On our own

Today we said goodbye to Nanny and Papa. They are heading back to MN with our puppy Presley. Since they are able to take our dog with them and bring her back in November, we are now able to fly to MN and have more time up there with family and friends.

Words cannot express how grateful Jeff and I are that my mom and dad were here to help us through the initial 3 weeks of Claire's life. It is hard enough bringing home a newborn baby, but with my condition, I have no clue what we would have done without them. They are the most amazing and best parents anyone could ask for and I thank God for them every single day. Their unselfish love and patience with the 100+ degree temps was appreciated more than they know. I am sure my dad is very happy to get out of the high temperatures and back to MN where I hear it is only in the 70's! He will be so happy to have something to do for a change too! When you read this mom and dad, please know just how thankful we are to have such amazing parents in our lives. We owe my strength and Jeff's sanity to you both! We cannot wait to get up to MN in a few weeks to spend more time with you...on your terms this time!

Claire is still doing wonderful. As you can see on the pictures, she is growing like a weed and getting even more chubby! She is filling out nicely. It was pretty sad the other day when I had to bring out the 3-6 month clothes to wash because many of her 0-3 month things are getting to be too small! I think we will have a tall girl on our hands.

I am continuing to get better every day. Yesterday I noticed that the tingling sensation in my left leg is now only on the inner calf area, no longer the whole lower extremity! I am pretty excited about that. It is nice to notice an increase in sensation. My right knee continues to feel very tight and I am unable to bend it much without losing control and falling. Last evening we did a test to see if I was able to get up if I were to fall when I am alone. I am able to crawl on my hands and knees to get to the couch and then starting with my left leg, I am able to push on the couch and drag my right leg up to standing position. I think we all feel better knowing that should I fall down, I am able to get back up again. When I am alone, I will not carry Claire except when I am in my wheelchair. I am not willing to take the chance with her. Also, my parents got me hooked up with a "holster". We have a cloth belt around my waist with a small purse on it (thanks Christina!) to keep my cell phone in. That way I have it on me at all times. Great idea!

We hope you enjoy the pictures. We will try to bring up some warmer weather to MN when we come in August!