Hipples. Read on.

I went to see Dr Bajaj for my follow up from the hospital.  She and Denise, the nurse, took off the bandages there in the office and then Denise held up the mirror for me.  I started bawling.  Brooke was in the room and she was crying too. Then Denise and Dr Bajaj were crying! My boobs look sooooo good!  And then Dr Bajaj went to get her dad, (who is the other Dr Bajaj, not just some random old man) and he came in to look too. They all agreed that I look fantastic, and my recovery is going so very well–and fast!  I’m thrilled.  It’s not completely healed but I can see the potential, when all the stitches are removed and the skin fuses, it’s going to be amazing! I’m sooooo happy with the result so far.  My stomach is so flat!  But Dr Bajaj said I’m still pretty swollen so I’ll actually be thinner when it’s all said and done.  I’m shocked and thrilled, and thankful!  It truly is amazing all that they could do to help me look “normal” again.  I’m so grateful. 

 While we were looking at my new body, Dr Bajaj’s dad pointed out the extra skin she had left on the incision on my hips.  There are two lump-type areas about the size of a quarter she left on each side.  When we asked her what it was, she said “Nipples!”–she thought of everything!  So when I’m ready to get my nipples put on, they’ll transplant that skin.  Until then, though, they’re on my hips.  They’re my hipples.  hahaha   

I miss Chris and the girls so much but they’re doing well.  Ma and Gracie got her back-to-school shoe wardrobe yesterday at the mall and then they out to eat.  When they came to show me her shoes, Gracie ran in with her new sneakers and told me she got “the fastest pair of shoes in the whole store!”  Apparently there was a lot of running in Stride Rite that day–every pair had to be tested for speed.  =)  I so love that girl.  She also got some dress shoes for days when the fast shoes don’t match her dresses. I’ll be happy when we retire/sell all her Crocs and trash all her flip flops. 

The girls see each day as an adventure and they’re having a blast.  Yesterday they went swimming with Uncle Matthew and Aunt Brooke. Today they are at my friend Elisha’s house.  Elisha has 3 girls, so I’m sure there will be an overabundance of nail polish, giggles and hairbows.  My parents took them to the Omniplex, they get to play with friends every day, and they get gifts from Mommy when they get home! (Smartest thing I ever did was to buy and wrap trinkets for them to open when they miss me!)  They are enjoying all the variety in their days.  So this has been good. 

 We’re so thankful for everyone who is helping out with the kids, meals, and housekeeping stuff.  I’m sure we couldn’t do any of this without you all!