Well, I am all healed now! I went to see the neurosurgeon last Thursday, did a few strength tests, got some x-rays, and was given the go ahead to take the dear neck brace off I have been in since the surgery. What a feeling! I now have two spectacular scars in my neck, one in the front where they put a plate over vertebra C6 & C7, and another one in the back so they could put a bar over the same two vertebra for more stabilization. My limitations now are to lift nothing more than 40 pounds for the next six weeks. At that point, I will have to head back to the doc one more time after some physical therapy for the stifness I am having now. I suppose this is normal, since I didn’t move my head for just shy of two months. The best thing is I can now lift my son, Quinn! I really did miss that connection with him. I could have him in my lap, but being able to pick him up is so much better now! I did ride my bikes around the neighborhood this weekend. It felt good, but it is going to take a bit of time to loosen up to where I can go on a long road ride again. Racing will have to wait until next season. This is a good point to focus on my photography anyway. Thank you everyone for all of the interest in my work lately. I am now cleared to get back to shooting…and here are a couple shots I did in my kitchen the other day…

So, I have been living with my trusty old neck brace for the last seven weeks now. It has been tough, but we have been managing. This Thursday is a big day…I head back to the Doc’s office for more X-rays. I will find out at that point what is next on the road to recovery…hopefully it doesn’t involve me wearing the neck brace or not being able to drive myself around!
I will be starting back in the wedding photography business again as soon as I can. I have had to turn away several people and for that I am sorry, but they have all been very understanding. If you are planning a wedding for the latter part of the summer, fall or 2009, I would love to be on your list for consideration.
Stay tuned for the updates…and Thank you for all of the support everyone has given me over the past two months!