For those who didn't know....

April 15th I had jaw surgery to correct my under bite. I read a lot of different blogs before I got my surgery and I thought I would do one of my own.

March 2007 I got braces on to straighten my teeth out for the surgery. September 2007 I got my wisdom teeth out so they would not be in the way during the surgery. Then April I went into the doctors office early in the morning. I got put to sleep for the first time in my life (The most painful thing the first day was the sore throat from the tube that was down my throat) When I went into surgery they were not sure whether they would have to wire my mouth shut. I was relieved when I woke up to find they only had to use rubber bands to keep my mouth closed (this made the whole experience a lot easier). I was on a liquid diet for 6 weeks (well almost, i cheated a little). They broke my jaw and put it back together with titanium plates and screws. The doctor said they had to stretch my mouth to my ear just to get the screws in perpendicular (Can you imagine?). I had some stretch marks for the first week. It all went really well and so far I am really please with the out come. Its amazing that they can change 25 years of teeth/jaw issues and insecurity in a matter of week :).

Before











Day One









Day Two



Day Three









Day Four (The most swelling was on this day)













Day Five











Day Six (I started showing bruising on my face and neck)









Day Seven (My first day back to work)







Day 8 (One Week)









Day 9









Day 9 was the last day I had someone with me to take care. My mom and sister-in-law, Michelle, were awesome in helping me get through the first week. Unfortunately I don't have any more in between picture.

6 Weeks (Back to eating as normal, kind of)











I went for my first orthodontist appointment today since the surgery. He said it looks great and that he didn't have much work to do (as far as straightening out my teeth). It has been an experience learning to chew and smile. I have to look in the mirror every so often to remember that I no longer have an under bite. The most painful part was drinking food for 6 weeks. Everything else was way easier than I expected, as easy ask getting your jaw broken can be :).

silly, crazy, and sold....ZOEY

I've been looking for a boston for months now. Well, I started a new job the first of January and one of my co-workers happens to breed them. It took quite a bit of convincing Luke, but this week I got to bring one home. I think she is going to be a great addition to our family and a sweet companion. She is six months old and a little snuggle bug. I wish I had some pictures of her and Vegas playing together. Believe it or not size doesn't keep them from playing and having fun. Zoey loves licking Vegas to death. Its nice they keep each other occupied. 

This has been the most exciting thing since I got bitten by a snake. :)

*sarah s. if you check this I thing anymore Zoey and Oliver would make a great couple :)! *

Funny Story

Okay...so, its been way too long since I last wrote. I figure, better late than never. I was looking over everyone's blogs tonight and thought I might share a little story of my own.

This weekend Luke and I went to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. We were excited for the time out together doing something different. This was my first time at the zoo in NC. Overall the trip was very enjoyable and we got to see a lot of interesting animals. As Luke and I were leaving the monkey area we were walking down an asphalt trail when suddenly I felt this terrible pain in my ankle. Something likened to a bee sting. Well, I looked down and a snake started moving around crazy on the ground. I took off running and screaming. Running much further than I needed to to get away. Everyone around us must have thought I was crazy because I was screaming so loudly. Luke stood practically in the place where I started from and laughed. He was wondering why I ran so far away. When I went back there was a guy, who was just walking by, that picked the snake up. As I approached Luke I said, " I think that snake bit me." Luke said, "Really?" I looked down at my ankle and there were two little holes and some blood. Very calmly I told Luke we should just go on. The man holding the snake was moving it to a more wooded area. I figured everything would be alright. Well, Luke wanted to find a zoo keeper and make sure the snake was really a black snake. I appreciated his concern, but I just wanted to go. I was humiliated by my screaming and I didn't want to make any more of a scene then I already had. We walked over to this lady zoo keeper and Luke tells her that I got bit by the snake. He asked should we worry about anything. Well, the lady gets on the radio to some other keepers and says " 1019 (the other radio #), we have a woman here who THINKS she got bit by a snake." I laughed to myself and then said" No, I know I did. This blood didn't just appear." While waiting for the other keepers and the snake handler Luke and I stood there laughing with the woman about how ironic it was that we were at the zoo and I had gotten bitten by the snake. As we waited I felt my body get sort of clammy and I thought for sure I was going to pass out. I think more than anything it was from shock, the snake bite no longer hurt. Thankfully I did not pass out and the other keepers showed up with some alcohol and band-aids. I got all cleaned up and we headed on to see the lions. Luke and I had a good laugh for the rest of the day. Luke couldn't get over how far I ran and screamed. It was quite humorous. I was glad the incident did not ruin the rest of our day.

Luckily there were not affects from the bite and the snake handler did confirm that it was a black snake.

Word of caution: watch where your walking at the zoo. Snakes do not like to be stepped on and they will bite you!!!