back in the saddle

This is going to be about physical therapy and getting back to doula work!

Firstly, the physical therapy is going pretty well. It is sad to discover just how out of shape I am after 3 months of recuperation. I have been to 4 therapy sessions, and I am doing various exercises at home. So far it is going ok, but I am pretty tired by the end of the day. The biggest surprise is how sloooowly it is taking to get back to "normal". My ankle is still pretty stiff, but I am able to walk longer distances and am gaining more stamina with each passing day. I still have miles to go, but I am happy about my progress so far. Having a kicking mp3 player loaded up for PT also makes it more fun.

Also! I had my first prenatal with my next client last night. This is my first "official" repeat client. Even tho I attended that awesome birth nearly 2 months ago, this will be my first real repeat. The nice thing about having previous clients hire you again is you get to reconnect with people! Also there is history between you and the couple. This couple is due Memorial Day weekend and I couldn't be more excited about assisting them again. We had a great chat last night where we laughed about the last birth. (We were all surprised about how quick it was-- 2 hours from start to finish). I am really looking forward to getting back to work.

spring art

 

Yes, she knits too

This is called the "ribbed for her pleasure" scarf. I swear that is the title. I did not make that up.

I am knitting! And although I swore not to make another scarf, I just had to try to do this one. It is a nifty knit, and purl combo that I had to master before I could move on to larger projects. Things that are not rectangle shaped. My sister-in-law is about to have her second baby, and I want to make her a blanket. So, I am moving from rectangles to squares! Maybe soon I will attempt to make something with sleeves.

quick update

Sorry, no time for a long post. Just a quick update on how the doctor appt. went the other day.

IT WENT GREAT!

I am all clear to drive and wear shoes. I start physical therapy next Tuesday.

Gotta run. I am going out to run some errands. Did you hear that internet? GOING OUT TO RUN SOME ERRANDS....BY MYSELF! ALONE! DRIVING MY OWN CAR!

This one is for all the broken leggers out there (and I know you are out there)

Ok all you people who are googling broken leg things, this one is for you.

IT GETS BETTER! IT JUST TAKES TIME!

This experience has been an extrememly long haul for me. It will probably be a very long haul for you as well. However, here is some advice. Take it slow. Don't rush things. If you do you will regret it.

Later today I will go back and visit with my Orthapedic Surgeon. He is a nice guy and I happen to like him. I have done pretty much everything he has asked of me. Today I want him to tell me it is ok to start driving (even though I already have. Shut up! I am ready.) And I also want him to tell me to begin physical therapy. Because honestly, the leg just isn't like it used to be. I would say its about 70%. I have a bunch of work ahead of me.

Do you have a broken leg? Is that what is bringing you to this blog? If so, don't be shy! Say hello! Ask a question if you are so inclined. Just please, allow yourself time to heal. That was the hardest thing for me was to actually let go and allow myself to mend.

Good luck.

rows upon rows of chrysalises (what is the plural of that word -- chrysali?)

Here is a pic from the weekend at the butterfly exhibit. This was my favorite part, the chrysalises.

You might recall that I did some butterfly ranching myself last summer.

Edited to add: I fixed the link. Click here for a picture of one of my monarchs.

independence day

I drove my kids to school today. I got behind the wheel and I drove.

It felt really good.

So good that I went to Whole Foods and shopped there for the first time in 3 months.

It was delightful.

Then after walking around Whole Foods in my somewhat elevated boots, I decided that what I really needed was a new pair of shoes, read: comfortable shoes. But what to buy? I needed something comfortable and non-constricting. Something that would allow my foot to swell after I walk on it too much. New tennis shoes seemed out of the question. I then drove myself over to Fourth St. where there is an indpendent shoe store that sells just what I was looking for. Ten minutes later I was the proud owner of some rather clunky, yet comfortable and supportive Birkenstocks. I chose the color mocha suede.

And I did it all on my own. Independence feels good people.

not that I need to offer any excuses...

I haven't been able to post much lately because I have been hanging out with my kids all week while they are on break. Like I said, I don't need to give you any explanations or excuses. Really! Is there even anyone out there? Hello? Helloooooo?

I must say, it has been a fun week. I was a little nervous at first. The thought of being alone all day with my kids was a little daunting. Actually, no. The daunting part was being home with them and not being able to get in the car and take them somewhere fun if need be. There is only so much you can do at home until it gets boring. And there are only so many times I can yell "Turn off the TV or you are grounded!"

Under normal circumstances (like before I broke my leg) we could hop in the car and go to the library or to a friend's house or to the hands-on-museum or something. Being unable to drive has been the hardest part about the whole thing. However, our babysitter put in a few extra hours this week to help me keep them entertained. It was extremely helpful.

Last year during "mid-winter" break we went to Florida. (I suggest a name change. "Mid-winter break?" It is now March people, lets hope we are at the END of the winter!) Florida was great, we visited friends, went to Disney World and the Kennedy Space Center. A good time was had by all. This year we had to make do with a sleep over, the natural history museum and bowling. The kids had fun, but it really wasn't the same.

Tomorrow we are heading off for a quick get-a-way to the other side of Michigan. (I need to at least feel like I had a vacation!) We will be going to a butterfly exhibit and staying at a hotel with an indoor pool. Boca Raton it aint, but it will have to do for now.

Tuesday brings my next visit with my orthapedic surgeon. All I want to hear come out of his mouth is that my bones are mending and I can start physical therapy. Oh yeah, and that I can start driving.