tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84949062024-03-18T21:50:31.673-05:00Living the Larabie LifeWe are the Larabie family - Kelly, Corey, Morgan & Alex. We are a homeschooling AND public schooling, work-at-home, eco-friendly family. You never know what you might find here. Feel free to stop by often.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.comBlogger434125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-45075947723056450042013-11-14T11:21:00.001-06:002013-11-14T11:21:53.392-06:00Long lost LarabiesI came across the link to our website and realized just how long it has been since I've posted anything. I do things in spurts anyway but I think this is worse with blogging because of Facebook. Basically all of my family and all of our friends are on Facebook so they "see" what we are up to all the time. <br />
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However, I realized that I missed this. I feel like we are the long lost Larabies because we've been absent from the blog for so long.<br />
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I'm hoping to get back into it. We shall see. No promises. Maybe I'm feeling nostalgic with the holidays quickly approaching...or with the kids growing up so fast...or a combination. <br />
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Corey is busy with work. There has been another reorganization in the company and he now has several more employees under his management. There is news that the whole company is in the process of being bought by a Canadian company. No, we don't have to move to Canada....although if we did have to we wouldn't have a problem with it at all! Hmm, too bad they aren't "making" us. He just got back from a business trip to Maryland and will be going again right after Thanksgiving. Then the following week he is off to Ohio. From the sounds of it, there is more travel in his future. He doesn't particularly care for travelling so this doesn't thrill him. <br />
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I have partnered up with 4 other doulas to create a group that helps women during pregnancy, birth, and afterwards. We hold monthly meetings that are educational and social, we provide birth and postpartum doula services, as well as help with breastfeeding, loss, Blessingways, and more. Our goal is to create a village for women during the childbearing years. We met for the first time in Nov 2012 and had our grand opening in February 2013 so we have been together a year. Things are going pretty well! We hope to keep growing.<br />
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Morgan is in 10th grade, taking Honors and pre-AP courses and planning for college. She attended an academic camp at Clarkson University this past summer and since then has been researching, planning and preparing to head off to college. She is currently performing in a play in Spring Hill, on the bowling team at school, and helping with our doula group.<br />
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Alex is in 7th grade and still homeschooling. He is all about the computer and being online. He interacts with friends all over the world in various online games, especially Minecraft. He has his own server (with the help of dad) where he can run his own Minecraft mods. I believe he had 3 growth spurts this summer and has officially surpassed me in height....so I'm officially the shortest person in the family.<br />
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Last month, we lost our cat, Kali. She got sick and when we took her into the vet she was in severe kidney failure and there was nothing that could be done. We were all very sad and Alex had the hardest time. He was the first of us that touched Kali when we first found her (she was just a couple weeks old) and once we got her she claimed Alex as her own and mostly put up with the rest of us. <br />
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I think that is it for now. Hopefully, you will see more from me. :-) Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-81758052998678829892012-08-07T10:46:00.000-05:002012-08-07T10:46:25.357-05:00August = BIG changesApparently August equals big changes here at the Larabie house. After some discussion it was decided that Morgan would enter public school for the very first time. We've actually discussed it off & on for 2 years now, always defaulting to the "non-decision" method and continued with the status quo. This year we felt it was a good time for her to give it a go. So, after jumping through some hoops, plenty of drama (from the school not Morgan), we got her enrolled! We spent the first day (all 2.5 hours of it) getting her registered. The second day, she rode the bus (first time!) and went to pick up her schedule...which wasn't ready...so spent 3 hours hanging out in the auditorium and then finally got her schedule in time to attend the last 2 blocks (4 blocks plus homeroom & lunch each day) and ride the bus home. Finally, on Friday, she had her first WHOLE day at school. *phew* It has only been a few days, we've had our ups and downs, a serious adjustment is happening here. I am SOOO proud of her for jumping into this!! <br />
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As if that isn't enough of a change for us, I am getting a "regular" job. I absolutely LOVE being a doula (and would LOVE to find an apprenticeship with a midwife) but I just am not getting clients so I can help our family financially. :-/ It is frustrating, but I know it takes time to build a business and I will keep at it. Right now, we have some things that we need to take care of and this is what will help do that. I've interviewed for a tech support position and have training coming up in 2 weeks. I don't know what hours I'll be working so that could really make this a juggling act...time will tell. <br />
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Alex is still homeschooling. The few things we needed for him have been ordered and should be arriving today and tomorrow. Then it is full schedule for him. His big changes will come once we know what hours I'll be working. He will work independently while I'm at work, then work with me or Corey when we are available. <br />
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Morgan auditioned for and got a part in a play in the town just north of us. The play is Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon. She got the part of the Enchantress, which is the Rapunzel story. She just accepted another part because someone stepped down, and will also be playing a princess in the Frog Prince story. Rehearsals just started this past week so she's not behind or anything. She has several friends in the play so she's really excited to go to rehearsals. I can't wait to see how they do with this play...the script is great. Definitely for older kids...but that is the nature of the Brothers Grimm...their stories aren't like D*sney puts them on. LOL!<br />
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Dance starts at the end of the month. She has decided to drop a couple classes...hip hop and pointe. She had been so excited about pointe when she got the chance to take it and it wasn't how she thought it would be. She prefers ballet to pointe. So, she will be taking ballet, tap, jazz, and an extra ballet class. She will audition for the Intensive group again. Also, come January, she will take lyrical again. So, she could be up to 6 classes by mid-year. But for now, she's starting with 4. <br />
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Now that we have all these changes in the midst, Corey's work has decided that he needs to travel twice...very soon. LOL! Funny how he doesn't travel for years, then travels once, goes a long time with no travel and BAM! right when we make some serious changes at our house they want him to travel back-to-back. Good thing the kids and I are really good at continuing on whether he's at work or travelling. He's going for some power meetings so hopefully that means good things. :-)Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-83475490087144776072012-06-27T18:31:00.000-05:002012-06-27T18:31:31.667-05:00Catching UpApparently, I am not doing so well with the whole blogging thing. LOL! As it has been quite some time since I've posted anything. <br />
<br />Tomorrow will mark 3 months since my knee replacement surgery and all is well. I finished physical therapy at the end of the 9 week mark. I actually miss going. It was good for me mentally, socially & physically. I am moving around very well. My gait is pretty close to normal, my balance is much better than it was, I am going up and down most stairs alternating feet (like normal), and my stamina for standing & walking around seems to be pretty close to normal....better than before surgery & after. <br />
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Alex participated in a research study at Vanderbilt about reading and the brain. He was a champ...spent 2 days at Vanderbilt University doing numerous tests and even several activities during an MRI scan of his brain. He was given a printout of several different views of his brain from the MRI and he will be receiving compensation in the mail. He got along very well and held his own during conversations (most of the science related) with the research students. I think he was in his element. Maybe he'll go to Vandy in the future.<br />
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Both kids auditioned and received parts in a community play. It is 12th Nite (an adaptation of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare). They have rehearsal every week night so that has put us in a busier mode than usual during the summer. Fencing has been slow for Alex between him being sick, his coach getting Mono, and some camps that they've held. However, he is looking forward to getting back to it and hopefully a more advanced class. Morgan has had a month of dance, which helps keep the summer from being TOO bored and missing dance so much until things start back up in August.<br />
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Our CSA deliveries are going strong. I'm working for them this season and I love it. I'm an admin in our facebook group, I take pictures of share boxes and I update the website each week with the harvest and pictures so members can identify what they are receiving. I've also done a few customer service tasks. We were invited to visit and mingle with other employees and families this weekend while celebrating the 4th of July. We are looking forward to it.<br />
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Corey was promoted to manager recently at work. He's busier than ever. He works with some great people and they all work so darn hard. I hope their company appreciates them! I know we appreciate how hard he works to take care of us. This coming weekend will be his first off in a month.<br />
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Speaking of time off....we are getting ready to go on VACATION! We are driving up to Tupper Lake to visit Corey's parents, brothers & their families. It has been 7 years since we've been back to Tupper Lake...long overdue for a visit. Poor Alex hasn't seen some relatives since he was 4 so is having trouble remembering everyone. After a visit there, we are taking the kids to Poughkeepsie (where Alex was born) and then into New York City for the day. We'll also be meeting up with some friends. Then off to Delaware to visit Dogfish Head Brewery & their restaurant as well as spend 2 days at the beach in DE. Then we are heading to Corey's aunt & uncle's place in the mountains in North Carolina for a few days of relaxation before heading home. <br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-10590881292046769332012-05-14T13:29:00.000-05:002012-05-14T13:29:38.795-05:00Weekend and Knee UpdateHope everyone had a nice Mother's Day weekend. I got to spend the whole weekend with my husband and kids...plus had some quiet time on my own Saturday night while hubby took the kids to see a movie that I had no interest in seeing. They needed some time together and I enjoyed my quiet time. Unfortunately, while I was on my own I got up "funny" out of my recliner and seemed to have tweaked my GOOD knee! Sunday was very nice. I got to sleep in, received very sweet cards for my wonderful husband and kids along with some goodies. We had a relaxing day and then they took me out to dinner at Olive Garden. We had a delicious dinner and then went to visit my mom at work. My good knee was hurting all day and I was rather frustrated with myself. Six weeks post-surgery and I mess up my other knee...not good! <br />
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This morning I had PT and aqua therapy. I'm doing great on the NuStep (recumbent stepper) and am up to almost 1/2 mile on it. The black band exercise doesn't increase or change, the hamstring leg machine was increased in weight, step ups are becoming easier, and we added mini-squats last week and those are a little easier. My table exercises are good...we've increased the weight on some of them. Today, after doing all of my exercises and stretching out my knee...I was able to bend my knee 117 degrees on my own!! Then I was sent to the pool. All of that routine is the same except each time I've increased the speed on the underwater treadmill...just not sure what it was on today because I was walking & not watching as she increased the speed. LOL! <br />
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My good knee is feeling better...not quite 100% but definitely better. So I don't think I did anything horrible to it. <br />
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Wednesday I have PT, aqua therapy and then I go upstairs to see my Orthopedist. I'll update then.<br />
<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-50681052867032864242012-05-11T14:15:00.000-05:002012-05-11T14:15:02.197-05:00Six WeeksWednesday it was six weeks since my total knee replacement surgery. It feels like just yesterday and it feels like it was forever ago...all at the same time. I feel like I'm doing great and I'm so proud of where I am today but I have moments when I feel like I should be "done" with recovery and I should be all back to normal already. Well, that isn't reality and I know it.<br />
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I had my first aqua therapy session on Wednesday afternoon and I met a lady that was in my pre-surgical joint replacement class. She had her left knee replaced on March 28th just like I did...by the same doctor. She was the 2nd surgery of the day (so right after me). We were both in the pool at the same time and compared recovery notes. We've had almost identical recoveries! It was really neat to see her again and to be able to talk to someone that is literally at the same place I am in recovery. Aqua therapy for me is 10 minutes of walking on the underwater treadmill; leg lifts to the front, back, and side; going up & down on my tip toes; bending my leg to the back (leg curls?); and then bending & straightening my leg out to the front. The leg lifts I do with both legs...my left leg for strength and my right leg so I can work on balancing on my left leg. The other 2 things I just do my left leg. <br />
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My last 2 therapy sessions I have made progress on my range of motion. Wednesday I was able to bend my knee 111 degrees on my own and 120 degrees with help. Today I got 114 degrees on my own and 120 degrees with help again. At the moment, 120 degrees with help seems to be my limit. I make a horrible face and squeal/squeak in pain/discomfort and about come off the table. LOL! <br />
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This week has been pretty busy for me. I'm very proud of being able to handle everything at this point. Monday was chiropractor for Morgan, physical therapy for me, school with the kids and dance class for Morgan. Tuesday was school with the kids, fencing with Alex (at a later time than normal), running some quick errands, quickly make dinner & eat, get Morgan's hair in a bun & make up on & then dash out the door for 3 1/2 hours of costume changes and pictures at the dance studio. Morgan & I got home about 10pm Tuesday night..tired! Wednesday was CSA week #1 pick up, strawberry picking at a local farm, unpacking & washing all produce, school with the kids, physical therapy for me, getting Morgan's hair in a bun & make up on & dash out to the dance studio for 2 1/2 hours of costume changes and pictures. We got home about 8:45pm Wednesday night. I was WIPED OUT! *surprise* Thursday was chiropractor with Morgan, school with kids, and then dance class for Morgan. The rest of the evening was pretty slow & relaxed. So far today has just been physical therapy for me and some relaxation. We are already planning a very veg-out night. We have a Netflix movie waiting to be watched, St. Elmo's Fire at Morgan's request, and no other plans.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-22669068843140937952012-05-07T20:02:00.000-05:002012-05-07T20:02:21.521-05:00Week 5 - Knee updateWhere did week 5 go?? I am making progress and recovery is still going smoothly. I'm driving the kids all around, even drove up to Nashville one day. I get around the house without the cane most of the time. First thing in the morning and when I'm really tired are 2 of the times that I don't because I'm too unsteady. PT is going well...we've upped the weights that are used when I do my exercises, we've added some exercises too. I had a couple days where I didn't feel like I was making progress but after talking to my physical therapist I'm feeling much better. At the time, my range of motion in my knee was remaining constant and that was frustrating me. But, I was doing more...starting to walk around the house without the cane, being able to ride in the car for longer periods of time, going most of the day with no pain medication, doing more around the house for longer periods of time,etc. Sooo, I was progressing, just in different areas. I'm able to massage my scar now with any lotion or cream. This should help it be a smaller scar. We shall see. ;-)<br />
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Wednesday will be 6 weeks! I can't believe it. I start aquatherapy at PT. I will use the underwater treadmill to help with my walking and normalizing my gait. There are also some strength exercises that they have you do while in the pool. Then I'll continue with my regular PT afterwards. I can't wait. Weird how excited I get about PT. LOL! <br />
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I keep thinking that I should be "back to normal" but it really hasn't been that long for what all they did to my leg. I have to remember to take it easy some, I'm still in recovery. <br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-30809649405753185712012-04-26T00:14:00.000-05:002012-04-26T00:14:53.543-05:00Four Weeks - Knee ReplacementWow...4 weeks today!! I just can't believe it has gone by this quickly and has gone so smoothly. I am VERY grateful that it has gone so well.<br />
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Today's PT was more of the new regimen. The step-ups were easier than on Monday and the weighted exercises were pretty okay too. The best part...105 degrees on my own and 115 degrees with help from the physical therapist. Woo!! With very little effort my knee is at 90 degrees when I let my leg dangle down off the table. Everything is becoming a little easier each day. <br />
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I must say I am very happy with my new knee and recovery at this point. Here is a picture of my incision/scar that I took on Monday. All steri-strips finally came off and the incision has healed enough that I can start using cream and massage to help the scar fade and not be too tight. I think it looks pretty good. Corey says it definitely looks better than when the staples were in it (LOL). The kids both just think "Ick!" <br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-16376739759957517592012-04-24T23:44:00.002-05:002012-04-24T23:44:30.510-05:00Week 3 of PTStarted week 3 of PT on Monday and it was great...exhausting but great! I can now bend my left knee 101 degrees on my own and 110 degrees with help! I'm so stoked. The 110 was NOT comfortable at all...but my knee can do it. The rest of my regimen was bumped up a level. I did a new machine for bending my knee and working my hamstring. I also started doing step-ups...stepping up using my left leg without pulling myself up with my arms...man, those are HARD right now. All of my other exercises are the same but now involve ankle weights. I was sore by the end of it but it was a "feels good" sore...you know you worked it and earned it. I'm doing great with the cane as well.<div>
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Monday was a tough day for me, I over did it. :-/ I drove Morgan to her mother's helper job which is about 30-35 minutes away. Shortly after returning home I drove to PT and did that for an hour. Then a couple hours later drove back to pick up Morgan. By the time we got home I was very uncomfortable and needed to have my leg elevated and have ice on it. It took a while for things to calm back down but they did. Corey had to go to the office in Brentwood today and tomorrow so Monday night I didn't set an alarm for my usual "middle of the night" pain pill. I just took it when he got up at 5:30...that worked out just fine. </div>
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Today was better with the knee. I took Morgan to the dentist and then to her job. However, we made arrangements for the mom to bring her back to town for dance. I'm so thankful that she has been willing to pick up and drop off Morgan while I had surgery and am going through recovery. I took Alex to fencing and then we relaxed the rest of the afternoon at home. Corey was at the office so I went back out to pick up Morgan from dance but it wasn't until 7:30 so had plenty of relaxing time. Unfortunately, today was emotionally exhausting. I found out this afternoon that a friend of 14 years lost her 22 year old son unexpectedly. My heart is breaking for her and the entire family. I wish there was something I could do to make this better, easier for her, but I know there isn't. I can be here as a friend and that is it. If you are inclined, please keep my friend in your thoughts and prayers. I know she will need them. </div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-62322492912518944572012-04-23T10:42:00.000-05:002012-04-23T10:42:00.037-05:00Week 3 weekendFriday I graduated to using the cane instead of the walker so this weekend was all about getting around with the cane...and learning how to get out of the chair without using the walker. That was fun to figure out. LOL! On Saturday we all decided that we would try going out to lunch again. I was hoping that I had made enough progress and had "turned the corner" so that the outing would be relatively easy. It was. We went to Applebee's because it is close and I wouldn't have to spend a lot of time in the car. We had a small wait for food and a nice leisurely lunch. We had to make a Walmart trip also but they brought me home first. I knew I wasn't up for that kind of outing. My leg felt really good after lunch so I was thrilled. While Corey and the kids were gone to Walmart, I did some things around the house...unload & reload the dishwasher, get together a load of clothes & got them in the washer, and washed up the few pots & pans that were soaking. Not bad! Oh, and I also figured out how to get out of my recliner without using the walker. It takes a bit of work but it is doable. Yay me! I also figured out that if I sit on the couch I can bend my left knee enough that I can get on my own socks and shoes. Man, things are coming back together. It truly is the little things in life that can make you happy. By Saturday night my knee was a little swollen & achy...I did a lot on Saturday so that's all it was. So on Sunday I went a little easier on it. I'm also finding that there are times I can stretch the period between pain pills...found this out by just forgetting to take them and my knee feeling fine. LOL! I also noticed that I don't need ice all the time...after PT or exercising or using it a lot but not all the time like in the beginning. Progress! <div>
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Today marks the beginning of my 3rd week of PT. Ashley, my physical therapist, told me that we will be adding stuff to my plan today and working on doing more stairs. She said she'll be pushing me but it isn't anything she doesn't feel I'm not ready for. She also warned me that I'll be sore! Sooo...time to take my pain pill and head to PT. </div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-64980575477551281352012-04-19T00:21:00.000-05:002012-04-19T00:21:36.324-05:00Three Weeks - Knee ReplacementToday is three weeks since my knee replacement surgery. Recovery is going very well, better than I expected. Today at PT I bumped up my time on the Nustep by 2 minutes (total 10 minutes) on level 3 and we moved the seat closer 1 notch which means my knee bends a little more. I can bend my knee 96 degrees on my own and...get this... 106 degrees with assistance!! Crazy and Wonderful I tell ya! :-) I talked my physical therapist about transitioning to a cane and we are going to start working on that. It won't be overnight but every step is a step in the right direction.<br />
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As easy as my recovery has been and as well as it has gone. I'm incredibly blessed...and I know it. What people need to understand is that "easy" doesn't mean there are no issues, no pain or discomfort, no problems. It just means that considering everything that was done to my knee and everything that I've gone through, my recovery period has gone very smoothly & very easily. Some people have a much harder time and a lot of problems. Recovery from something like this is still work. I haven't had pain but I have had discomfort. Now, compared to the burning pain I was having in my knee before surgery this is nothing really. But being uncomfortable for hours on end or off & on all day gets old and tiring very quickly. Not being able to do much is hard to handle. Keeping your leg elevated and iced a good bit of the time (continuously in the beginning) is very hard. Sleeping on your back in one position with ice and an elevated leg is rough and often ends up in very little sleep...especially when you aren't one that normally sleeps on your back. As your leg starts the reawakening process you get serious stinging "pins & needles" feelings throughout your leg (above and below the surgical site). Your incision site is numb, the area directly around it is numb and often other areas are numb too. For me it is the top of my left foot...it feels very weird if I touch it or scratch it. There is also some weakness when flexing my foot. I think all of that will resolve itself. Fingers crossed! At first the exercises are hard and they hurt. Walking with your walker hurts. But you have to do it all so you will improve. Surgery itself wipes you out. Not being able to move around much or do anything takes a toll on your stamina so you have to build that back up. Pain pills often knock you out or make you sleepy so that doesn't help either. Riding in the car is difficult because it is hard to get in and then when you do it hurts because your knee is bent and it feels stiff and throbbing since it is "hanging down". <br />
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All of that is NORMAL after the surgery. All of this (and more) is to be expected. All of this makes for an easy recovery. It is other stuff that makes your recovery harder. I am so thankful that my recovery has been easy! <br />
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My stamina is increasing. I am getting up and down more at home. I am able to do more. Yesterday, I made pancakes and was able to mix everything up and cook several before I needed a break to sit down. I've washed dishes at the sink, have loaded the dishwasher (can't really unload yet). I manage to use the walker and carry some simple things (my covered cup, an ice pack,etc). I am VERY ready for a good night of sleep, where I can just curl up in bed (NOT on my back) and go to sleep like normal. I'm looking forward to being able to go out for lunch or dinner without wincing and being all twitchy in my seat because my leg & knee hurt. I'm looking forward to being able to do car rides or driving for more than 10-15 minutes at a time. I know it will all come with time. I am trying to be patient. Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-5663489322342689112012-04-16T17:44:00.000-05:002012-04-16T17:44:19.330-05:0095 degrees!One of the first big goals you have in physical therapy after a total knee replacement is bending your knee 90 degrees. You have exercises that you must do a few times a day plus your physical therapy sessions which all help you get there. It isn't easy, you have to work for it. But, I want to get back to normal. I want to have the most function out of my new knee possible. And the *only* way that is going to happen is by taking my pain pills so I can do all of my exercises and work hard during physical therapy. Friday, was my 2 weeks + 2 days mark and I was at 89 degrees by myself and 94 degrees with help. I had a nice weekend (good sleep at night...really helps) and today I was at 95 degrees by myself!! I'm so excited! I love physical therapy! It actually feels good to work my knee and my therapist is great! <br />
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They don't work on extension as much because from the beginning they have your leg straight most of the time. When you elevate your leg or just have it stretched out (which is almost all of the time), your leg is straight. Ice also feels fabulous on your knee because that prevents swelling. Swelling is not good because it causes pain and tightness! Trust me, you don't want this. If you keep your leg bent, dangle your leg down a lot or anything like that, then your extension will suffer. You need a good extension for good, smooth walking ability. Right now my extension is perfect (0 degrees) and as long as it remains that way we don't have to do much with it. If I ever have an issue with it...then we will have to add stretching exercises specifically for that. And the therapist made a face when she said it...so I don't think we want to go there. LOL!<br />
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The next goal for bending my knee is 100 degrees. I also am hoping for a cane soon. They haven't brought it up and I haven't asked about it. Part of me feels ready for one but there is still a part that feels I'm not quite there yet. When I'm tired or my leg is uncomfortable, I really lean on & use the walker. When I'm feeling good I just barely hold on to it. Sooo, I know I'll get it when the time is right for me to have it.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-43410888037589788372012-04-11T23:51:00.000-05:002012-04-11T23:51:08.983-05:00Two Weeks - Knee ReplacementTwo weeks today! I can't believe it has already been 2 weeks since my total knee replacement surgery. I still tire very easily and it still surprises me. Although, you would think I'd be used to it by now. I have been more active around the house and I get admonished not to push it every day from my mom, Corey and the kids. Morgan is very big on "Did your Dr. say you could do that? Does your Physical Therapist know you are doing that?". LOL! Gotta love all my care takers and how seriously they take their task. :-) <br />
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Today was my "big outing" day. My mom and Morgan took me to physical therapy this morning and then we all headed out to try out a new little pie place in downtown Columbia, <a href="http://www.piesensations.com/" target="_blank">Pie Sensations</a>. I was pretty wiped out after physical therapy so it was a pretty big deal for me to go anywhere other than HOME afterwards. The ride home was a little uncomfortable but I managed okay. Home meant leg elevated, ice gel pack on and a pain pill in but all was good. I took a nice nap later in the afternoon. Then after dinner, I had my next outing of the day...I went up to Columbia Dance Academy to watch Morgan's intensive dance class. Millie was surprised to see me there and we chatted a bit. I felt really good for that outing and didn't need to rush home or anything. We planned it a bit better and brought ice with us so I think that helped a bit. I think more outings could be in my near future as long as I plan them out good first. <br />
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I've been a little daring and have taken a few baby steps without using my walker (but with the walker right there). I'm hoping that by the end of this week I'll be able to transition over to the cane. But if the physical therapist doesn't feel I'm quite ready then I'm preparing myself to be PATIENT...not my strong suit! Keep your fingers crossed that I'm ready.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-72380927586389888182012-04-08T19:38:00.000-05:002012-04-08T19:38:28.807-05:00WeekendFriday afternoon Morgan asked if she could go to a movie with a friend and have her friend sleep over. I wasn't sure at first because I had had a rough night Thursday night and part of Friday morning. But then I decided that it would be good for her to spend some time with a friend and I'd be fine having someone over. So, Corey took Morgan up to the movie theatre to meet her friend and then hit up Wal-mart and Kroger to take care of our shopping needs. He decided to pick up pizza for dinner on the way home to make everything nice & easy for when the girls were done at the movies. Well, the girls got out of the movie and the friend's mom dropped them off at our house. Corey got the pizza & texted me that he was heading home. Well, a few minutes later I get another text that the car won't start and he'll have to wait about 10 minutes to try it again (this anti-theft thing in the steering column of the car). So, time passes on and I get texts from him that the car still isn't starting. Our options are either me try to drive to pick him up OR contact someone else that could do it. See, I'm not cleared to drive yet and I had just taken a pain pill (not a good thing). So, I called my mom and she headed out to get him. Our worry at this point was that the groceries were going to go bad. Ugh! He finally got home an hour after getting the pizza. *Phew* He also had talked to the manager to make sure he could leave the car there overnight & get it on Saturday. The kids were all great Friday night...we watched movies & had pizza...just had a good time. Saturday the girls just hung out listening to music, watching movies on dvd and being silly. They went to see another movie Saturday afternoon before Laura went home. I think they are trying to make plans again for this coming weekend too. It has been a while since they've hung out and I think they realize just how much they've missed it. On Saturday afternoon I sent Alex with Corey to run some errands. Alex has been great about staying with me when Corey has to run Morgan places and I wanted him to get out of the house some. I think both of my guys were nervous about leaving me home all alone for the first time since surgery. It went just fine. LOL! Mainly, I read, played online, and crashed out in my recliner thanks to a pain pill.<br />
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Happy Easter to you and your family. This year I decided that I was going to make up baskets for the kids but also one for my mom and brother. I figure it has been years since anyone has made them a basket for Easter. So yesterday, Alex helped me get out the baskets and all the candy. Everyone got a solid chocolate bunny, some peanut butter eggs, Cadbury cream eggs, and cookies & cream bunnies. Then we took all of our plastic eggs and filled them with jelly beans, mini Cadbury chocolate eggs, and M&M's. My mom got a special giant egg filled with jordan almonds (since she can't eat the peanut butter eggs). Then we added a little something for each person...Morgan got a special soda, Alex a game, Mom some flower seeds, and my brother a bottle of beer and a Nashville Sounds baseball schedule. The kids got to have their baskets this morning and my mom & brother got their basket when they came over for dinner today. For dinner we had ham slices (from our CSA). potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, and desserts. I was too stuffed from dinner so I haven't had dessert yet. <br />
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Today is day 12 with my new knee. Everything is going well. I'm doing more repetitions when I do my exercises, I'm good about getting out of the recliner on my own, getting myself dressed & ready. My biggest issue is not being able to do stuff because of the walker...so I need someone to get stuff for me all of the time. I'll be glad when I don't have to do that anymore.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-57111947726322399312012-04-05T23:32:00.000-05:002012-04-05T23:32:41.829-05:00Kelly's Surgery - Total Knee Replacement - Day 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Week 1 went very well. Yesterday I went to see my ortho, Dr. M. I was x-rayed and everything looks just right...nice and straight. He examined my knee and said everything seems to be going fine. We discussed the poor excuse of home PT that I had on Monday and we wrote an order for outpatient PT after I said that I was more than willing & able to get out of the house for it. Then his nurse came in to remove the staples from my incision...all 50 of them. Alex took a picture of my staples right before they were removed. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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I don't have to go back to see the ortho for 6 weeks. Unless, of course, something is going on. <br />
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Today I went for my first outpatient PT session. I just have to say that I *love* my new physical therapist! PT was work, I won't tell you it wasn't. But it was very much worth it and actually felt good. My physical therapist said I was doing great & am ahead of where someone would typically be at 1 week out. My extensive is a perfect 0 degrees (straight leg) and on my own I can bend my knee to 78 degrees and can get to 86 degrees with help. The goal this week is to continue all of my daily exercises and to be able to bend my knee to 90 degrees on my own. I really enjoyed the machine I got to use for 5 minutes (goal was 3). Next week I'll have PT on Mon, Wed, and Fri. <br />
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I haven't stayed on top of my pain pills this evening so tonight I've had a hard time keeping my knee/leg comfortable. I took a pain pill and walked around the house with my walker. I look forward to the day I won't be using that...and graduate to a cane. :-)Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-103905558631433722012-04-03T23:46:00.000-05:002012-04-03T23:46:39.186-05:00Kelly's Surgery - Total Knee ReplacementLast Wednesday, March 28th, I had a left total knee replacement. Since I had to be at the hospital at 5:30am, Alex spent the night with GC. Morgan was getting picked up for her mother's helper job so she stayed home. So the 28th started early as I showered and grabbed my bags to head up to the hospital. I was taken back to surgical holding around 6:10am. While hanging out I got a warm air blanket (pretty neat), my IV, talked to my surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and the nurse anesthetist. My knee started bothering me during the wait and once I had talked to everyone the nurse anesthetist gave me some medication in my IV to help the pain. I remember being taken to the OR, scooting over to the other table and getting settled. I was asked again what procedure I was having done and which leg. Someone in the room brought up that I was a doula and I got to talk about being a doula for a few minutes. Then they were ready and they mentioned calling the anesthesiologist and they switched from the nasal cannula to the oxygen mask. That is the last thing I remember. lol The next thing I know I'm coming to in the recovery room. The clock on the wall said 10:28am and my nurse was Don. I had ice chips, kept getting encouraged to wake up, wiggle my toes & cough. I remember hearing them call Corey to tell him what room they would be taking me to but I don't remember the ride or transfer to the regular room. Corey and I had planned for him to go home for a while and take care of the dogs. He came into my room as the nurses were taking care of me and getting me all settled. I was very nauseous from the anesthesia but otherwise felt great. The Physical Therapist came by and they got me up out of bed in the mid-afternoon. It was only about 10 steps right next to the bed, but still it was wonderful. Morgan was brought up to the hospital about 7pm and they brought food for Corey since he hadn't eaten. My mom and Alex got there about 7:30pm. Corey then took the kids home about 8pm. Mom was staying the night with me. My nighttime nurse had a great personality and took great care of me. He was fun to joke around with but was right there with my meds & ice when needed. The biggest thing I didn't like about the hospital is that they woke me up at 4am to change my dressing, help me bathe & get up into the chair before breakfast. Egads!! I did some sleeping in that chair. ;-) Mom went home for some sleep Thursday morning and my brother came up to hang out. He did lots of reading but also got me some chocolate. PT got me up twice on Thursday and I walked around the halls. Friday we had a repeat of Thursday but I got discharged Friday afternoon. The ride home wasn't fun (is it ever?) but coming up the steps at home was nice. <br />
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I take my meds when I'm supposed to and I'm doing my exercises. So far everything seems to be going well for me. I had home PT come out on Monday but I don't care for the PT or how the company is dealing with things. I go see my Orthopedic Surgeon tomorrow and I'm asking him if I can just switch out to outpatient PT and skip the whole "in home" thing. Today, I was dying to get out of the house so Corey helped me step out on the deck and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine for a little while. <br />
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Nursing & Tech Staff: Whitney & Penny (Wed), Kyle & Rachel (Wed night), Whitney and Bob & Mandy (Thu), April & Kirrell (Thu night), Whitney and Bob & Mandy (Fri) -- They were all wonderful!! My plan is to take them a little something next week.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-49188988319470763762012-03-12T00:09:00.000-05:002012-03-12T00:09:57.783-05:00Family WeekendBy some twist of fate or handiwork on the gods, Corey didn't have to work this weekend. We managed to have a lovely weekend together as a family. This is something that we rarely get to do anymore so it is nice to take advantage of the chance when it comes up. We have mostly just "hung out"...watching movies, getting small weekend chores done. But was wonderful and much needed down time for everyone. <div><br />
</div><div>Morgan and I took in a performance of The Music Man in Spring Hill. We had several friends in it. They all did a great job and we were happy to support them. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Many people think that we spend a lot of time together as a family since Corey works at home and we homeschool the kids. The truth is, we don't. Corey works a lot of hours, often 7 days a week. I'm busy with the kids but all 4 of us don't have much time together. Hopefully, we can get more of these weekends. </div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-1337520329686174562012-02-09T20:49:00.000-06:002012-02-09T20:49:58.611-06:00ProgressSmall changes...how are they going? The changes are going well. I've started almost every day with 32 oz. of lemon water. The smoothies are hit & miss but we do add kale or spinach to them and they are delicious. The other days I have a small breakfast and move on. I've lost about 12 pounds so far and feel great about it. The fact that the changes are sticking is the best part of all. My jeans, which were already a little bit baggy, are now a lot baggy. Corey says it is time for me to get some that fit. LOL! I don't wear jeans that often so I'm not in a rush. I don't wear them at all when the weather is warmer so I will probably wait until the end of summer to order new ones. <br />
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What changes are you making?Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-15235659687102710612012-01-07T23:27:00.000-06:002012-01-07T23:27:46.815-06:00Small changesOver the past couple of years, we have worked on changing how and what we eat as a family. Shortly after we moved to TN we joined a CSA (community-supported agriculture). That was great but we ate what we knew and wasted too much. At the end of the summer season we discovered another CSA that not only did produce but also meat & eggs. We decided to try them that winter and have been with them since. Basically from April - October we get fresh, local farm produce as well as local, grass-fed, pasture-raised meats & eggs. After about a 2wk break in October we start the winter season that goes until March. During the winter we continue getting meat & eggs as well as winter produce, preserved goods (canned or frozen from the summer season), baked goods,etc. It is *amazing* the taste difference in fresh, local food. You can honestly taste the difference in the meats, eggs, and produce. Over the years we've gotten better at trying the produce we weren't familiar with, trying produce we thought we didn't like (turns out most of them we DO like when fresh & ripe), and finding new ways to eat them (raw & cooked in various ways). However, all that time we were still buying the same stuff from the grocery store. Now, we were still putting better quality foods in our bodies but also the bad stuff too....plus we were spending quite a bit of money in both places. Then we saw Food, Inc. as well as Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. We also read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. I tell ya, eye opening! We started cutting things out of our diet or finding more natural replacements. I cut out Diet Coke at home (where I am most of the time) and switched to iced tea. So, we've definitely made some changes for the better over the past couple of years. We feel good about how we are doing. <br />
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Recently I decided that I wanted to try a few new things for myself, to improve my health. So, for the past week I've been starting the day off with 32 ounces of lemon water and then a piece of fruit or a fruit smoothie (small amount of greek yogurt (couple of spoonfuls) and fresh & frozen fruit) for breakfast, a small lunch, and then dinner with the family. I've also only had 2 glasses of tea each day and the rest water. Amazingly, I have NOT been hungry, haven't had any cravings, and no headaches,etc. I've been feeling great! Tonight we went out to dinner and I totally ate too much and I could soooo feel it! I have DEFINITELY learned that it isn't worth it. I have a plan for the next time we eat out. <br />
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Once or twice the kids have joined me in having a smoothie for breakfast...and they've loved it. Tomorrow I plan on adding some kale to the smoothie. :-) I can't wait to see how it goes. <br />
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Now to get moving some more.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-71027871834267269272012-01-04T23:06:00.000-06:002012-01-04T23:06:21.851-06:002012?!?How in the world did we get to January 2012 already? Well, another year has come & gone and we've arrived at a new one. Somehow the new year always feels like a fresh slate but it isn't...you still have everything with you. We don't wipe the slate clean & start over each year. The best you can do is learn from the past and keep moving forward. <br />
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Corey's work has been as busy, or busier, than ever. He managed to take some time off around the holidays. He enjoyed the time with the kids, baking cookies, delivering cookie trays, doing some stuff around the house and staying up late & sleeping in. He's back in the thick of it and hopefully there will be some good work-related news coming soon. <br />
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I had one client have her baby a few days before Christmas and another is due in February. I'm networking with other birth professionals and hoping for more clients. Always reading to learn more. Recently I've been debating on adding childbirth education to my skills. We shall see what I decide on that. <br />
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Morgan is officially taking 7 dance classes/4 days a week. She loves it so much. Recital this year should be quite the adventure. She is also active in BK4K - By Kids For Kids - our local theatre group for kids that performs for donations & puts all monies received towards helping other kids participate in the arts. <br />
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Alex is still enjoying his fencing classes. He received Best Effort award in his age group at the end-of-the-year party. He takes 1 class/1 day a week and can attend Open Fencing every Friday night. The next tournament he will participate in will be in April. He is also active in BK4K. <br />
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I want to do better at updating the blog. I'm working on some goals and would like to post about it. So, until next time, good night.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-72760035765229651532011-11-25T02:01:00.000-06:002011-11-25T02:01:17.201-06:00Happy Thanksgiving!Today is typically the day that everyone takes a moment to think about what they are thankful for in their lives. Well, I've been working on taking a moment each day to think of someone or something that I'm thankful for. I like taking that moment and really focusing on something positive. It makes me feel good. The challenge is on Facebook and is 30 Days of Thankful so I have a few more days left (rest of November). <br />
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I haven't been good about keeping up on the blog and I hope to do better. The kids have been doing good with school work, Corey's work has been very busy, and I've had a few meetings with clients & other doulas. My knee has been feeling fine since the cortisone injection. Alex participated in another fencing tournament and Morgan is still loving dance. <br />
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Today we had Thanksgiving dinner with family in Tullahoma. There was 21 of us plus 2 babies (and another on the way). Great time, great food, lots of love. It just doesn't get better than that. Near the end of our visit all the adults put their names into a bowl so we could draw names for our Christmas exchange. I just love having a lot of family to celebrate the holidays, dance recitals and more with. <br />
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Corey has been on vacation this week, so the kids and I have taken a break as well. We've gotten in good amount of family time. The weather has been gray, chilly & dreary but I think it has helped us all just stay home, stay inside and hang out together. While he's been off we've been discussing various ways to make our house work better for us (floor plan sucks for our family). Current thought we are considering is moving our bedroom downstairs (to the converted garage that we've used as his office/catch all) and using the master bedroom as a guest room. He still gets to work from home a few days a week and is hoping to get that bumped back to working from home unless there is a specific meeting he's required to attend in the office. Either way, we will keep office space downstairs w/our bedroom ... if we move it. We shall see what happens. He has work all next week plus is on call and then he'll have a couple weeks off in December. Woot! Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-60983340796972164322011-10-23T02:56:00.000-05:002011-10-23T02:56:39.526-05:00Return to Normal?We have had a busy couple of months with all 4 of us in the community play, Pinosio. Last night was our first performance and today we had performances 2 & 3. We had a fabulous time and the shows went great! Tomorrow starts our return back to "normal" busy for our family. This is the kind of busy that I'm used to and can handle. As much fun as we had with the play, I'm looking forward to getting back into our usual schedule. <br />
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This past week I've had a lot of pain in my left knee. Now, I have aches in both knees off & on all the time. I was told several years ago (at least 6...we were in Tampa at the time) that I had some arthritis in my knee. Ok, runs in the family. What are you going to do? This time the pain seemed to be for no reason, I didn't do anything (at least that I remembered) so I gave it a couple days & decided that enough was enough. I had better get it checked to make sure I hadn't done something serious to it. I went to the Ortho Friday morning, knee x-rayed...news not good. On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the best & 10 the worst...no cartilage in the joint), I'm at a 9. He couldn't believe I hadn't come in earlier with pain & wasn't having pain more often or continuously. Eeek! He said knee replacement is in my future and the only "cure" for my knee. I got a cortisone injection (scared the crap out of me but honestly, didn't hurt....thank goodness). He prescribed me a couple things and said we will just keep holding surgery off as long as possible. No arthroscopic surgery will help because there is no cartilage or anything to fix or clean up. I'm bone on bone at this point. Well, 24 hours after that shot and my knee is feeling wonderful! I know it is temporary, but I'll take it.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-14721083672797359972011-10-09T23:52:00.000-05:002011-10-09T23:52:14.213-05:00Epic FailWell, South Beach Diet ended in an epic fail, I think. We did great for about 10 days...then a fiery, crash & burn. We shall chalk it up to a birthday celebration and stress. Yes, stress...new stress actually. We were getting adjusted to the fact that Corey was going into work every day, some long hours and barely getting home in time to eat before leaving for play practice, but we were figuring it out. Then his car started overheating and shaking like crazy. He let office co-workers know he wouldn't be in until figured out the car problem and took the car to the mechanic. Water pump failure causing the overheating and unstable axle causing the shaking, get an estimate, gasp & almost cry, but must be fixed...go ahead. Hours later another call, due to where the water pump is located & the extent of the failure it has caused issues with nearby parts and something is damaged & must be replaced as well...adding to the price. Egads, choke some more, authorize the go ahead. :-/ We've officially put in as much with this repair as the car cost us (used). :-( Totally sucks but we absolutely can not swing a car payment at the moment and Corey must have a car to get to work...and I must be able to get the kids around to their classes & activities. So here we are...stress. Thankfully, we had money tucked away in savings (guess this is what savings is for?) and so it didn't break us to get everything taken care of. <br />
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Play practice has been going well, although Corey actually had to miss practice because of work & being on call...crisis after crisis. We made cupcakes for Morgan's birthday & brought them to practice on Thursday night. We are getting closer to performance time! <br />
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On Friday, we all took Alex to open fencing in Cool Springs. Corey and I attended a parent meeting about tournaments & such and Morgan helped Alex when needed & watched him fence. We got to see him fence 1 bout and ref 1 bout. He is doing great. Next Friday he will be in his first tournament! He's excited. :-) I will post pictures.<br />
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Saturday was Morgan's birthday celebration...going to the mall with her best friend and going shopping. Corey took the girls to lunch first and then to the mall. Morgan got a feather put in her hair (the kind that last 5-6 months, you can wash them, curl them,etc), and various other things. She had a really good time.<br />
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Today, Corey did the grocery shopping and Morgan treated me and Alex to a movie (Contagion). We had a nice afternoon, making some sugar-free pumpkin muffins and just relaxing. All-in-all, a good weekend. <br />
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Back to the epic fail. When we opted to bake cupcakes for Morgan's birthday...and go out to lunch & dinner we all went way off. I tried to get back on track but had totally lost momentum. When we were making our menu plan and grocery list for the next 2 weeks, I decided that we weren't going to be doing South Beach. I'll cut out what I can but the reality is that it costs much more to follow that way of eating (at least for us, right now). This is after we get our meat and produce from our CSA. We don't usually buy much from the grocery store (it is a lot less this year than in years past). But trying to get foods for South Beach, we doubled our grocery store bill! We will have to do better without spending that much more money. Our CSA costs more than the same items at the grocery store but we are paying for MUCH better quality & taste & keeping it local...that is worth it to us. It isn't worth it for us to pay more into the grocery store. I guess our epic fail is really a work in progress?Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-28064366078019902052011-10-06T00:38:00.000-05:002011-10-06T00:38:35.381-05:00Morgan is 13! Happy Birthday!Today, our precious girl turned 13! Where has the time gone?? Wasn't she just a baby yesterday? Some how time has flown by and we have a teenager in our house. Our little girl <strike>is becoming</strike> has become a beautiful young lady. Part of turning 13 was getting to open a Facebook account, which she did. We took her out for a birthday lunch, made cupcakes to share at play practice tomorrow and she's celebrating with a friend on Saturday.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Morgan on her 13th Birthday! </div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Morgan and Daddy at Fujiyama - 13th Birthday lunch</div><br />
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Happy 13th Birthday my sweet girl! Our lives haven't been the same since you entered the world on that cool night with a bright, full moon. You are our shining star and don't ever forget it! We love you!Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-81794146155128880572011-10-04T00:39:00.000-05:002011-10-04T00:39:13.485-05:00South Beach Diet - Week 1About 10 days ago I decided that I wanted to try the South Beach diet to see how I felt with it and how it worked for me. Morgan told me she wanted to try it too and then Alex piped in. Corey and I did some research to see if this would be something that would be safe for the kids. The reality is either I can change what I eat and only what I eat or we can make it more of a family change....but I want it to be something safe for them. We found out that South Beach is healthy for kids and teens as long as they do not do the 14 day induction / phase 1. Which is just fine with me, I feel that all of us need some of each food group but how much of each truly depends on the person and what is going on with them. I've been diagnosed with PCOS w/insulin resistance. I need to limit my carb intake and the ones I do eat need to be as close to the whole, real (non-processed) food as possible. Sooo...after going to the grocery store last weekend, we started South Beach on Monday. I started with phase 1 and the kids with phase 2. I honestly didn't think Alex would be able to do it because he relies on carbs for a lot of his food intake. Well, color me surprised at how well he did this past week. I'm very proud of him for challenging himself and stretching his limits (and comfort zone) to eat differently and try a few new things. :-) Our dinners are slightly modified so that we are able to have family dinners using what we receive from our CSA and what we can afford. Today was the end of week 1 and so the 3 of us weighed in to see if there were any results. Alex lost 1.4 lbs this past week, Morgan lost 2.0 lbs, and I lost 8.7 lbs. None of us were starving, we were eating a healthy diet, and we felt good. We had a couple of meals over 2 days that were off from the South Beach plan. We still made the best choices we could with those meals. I'm proud of all of us. We are doing a second week to see how we do. What we are all taking from this is that if we are making good choices most days, that a little treat or special thing every now & then won't hurt us.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8494906.post-87971980509816078532011-10-03T00:19:00.000-05:002011-10-03T00:19:48.362-05:00Severely behindWell, it has been over a month since I posted something. Pathetic, Kelly, just pathetic. September was a busy month for us. <br />
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Dance started for Morgan on August 29th. She enrolled in 6 classes this year - ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip hop, and lyrical. Everything started except lyrical which starts in January. The first week in September she auditioned for the Intensive group at the dance studio. She was 1 of 7 that made it and are now a part of the Junior Intensive Group. There is also a Senior Intensive Group. Morgan was very nervous about auditioning (to the point that she was going to back out). We are so proud of her for going to the auditioning, doing her best, and accepting the offer to be in the group. It is a big responsibility and adds to her dance class load. So that took her up to 7 classes for the year. Can you tell she loves dance and we LOVE our dance studio?? <br />
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Alex is still fencing. His summer session finished and his class is now all considered intermediate, beginner intermediate maybe? He still loves it, so we placed the order for all his fencing gear. He has class once a week and has attended open fencing a couple times. <br />
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Corey is still busy, busy with work. He was given very short notice that he would have to start going into the new office that they just built. *whee* The commute is an hour or more, depending on traffic. Apparently the area that his office will be in was messed up & had to be completely redone, so Corey and another employee are in temporary spaces. We don't think he'll have to go in every day. We are thankful for his job and are just trying to deal with the upheaval that this has created in our family. We've set up our lives the way they are because of him working from home. So not only will this "back into the office" move cost us money but means some creative rearranging on our family, mostly me. Thank goodness the kids are a little older and that helps with our rearranging.<br />
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I currently have 2 doula clients and looking for more. I'm almost finished with the certification process. I've been networking with our doulas and midwives in the area. It seems like it is taking a while but I think this is definitely a case of slow & steady. I don't want to be slammed with clients and not be able to handle it the way I should. I'm still getting the hang of the paperwork, networking, etc. So I am good with the pace up to this point. I have learned something (many somethings!) from each client and each birth. I absolutely love being apart of such a special time in their lives. I will continue networking, getting my name out there and working to support women in having the birth that they want to have and making sure they are aware & educated about their choices.<br />
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During the month of September, our whole family was cast in a play through our local theatre group. It is a play written and directed by Beverly Mitchell (who happens to be a friend of our's). The play is Pinosio and is basically a red-neck version of Pinocchio. It is great fun! If you are in the area, you need to come see it. We are having a wonderful time being in this play together as a family. It makes things a little busier...but busy I can do when it is FUN! <br />
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School is going well. The kids aren't fighting me as much this year. Yeah! We are making progress in all subjects. I need to get some field trips scheduled. That is something that we haven't done much yet. We've tried meeting up with friends but somehow that keeps falling apart. It is rather frustrating for the 3 of us when we get cancelled on or someone is a no-show. We keep running into someone that can't or won't make plans, someone that will make plans but cancel or not show up, and/or someone that wants to make plans but won't drive anywhere. I'm willing to do a lot and get the kids & myself to various places to see friends but I won't be the one doing all of the planning or all of the driving,etc. There has to be some give & take. <br />
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Two weeks ago, we had a surprise visit from my dad. He was in Ohio for some business meetings (from Saudi Arabia) and he had a small window with no meetings. He was willing to drive down for a visit if we didn't have plans. Luckily we didn't so we got to have a nice, albeit, short visit. We've been in middle TN for 5 years and my dad was our first overnight adult guest. Morgan was very sweet and let Grandpa have her room for his visit.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01043600285477267892noreply@blogger.com0