Rehabbin'

I started PT Monday afternoon. I really couldn't do much because I couldn't bend my knee and couldn't put any weight on it until Friday. So, Monday and Wednesday therapy sessions were pretty easy. But, oh, Friday.
When Matt got home Friday afternoon, I was really restless and wanted to get out of the house. He suggested a drive before PT, so we loaded up and just drove around Fayetteville. He dropped me off and went to run his errands. I crutched into the gym, all smiles. For about 2 minutes. My knee is so weak. I can't even lift it without some support. The first thing the PTA did was unlock my brace to 30 degrees. It was uncomfortable and just weird-feeling, but not too painful. I still have to wear the brace when I do my exercises, so that gives me a little safety net. I practiced walking with 25% weight-bearing on my left leg. Then, the tears came. I started some exercises with the machines, and couldn't tolerate the resistance. BIG BABY. I felt so stupid, but I couldn't stop the tears.
After being tortured for almost an hour, I crutched out to see Matt waiting for me. He pulled the car up, and as I got in I could feel the tears coming again. I felt defeated and emotional, so I just cried. When I got situated in the car, he handed me a bag and said, "this was my errand". Prada sunglasses. I guess he knew I needed a "happy", but geeze. I am a lucky girl... even if I am a big baby sometimes.

Knee Surgery

Friday, March 29th was the big day. Matt and I woke up about 8am. We got dressed and all ready to go. I packed a little bag for the hospital and we were on our way. Of course, we were ready way too early, so we ran a few errands before heading to Physician's Specialty Hospital. They called me back to finish some paperwork, and our parents met us in the waiting room. After waiting about 15 minutes, they called me back... alone. I thought they would let Matt go with me, but he had to wait until they had prepped me for surgery.
Dr. Arnold's staff is nothing short of amazing. Everyone who helped with my pre-op made me feel so comfortable and helped ease my nerves. When I was all ready, Matt got to come back and sit with me. Of course, he had to play with all the surgical equipment and blow up the latex gloves... :)
We talked to Dr. Arnold and the anesthesiologist, and Matt kissed me goodnight.

I woke up crying. I was in pain and I wanted Matt. I sat in recovery for about 45 minutes before they wheeled me out. Matt and my dad got me in the jeep while my mom went to pick up my meds. When I got home I was hungry and uncomfortable. I just couldn't rest. My mom and dad stayed at our house all day. I was well taken care of.

2013: First Quarter

Hi everyone! I'm still breathing... It seems like this year hit full blast and I got left in the dust! The first week of January I went to see Dr. Arnold for the first time. One look at my knee, and he was set on fixing it. I set a date for surgery for late March.
January was crazy! We were down in Russellville at the car wash almost every weekend. I am so proud of Matt. He, Brad, and Bobby have put so much effort into making the wash a success. And it looks amazing!
Lola had a rough start to the year, too. She got fixed in early January... pitiful puppy!

Litte slobbery puppy!

In February we celebrated Valentine's Day and our 8th year together at Ruth's Chris. I could eat there every week. LOVE. Matt also sent me a huge bouquet of roses to work. I know; he's a keeper! :)

I also went to WM for a weekend in February. My mom and I did some shopping and had a nice relaxing weekend. 

March was the craziest month so far! I was in Springfield two different times for meetings and training; I got a new ASHA certification and took a dementia staging course. A week before my surgery, I got sick. Woke up with a sore throat, ear ache, and sinus headache. I went for a pre-op appointment and cleaned my house. Did loads and loads of laundry. Everything I could think of before the big day. My mom and dad came up Thursday night and we went to dinner. Friday morning I woke up with the jitters. I wasn't scared about surgery, but my nerves just got the best of me. 

I'll tell ya all about my surgery and recovery over the next week!

Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas! Saturday afternoon, we loaded up and headed towards the Delta. The jeep was completely packed... with gifts, Lola's stuff, and all of our garb, you'd a thought we were a family of 6! Hahaha!

Lola drove Chevy crazy. They slept good. Every night!

We drove home Christmas night... all through the snow storm. It was terrible, and it took 5 hours to get from West Memphis to Russellville. We were exhausted by the time we got there!
As soon as I can find my cord, I'll add pictures from Christmas! Right now, Lola and I are curled up on the couch where it's nice and warm! Enjoy the snow!

Wilkins Christmas

We celebrated Christmas Saturday with the Wilkins'! It was so fun to hang out and relax with everyone... the kids played, we had Italian, and wine... so everything was perfect! And...
It was a perfect day for some family fun... including family pictures!

November

Is it really almost Thanksgiving? It seems like the closer we get to the end of the year, the faster the days go! I am ready for the holidays, though. This year, we are spending Thanksgiving with Matt's family, and I am making my Mammaw's stuffin'. :)
Anyways, Matt and I made a quick weekend trip to Cleveland a few weeks ago. We were hoping to go to the Brown's game, but it was spitting snow and just too cold! We visited some of our favorite places; Crocker Park, the new casino, Vieng's, and Giant Eagle. Don't laugh. We seriously went to Giant Eagle to get our favorite soup!

Add chicken, corn, and rotel, and this is the BEST soup... and so easy! We got 3 bags!

We also met up with some friends for drinks the last night we were there, and realized how much we miss the big city.

 Lola stayed with her buddy, Tank, from Puppy Pre-school. 

                                     

I missed her so much! But she had the best time with Tank!

Lately

A lot has happened since I blogged last! Lola is growing like a weed, and she takes up ALL my spare time! And... I still love her so much! She has developed a little personality... Miss Priss :)
She is doing so great in Puppy Preschool. Now, she knows her name, how to sit, and we're working on walking on a leash!

Shoes are her favorite to steal and play with... She also likes dirty socks :) 

 She got a good check up from the vet... we have to go back in a few weeks for more shots :(

 Her blanket!

Meeting Emily

Meeting Chevy

Monday was my birthday. The big 27... LOL

The sweet girls at work had gifts on my desk when I got to work... lots of goodies! Thanks girls!

Monday night Matt and I went to dinner at Bordino's on Dickson. It was wonderful! I completely forgot to take a picture :(

The rest of the week has been so busy. This morning we met some residents from Butterfield at the Botanical Gardens and pushed some of my patients around to enjoy! It was a beautiful morning. I wish I could share pictures, but HIPPA would come after me! Then, we drove to Tulsa for a little shopping... Long. Day.

I'm ready for bed! Have a good week!