I LOVE FOOD!

Wednesday, the 29th of May, I walked into my surgeon's office. "I want to hear I can eat today, that's all I'm here for!" I said to the doc. "I appreciate your blunt honesty" Dr replies with a chuckle.

After some 'hello's' and 'how are you's', the Dr does some measurements and the assistant writes them down. He then grabs a wooden stick and has me tap my teeth against it then bite down on it, on both sides..

"Yep, you can eat" he says!

HALLELUJAH THAT IS SWEET, JOYFUL, MUSIC TO MY EARS!!

IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE ALIVE!!

My favorite place to eat is PF Chang's. Santa Barbara is quite confused on their priorities because there is no PF Chang's for MILES. (Dr's office is in Santa Barbara) So, another favorite is CPK (California Pizza Kitchen). And no, I do not go there for the pizza. I don't really like pizza. I went for the Mediterranean Focaccia bread and Chicken Piccata! And oh my heck it was heavenly! Wow, I just loved and loved every second of it!! FINALLY, something other than a soup or smoothie! 10 weeks.. 10 WEEKS of straight puréed diet! Nothing but a soup or smoothie! Aye yi yi I am SO over those two items!
I kept swallowing without chewing. Just habit. It's like my mouth doesn't quite know what to do. It is a bit difficult. I can only open my mouth half way. Right now I am at 22cm and full range is 43cm (give or take, I dont remember the exact #). So I still have to shove and squeeze my food in, then its difficult to chew because I can't open my mouth enough to get the food in between my teeth all the way. Add to that the fact that all muscles are extremely stiff and I am still numb inside and outside of my mouth. So I chew like a cow. And I'm not complaining! Because I actually GET to chew! And I get variety! SO much variety! It's amazing and I'm lovin' it!! I loved food before surgery and I love it even more now. I didn't think that was possible. I also have a new appreciation for food and it drives me nuts when I see a perfectly good piece of food going to waste. AH!
I've done really well pacing myself when I eat to not stuff myself so full I get sick. I'm quite surprised actually hah. I just listen to my body and stomach and when I am satisfied, I stop. I so badly want to keep eating because its SO dang delicious , but I don't, because I know if I do I will be sick and get into a habit of eating more than my body needs. And luckily it doesn't really hurt when I eat. My muscles will get sore from all the hard work (yes it is totally hard work for my mouth right now haha), but it lasts just a short while. I thought it would be worse.. so yay for that!
My mom got me a little celebratory gift bag which included:
soft chew Chips Ahoy choc. chip cookies
chocolate drops with vanilla filled middle
chocolate creams with choc. creme in the middle
a box of pasta noodles
and a super yummy sauce to go with it
AND
no celebration is complete without CONFETTI CUPCAKES! And confetti frosting of course.
D to the VINE. Those cupcakes are always, always delicious and always, always make my heart happy!
Later that night for dessert we had frozen yogurt and I was able to eat my favorite toppings: cheesecake squares. Which is odd because I don't like cheesecake. However, after eating those little squares every now and then and being on purée diet for so long, I don't think I would deny a piece! :) My nephew, Cohen, came with us down to Cali for my appointment. Just for fun. Just to have some alone time and fun time with me and Mam'ma and Papa. He is 9 and never stops talking. So funny for a boy. I kid you not, this adorable little man is CONSTANTLY talking. If he isn't talking to anyone in particular he is just mumbling and speaking the thoughts in his head out loud. He hums when he eats and whistles, hums or sings when he walks. It's quite entertaining to watch. And when you need a little moment of silence from the gabber, he is really good at turning on his "mute button". Haha, we had fun with him on our short little eating trip. Because that's what it was. An eating trip! And Co's little growing body that always wants to eat was just perfect to bring along. :)
The next morning we went to a place called Joe's Cafe. Back in January, when we went on our 'trip from hell' we ate there. (re-cap: this was the trip that just about everything that could go wrong, went wrong.. dad's computer fell out of the car and broke. The car broke down and had to be towed. Dad waited 2 hours for the tow truck which kept saying he was a half an hour away. Surgery was canceled because I got a sinus infection. Rental car was the size of my shoe. Mom had a panic attack over that). So when things go from bad to worse what can ya do? LAUGH. That's what. So that's what we did. My mom, dad, Tyson and I sure had a wonderful time just laughing and laughing at the domino affect of misfortune on that trip. That morning we went out to breakfast at Joe's. I had the chorizo. I remember loving it and I had been craving it so that was my choice for breakfast when I was cleared to eat soft foods! Unfortunately the chorizo was too hard. I got tiny little snippets of it, but I could still taste it in my food and the rest of my breakfast was just wonderful. Second thing I had been craving was In n Out. Still can't eat their burgers so I got animal style fries. Lightly cooked and extra spread to make them soft and mushy and boy where they amazing! If you're wondering what animal style is- I feel sorry for you right about now- it makes In n Out's burgers and fries so much better! Animal style on their fries is spread, cheese, and grilled chopped onions spread over the top. And on their burgers its the spread, grilled onions and pickles added. And if you're wondering what 'spread' is then you live under a rock and I am not explaining that one! In n Out has a small secret menu..just google it. That's my answer to anything I don't know.. google it. And my answer to any sadness or illness- long hot shower/bath. Works for me every time!
Oh! You know what is so cool? I can bite my food! Like a real bite. It makes that perfect 'C' shape in the food too! A can actually bite my food and it breaks it clean. It's so weird. It amazes me. I have not been able to do that for YEARS. Before surgery I had what they call an 'open bite'. Which means when I bite down, my teeth in the back are touching, but my teeth in the front are far from it. I would bite all the way down and with my back teeth touching, I would be able to stick my tongue all the way out of my mouth through the gap between my top and bottom teeth. So I couldn't eat sandwiches, pizza, tacos, burger etc. because when I would bite down, everything in the middle would pull right out. Or the whole thing would just slide right now. Are you getting the picture in your head? Not pretty, not fun, super annoying and frustrating. So I resorted to tearing my food apart with my teeth best I could.. like a wolf. Yup, I ate like a wolf with a mess all over my face. Sure was pretty I tell ya! Not. So this whole being able to bite thing is so great for me and I love it!
Okay.. are you ready for the highlight of the trip? We were walking down to the beach after dinner. We were noticing the sidewalk was extremely splotchy.. remnants of millions of bird poop. I look above us and see lots of nests and white fluffy birds. "Look at the nests and white birds mom", SPLAT!! She screams, I scream. Surely it was just a berry that has fallen and hit us. Guess again. Bird poop! In my moms hair, her arm and the corner of her EYE! Mom instantly drops to the floor laughing, Cohen, dad and I bust up. We were all dying. It was absolutely hilarious! Luckily, the hotel was close, we just walked back to take care of the mess. My poor mother is the random one who gets hit by foul balls and bird poop! HAHA! Good thing she is such a good sport! Why get mad about it? What is that going to do but ruin your mood and day? It's funny, let it be funny! I've learned that from her.
Well I've got many more days of blissful eating ahead of me and you better believe I am going to enjoy and savor every single bite!! And of course mom and I documented in pictures my first meal...enjoy:

10 weeks after surgery- 10! that seems like forever but feels like not forever ago

checking bite

Co-Dawg

this is as much emotion as I can show at this point. still numb. still stiff. just got the "go ahead" for soft chew diet!!! YAY!!!

on our way to dinner

parental units

handsome boy

my little gift :)

JUMP FOR JOY!

what was inside my gift

Mediterranean Focaccia- so so good!!

Chicken Piccata- heavenly goodness

before..

after.. think I did pretty good!

first bite, first chew. laughing and enjoying

confetti cupcakes!!

pure satisfaction

splotchy sidewalk..

bird poop

bird poop

we found an amphitheater 

loungin' lion

6 DAYS!

6 more days! 6 more days!

6 more days until I graduate to soft chew diet! (assuming, and praying all is well with my joints- cross your fingers!)

I am so ready to CHEW. And to have more variety. I'm growing up.. moving from baby puréed diet to toddler soft chew food.

Soft chew food includes things with the consistency of scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, pastas etc. I asked the assistant if I can eat tender chicken and ground beef- both seem to be really soft and easy to chew. She said yes, as long as they are scrambled egg consistency. Haha umm, kind of two different things, I'm not quite sure I would compare chicken to scrambled eggs but at least some chicken is super tender and I get a lot more variety like enchiladas, rice, pastas (the choices are endless), breads, I could go on and on. I've got a ton of yummy looking soft foods pinned to my "Food Controls My Life" board on Pinterest.
This is when my weight will start coming back. The lowest weight I got down to was... are you ready for it?...
89!!
That was only in the morning before I ate anything. I basically topped out at losing about 12 pounds. So I hit 91lbs and was steady around there. I have been eating more this week because I am always hungry and never really satisfied and the scale today looked like it said 96lbs! (I used a different scale, it's not digital) I'm already starting to get some back. Now I just have to be careful and not put all the crap food into my body..because I love lots of crap food. Like hot fries! Oh I have missed those! And broccoli, not crap food but I have missed broccoli a lot. I like to be healthy and especially since it's like I'm starting all over and don't have crap inside my body now, I want to keep it that way! Desserts and bad food in moderation! Because I have to celebrate with some confetti cupcakes! Of course with confetti frosting. There is just no getting around it!
I didn't know it was possible for my fingers to get so skinny! My rings have been sliding off right and left! I have already lost one down the drain :( I haven't been able to wear my wedding ring because it's just too big right now. So I set out on an adventure to find a temporary wedding ring. And find one I did! I had to get it sized cause they don't carry a 3 3/4. That's a whole size smaller than my normal! And it drives me nuts not being able to wear my wedding ring! I just love it so so much. And I feel naked without it. This new one will be a fun little change. It's a square pink sapphire! With small diamonds around it. I was looking for something cheap because its only temporary, but still classy and not looking like I bought it at Claire's for $4 bucks! Stay tuned for pics! :)
I've been back in Utah for a week now. Feels nice to be home. Feels even better to be doing hair again! I have missed it! Doing hair feels like home. It just feels right and it makes me happy. I have been so busy, today is my first "hair free" day. I have been doing a lot of extensions- my fave! And still loving every minute of my own extensions! Life is just easier with extensions. Yup, no lie. You might think having extensions is more maintenance, but it's not. Not my method. It makes it easier for styling. And the nice thing is the extensions hold style really well. You can curl it one day and it will stay curled for 3-4 days! I just love long hair and there is more options for hair styles. I will always love love long hair and hate hate that I can't have it naturally. :)
More feeling continues to sneak in. And it still feels like I am getting bit by a bug! It actually hurts. It's rather odd. My mouth continues to grow more agitated as the feeling comes back, but it's not bad. Just uncomfortable and sore. I still can't open my mouth very wide. Wide enough to get a spoon in and slurp my soup though! It is so so nice to have those stinking bands off during the day! And they don't bother me at night. Because I sleep SO much better now that I can turn on my side! Holy cow what a difference! 8 weeks of sleeping only on my back was a nightmare!
 My lips constantly are chapped and feel a little like they are burning. Use of Blistex is still in full force. Can't wait to get rid of that stuff! It's like putting glue on my lips. Feels good but it doesn't dissolve, so at night when I put more on I just wake up with it in my mouth and stuck in my teeth.. haha.. gross! I think I have eaten more Blistex than anything. Oh, wait.. I'm pretty obsessed with Rice Dream. It's unnaturally weird how obsessed I am. I have gone through 10 CARTONS of vanilla Rice Dream in ONE WEEK! And tomorrow I start on my 11th. I kid you not! That stuff is like candy to me. I can't get enough.. literally. It's the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing I think about before I fall asleep. It's the first thing I drink in the morning and I can't wait to get back home when I am out during the day to have some more. I also use it to coat my stomach before taking pills. I use it to make smoothies and to add liquid when I am blending food. But mostly, I grab the biggest cup I can find in the house and fill 'er up to the brim! And chug away.. all day errryday! It's quite unusual. But for some reason it is just so dang delicious to me!! Our bank account is in trouble if I keep this habit up. Speaking of... I believe I'm ready for a big glass of Rice Dream and bed time! Night!

HAPPY DAY!

Today is the first day that my rubber bands are off!!!! I currently have none, zip, nada, not one rubber band in my mouth at this very moment and it feels OH SO GOOD!! For another 10 weeks, the bands are worn only at night. I have been counting down to this day for so long. I can not believe I am actually this far out after surgery! It's crazy. Today marks 8 weeks post op! And that means a few exciting things for me!

I got to drink out of a straw today for the first time in forever! ( it's actually kind of hard- go figure!)

My tongue is no longer in prison. Jail free. Free willy. I can open my mouth and stretch my tongue as I please! It is simply wonderful.

I can sleep on my side starting TONIGHT! THAT will be a game changer right there. Cant wait!

It's amazing all these tiny changes. Daily things we take for granted. I didn't realize until now that these small acts would be a bit challenging for me. My mouth is still stiff and numb so I am having to really stretch the muscles and relearn how to use them. Also, because of the new placement of my jaw and teeth, it's like having to relearn how to talk. I am having to learn how to use my tongue, teeth and lips all together. It's really weird. :)
Yesterday I had my ortho appointment check up. Dr Spilsbury noticed that my teeth in the back have started to shift.. in an unwanted position. They have started to shift off to the side. Because my jaw was sawed into 3 segments, my wire on my braces is also in 3 segments. This allows the teeth to shift easier because there is not just one wire all the way across holding the teeth together. Does that make sense? So my back teeth started to create a little gap because my top teeth aren't sitting exactly on top of my bottom teeth as they should.
So Dr Spils and Dr A together decided to put on two extra rubber bands, which they call cross bite elastics. These go on the hooks that are inside of my mouth. As in on the inside of my teeth, against my tongue. They then cross to the outside of my teeth and hook on the outside. Confusing without seeing them. But at least I only have to wear them at night!!
I flew home to Utah today! Got to see my Tiger. That is Tyson. He looks like a tiger, hence, why I call him Tiger. Got to see family. We went out to dinner to my favorite restaurant- P.F. Chang's- and I got my favorite soup- egg drop. Mmm. We also got a side of noodles that I slid in my mouth and swallowed whole- Shh, don't tell my surgeon and his assistant- they will kill me. Or my mom. But mom Ty let me swallow them whole today and he was okay with it :) I talked him into it. AND IT WAS SOO SO GOOD. Even though my rubber bands are off I still can not eat or chew anything for another 2 weeks. No solid foods until 14 days! But noodles slide right down- who needs to chew them? Not me! And now as I type, I am sitting here waiting to see my brand new niece that is a week old and I haven't even met her yet! Tyson's brother and his wife just had their first baby together. That makes number 11 for me! I have 11 nieces and nephews! And another on the way from my sister in law. I just love love love my nieces and nephews. They make my heart sing and my soul soar! :)
Well, they should be here any second- we've only been waiting forever! And I am going to run to greet them so I'm off!
It's been a GREAT day! (except for the flight home. I hate flying. Makes me very sick and claustrophobic. Add to that the storm we flew through made a bumpy ride- puke)
Toodles!

Week 7.5

Feels Weird

Alright. It's official. I am hungry! I eat a soup, smoothie, milkshake.. nothing satisfies. It's all the same! The other day I was so hungry I ate so many different things I got so sick I almost threw up. I had a bowl of soup, still hungry, so I made a smoothie. Still hungry. Made a whole can of chili and ate the entire thing. Plus I have to thin it down so it made more than the can. It was good. Still, it did not completely satisfy. So I made a peanut butter, banana, chocolate milkshake. Then I worked out a little. 15 minutes to be exact. And of course I need protein after a work out so I had my yummy protein milk. Then I had to take pills so I then drank half a bottle of water. That did me in. All of a sudden my stomach felt full. Then it turned to sickness. I took off my rubber bands as I felt it all coming back up. I was praying it down! Learned my lesson there.

So let the count down begin:

19 days until I can eat soft food!! Aaah

Soft food consists of:

scrambled eggs

mashed potatoes

pasta

noodles

beans

rice

soups.. yay (but at least i can have chunks and veggies and consistency in my soups)

veggies! (cooked of course)

etc.

Oh the possibilities!! I seriously can not wait. I don't think there is a person on this earth, or any earth that knows how bad I can't wait. There isn't a single person that understands any of what I went through for years, what I just went through in healing, and everything I am going through now. Stupid jaw! Who knew it could create such HUGE problems. But with that being said, no one knows what anyone is going through when in a rough time, because we are not them. We can be told about someone's trial but can not completely understand how hard it is to them. And that is life my friends. To each their own. We each have things we struggle with at times. And to us it feels like the worst thing ever and the end of the world. Ain't that the truth!

Still, I am SO glad to be where I am. To actually be on this side of things. Surgery actually happened. I am almost 7 weeks out and healing remarkably well and for that, I couldn't be more grateful!

Of course I have learned and grown through the journey. Definitely NOT the way I would have chosen, but my life is governed by the Lord. Each hard time in our lives brings us closer to the Lord, or tears us apart. I feel sad for those in this world going through hard times without God. There is no way I would have made it through if I didn't the Lord to pray to. I just don't know how they function! The Lord is a friend of mine! A great friend! One that I go to in a time of need. Any need whether big or small. Even tiny dumb things. I think I am praying throughout the day everyday. Asking, pleading, thanking- you name it. I kinda like him. Everyone needs God as their friend!

This week I am getting more feeling in my bottom lip. All I can say about that = ew. It's gross. It feels so weird I can't handle it. The doc said when feeling starts to come back it feels like ants walking on your face. Try biting!! Yeah, it feels like something is biting me. Out of nowhere, I'll feel a bite on my face and I'll quickly brush it away certain I'm swatting a bug. Nope, don't be alarmed- just a little zap of feeling. 

Over all I feel great! Energy is still not even close to back to normal but that will be a long time coming. It's just my mouth at this stage that is constantly sore as feeling comes back. Constantly irritated and super annoyed. I keep stretching my lips to get comfort or relief. Nothin'. My tongue and the roof of my mouth hate each other. They are not friends. They hate the new placement and are still trying to get used to it. More feeling in my gums and teeth are slowly starting to creep their way in too. It's just gross! I wish I could explain it, but I can't. I don't brush my teeth as long right now because I hit certain spots that make me want to yell. It's like AAAHH! Get out of my mouth and don't touch me! Kinda like one of those things your husband does that just instantly pushes a button somewhere inside you and you go from happy to angry/irritated/annoyed/mad (you name it) in a flash! Yup, JUST like that. :)  (love you Ty!)

Tonight I made one of our favorites for dinner. Creamy white chicken chili. Thanks to my SIL Meg! That is the best white chili ever. EVER. Filling and totally satisfying to me tonight! Tonight is fun for me. I've got my boy here. Made dinner for him and my parents, ate together, now we are just sitting down to watch The Chronicles of Narnia. That's a good night if you ask me. I LOVE watching movies. But lazy nights with food AND a movie. Jackpot.

6 Weeks Post-Op

So it's been a long time since my last post. A very long time. Still slacking, I know. I apologize! Not too much that is happening I feel and I'd rather not bore you!

My front tooth has lightened a bit! Which is GREAT news! I don't remember if I have even mentioned a thing about it. I've just been watching it to see what would happen. I'll re-cap in case I haven't said anything about it yet. The dr said one of the biggest risks with jaw surgery is the front teeth dying and then having to have a root canal/s. About 2 weeks after surgery, one of my front teeth went dark. Freaked the crap right outta me! At that point I still had the depressants from surgery in my body so it felt like the end of the world. I had a freak out moment and definitely cried. That whole day and the next few days I was so worried about my tooth. I didn't think it would turn dark so early. And the dr said I'd have to wait a year before I could do a root canal. So here I am thinking I just got a new face, finally ready to like what I see in the mirror and then this! I'd have to live with a dark tooth for a whole year! Shoot me now! That was soo not going to go over well with me. So we started praying away the dark tooth! Yep, you betcha we did. And guess what? God answers prayers! My tooth is not as dark as it was in California. It almost looks back to normal. I still pray that it will get back to normal and stay that way and no problems with deadening teeth ever occur! 
I have been so blessed during this whole shebang! I have healed remarkably well and for that I am forever grateful!! I am also now a firm believer in doTerra oils. Those suckers work magic.. I kid you not! I believe they have aided in my healing so well. One of the many oils we have been using every day since day of surgery is frankincense. And I'm sure you all know that frankincense was given to the Savior at his birth. Only the finest of the finest gifts were given, so if its good enough for the Savior- it's good enough for me! Can you just imagine the healing powers? Well, you don't have to if you've been following my blog and have seen through pictures and videos how well I've healed. Swelling was not near as bad as the average patient. And the majority of the swelling I did have came down fast. I didn't even bruise! No black eyes. My large marge lips weren't reducing very quickly though- the top was a lot bigger than my bottom lip- so we started putting frankincense on my top lip and bam! 2 days later it was about half the size or less. 2 days that's it! I've noticed the other oils I use for my neck and to help me sleep have definitely worked as well. Sleeping is still an issue for me but not as bad as it was before the use of oils. Think what you may, some are believers and some are not. However I like the holistic way of healing versus medicine from the doctors. Sure the medicines do what they need to do but not without side effects and harming other things in the body we may or may not feel. I've never been a fan of taking any form or kind of medicine. I just hate it. Now look at me, I am a walking pharmacy with all the crap I have to take each day! While I've gotten ulcers 4 times from the meds and have to check my liver every other month to make sure its still functioning, you give some you take some right? It's all about choosing your battles and right now my number one battle is my jaw and I'm going to win! Dang it I am winning! And once this is over something else will come out of left field and bop me on the head. And that's life- one thing after the next. It's never years of peaceful bliss (and if you are one of those that has years of peaceful bliss- suck it all in and enjoy it!!! You are blessed and so fortunate) But I'm hoping I've deserved a few years of peaceful bliss before the next life lesson throws me a curve ball again. Sure would be nice! 
If there's one thing I've learned through this it's this- sometimes life sucks.. sometimes A LOT.. and sometimes for a really long time. But through all the pain and suffering, I'm a fighter and a survivor and I can endure.
Things I am grateful for:

• my new jaw!!!
• my Tyson- who has dealt with this since we got married and stuck by my side through it all.. patient and kind
• my well healing
• no more episodes of an allergic reaction
• no black tooth
• a normal bite
• weekend visits from Ty- I love spending every minute with him when he is here and miss him when he is away
• the NutriBullet
• my family and friends- everyone has been so supportive and concerned about my well being and it has made me feel so loved 
• lips- although mine are not done healing, there is a difference and the new placement is lovely
• the gospel- my main source of strength to endure
• the acne wash and medication my dad gave me- I've been breaking out like a maniac with no end in sight and this marks the week that post-op acne starts. so far with this new stuff my acne has gotten better and it seems to be keeping the new ones at bay or healing them faster- fingers crossed it continues
• a clear nose- this week with the crazy wind it hasn't been quite as clear. but now that I know what an actual clear nose feels like, I can appreciate it!
• rice dream and coconut milk- my new found products for milk which I love. don't know if I'll ever buy regular milk again
• my nieces and nephews not running and screaming away from me when they first saw me with a crazy wired shut mouth and a fat face

And the count down:

11 days until the rubber bands come off during the day

11 days until I can sleep on my side!!

11 days until I can use a straw

27 days until I can eat again (soft chew diet) - but it's way to early to be getting excited about that. I can't afford that right now. However I'm still not hungry- I just want food in its original form. I am extremely sick of this blended diet.. what's for breakfast- soup or smoothie? What's for lunch- soup or smoothie? dinner- soup or smoothie? snack- soup or smoothie? Haha, those are basically my only options. I have found that I love a blended up chocolate cake donut, chocolate cheese cake, chocolate chip cookie, and a pillsbury orange cinnamon roll. Perhaps I like chocolate?

Well I am currently in the process of coloring my roots right now. Going for an all out change in hair. Hey, I just got a new face, why not change up my whole look right? :) Next week I get my extensions put back it!!! I have had them out for over a year now and I am so excited to get them back you have no idea! Time to wash- I'm out!

Small Changes... and Big Changes

I realize I'm over due for a video! Such a slacker. I've been such a lazy butt since I've been home and I've been loving it!! I've always been one that would literally chew my right arm off before I'd stay home all day (with or without something to keep me busy). I HAD to get out each day even if for a short walk around the block. I don't know whats happened to me?! I'm such a home body, I stay home most days not really doing anything AND not going stir crazy. Dr Arnett not only gave me a new face but a new sanity system too!

Anyway, today I thought I would just document my small changes (or lack thereof). And stay tuned, a Lana Lee Mehlhoff production is coming to a computer near you!

In the past couple weeks:

• more definition in jaw line
• cheeks still full and slightly puffy
• under eyes, top of cheekbones and around nose still puffy
• more feeling on face! 
• the feeling seems to be working its way in. it started along my hair line and each side is slowly coming back toward the middle of my face. so right now (5 weeks post-op) I can feel up to the corners of my mouth. under eyes has feeling back as well
• top of my nose and top lip have some feeling
• inside of my nose is still numb and parties all night long
• the itching is getting worse and driving me crazy! the party has now migrated down to my chin as well..I don't like to be left out of parties.. I certainly will be glad to satisfy that itch one day!!
• chin and bottom lip still completely numb
• gums numb
• roof of mouth numb
• more feeling on my tongue
• still drooling every now and then!
• front left tooth is not quite as dark as it was in cali- PRAY THAT IT CONTINUES TO LIGHTEN AND I DONT NEED A ROOT CANAL!
• my poor hair is still struggling in this life
• don't fret- I'll be putting my extensions back in in 2 weeks!!! I seriously can not wait, you have no idea how excited I am! Extensions make everything better- did I mention I am also the greatest extension artist this side of the equator? yup, I was trained well and my hair is top quality that lasts 2+ years, so if you want long, full, thick, beautiful hair call me and you wont be disappointed! Don't mind me advertising myself right about now.  702 769 8250.. Let's do this! :)
• nails are weak and breaking right and left. tragic.
• Dr Spilsbury is checking my progress weekly- says everything is looking really good!
• I don't remember if I already mentioned the first time he saw me after surgery but... he was like a little kid in a candy store for the first time. big smile on his face. so pleased with the results. must be such a reward to not only be working with a client for so many years and finally see results but to also know that part of the result is his own work :) way to go Dr Spils! There is no better ortho- he is such a perfectionist and has been so helpful through this long journey

19 days until these stupid rubber bands come off!!!! Who's counting? Me! I totally am! 19 more days marks 8 weeks post-op which means a lot of patiently awaited things for me. Those things being: SIDE SLEEPING!!! Oh heaven that will be! Nose blowing (still so so so grateful that my nose is clear clear clear! It seriously has never been this clear. It's amazing. Thanks to Dr Arnett for scraping out my sinuses!! He says it was awful, it was just so chocked full. ew. Anyway it has been so great I've seriously thought about going back in to get it scraped out again should I need to! Is that even possible?) Also, straw sucking whoop whoop! That will make my life so much more convenient! Spoon usage. No chewing yet though. I'll still be on puréed diet for 2 additional weeks after the bands come off. This is due to me being a high risk patient and having retarded joints. Yay me! But my list of foods to eat once I can is ever growing and my food board on pinterest is making me salivate. 

This week my mom made some delicious baked potatoes that we put in the NutriSystem with bacon (duh!), sour cream, onions and a little bit of cheese.. uh, yeah, that was good! Better than I thought. Then I tried a new recipe. African Quinoa-Peanut Soup which includes red bell pepper, celery, green chilies, sweet potato, zucchini, quinoa and peanut butter among other things and spices. D to the VINE. I love peanuts (although I am sadly allergic) and peanut butter (which I am not allergic to- go figure) and veggies are my favorite.. so it's safe to say I thoroughly enjoyed that soup! I've had a lot of people ask for the recipe so I've posted it below.

blended baked potato. it's amazing how things blended up taste exactly like the real thing

potatoe 'stache

African Quinoa- Peanut Soup pre- peanut butter..

..and after peanut butter..so so good!

the recipe

sorry the right picture is grainy, but this is just to show the difference as of today (April 26, 2013)

healing is still not complete so it could look different in a few months, but look at the difference now. wow. amazing. do I look like the same person? this is great! Dang, I look good! (on the left side)

I've noticed that now, even with the rubber bands on, I have more confidence talking to people than I did before. I absolutely could not stand the way my mouth, lips, teeth and jaw were before and I hated when I saw how they functioned in the mirror. And through the changes and my jaw receding I noticed people staring at my mouth when I would talk rather than my eyes or even both. It's like they could tell something was wrong with my mouth but not sure what so they were trying to figure it out. And I felt like they weren't really listening to me. So I got really insecure talking to people and I would hardly look at them while I talked. Now, even though I can't open my mouth and my lips are still getting movement back I feel more back to my old self. I can look people in the eye while I talk to them. I'm not afraid when someone is looking at me, or when someone is standing next to me and sees my side profile (because I've got a side profile now and excuse me when I say SOMEBODY'S LOOKING FAAAABULOUS). I can now laugh when people look at my mouth and try to figure out what I am saying because they are probably just thinking I have to wear the rubber bands due to my braces and that sucks. Hah! Wrong..if only they knew. But it's temporary. Soon I'll be able to have the bands off and work on full function of my mouth and be a normal human being once again! Here's to feeling pretty!