From Air to Rocks

I finally have a new leg! I was elated to walk out of the prosthetist's office sporting both a new foot and socket. I literally felt like I was walking on air.

As the day wore on, the pressure inside my new socket morphed into pain. I was warned that I would feel discomfort with the new socket design, and that I may even hate the it. For some reason, I assumed that it wouldn't be as bad as I was warned. I assumed incorrectly.

By the time night fell, I was hobbling around and utterly miserable. I ended up taking off the leg and crying. For the first time in a very long time, I felt disabled. 

A good night sleep and some time out of the socket has helped. This morning my steps were tender but not painful. I'm going to use a crutch for the next few days while I adjust to the new form. Hopefully the tissue will "toughen" up quickly and that I will be walking on air again soon.

New Leg? Maybe.

Today I resume my quest for a new prosthesis. I received a call to set up the appointment because my new foot has finally arrived. Although it looks like everything is pointing towards actually receiving my new leg I remain cautiously optimistic. This isn't the first time I've been down this road!

With the addition of Friend into our family, my daily step count has skyrocketed. Each day I am now walking an average of 18,000 steps. With all of that walking, a new leg will be a welcome change. 

Fingers crossed that tomorrow I will be sharing photos of my new leg! 

Shift

 After counting down from 100, it is hard to fathom that Christmas is now only 10 days and 15 hours from right now. My goodness, the time has flown! Despite ample warning, I still feel woefully unprepared. But looking back, I never really feel prepped for Christmas, so using that perspective I guess I am right on track. 

I am making an effort to relax about the holiday this year. I am trying to keep my desire for the "perfect holiday" in check, instead I am focusing on simply enjoying the season. It requires a paradigm shift in my thought processes, but in the end I think it will be better for my mental health. At least, that is what I keep reminding myself whenever I find the holiday anxiety creeping into my thoughts.

 

The Snow Ball

We had a fantastic Christmas themed weekend. On Friday night we kicked off the festivities by taking a trip to a new outdoor light experience. While Scott stayed home with Friend, the boys and I explored and oohed over all of the gorgeous light displays in the park. I was expecting the park to be busy but was happily surprised to find the pedestrian flow steady but not overwhelming. As we meandered through the winter wonderland we rarely ran into another group of people. 

I worked on Saturday until mid afternoon. When I finally logged off, I baked cookies with the boys and watched Christmas movies on the couch. To the disappointment of both Friend and Timmy, it was too windy to do much outside. Saturday evening Robby dressed and attended his first high school dance. 

Seeing him dressed in his crisp suit and red tie, I was awestruck by how handsome he has become. I had no doubt that my little Koopa had (somehow) grown up. I thought I would be heartbroken, but instead I found myself welling with pride and excitement. I eagerly watched the clock until the dance was over, eager to hear about the experience. My heart leapt when I saw his smile. He had a fantastic time at the dance with his friends.

Sunday was spent working and baking. I made two types of cookies and a red velvet cake. (I used the recipe for Scott's favorite childhood cake. He hasn't had it in nearly 8 years and was almost overwhelmed when he tasted the first bite.)

Today we are back to work, although gingerbread houses may (definitely) be in our future this evening.