I've Been Waiting for this Day!!

Today was a day I have been anxiously awaiting for close to 10 months. This afternoon the expander was removed from the roof of my mouth!! Now, if you have never had the pleasure of wearing this medieval torture device in your mouth, first count your blessings, and then view this picture (they let me have it--you know, for show and tell).
Imagine that thing affixed to the roof of your mouth and cranked open gradually, to expand my jaw. Yes, I know what you may be thinking, but no, my mouth was not big enough. Some of you might disagree with Dr. Bussick, but he said I have a very small mouth. So, after several months of expanding, and then 6 more months of just wearing it to hold the new position, it's out!
I was thinking that my mouth could start to get back to normal, but no. Alas, I was wrong. I now have to wear new rubber bands from top to bottom 24/7. And if I'm not talking (basically during sleep hours), I can double up those tiny rubber bands and basically tie my mouth shut. Sounds like fun! But, the good news is that after looking at a new x-ray today, and asking Emily, his asst. where in my treatment I was (10 out of 33 months), he patted me on the shoulder and said, "You won't be in these for 33 months." YEA!! Less than 2 years to go...AND I can touch the roof of my mouth. What a day!