Walking!!

I walked!
I've been walking with the franken-boot, but without crutches for a few days now. I also have a smaller nylon ankle brace that was supposed to be the next step, but whenever I had it on my ankle hurt. It dug into me and was quite uncomfortable. The physical therapist said that some people have a lot of trouble with that style of brace and find it easier to just go without it. So I did. I am able to take a couple of unassisted steps before it becomes painful, and have the go-ahead to drive. I can also finally carry the kids around, and I know that before long I'll be able to walk normally. It's so exciting to finally see the end of this whole fiasco.
My internet access is still patchy, we haven't yet figured out what's wrong. Hopefully this weekend we'll be able to troubleshoot. Then I'll be able to stay online long enough to restock my HyenaCart.
If you've tried to email through the "contact" link on my website, and I haven't responded, I am not ignoring you. There was a problem with the way the email was being routed to me. I think I've corrected it, but if for some reason you're having trouble getting a hold of me, feel free to just leave a comment here and I'll get back to you.

Internet Frustrations

I've been having issues with my wireless connectivity for the last couple of days. Hopefully I've able to resolve it quickly, and inexpensively. It's so annoying to be replying to an email, hit send, and get an error message instead of the satisfaction of a sent message. Crossing fingers and toes for a speedy recovery.
Thanksgiving with the family was nice. Good food and a good visit. My brother hadn't seen the kids since they were pretty fresh, and my dad hasn't been here in a few months. They had so much fun seeing all the new tricks that they do. The babies had a great time too. Fun for all!

Sewing as physical therapy

I sewed two things for the website today, It was nice to get a chunk of time to do what I wanted without a baby hanging off of me. My sweetie played with the kids and they were happy without me for two hours! I really needed the time to myself, and it was so nice to actually finish something. While sewing, I made sure to use my right foot to run the machine. Pressing the foot pedal is very similar to one of the exercises that I do in therapy, so I thought it might be a good way to work the muscles. In therapy the other day, I took a few steps without the boot. I was wearing a small nylon ankle support inside a tennis shoe. It was really strange to have both feet flat on the floor. I had to stop after just a few steps because it started to hurt, but it's nice to know that I'm making progress. Although I'm not sure that I'll make my goal of walking by Thanksgiving. I'll keep trying though.

I may just walk before the babies do

I'm single-crutching! The physical therapist said to keep working on balance with one crutch and when I'm good at that I can try to walk without them, just with the boot. Then I can start wearing a smaller brace and real shoes. I think that I'll still have to do at least another month and a half of PT before I'm really walking normally again, but I'm getting there. My next doc appointment is in 6 weeks, so he thinks I'm healing fine on my own. He did say that I'll likely have some sensitivity for 6 months or so. The coolest thing? I took some crutch-less steps!!! It was fun, but I did hurt a bit afterward and needed to ice my ankle for a bit. But, it wasn't the ankle that hurt, it was the muscles that I haven't been using. I'm so excited to get back on my feet and to be able to carry the babies again, and clean the house, and drive. My goal is to walk without crutches by Thanksgiving.
I'm feeling winter starting to set in. My sewing has all been with wool and flannel, and I've been wanting to knit the kids sweaters and overalls and hats. I'm hoping to be able to use the woodstove this year, but we first need to come up with a good way to keep the kids safe around it. Learning to walk around a chunk of hot cast iron could be scary. I'm sure we'll figure it out though, and will be all snug and warm with cups of tea and the kids playing happily and safely nearby.

Grand Opening!!

The much anticipated stocking of Pirate Bootie Baby has finally come! My ankle is still healing, but I can sew now. I'm really excited to finally be able to share my one-of-a-kind designs with you
To celebrate my grand opening, there are two lotteries running. One is for a great woolie one-piece that is amazing for layering under your other winter wool, and it's only $5! The other gives the winner free shipping on any item in my store! Hope you love Pirate Bootie Baby as much as I do!!