The surgeon said he refuses to operate on mothers. Flat out. He says I can promise all day long to stay off the foot for 2 weeks, but it won't happen if you have kids. 12 weeks of no lifting would require a lot of advance planning.

Heh. Laura's in my head.

You are on the right track with trying all your options. I hope the physical therapy gives you some relief. So much back ~ma for you.

Me, too. And you're right. There's NO WAY I can get through 12 weeks without lifting at least Olivia.

He can climb onto a bed to get his diaper changed. He can climb up into your mini-van. He can climb up into his high chair. He can do stairs. If he wants you to pick him up, he can learn that you have to sit, and he had to climb into your lap, etc.

He's getting much better about being self-mobile. Not that I carried him everywhere before but at least now he'll take vocal direction, hold my hand, climb into his car seat himself and he sits in a regular chair at dinner because he's so over his booster chair. He's getting so good at stairs now, too--holds the rail himself and walks down (not that this is advanced--he's just slower on the gross motor skills than a lot of other boys his age).

Doc said I could get a lifting belt for at home during the day--it gives you enough support and reminds you to NOT bend your back. Christopher already totes all the laundry and sweeps, takes out trash, recycling, etc.

I think if I'm very careful, that we can get through the next few months. Doc also said once the kids are completely mobile and the strain of that extra work is taken away, I may enjoy even more recovery.

It's all doable. I don't even medicate beyond ibuprofen and the rare bedtime flexeril anymore so I know it's bearable.

Congrats on moving to the dark side the job, Plei! That security sounds like a good thing.

Shoe post! I think I need both of these:

Flats with rivets and buckles! [link]

Wedges with a teeny bow! [link]

It was oddly cute. Of course, a few minutes later, she decided she was All Done with her food, flipped her tray onto the floor, exclaimed "Mess!" and then giggled delightedly. So apparently my babywrangling skills need a little work ...

Sound pretty spot on to me. Although I am thinking the latex clothing might suit me, too. We're still drowning in a river of snot and I've had to change my clothes twice today--snot on my sleeves, snot on my shoulder, snot on my pants leg. I'm done with it. We're on week 3 of the Runny Noses from Hell.

Oh, GC, those flats kick ASS! I can't do wedges anymore but I want those flats.

"GOOD GIRL, DADDY!"

Spiffy! I have a new taunt to use on Joe when I frag him.

Admittedly, it'd be more appropriate to use when he has fragged someone else... but I'm not that patient.

As someone who went without eyebrows involuntarily for about nine months, I wouldn't recommend it. As Hec says, shampoo and sweat run into your eyes. Not having eyebrows really affects the look of your face. I got better at it, but I could never draw both eyebrows the same. Then again, I'm not known for my eye-hand coordination.

I was so glad to read your news, Gud. And your kids: still cute. Is Leif still a one-man demolition squad?

I want those flats too! They look like they would actually fit over my braces.

Also, ASTARTE! So happy to see you, woman!

Also also, pretty shoooooz.

Mwah, Juliana.

And as Raq was so kind as to find a comment of mine COMM worthy on the same day I returned, I feel fully embraced back into Buffista Bosom.

Pardon me while I cop a feel.

Glitter anyone?

Astarte! It's good to see you.

Hi, and happy new year, Cindy.

Thanks to you all for the warm welcome back. Nice to not be forgettable.