Names

Grandma just had an interesting conversation with Liesl. According to Liesl, Tiki's name should be "Pain in the Butt" because that's what I call her most often. When Grandma told her that we can't change her name, Liesl actually got teary eyed. Guess I should watch what I say!
Speaking of names, Robert and I may have actually agreed on a name for our baby boy, but it means that his initials would be WTF (William Thane [after my grandpa] Fox). If we used this name ten years ago, it wouldn't have been a problem, but stupid technology . . . (Oops, another word I shouldn't say!) I'm really conflicted because this could be the one time we actually have a name picked out before the baby is born. Please let me know what you think.

Christmas in August

Guess what I got today?
It's a knee walker/scooter. I didn't even know about these so I'm so glad someone at church told me about them. I can get around so much easier and it's actually fun! It's not ideal for every situation so I still need crutches, but I can get stuff and haul it around now. (You never appreciate the ability to get a bowl and spoon to eat breakfast until you can't!)

When we were at the store picking it up, my mom said she hasn't seen me this happy since she got here. It was the first time I've had any independence in four weeks and it felt good. The most difficult thing I've had to learn from this experience is relying on other people. It's been good for me, but I'm ready to move on!

Given the boot

I had my post-op appointment on Tuesday, and I can't say it didn't freak me out. My ankle looked Frankensteinish and, like a bad car wreck, I couldn't look away (in hindsight, I should have just covered it up). Then they removed the staples and all I'll say about that is ugghhh.

But there was good news too. They put me in a boot instead of a cast so I can start physical therapy and, more importantly, shower! I still have to use crutches for four weeks, and then use the boot for walking for four more weeks. So if all goes smoothly, I'll be bootless two weeks before my due date.

My fashionable footwear for the next eight weeks

My ankle doesn't bother me anymore, but not being able to do anything does. Every now and then I figure out how to do something while hobbling, but I had so many more aspirations for when I was no longer bed-bound. Honestly though, between hopping my 7-month pregnant belly around and growing the baby, I've been fairly tired, so I'm still down most of the time. At least I can eat meals with the family and I did go to church yesterday. But no one wants to take me out to practice driving with my left foot (go figure)!

Jarrett turned 5 on the 5th!

If one of my kids had to have a birthday while I was on bed rest, I'm glad it was Jarrett. He's such an easy going kid that he didn't have a lot of expectations, and if he did, he was fine with changing it up.

We did try to give him a special day, though. He took doughnut holes to school, came home to balloons and decorations, and got cake and presents that night (thanks to Mom for running around all day to get things taken care of).

Judging by his smile in every picture we took, I think he had a good day:

One of the gifts Jarrett wanted was quarters. He got a whole roll and had a great time putting them in his piggy bank one by one.