) we would. That is what love is about and I have never felt more loved in my life.
As i slowly got my brain cells back..... i slowly got some responsibility back. It was a beautiful day when I got to drive around the block to prove to David I could drive. Ahhhh my wheels are mine again.
We had a last sister hoorah day in the hot tub in the mountains in preparations for me going back to work. A day with my sisters. If that is not a gift I do not know what is. And then today....no more sweat pants, no more jammies........ it's the ......Bionic Nurse off to save little children of the world and dressed in real clothes (I do love to wear swear pants). I had a warm welcome at my school and I got alot done. It felt good to be using my brain and to be doing for others again. The baby sitting Jody "era" is coming to an end. Physically my chin is still MIA and half my bottom lip remains on strike. The roof of my mouth might be showing some signs of return but not very quickly. I am wearing my rubber bands like the perfect patient that I am in hopes of getting them off by the start of summer - maybe. maybe. I continue on my mush diet and dream of a slice of pizza. Lilydog and I have been faithful walkers and we are both feeling pretty shapely.
So I am back to work for 29 days..... and then summer break is there to rescue me. What a Life I have. Not too bad at all.
Thanks for continuing to check in on me. I love and appreciate all of you all.

Weekend Update (minus Seth Myers)

So after my visit with Dr. Wolford my mouth was sore - just as he predicted. I drove to Edwards Colorado to see my favorite orthodontist Dr. Alton Bishop and his lovely wife and assistant Shirlene(we all know who is really in charge). (Aren't they adorable?) Edwards was BEAUTIFUL! I enjoyed it up there. Dr. Bishop was very pleased with the report from Dr. Wolford but he did put me back in rubber bands. :-(
My teeth are still moving so very nicely with the bands that we must take advantage of it.
I am feeling very good overall. I do wish the bottom lip would rise and shine - and my chin as well. But I am told "all in good time". In a way the surgery seems like yesterday - and in some ways it seems like it has been a long time. But the beauty of it all is that I have not had one single migraine since the surgery. And no grinding noise in my ear that my jaw used to make when I moved it. So I will be patient (tee hee) because the payoff is HUGE.
For those of you wondering about the fire - we are not in any danger. Today they are beginning to get it contained. Yahoo.
So....... it's me and Dr. Bishop for 4 more months until the next visit with the big boss in Dallas. Slow but steady is the motto.
Thanks still and again to all of you who continue to help us out - we could not be luckier people. Love and hugs to all.
bye

The Return to the scene of the Crime!

It is Saturday evening and David and I just returned from my 8week follow up visit in Dallas with Dr. Wolford. The news is all good. The bite is “perfect”. He took off the rubber bands today to see if it is solid enough to stay without bands or not. I will follow up with the orthodontist next week and he will decide if they come back ( I expect they will be back) But for now it is glorious to open my mouth and actually eat off of a grown up utensil.
Teeth and gums are VERY sore but apparently that is a good sign of nerves waking up. I am going to start weaning the medication at night – and as that decreases my driving can increase. He says things will be hugely different in one month.- like energy for work!
Thank you to my wonderful eldest sister for taking the boys (and the dog) while we were in Dallas. I could not have done any of this without my amazing friends and family. I am feeling hopeful today that there really will be an end at some point,
We went to visit a boy (18) that had the surgery yesterday. He is in for the worst night of his life tonight but his family was very happy to see me at 8 weeks and know the misery is worth it.
I am feeling a bit like the young teenage crowd right now wearing my paints hangin off my butt and showing my undies. I will be seeking a ride to a mall soon for a new pair of pants (happily) and new bras (sadly).
so just wanted to let you all know that progress is being made and the news is all good. I took a picture in front of the hospital to send along.
Enjoy the beautiful weather – happy spring break for all of you have spring break.
Much love and thanks to you all,

The Magic of 8 weeks.

Hi everybody. All is going well - so we are off tomorrow for Dallas
for the 8 week check up with my favorite surgeon Dr. Wolford.
Doesn't he look like the nicest man? He is. Doesn't he look like the smartest man? He is.













Wish me luck and I will keep you all posted when I get back.
Love to all.
j

Time for an update.

HI everybody. Long time no chat. Things are going so well. 8 weeks really is the magic number. I am getting my energy back - no more naps and able to tolerate some real exercise. Lily and I took a 3.6 mile walk - we were both wiped out but we are going to get better at it. I changed my own rubber bands this week which was a big deal - and took me a very long time. Still trying to think of yummy mushy things to have for meals. (boring). Want a pizza. Half of my lower lip is starting to get some feeling - chin is still numb. I am off to see Dr. Wolford on Friday. I have a lot of questions for him and hope he has lots of answers. Will let you know how the visit goes when I get back.
Thanks to all - love ya
jody

A Real Date

Hi everybody. Everything is going well. My orthodontist appointment on Friday was good - he accidentally pinched my lower lip and it hurt! Ya hoo....... it must be starting to wake up. He says the rubber bands are working great and I am going to change my own rubber bands next week ( well probably Dr. David) and then see Dr. Wolford on 3/24.
David and I went out to dinner on Saturday night and I had egg drop soup and rice -with a REAL utensil. REal clothes ( which are fitting quite nicely by the way) and I did not spill any food on my real clothes. It was so fun to just be out with my hubby. I feel like I have had pretty good energy this weekend and maybe can get something done around home with less napping.
Looking forward to my visit with Dr. Wolford. I hope he thinks things are aligned the way he wants them to be. Fingers crossed.
Thanks and love to all
Bye Bye for now

IT'S GROUND HOG DAY

Hi all. Wish I had some "big" news to report but right now it is hard to tell one day from the next. Every thing is going well. My teeth ache so that must mean they are starting to wake up. Lip and chin are still in hibernation. Brushing and cleaning my mouth and teeth take up a large part of my day. I am definitely sleeping less! And I am down to one layer of clothing most days. Still wearing my black hat at night, very attractive.
I had a most wonderful lunch yesterday with my nursing associates - they brought lunch and laughs and flowers. Best day ever.
I go to see Dr. Wolford in Dallas on the 24th. Off tho the orthodontist tomorrow - tighter rubbers bands (boo) but it is an adventure out.
i have been cooking some meals for the family - in which the children have been grateful - although Dad has done a superior job all the way.
Guess that is all for now. Thanks to everybody!! XOXO
jody