Back Surgery

On August 4, 2016 Jim had his second back surgery. It was a little more involved than the first time around. This time they are fusing the L4 L5 bones with rods and screws and a bone graft (from bone harvested from his own hip).

Trying to find peace before the surgery I went to the gym for a couple hours and then took a walk in the beautiful sunshine.

We got to the hospital and began the longest wait ever. Of course Jim's anxiety was rising with every minute they were late.

Then they took him  away and hours later they brought him back...a little more "holey" but hopefully better. It has been 3 months since this day (yes...I'm a bit behind) and I am glad neither of us remembers how scared we were.

And a new normal for us has begun. Jim has been home a lot. He went from working 10 hour days to being at work for zero hours two weeks after surgery and starting at two hour increments building his strength back up. Here we are three months after surgery and he is working 6 hours a day. 

With the rest of his time he has been reconnecting with us. He snuggles with little Bug at nap time and enjoys every minute. He texts Jo and visits with Kevin and I. Even Abby has been the beneficiary of some long chats about gardening.

Mostly he has been a good patient and he  is trying to be patient with me. He has LOVED getting to know this little Bug. I appreciate his efforts with that,

It makes me happy that he has found a way to stay positive about this set back. Instead of feeling like he has lost a year of his life, he is choosing to see it as a relationship he has gained.

Our neighbors have also pitched in with the yard work. It has been good for Jim to be on the receiving end of some charity. Three mowers and two trimmers got our little yard done in no time. We do have some great friends/neighbors here!!

Our Crazy, Wonderful Life

Our lives right now are filled with playing and snuggles and laughter. It is the biggest blessing.

As you can see from the mean-muggin pup in the background, not all of us like it when I play with the boys.

Michael got to play at the Kroger company picnic. He had such a good time!!

He even let a girl he didn't know paint a turtle mask on his face!!

Ethan got a new toy. He loves it. He can reach for the toys and he loves the added stimulus. 

His imagination never fails to amaze me.

Inevitably the dollies end up picking his nose.....

As well as their own....He is SUCH a little boy!! Boogers and farts are hilarious.

Snuggling on Rackie's bed. Nothing sweeter!!

He gets so excited when he wants you to pick him up. His little body tenses up and then he waves his arms and kicks his legs. He is so loved.