The Two Week Mark

Today I am a day over two weeks of surgery. It has been amazing to see how much each day makes a difference in recovery. I am feeling more antsy and want to go out of the house to experience life. Sitting here reading and watching about life is reaching its limits. But, I think that my "go go" lifestyle needs this little break and I am trying to enjoy it to the fullest. I am reminded of Paul when he said "I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength". (Philippians 4:12-13) I am trying to apply this verse to my season of rest.

So, small gains in the recovery department:

1. I can now make small sneezes. On Monday all I could do was make a terrible moaning sound whenever I tried to sneeze.

2. I can cough. My lung capacity has risen over the past few days and I can now breathe a deep breath and bring up any junk that shouldn't be there.

3. I can sleep sitting on my bed. On Monday I could not, and was sleeping on the couch sitting up.

4. My bump is slowly going down. YES!

5. I can get out of bed

6. I can button my own pants. - gotta love the little stuff!

My dad has been great this week. With my mom gone on vacation, he has taken my undies off the laundry line (a true labor of love), buttoned my pants (after making sure nothing was "showing"), and has been there to turn me over in bed when I could not move after having turned myself into a weird position. We will see where the next week lies.

I'm Home

After 5 days of chilling in the hospital, I am back. I was very blessed with visitors and laughter and which made it a better experience. They changed the surgery. They replaced a heart valve and also "un-roofed" my pulmonary valve by trimming a part of a flap of my heart to allow better blood to flow. I am feeling decent and waiting around for my sternum to heal. :) Some pictures:

Getting ready for surgery. Steve and Jami Newton were there to support my mom and me. Others showed up in prayers and calls.
My mother took this right after surgery was over. Thanks mom.

This outline made by blue marker was made when a HUGE shot in my neck was being pulled out and nicked something...and freaked out the nurse. She drew a outline of how huge the hematoma(blood spreading under the skin) was so they could check to see if it grew any larger. It didn't.
With some of the visitors who came to see me. Yay for Springport schools support!
With my mom 3 days after surgery. She took great care of me.
My sis and Anne came to visit and brought me some laughter and pony tails
The only way my arm will ever look like a drug user.
At home and relaxing. Annnnd maybe still on drugs because I am finding EVERYTHING hilarious...but I have to make it small laughs for now because of the sternum pain makes me sound like Marge Simpson laughing. ha ha

One another shorter rant...does anyone think it is tad sad that they feel the need to make a bachelor/bachelorette for heavier people called "More to Love"? What happened to good people meeting other good people regardless of their size?