In the last month we have made 3 trips to Albuquerque, each packed with fun family events and tons of luggage. I was doing my best to slowly move back so our car ride wouldn't be too packed when we finally moved home. Each trip reminded me how much we love our home but at the same time it drew a fear in both Zackary and I that I didn't know could happen. We were scared to move back home. We had lived in Baltimore for 5 months, almost to the day. It had become our life, our home, our routine of calm, no one else, scheduled and not influenced by any outside source but PT. Zackary was worried about not fitting in, not having all my attention, not being able to keep up and of course missing out on our weekly Taco Bell dates. I was concerned about having to adjust to our 'new normal'. Did I even know what that was? NOPE! I knew it was going to have to be slower paced, saying 'no' to more things then I ever have before and having to bring my attention to 2 more boys that I loved just as much as Zackary all while keeping up with a house, dog, football, work and family. Deep down I knew I could handle it, but I just wasn't ready for the change
Whether I was ready for it or not it was happening but before the big move could happen on the 19th we had to have our last doctors appointment that took place 2 weeks ago from today. We walked in confident with our heads held high knowing we were officially done lengthening. We had done the math and were prepared to get the all clear. Then the good ol' doctor walked in and said 'congratulations you get to go home.' YAY! And then....' But with that said..." ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?! His new bone growth isn't as dense as he would like it so he asked if we would go backwards a cm AGAIN and then go forward for the last cm. Luckily he learned to start off the appointment with good news so it wasn't too horrible to hear but it was still disappointing. I definitely did not plan to lug that huge piece of luggage back to Albuquerque, and going backwards 6-8 times a day was not conducive to our 10 hour long driving days ahead of us but we made it work. We have done all the backwards movement and are currently in the last week of going forward and should be done lengthening completely, again, in about 6 days. We left Baltimore with the following instructions: We have to get an xray sent to our doctor out there as soon as we are done lengthening and then one every month until he releases Zackary to full weight bearing. We also have to continue his bone density supplements and bone stimulator until full weight bearing and have PT 3 times a week from now until then as well. When I asked what the time frame is for full weight bearing all he could tell me was the average is about 4 months, some are more some are less. But then he followed that up with giving Zackary permission to start riding his bike on straight paths as long as he promised not to fall and told him he should be snowboarding by January! Let's just take that it for a moment and just imagine the 'mom look' I gave that doctor when he told Zackary these things!! No matter what the next few months hold we know we are home and together as a family and that's all that matters.
These are some of the great staff at the hospital that keep this boy smiling, and flexible.
Now on to the drive home. Less then an hour into the drive we hadn't even made it 50 miles! There was traffic, wrecks, a wrong turn by me and rain that slowed everyone down tremendously! Luckily this was only how the first day went :-/ Zackary and I drove to Columbus, OH to pick up my poppa so he could help us drive the rest of the way and we were only 2 hours late to pick him up. The first night was a little later then expected but we made the most of it and even got in 15 mins at the hot tub in Indianapolis where we stayed. The next day we took a long lunch in St. Louis and visited the Gateway Arch. So much fun! It was smooth sailing the 2nd and the 3rd day with not a single complaint from Zackary and he didn't even take Tylenol. This kid is seriously the biggest trooper ever! We made it home Sunday afternoon just in time to have a family get together at my house since Adam's brother was in town from NY. Yep, talk about hitting the ground running. 
Well we have been home for exactly a week now and though the first few days were a little bit hard to adjust to with a bit of simulation overload for both Zackary and I and a lot bigger to do list then I ever remember having, but overall it has been good. I've been able to cook dinner for my family (on a real stove!) and even got to watch Johnathan lead his team to a 7-0 win in their first scrimmage. We also got to be a part of a friends daughters beautiful wedding, picked and scheduled Zackarys PT, have multiple walks with the puppy and have contemplated unpacking multiple times! Hey, I told you I had to say no to some things right?!
As we continue on with life I want you all to understand how completely grateful we are for the life we are given, the gift of our family and the blessing that each of you are to us. Thank you for all that you've done for us. The kind words, encouragement, money and support truly saved us in so many ways over the last 5 months. Though our battlefield location has changed from Baltimore to Albuquerque we know the fight is not over yet. We still have 4-5 months of recovery here but we know God has a plan that we trust and can't wait for Zackary's full recovery when he is able to run around with friends and play basketball again, oh yeah did I mention we signed him up for basketball?! The season starts in January! We have high hopes in God and PT.
We will continue to keep you posted on how things are going from week to week but for now I must start work for the day so I can make it to Johnny's first football game of the season! Remember when I mentioned I didn't care when I got home as long as I didn't miss any of Johnny's games?! Well here's proof of answered prayers! Oh and PT starts tomorrow so wish us luck!
Until next time,
Momma Miller
