Day 4

Emma had a great night. Tony stopped by and put on her protective plate and was gentle! Thank you Tony! Larry and Lynn got us squared away and discharged us. Picture below of Lynn and Em showing off their jewels! Em gave Massimo a kiss goodbye and we rolled out. WE ARE HOME!!! Emma talked to Maddie on the way home and told her she could walk now. Not quite but she did try standing on it and did pretty well. Getting settled in now and anticipating Auntie Trina's arrival tonight!

Side Note: We wanted to thank Beth for the great homemade dinner and bottle of wine the other night! I hadn't eaten before sending the update and forgot- so sorry!

Day 3- PM

Emma had a fun afternoon and evening. She felt great today. No complaining of pain for the most part and happy as a clam (anyone know what makes a clam happy?). The only meltdown was about not getting to see Massimo. Then he stopped by for a quick visit and another meltdown over not being able to give him a kiss. I guess he's not "The Greatest" for nothing. I'll give him a break for now but when he turns 2, we are going to sit down and have a chat.
Grace (the ballerina) was her special guest this afternoon. It was great to see the look on Emma's face when she saw Grace walking on her fixator. So cute watching them interact. Emma, Maddie and TT thank you for the gifts- very sweet! Thanks to Amanda (Grace's mom) for once again taking the time to answer our questions and share all the valuable information from her experiences. We would definitely be lost without the insight of Amanda and Yvette- thank you!!! Also, thank you's to Em's nurse, Lynn, PA- Larry and PT- Mary- for having the passion and patience to deal with psychotic parents and their little angels.

Teagan, Maddie, Grammie and Gramp stopped by for a nice visit as well. We now know that Emma has turned the corner and back to her old self- being sarcastic, bossy and even a little fresh. Such a relief. Grammie took Teagan home after turning this place upside down and Maddie spent a few more hours of quality time with her little sis. If we can get a bottom protective plate tomorrow, I think Emma may just get up and walk out of here. If we can't, I'll be at the hardware store making one as I fear Teagan will seriously hurt Emma's foot. Emma's walker came last night and we were told a wheelchair won't work so we are resorting to the stroller. Just waiting for word on when we will be discharged and looking forward to sleeping in a bed. First PT appt scheduled for Monday at 10:30 am!

Day 3

Em had a great night and a pretty good day so far. We did wake up to a screw in the bed and later found another. Might need another visit from Tony the tool man! I'm getting Amanda fitted for her straight jacket now. Emma had sponge bath and we washed her hair so she is feeling fresh. We took a ride in her wagon looking for Massimo- unsuccessful as the little buggers dodging her. We got out of the wagon and played with lego's in the playroom! Emma's definately feeling a little more comfortable with her new friend (she's named her fixator Ella for now) and has started grabbing it and throwing it around a bit by herself- yeah! She took her "spicy" medicine for the first today... thank goodness as she will need it when we get out of her! She's waiting for a special visitor now. Will keep you posted!

Dad's Therapy

Yes I need therapy... many kinds at that but I have all of you, whoever that may be. I have to admit, its kind of weird writing personal thoughts and feelings to essentially an unknown audience but this (you) has become my therapy (therapist). Heck people pay hundreds of dollars an hour to visit a quack (I use that term lovingly because that actually would be my profession of choice) but I have all of you and its free! If you are reading this, I guess you are still viewing the blog and we (I) thank you for that. I guess it's time for another disclaimer as for those that don't know me, I can only imagine the impressions that I've made. I'm sure most of these people have figured out that I use humor, however off color it may be, to create interest, up play/down play, brighten or add a little fun to any situation. The wife calls this my shock factor. Regardless, the purpose of this blog is to keep anyone who wants to stay connected up to date, to provide real world support for other families that may experience a similar situation, my personal therapy and most importantly for Emma... when she's able to reflect on her younger years and understand why we chose to put her through this. The answer to that question, which many times is the elephant in the room, is we had 2 options- amputate or leg lengthening. Amanda and I agreed that it wasn't our decision to make but we needed to do what was right for Emmy today to allow HER the opportunity to make that decision in the future. So here we are today. Lastly a disclaimer/note to Em- your dad isn't heartless or crazy with these posts (although some may disagree) but instead I'm just trying to be strong for you in the only way I know how. I knew from the very day you able to look into my eyes that you were as tough as nails and nothing would ever hold you back. I know that you understand my sarcasm, even at this early age and that you get me so none of this needs to be said but if somehow my live was cut short (just what I think about watching my baby sleep), you need to know that you are perfect and more beautiful than one could ever wish to be. I admire your strength, courage and beauty. Emma- I love you more than all the stars in the sky. Hang in there baby and I promise we'll get through this and make you long and strong!

Day 2 PM

Emma's day got better. She took a trip downstairs in her wagon (pic below) to make a bear that has a "cast" just like her. She was hoping to see Massimo but he was nowhere to be found. A little later she had visitors! She got to see her sisters and they were all so excited to be together. Maddie had so many questions for her that I don't think she heard one answer (sounds a little like mom but more like Auntie Kerri). Emma answered them all even if Maddie wasn't waiting for the answer. They just seemed content to have a conversation like two old ladies at bingo that forgot their hearing aides. Teagan was happy giving Emma a kiss then moving things back to normal- stealing anything that was important to Em, using her potty (pretty much fully potty trained now- yahoo!) and getting into everything and anything that she wasn't suppose to! Grammie and Gramp got their loves in and pulled Maddie and TT out just before a big meltdown as it was dinner time. Emma and Maddie both cried as they didn't want to leave each other- so sad but so cute at the same time. Meme and Aunt Nonie got there loves as well and dropped off a bucket full of fun (thank you Carter and Brady- Auntie LaLa and Uncle Mike). Funny story Uncle Mike- Em was signing some messed up version of How Bingo Got His Name or Old McDonald and I serious told the nurse that we may need to drop her dose a little... until Amanda butted in and said no, no- that's the version Uncle Mike was signing to her the other day. Then we were walking everyone out (Emmy in her wagon) and we walked by Massimo's room. We were invited in and Emma's day was complete (Mommy and Daddy's too as Massimo's parents just happen to own a winery in Napa and offered up some FINE wines and a nice cheese spread!)- big thanks to the Buoncristiani's as it was just what the doctor ordered! Check their winery at: http://www.buonwine.com/
Day 2 is complete as mom and Em are snuggled in bed, fast asleep.

Day 2

The last 3 hours were pretty tough. A few of Emmy's wires (these go through her tibia and fibula) on her fixator were getting caught on blankets and were sharp. So Dr. Paley came in this morning and gave a good report but ordered his fixator mechanic to turn the wires down and out of the way. These are very strong wires and take a great deal of force to move. So Tony the mechanic comes in with his big pliers and twists away. This wasn't very comfortable for Em and Mom almost gave old Tony a round house. Next were the PT ladies. They brought Em down to the play room and made her a boot to protect the bottom of her foot. Emma's been complaining about her piggies ever since so we might need to make an adjustment there. Then came the IV. It pulled out of her hand and needed to be reset. No fun! All this with very little pain meds on board caused for a rough 3 hours. She's fast asleep now and hoping this afternoon gets a little better. We anticipate a protective plate being installed on the bottom of her fixator today as well- just screws attaching it to the frame so shouldn't be painful if she isn't man handled. She did have a little cutie stop by to see her today- she likes Massimo! See picture- Thanks Yvette for permission to post!

1st Night Down

We had a pretty decent night overall. We had some pain but for the most part it was controlled as Mom kept the nurses on a strict pain management schedule. Toughest part was Em couldn't pee which is normal but we were close to having to go the catheter route. Luckily, she completed the mission in time! Emma's being amazingly strong and doing a great job. She has asked to take it off a few times- maybe a little more than a few but feel like we are making headway. She's up eating fruit loops (my choice!) and pancakes which is her first meal and a good sign! She will have a few visitors today which I think will she will enjoy. Will keep you posted.