Thursday, June 30, 2011

Updated Tummy Tuck Photos.

I am 3 1/2 weeks post full tummy tuck. 13lbs gone. I wear a tight binder all day and night. I have to wear it for 3 more weeks. It actually feels better wearing it. I got a new belly button! It's super high.

When I get the before photos from the plastic surgeon you will puke be slack jawed at the difference. The flap was so hangy grody. You'll see. I've decided to be brave and post them. Right now it feels like a sunburn when you wear clothes, that rubbing friction-y feeling. I don't take any pain pills. Once in awhile I take a valium before bed to relax my back muscles.
I could not be happier. I mean to just put on a shirt and walk out the door...well, pants and shoes too. It's a wonderful feeling. People say "oh, you look good." it's so nice to hear but what you don't see is what feels so much better. I hold my head up. I have self-confidence. I can wear a M size underwear! Instead of B (for Bovine). The Dr says I'm still super swollen and will go down quite a bit yet. 
I will post more pictures then! and don't worry I will warn you before I reveal the "before" so you're not eating or any small children can see the screen.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

a cute twist on jello.

We had a party at my friend's house and everyone was to bring a dish. I thought and thought about what to bring. I wanted to do something fun and unique. I remember seeing these somewhere and thought...."yep, it'll do." It's Jello!!
I cut oranges in half and scooped out all the insides then I made up some strawberry Jello and poured it in.
3 hours in the fridge and I cut them in wedges.

I thought they were great. I would do it with the Jigglers ratio next time instead of just the regular Jello ratio but....live and learn. I think they would be great as Jello shooters too. I've never had a Jello shooter but if I was in charge of making Jello shooters this is what I would do.
Maybe at your next get together this will make it's way onto your buffet table! Enjoy.

Monday, June 20, 2011

great, i got the dirty kid in class....

Really, Logan? Trying to look all gangsta as you sport my mascara? Boys, boys, boys. All I can say is-think 18x24 propped up on an easel with your graduation tassels hanging off the corners. Yep, bring it! Go put some clothes on...I swear! How did the most non-naked couple get the kids who hate clothes? 

On another note--have you ever seen such a huge bag of happiness?? 72ozs of itty bitty pieces of joy. L.O.V.E. it.  I think I will jump into it. Wanna know why? My wonderful mother sent the boys shoes. Why would this make me want to sleep in a cacao coma??
 Because they have SQUEAKER THINGYS IN THEM. This makes the boys happy and happy 2 year olds take extra steps. Lots of extra steps. Thanks, Mom. Yep, I know.....karma.

Friday, June 17, 2011

4's a crowd...allow me to excuse myself to the couch....again.

Let's play a game. Who's missing from this cozy bed? *sigh*
I love my family. I love watching them sleep....in a non-creepy sort of way. The boys wander in once in awhile and snuggle up. I love it and I hate it at the same time.
See that super large brown pillow? The one my sweet Logan is sleeping on?...that is the one I use to elevate my legs to help me sleep after surgery. SURGERY. Remember, that fileting from pubic bone to pubic bone and stitched back up with gut drain bags hanging down?? I should be in that bed with my legs propped up!
See the larger human on the right? The one with the ring on his finger.....yeah......Dear Beyonce, I liked it, I put a ring on it.....it's sleeping through this take over. I'm gonna go sleep on my recliner.
No, it's fine. It's closer to the door when the dog barks to go out...

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

can't bring myself to throw out the good scraps.....all the hoarders in the house say "holla!"


i had some nice even scraps of wood that my body wouldn't allow me to throw out. I had some old stickers that i wasn't going to use anytime soon. I put the two together and threw on a little mod podge.
Free blocks for the kids. I plan on making "themed" sets....like all trucks, nativity, and army men.
What can you do with some scraps laying around your house??

Monday, June 13, 2011

how the heck do i wear these without being on "People of Walmart.com"??


It's a struggle to figure out how to wear these awesome drain bulbs. I am such a fan of the website "people of walmart.com" but have no desire to actually be on it. I wore a loose dress to church this past Sunday...epic fail. It looked like I had big tape measures attached to the top of my legs. I got up for communion and put my hands over them but really.....what a silly sight.


This is the more popular option for around home.


How about this option? I'll just hide them behind my back. People walk backward all the time right? Is that more or less likely to get me stared at?? Any of the options are ridiculous....Had I known I would have sewn a double pouched drain bulb holder. Hindsight.......

Friday, June 10, 2011

clothes fit....how weird is that?

My sweet boys have a new mommy in the house.
They aren't quite sure what to think.....I sure know what I think!
I am super swollen but super happy. It's day 5 and I put clothes on for the first time. I busted out in uncontrollable sobs. I wasn't wearing my binder so that was less than pleasant....

I am so pleased with the result and it's only going to get better!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

more tummy tuck pictures

I got to take a shower today and take off all my binders. That. Felt. Good. I am so shocked at how much of a difference there is.

Yep, it's no picnic. Today the pain is much better. I am taking 2 vicodin every 4 hours and a valium (muscle relaxer) in there too. I have to empty the drains every couple hours. I get about 50-60 cc's out of each side. My sweet hubs helped me peel off the outer dressings before the shower. I think he was surprised to see all the bruises!

Dr Renucci kept saying the scar will be below my 2 piece line. HA! I don't even wear shorts much less a 2 piece. I can't believe how flat my stomach is. Nicely done Dr.

Here's the other side. We didn't take any of my back. We will later. I was tuckered out from the shower experience. Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement. I am so blessed. Thanks to my hubs for stepping up and just doing what needs to be done. I love you.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

tummy tuck

So, I finally had my tummy tuck!! So exciting. So painful. My plastic surgeon Dr. Renucci took 3.5L of back fat out, 6 lbs out of my flanks and sides and the "Jabba the Hutt" flap was another 6lbs. I sure hope he ate his Wheaties. I went under at 0800 and they woke me up at noon. Andy and the kids came around 1:30 and we left at 2. Bing, Bang, Boom and I was done. I have to wear the binder for 6-8 weeks. I get the drains pulled in a week. You can see the bruises from all the Lipo. I am already so super happy. Dr says that it will be even better after all the swelling goes down. I can't imagine it being better.
I can't believe that that's me! I get to shower tomorrow and will have to take all the bandages off so i will take more pictures tomorrow. Rated G of course! The pain last night was one step away from making me crazy. Vicodin didn't even touch it. Around 4am I turned a corner and I am up and picking up Reese and making food for the kids and doing dishes. Andy has been beyond incredible. He just works so hard and doesn't complain. I can't seem to shake the sleepyness which is fine. I feel a little guilty though. He wants me to just sleep and drink water but I want to give him a break...until I get nauseated. I really, really don't want to puke. Can you imagine that pain? I am so blessed and grateful. Stop back in to see more pictures!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

monkey see, monkey do....


Andy's bike (ain't she purty?) needs a little love. A new tire, fluid check, whirly-gig test and a wash. We loaded her up and were chatting about this, that and the other when we looked outside and saw this....Cole loaded up his trike. I had to run and grab my camera. I wanted Andy to strap it in and take it along for the ride...he gave me "the look". You know ladies, the one where you know he's thinking...."sigh,  women.....". Right back at you honey,  like times 10.


Look at you Logan, you daredevil you!


My biker boys. Try to overlook the homeless chic look....the boys insist on dressing themselves and really, what do I care? The queen ain't stopping over anytime soon--the pizza guy can't even find us without calling and being talked through the special directions we give him...where was I? Oh, the plaids and stripes....it fits, it will be in the wash in like 17 minutes, whatever.


Yeah, welcome to life, honey.


See the stroller to the right....Reese is in their letting me know the sun is shining on her and she is less than pleased. Again, welcome to life, honey. Looking good boys....


Mom! You didn't take any pictures of us like this!? Seriously! These are our play clothes people, we're not trying to win any awards here.


This is what Mamma was up to as Daddy loaded up his Shadow. I love power tools.  Power tools make me happy. Can you fault me for counting down the years til all 3 kids are in school and I can power tool til the cows come home....or the bus.