The Next Step, Literally (scoliosis)
Yesterday was Emma’s birthday. Unlike most little girls turning 7, she didn’t get to have a little party with her friends, or go to a movie or whatever else she would want to do, instead she came to the hospital. On one hand, it was very sad for us that she didn’t get to have a normal birthday, but on the other hand I told April she will always remember this birthday.
Here’s the birthday girl who turned 7 except she looks 17 with her little fake fashion glasses and all I can think is that I will be in trouble in a few years.
We had all the kids come visit, as well as, my parents and April’s parents. Near April’s unit is a large open area with tables and a view of the garden, so that is where we decided to hang out. All the kids were there as I rolled April out in her wheelchair and she lost it immediately upon seeing them, which ended up scaring Nick and Will for a little bit until April was able to calm down and put on a happy face. Will was the first of the boys to come to April and give her a hug and sit in her lap, but Nick took a little while. I think seeing her in this strange chair with wheels, wearing this big back brace, wearing strange clothes, and she was crying so it put him off a little. I ended up putting him in her lap facing outwards so I could push them around like a ride and then he started smiling and was fine. After the ride he then stood on her lap and gave her hugs and kisses saying “momma, momma” and April was so happy.
scoliosis
Our parents brought all the presents, cake and soda for the “party.” Emma wasn’t phased and had no problem opening up her gifts and loving all of them. The boys, without fail, did not care where they were and ran around, but fortunately weren’t yelling and screaming, so they kept the raucous to a minimum.
After an hour or so of hanging out everyone came back to our room to see what Mommy’s room looked like. April’s back was in some pain since she had been sitting up for about an hour, so she got back into bed and Nick was so excited that she was laying down he was trying to get out of my arms to her. I let him lay in bed with her and he instantly layed on her hugging her. Will, of course, then wanted up so I let him up into bed with April. Big smiles all around.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and all the kids had to leave. It was a bittersweet visit, all the joy of seeing them and all the disappointment of them leaving and still being unsure when she will be home. Hopefully we are less than two weeks away from being home. April cried as Will hugged her and told her in his little boy voice, “luv you mom, miss you mom.” I wish I had it on video.
After everyone was gone it was back to work. Physical therapy came by and they wanted to see how April and I worked together, since we will need to rely on each other more than ever. I had to show them that I know how to appropriately put on her back brace, how to help her up out of a sitting position to standing up to a walker, where to stand while I walk next to her and her walker, and for the first time how I assist her to get up stairs.
This was the first time April was asked to try the stairs, so she was a little gunshy about it. The physical therapist showed her the proper way to tackle the stairs then it was her turn to try, with my help assisting. April was very impressive and was able to do it. She holds onto the rail on one side and I hold her opposite hand with one hand and with my other hand assist her arm so she can lean on me. After the stairs she took a walk around the unit and by the end of that her hips, legs and back were on fire so it was time stop. She got back into bed and iced her back. At this point it was early evening so April ordered dinner and it was time to take it easy and think about what’s ahead.
Today April is due to be discharged and transported to rehab. Finishing the first part of this journey and heading on to the next. We do not know how long April will be at the rehab facility, but it is for the best. They will be able to provide all the exercises and skills training she will need to get back to a somewhat normal life. In order to get to the rehab facility April is going to have to ride in a gurney van, basically like an ambulance. I had arranged it so the van would get here by noon, which would be perfect. Enough time to get ready and enough time before the crazy Friday afternoon and early evening traffic. Of course 15 minutes before they were supposed to get here we received a phone call from the transport that they will be here at 1, and of course they showed up at 2 and we were on our way at 2:15 putting us in the thick of Friday traffic. Instead of an easy hour long drive strapped to a gurney, it took 2 hours.
When we arrived April’s pain was getting pretty bad. Since we left so late and were stuck in traffic she missed her pain meds. Our room is nice though, it has a big window with a lot of sunlight, unlike our previous room which was like a cave. It is nice being back in Livermore close to home, but it’s still not home. April is pretty bummed right now being so close to the kids, but not with the kids. She doesn’t want to be here at all. I think it’s because here there aren’t any distractions from why she is here. She isn’t here to just heal, she is here because of her leg. Here she has to come face to face with the problem and try to solve it. Everyday will be tough, but everyday she will get stronger and one day closer to coming home. On the brighter side, we are closer to food and won’t have to only eat cafeteria meals. As soon as she had her pain meds on board she sent me out to get real food and that’s what we are doing right now, eating real food.
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Ahhh! Neil and I finished our biggest #diyproject yet! 💪🏻I’m so lucky I’m married to someone who goes along with all my ideas with little complaint 🤣 Our #diy entertainment space features an electric fireplace, frame tv and the biggest showstoppers of all…the #whiteoak mantel and floating shelves from @dakotatimberco I’m so in LOVE with how it turned out! #dakotatimbercompany sources their wood from retired buildings, urban tree removals as well as other sustainable sources. The quality is INSANE! Each piece meticulously crafted and ready for install. The mantel and shelves come with detailed instructions, steel brackets that hold 150 lbs or more and six 2.5 inch screws. Did I mention it’s #americanmade 🙌🏻 Right now, they have a BOGO sale on floating shelves and various awesome mantels on sale as well. Head over to my website for ALL the details on building, decor and everything in between!
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SAVE AND SHARE THIS POST! Check out my Strawberry Cheese Heary Pastries! Perfect for that #galentinesday brunch or for dessert with your loved ones. So yummy and the perfect serving size!
•Preheat oven 400 (this bakes approximately 15 min)
•2 sheets Puff Pastry
•1 egg yolk and 1 egg (for egg wash)
•1 8oz package cream cheese
•1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•10-12 strawberries
Preheat oven to 400 (this will bake for approx. 15 min) Use a heart cookie cutter to cut out your puff pastry hearts and then use a knife to trace a heart into them. Brush on egg wash and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, vanilla, egg yolk and sugar. Add the cheese mixture to your little hearts (only spreading it up to the line you scored). Add fresh sliced strawberries and bake for 15-20 min! This is SO EASY AND SOOOOO GOOD! #recipeoftheday #danish #dessertrecipe #brunchrecipe #recipereel
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This recipe, by far, was a follower favorite last year! So so easy and omg so good! It’s a great brunch #recipe or dessert!
•store bought puff pastry
•raspberries or raspberry jam (I like fresh fruit better)
•6-8 oz of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•1 egg YOLK only
•powdered sugar
•sliced almonds
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Roll out your puff pastry and cut slices down each side (approximately 1 inch) leaving the center intact and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Place the cheese mixture in the center of your puff pastry ( you may have extra leftover). Sprinkle fresh raspberries on top of the cheese. Fold each side of puff pastry one at a time in a lattice pattern. Brush some egg wash on top. Bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle powdered sugar and fresh almonds on top for the finishing touch.
This is perfect for Valentines Day and I dare you to try it! #RECIPE #easyrecipe #recipeshare #brunchrecipe #dessert #recipereels
SAVE AND SHARE MY MOST VIEWED RECIPE! This is one of my favorite and most watched recipes and for good reason! My Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is SOOOO easy to make and perfect for brunch! This can also be frozen and eaten later!
Don’t take my word for it...make it and let me know how fast it was devoured.
•4 large croissants
12-16 oz of cubed ham
•6 oz of shredded gruyere cheese
•6 oz of shredded cheddar cheese
•1/2 cup chopped chives
•6 eggs
•1 cup half and half
•1 tsp. honey
•1 tsp. Dijon mustard
•salt and pepper
Preheat your oven to 375. In a baking dish (spray with non stick spray) add in croissants, ham, cheese and chives. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, honey, mustard and salt and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the bake and press down with a fork. Cover with foil and bake for approximately 50 min. This is such a great family recipe and feeds a good amount of people. So before ya come for me with how much cheese is used ( remember that!
#easyrecipe #breakfastfordinner #recipereels #easterbrunch #brunchrecipes
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•clover cookie cutter
•puff pastry sheet
•Dijon mustard
•Swiss cheese
•corned beef (pastrami also tastes great)
•egg for egg wash
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Use your cookie cutter on the puff pastry. Smear a good amount of Dijon mustard on half of them. Add the corned beef and cheese. Place the puff pastry on top like a sandwich. Using a fork, press down around each clover. Brush egg wash over and poke 4 little holes in the top. Bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes. These are SOOOO YUMMY and quite a hit in our home! The kids love them! #puffpastry #cornedbeef #easyrecipe
I just binge watched Renovation Aloha and now I NEED another trip to Hawaii. It doesn’t look like it’s in the cards for us this year with Emma going to Boston for singing (we are tagging along for the last week). Buuuutttt, if we were to go……Which is your favorite and why? Big Island or Kauai? We’ve already been to Oahu and Maui and I love each of them for different reasons. PS, I painted all my doors in the house blue on a whim and I think I love them 💙
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Today was spent cleaning the kitchen, painting the wood countertops for our built-ins, laundry and changed all the air purifier filters. Happy Monday! #hydrangea #blueandwhite #blueandwhiteforever
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SAVE AND SHARE MY MOST VIEWED RECIPE! This is one of my favorite and most watched recipes and for good reason! My Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is SOOOO easy to make and perfect for brunch! This can also be frozen and eaten later!
Don’t take my word for it...make it and let me know how fast it was devoured.
•4 large croissants
12-16 oz of cubed ham
•6 oz of shredded gruyere cheese
•6 oz of shredded cheddar cheese
•1/2 cup chopped chives
•6 eggs
•1 cup half and half
•1 tsp. honey
•1 tsp. Dijon mustard
•salt and pepper
Preheat your oven to 375. In a baking dish (spray with non stick spray) add in croissants, ham, cheese and chives. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, honey, mustard and salt and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the bake and press down with a fork. Cover with foil and bake for approximately 50 min. This is such a great family recipe and feeds a good amount of people. So before ya come for me with how much cheese is used ( remember that!
#easyrecipe #breakfastfordinner #recipereels
This jacket is so darn cozy. Totally bringing this on all our camping trips going forward. 🙌🏻
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Quiet corner of a clean room 💙
Joy | 23rd Jul 16
Those children are the best medicine. Each day closer and closer to being back home living life. It’s been a long journey and I am so so impressed and proud of both of you.❤️ Know I think of you every day. Joy
Julie Bower | 23rd Jul 16
What a great visit she had with the kids! I have been waiting to see a picture of her with the little boys. Precious!
What nursing facility is she at? My mom was at Kindred and it was pretty nice.
Brenda Dubatowka | 23rd Jul 16
These pictures make me smile. So happy April got to spend time with her loves. Happy Birthday to Emma!! Getting to the rehab in Livermore is a big step and things should move along now at a better pace towards her recovery. Hopefully she’ll be up for visitors since we’re just down the road. Your family is so strong and we will continue to pray for a full recovery. Hugs❤️
Carol Edson| 23rd Jul 16
THese pictures say it all…. April’s first real smiles. The kids are such good medicine. Hugs…to all of you…and glad you are in Livermore, closer to home.
Carol
Carolyn | 23rd Jul 16
So happy to read this! So glad she’s begun the next step at rehab…and is back in Livermore!! She looks so happy with her kids 🙂
sowhatstheplanblog| 23rd Jul 16
Beautiful pictures Neil. I would imagine this would bolster Aprils determination. One phase completed and on to the next. Hopefully “real food” will help her weight. The food in British hospitals is abysmal. People become malnourished frequently here.
I noticed the last set of photos you included one of Aprils back pre shower. Her spine looks great.
You all remain in my thoughts.
Clare
S. Mist | 24th Jul 16
Neul. When april can handle it give her a lot of thickshakes to put the weight back on. The picture of her back looks straight and beautiful. Still praying for all of you.
Stephanie Goodman | 25th Jul 16
Such nice pics to see the kids with her!