And we have a smile!

Sorry, I didn't get anything posted yesterday. I have to admit that I have traded that long drive for a lot of work. BUT it is all worth it. Pulled out the tape measure before putting Ariel in the shower this morning and she is officially 4 feet 11 inches. That is exactly 4 inches shorter than her mother. I have to admit that I didn't do this before she went into surgery so I can't give you the exact amount of growth but I agree with the doctor on somewhere around 12 inches. We are settling into a bit of a routine, getting a shower everyday and staying on top of the pain meds. You know how that goes when you come out of surgery and it's all you can do to take a shower and then you feel like you are exhausted. That is where we are at. She is far more comfortable than she was even 24 hours ago and yes we have even gotten a couple of smiles out of her. Today after dinner I am going to put her in her wheelchair and we may even go for a small walk around the house. She is still getting nauseous when she goes to a sitting position, so we are taking things very slow. Nights are sort of like having a newborn baby in the house. She is now getting meds every three hours and needs to be moved at the same time so not too bad. The 3 younger kiddos went to church with their Auntie T this morning and I took a nap while Ariel was doing the same. So that is even better today than yesterday. It's all uphill from here right? I continue to be amazed by how well she is doing:) I am going to throw a huge thank you out there for all of the meals. It isn't like we are hurting for food or anything but not to have to even think about what I am going to make for dinner every night is such a huge blessing. Natalie, Tracy, Maureen, all of the young women, my neighbors, all of my "organizers" you all are such a blessing in my life. I am sure we would muddle through this on our own but what a peace of mind you all bring to me. My three younger children are being so well shuttled, entertained, taught, fed! I don't know how I am going to live up to all of this when we get things back to normal. I love you all. I will update soon. Tam