My teeth are starting to touch on the right side now, so thankfully that means these elastics are actually doing something! The teeth really only feel like they are touching in the front, but I remember my surgeon and ortho both saying that it's most important that the front teeth are touching and then they'll fix the back teeth as they go - or something like that. After 6 weeks of not touching, the teeth on the right feel REALLY weird now that they are touching because it's been so long since they've made strong contact.
I think my lips have an unhealthy dependence on aquaphor. I used it SO much after surgery because my lips were so painful, that I literally can't stop using it. I nearly have aquaphor on 24/7. When it wears off my lips begin to sting and are really uncomfortable. I think they are so used to getting the moisture from aquaphor that they aren't really doing it themselves...? Not sure. Anyone have any thoughts on this? I can't use aquaphor forever, but chapstick just doesn't bring the relief like aquaphor does.
Recipe for Chocolate White Chocolate Cheesecake Cookies (per Nora's request):
- 1 1/2 sticks butter, softened
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 pkg. Jell-o pudding & pie filling, any flavor (I used Cheesecake, but feel free to try vanilla or something else fun too)
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 egg + 2 egg whites
- 2 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 12 oz. chips, any flavor (I always add a little extra to mine I did about 7 oz. of milk chocolate** & 7oz. white chocolate)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375.
Beat butter, sugars, applesauce, dry pudding mix and vanilla in large bowl with an electric mixer until well blended.
Add eggs and mix well.
Gradually add flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
Stir in chips.
Bake 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove from baking sheets and cool completely on wire racks.
** I used milk chocolate chips, but I would highly suggest using semi-sweet instead. We only had milk chocolate ones and I thought it sounded delicious, but they ended up being way too chocolatey and they kind of overtook the white chocolate chips and cheesecake flavor.
Mix and match chips too! Next time I want to try butterscotch chips + white chocolate chips, yum! Okay I realize this isn't a recipe blog but I thought I'd share anyway :)
Ellie | July 8, 2011 at 1:32 PM
Dani, you are looking great! I love your hair, btw. Pretty braid! I know it's possible to become addicted to medicated chapstick. I use chapstick (well, Burts Bees) constantly. My lips feel awful without it. Thanks for the recipes!
Mrs. B | July 8, 2011 at 1:57 PM
Looking HOT, Dani!! That braid in the 1st pic is adorable!
Nora Simone | July 8, 2011 at 3:35 PM
Wow! Great pic, awesome profile and fabulous hairstyle!
As for the aquaphor? Story of my life. I honestly think chapstick is one of those things that you have to keep using once you start. I remember an episode in 10th grade where my friend and I spent the WHOLE class just putting on chapstick brand medicated chapstick. Our teacher just kept laughing at us.
Can't wait to try the recipe! It sounds so yummy - thanks for posting it :)
Molly | July 8, 2011 at 6:17 PM
You are looking great!!
I am the same boat with my vaseline as you are with your aquaphor. After I eat I have to reapply. I don't think i'll ever be able to not wear chapstick ever again. During the day I use chapstick/vaseline then at night I use this neosporin lip therapy. I feel like my lips burn constantly.
carpe diem | July 9, 2011 at 9:43 AM
How cute are you sassy girl!! I have the same addiction to burts bees. I have that same sensation when it wears off. I think there is something about the numbness that gives such a strong sensation. My teeth are working to touch as well. I have great contact on the left side and trying to work with the right. Its frustrating but they promise it will work over time.
xoxo
Anonymous | July 11, 2011 at 6:45 AM
Great pic from your mom!!