Iowa

 Happy Holidays from Iowa! 

Surprise, surprise I had another hip surgery. This is the fourth (and final). The silver lining of this surgery is the fact that we get to spend the holidays in Iowa with our family. I'm recovering at my parents house while Evie is having lots of fun with her nanas, grandpas, uncles, aunts, and cousins. She's going to be disappointed to go home in the new year!

The perk of having surgery in Arizona

My sisters took the kids to meet Santa!

Lights at Reiman Gardens

with cookies, hot cocoa and a princess dress of course

Snuggling baby Carter

Snow day!!

She absolutely loved playing the snow

She was outside all day with her nana and uncle

This baby (and Runner) goes everywhere with her 

She looks so grown up with this pose

Decorating the tree with dad

There are 59 candles on that cake! We had to open the door to let the smoke out lol

More baby cuddles

Another Hip Surgery

I’m currently in Phoenix with mom. I had my third (and hopefully, last) hip surgery at Mayo on Monday. 2020 has been nonstop medical appointments, but I’m happy to finally have some answers and be on the mend. I’m coming to terms with the fact that I won’t run again and I’ll be dealing with these crappy hips the rest of my life. I’m trying to stay positive and focus on gratitude. I’m so lucky to have supportive friends and family. 

I’m going to Iowa tomorrow to recover at my parents house for a couple weeks. I miss Brady and Evie so much, but I know this is best for my recovery. If I’m around Evie, I can’t help but let her climb all over me and pick her up. I’m very thankful for FaceTime!

 First dressing change and shower felt amazing

 The necessities

Weekend Update

We've had terrible weather the past week! Evie's daycare was closed yesterday and today. They had reduced hours (or closed) every day last week. We have actual snow accumulation, which is the first I've seen in the four years we've lived here.

Poor Brady has two dependents to look after. I'm still on crutches for at least one more week. I nearly passed out trying to get the bandages off my stitches yesterday. Right after that, Evie threw up on our family room rug. Brady had to bathe her then clean the rug. We don't know why she vomited. No fever. Good appetite. We gave her pedialyte with a bland dinner then put her to bed early. 

Brady went the gym yesterday while Evie was napping and I told him I would understand if he didn't return😂

Evie cuddles

Making protein shakes is LOUD

This will seem like nothing to Iowans, but it's a lot for the PNW

Post-Op

Hip surgery #2 ✔

I had to take my crutches out of the closet again. I realized I've been on crutches three times in the past three years. Fingers-crossed this is the last time. 

I'm struggling to find things to do... Amanda got me a label maker, which I've already put to good use! I actually had this label maker sitting in my Amazon cart and I thought Brady had mistakenly ordered it 😂 She knows me so well! I'm also binge-watching Netflix and Amazon Prime. Any recommendations?? I'm still watching The Americans. I've gotten back into The Office and Schitt's Creek. I watched The Hundred-Foot Journey and loved it.

I made a few online purchases... another AQUA cashmere sweater (I'm addicted), another pair of Boosts (again, addicted), and an iPad. I better stop now or Brady will start asking questions when deliveries appear at the front door. 

Downtime

I'm getting ready for surgery next week. I actually have time to prepare for my extensive lounging (unlike my stint in February). I'm stocking up on groceries, entertainment, and loungewear. Here are a few options for anytime you're laid-up or just want a lazy day weekend.

Barefoot Dreams Drape Front Cardigan

Make + Model 'Best Boyfriend' Brushed Hacci Lounge Pants

Muk Luk Slippers

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Lavender Chamomile Pillow Mist

Bath & Body Works Candles

What She Knew by Gilly Macmillan

Movies

Coloring Book

Smartfood Popcorn

Naked Juice