Things are going well with my recovery. I had a doctor’s appointment earlier in the week (Thanks Elise for driving me) and the prognosis is good. I’m allowed to take the brace off on occassions, mostly when i’m just laying low at home. Things are still very tight and a bit sore, but i’m also aloud to move around some, to about 30-40% range of motion. Turning side to side is good, but leaning left/right is rough. Guess those titanium plates got things a bit restricted for now 
Picture to left is me and my sweet brace, while setting up for a wedding. I’m off to watch football games, day off = good!