23 days!!

Yes! Tomorrow is June 1st, 23 days until I get my braces off. Very exciting!

As promised, here are some pictures of my updated profile..I have debated posting my 'before' pictures but at this time, I'm going to pretend those don't exist! haha

In other news, most of you reading this may know but some may not, Justin and I are having a baby! Due November 14th, we are very excited! We have our next ultrasound scheduled on June 24th and if all goes as planned, we will find out that morning if we're having a boy or girl! The month of June is a really exciting month! My brother in law is getting married on June 25th so we will be having all the exciting things happening in 3 days this month. I LOVE that it will be June tomorrow. I keep remembering how many times I told myself last summer that I can't wait until next summer! It is here and so far it's a great one! God is so good!

Here's some new pictures!

10 Months Post-Op!

I saw my orthodontist today. GREAT news! Things are going along perfectly and I go back on May 26th for a final tweak then on Thursday, June 23, 2011 (a year to the day since my surgery!) I've got my appointment booked to get my braces off! How NICE! I am super happy about this as my brother in law is getting married on June 25th and it will be wonderful to have my braces off for all the pictures.

I have also been feeling really great!! I can actually eat some raw veggies again. Carrots are my 'new' snack now. Only little tiny ones but my jaw is actually strong enough now to bite into the thin ones. Not so exciting to others of course, but to me this is a new step! To be able to bite things with my front and bottom teeth together is still new to me again. I am just so happy with the results of my surgery.  What a PROCESS! I'm still amazed at how much I've gone through the past few years (especially this last one) and how much BETTER I feel! I feel so much more like myself again. It's been amazing to not have constant jaw pain. To be able to yawn without the pain and talk and sing as much as I want in a day and not have a throbbing headache/jaw.

I feel so blessed to be over the worst of all of this.

I'll update with some new pictures soon!

Coming Along!

Hi Everyone!!

It's been two weeks since my last surgery. I am feeling a lot better! Still have constant pain of course but that is 'normal' for me haha. But the swelling is gone, I can chew food again and I am on the mend.

I saw my surgeon on November 16th. He thinks I may need to have my braces taken off right away and be fitted for a night gaurd (also acts as a retainer so it doesn't bump my brace work back). I may have my braces off for a couple months to give my jaw a rest and hopefully strengthen the joints a bit before putting the braces back on.

I see my orthodontist on December 7th (sooner if he calls me to come in). So I don't know if this will happen for sure but it sounds like my surgeon prefers this plan.

It would be nice to feel what it's like to have these braces off for a bit, a big pain to have to put them back on but I will do whatever I need to do for this jaw to be healed!

I'll let you all know what happens : )

One of my favourite songs, been a while since I've listened to this one.
Take a Listen!
He's Always Been Faithful - Sara Groves

2nd Surgery Done!

Hi Everyone!

Well I had my surgery yesterday morning (Nov 4th) at 8am. It went well, I am suffering for it but my pain is being managed by my Tylenol 3's and lots of Ibuprofen!
My surgeon ended up removing all the screws in my lower jaw on both sides. It turns out I clench my teeth so much at night that it caused each screw to become loose. My surgeon said he's never had a patient who has loosened every screw this way. So I'm a really 'unique' case...haha. I woke up to intense pain on both sides, I'm not gonna lie, I started to cry because I am just so tired of jaw pain and it just hit me that this is not a simple recovery again. The nurses there are so wonderful though, that always helps when you're in those emotional and painful situations!


I got home yesterday and rested. Didn't actually sleep too much but wasn't up to talking. My face is very swollen. My husband is a pro at filling up my icepacks and checking when I need my medication again...it's like we only did this 4 months ago...he's an expert! 


I had a good sleep last night...slept most of today as well, this is a HUGE blessing. Laying on my back again I wasn't sure how I would sleep but I didn't have any problems. I am so thankful for that. After 2 months on my back last time...anyone who has only been able to sleep in one position for any length of time understands how difficult it can be!


Well, I am drugged up good, drinking meals through a straw again and taking it easy! Here's a couple pictures (not the most flattering of course) to share with you all. The pictures don't always do the swelling justice but it's a little picture for ya.


Thank you all so much for praying for me again and again and again! Today I feel a little less depressed, and I know why! 
Yesterday was pretty rouch emotionally, but the Lord is my strength and comforter.  : )

November 4th!

Hi Everyone!!

Just wanted to let you know the date has changed from Wednesday to Thursday November 4th. My surgery starts at 8am. 

Thanks to all of you keeping me in your prayers!!! I am so blessed for it!


Ora