Jer and I had planned a trip to Los Angeles months ago because Jer wanted to see a Pink Floyd concert. We had gone back and forth on whether or not to take the kids and decided it would be fun to just go ourselves and leave the kids with grandparents. Truman and Tacy had things going on in St. George so we left them with my parents so they could still go to piano, soccer, and the pinewood derby. Jer had meetings in Salt Lake right before we were to leave on our trip so we took the little boys up north with us to drop off at Jer's parents house before we flew out from Salt Lake.
Before our plane took off and we were at the Salt Lake Airport, we got a call from Jer's parents that Chambers hurt his leg and didn't want to walk on it. He was playing in the backyard and no one actually saw what happened but they said they thought he fell and hit it on a rock. They said he cried and didn't want to walk on it. They said they were going to see how he felt in a while and take him to the doctor. I was immediately worried but we figured there was no way he could break his bone by tripping and falling on a rock. Soon after we boarded our plane and landed in Long Beach. Just as we were going to catch the train to Los Angeles, Jer's dad called and said they had x-rayed his leg and it was a spiral fracture above his left knee. He said they were going to have to do surgery and put a cast on. I started to cry and felt so bad I wasn't there for him. The procedure was scheduled and there was no way we would be able to get back. Jer and I were torn on whether or not to turn back around and get to Salt Lake or try to carry on with our mini vacation. If I could have made it back for the procedure I for sure would have gone to be with him, but there was no way to do that so we made the very difficult decision to try and salvage our trip that we had planned and spent a lot of money on and figured he was well taken care of. We found at after talking to the doctor and anesteseoligist that he wasn't actually having surgery, but they did have to put him under to put on the cast. I actually felt a huge amount of relief that he wouldn't have to have any surgery. It still pained me that I wouldn't be there when they put him under and not there when he woke up. I knew at that point that he was in quite a bit of pain and was anxious for him to have it set so he could feel better. I felt so guilty and sad that when something so terrible happened to him I wasn't there to comfort him. I just hoped and prayed that all would go well and I would be with him soon. We were so relieved when we got the call that all had gone well and he was awake and doing so well!
That evening we went to the Pink Floyd David Gilmour concert. It was really good and Jer was in heaven that he could see it, but I kept finding my mind and heart wandering to my little boy. I was okay with staying but I sure missed him and thought about him so much. That night I was emotionally exhausted. I was feel like I thought about him all night in my dreams.
The next morning when we woke up we were able to talk to him on Facetime. It fell so good to see him and talk to him. He didn't seem to be in any pain which was a relief but he was on some strong pain meds so he was a little out of it and kept itching his face. He seemed happy and content. We had planned on going to Universal Studios that day and although the night before I was unsure if I was up for it I felt good about going.
We got there right when it opened and even though it was a Friday and I was worried it might be extra busy, we got on all the rides without long waits at all. The longest we waited was probably only 25 minutes for any ride. It was A LOT of fun being there just as a couple and having such a fun time. I had been once as a kid and Jer hadn't been at all and everything went so well. I told Jer we deserved a great day after our rough day the day before.
We felt extra lucky when we walked to see the new part of Universal Studios that was set to open in a couple weeks since and happened to get there as they were doing test runs of the new Harry Potter ride. We were able to get on the ride 2 weeks early without having to wait hardly at all. It was a great ride.
We kept in contact with the kids throughout the trip and were so glad they were having fun.
The next day Jer and I went to the gym and the pool for a little before we tried Uber for the first time and went to the Long Beach Airport. It was such a short trip but I was so ready to get home to see Chambers. Of course our flight was delayed an hour and we didn't get to Salt Lake until like 7:30. It was the longest wait and then plane ride. We rushed to meet Jer's parents when we landed, grabbed a bite to eat and headed home to St. George. We weren't anxious to drive all the way home that late, but we also wanted to get home. Chambers seemed to be in a little pain which was sad to see and said he needed to go potty but didn't want to go into the convenient store to go. The realities of what the next 6 weeks would be like started to set in at that point! We got home a little after midnight and finally got everyone settled for the night. Truman and Tacy were so excited to see Chambers and see if he was alright.
The next morning was Easter Sunday and Jer and the older kids headed off to church while I stayed with the little boys. I had planned on taking Chambers, but we knew he wouldn't be up for it. I assumed he would be able to sit and play with his cast but it is angled so he can't sit on his own and has to be held or propped up. I was so happy to be with him I held him and tried to make him as comfortable as possible for the day. we were pretty exhausted from our very late night but we did head to my parents house for an Easter egg hunt that afternoon. Jer cooked an Easter dinner and we tried to adjust to our new "normal." Chambers was a little whiny and was anxious and nervous about going on the potty...especially poop! I took a lot of time, a lot of attempts, and a lot of patience.
Monday my mom didn't have school so she came over for a little so I could go for a run and get out. The weather was great, the spring desert flowers were blooming, and it felt good. I knew it would be hard for Chambers having a broken leg, but I didn't realize how hard it would be on me! He has to be carried everywhere and can sit up or do much on his own. I keep saying it's kind of like having a newborn that is very large and very heavy. He has gotten better each day and I have gotten a little more used to what we can do. I still have moments where I feel overwhelmed or like I just need to get out. I am definitely counting down the 6 weeks until we can get it off. The other difficult thing is he seems to only want me to do things for him so the others can't help a lot.
Chambers has been such a trooper though. He kind of gets now that this is what it is and he is pretty relaxed and calm about the whole thing and has been amazing. He asks me to hold him a lot and I can tell he gets bored, but we are getting through. We have found a new use for Jer's yard wagon. He can sit in it propped up and be outside.
We've even taken him on a couple walks in it.
He loves blowing bubbles. He has gotten so good at it. He has already finished one whole bottle and I bought more yesterday. He likes to read and does that multiple times and day. He has done lots of stickers, played my phone, and watched shows. He got a couple books that you color with a water pen and then they dry so you can do them again that he has like doing as well.
