Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts

Monday, November 29, 2010

A Look Back...My Two Sons.

So I'm a day late and several dollars short...who cares, right?  Yesterday was declared Special Sib of a D-Kid Day by some special D moms out there:  Alexis of Justice's Misbehaving Pancreas and Sherry of Jenna's Pet Monkey. It's a day to direct the attention to the kids who help out with all the diabetes stuff.  Their lives are affected by this disease too.  Thanks Alexis and Sherry!

I'm pulling an old post up from about 1 1/2 years ago.  I thought it fit the theme perfectly.  They may be a bit older now, but they are definitely still Special Sibs of our D-Kid!...my two sons.

_____________________________________

Remember the old television show, My Three Sons? Well, this is the newest edition of "My Two Sons!" (Disclaimer: this goes against everything my mother ever taught me regarding boasting/bragging. Sorry, mom.) I thought it appropriate to write about my two boys for several reasons.

First of all, they're my boys and I love 'em! They have both played long and hard on their separate baseball all-star teams this summer. And as baseball sometimes goes, they both had games last night. Both their teams lost last night, which means...they are both finished with baseball. Well, at least for a while!

They are a funny pair.

Big C has brilliant red hair, stands nearly taller than I do and can pitch an insanely fast ball. He's 12. It seemed we had to re-iterate that fact several times to people during Little League this year because he stands taller than any other kid at his level. He will be going into the 7th grade this fall. He always gives us many reasons to be proud.

Then there's Middle C. His hair is also red, but more of a subtler shade. He is reminiscent of Opie Taylor -- Ron Howard's character on The Andy Griffith Show. Grandma tells him he looks like a young Brad Pitt. Either way, yes, I think he is handsome! He'll be headed for 5th grade this fall. And, I've got to say, the humor inside this kid keeps us laughing every day!

The second reason I wanted to write about them on the blog is regarding the roles they play in our family where diabetes is concerned. Their lives, too, are affected by this disease. A lot of time and attention is given to C because of type 1. And, though it is an intricate part of our family, we strive daily to carry on our normal routines. We never want diabetes to rule whether we do activities or not. But there are times, when it rears it's ugly head at inopportune moments. My boys have seriously never once grumbled about the "diabetes-interrupted" times. A low may need to be treated when heading out the door. Or, maybe the low happens at the end of a baseball game when the team is heading to the local pizza parlor. And, we just need to sit and be patient while C struggles to feel better. Diabetes is demanding. And it's demanding on all of us, including my two sons.

They support our efforts in raising awareness and raising funds for the JDRF. They participate in walks. They've attended Family Camp Days to learn more about diabetes. They were so excited this past May, when we set up a Sno Cone sale at the baseball fields. All proceeds will be going to our walk team. At one point during the day, they took over running the booth with some of their baseball buddies!

Big C recently wrote a paper all about type 1 diabetes and how his sister deals with it all. I was so touched...I posted it back in May. It shows how much he knows about this disease, more so than many people. It also shows that he doesn't take it lightly.

The last reason I wanted to write about my two sons in this post is to highlight one other thing they do in the fight against diabetes. They both participate in TrialNet. It's the ongoing trial to find answers from lab work gathered by siblings and cousins of type 1 kids. And, although they aren't jumping up and down with excitement to get their blood drawn yearly, they do it because it's what they can do to make a difference. I'm proud of them for that!

My two sons...

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Baseball Dreams...

Click here to view list of blogs participating in No D Day.

...Cooperstown Dreams Park, New York...

The highlight of my son's life so far:  traveling to Cooperstown, New York with his baseball team this summer.

The anticipation of this trip reached its peak toward the middle of August.  Fund raising was over.  New equipment was bought.  His hard work was about to pay off!

There were fund raisers all year...you know, selling things, having raffles, and finding local companies for sponsorship.  But above and beyond all these efforts, Big C put in some old-fashioned blood and sweat.  He mowed lawns, watered plants and even gave up some of his weekly allowance, in order to go on this trip of a lifetime.  I really was so proud of him.

The only bit of disappointment was in the fact that this would not be a vacation for the entire family.  But it would be an extraordinary memory-maker for him and Dad.

We got him all packed up...baseball equipment and all.

We had really stressed to him that the trip was expensive.  And that he would have to do his part and work hard.  The money he had earned for the last many months was put away...for just that purpose.  So, you can imagine his surprise when we handed all his hard-earned dollars back to him on the week before the trip...to be his spending money.

In the middle of August, they took off to New York.  It was a long week back at home for us.  We missed them terribly.  But we got to talk nearly every night.  Team families would text some highlights (like Big C's 2 home runs!)  And, we even got to watch one of the games live, online.

When the day came to pick up Dad and Big C, we headed to LAX, ready to hear all about their week.  Well, this kid talked and talked and talked and talked some more!  It was so obvious that it had been a dream-come-true for him...

Here are some highlights from that experience:
  • bunking with the team + 4 coaches (Dad included)
  • going to the Baseball Hall of Fame
  • eating their fill and then some, at meal time
  • BBQ'ing and relaxing at team families' condos
  • trading pins with a thousand other boys
  • buying souvenirs
  • walking around a totally baseball-themed town
  • being given a special ring for the tournament
  • ranking 18th out of 100 teams
  • hitting a home run
  • hitting a 2nd home run
  • visiting Doubleday Field, home of baseball
  • simply traveling across the country to play baseball
  • spending 1 last exciting week with teammates he's played with for the past 3 years
And that, my friends, are what baseball dreams are made of...


























Monday, May 10, 2010

A Day in Our Family's Life...with Diabetes


Thanks goes to Karen, my knitting friend, over at Bitter-Sweet, for rallying the bloggers in the DOC for the 1st annual Diabetes Blog Week!  It's an awesome idea.  And she already has a list of 100+ bloggers set to type their hearts out this week!  Way to go Karen!!

And, it's not too late to join in the fun!  Just head over to her blog and let her know you're in...She's even gone the extra mile and given us some great topics.  I totally appreciate that because I could use a little jumpstart this week.  : )

DAY 1:  A Day in Our Family's Life...with Diabetes

6:30     Wake up; get myself together

6:45     Go down the hall...wake up Middle C, wake up Big C, go in and do first bg check on C...123...beautiful!

7:00     Set out breakfast stuff...make lunches...re-stock C's bag...bolus C accordingly...say the words "hurry up!" about 100 times...teeth brushed, hair fixed, sunscreen on...

7:50     Out the door with C and Middle C...pick up one of C's friends

8:00     At school...quick prayer...hugs and kisses...say bye to Middle C...walk w/C to Health Office...drop off diabetes bag and snacks...chat with Health Aide...one more hug to C

8:20     Back home...turn on computer...put a load of laundry in...COFFEE...chat with Big C as he gets ready

8:40     Out the door with Big C...pick up one of his friends

8:50     Drop off the boys at middle school crosswalk  (no hugs in public...just a "see ya later" and a "have a great day!"...got my hug at home!)

9:00     Back home...back to work

9:45     Get a call from school:  C's at 101...Health Aide will bolus for a 10 gram snack

9:50     work, cleaning, laundry, errands

11:45   Get a call from school:  C's at 89...Health Aide will bolus for 31 gram lunch

12:00   Lunch for me!!

1:00     Get a call from school:  C's at 167...good number prior to PE class...no correction bolus...back to work for me

2:05     Pick up C and little friend...drop friend home

2:15     At home...wash up...bg check:  118...bolus for snack...18 grams...start homework

2:50     Pick up Middle C

3:00     Finish up snacks...homework...piano practice...talk about the day

3:30     Pick up Big C...rinse and repeat!

3:45     bg check:  178...good number prior to gymnastics...detach her from the pump

4:00     Take C to gymnastics class...hang around class with boys dressed in baseball practice clothes of course!...leave class to drop off Middle C to his practice

4:45     Back to gymnastics to pick up C...bg check:  113...perfect!...re-attach pump...

5:00     Drop Big C off at his practice

5:15     Back home to dinner already prepared in the crock pot...fix salad...C sets the table

6:30     Everyone's back home including the husband...bg check:  100 (love that #!)...DINNER!

7:00     Dishes...showers (unhook C from pump..."free shower" perhaps?)...finish homework...TV...relaxing...site change for C

8:30     Goodnight to C and Middle C

9:00     Goodnight to Big C

9:30     Bg check:  125...relax...finish up computer work...TV shows...

11:00   Check on kids...one more bg check:  119

Sleep...

Okay...I confess that the above scheduled day has NEVER happened.  Maybe it is my perfect day with diabetes...Maybe it's what I'd like to experience on a regular basis, with diabetes.  But the truth is:  there are no typical days with this disease.  There are those times when C will have several in-range numbers in a row...and it's awesome!  And, those readings of "100"...love them!  (Sometimes we love them so much, we take pictures of the meter!!)  But honestly, diabetes does not behave in any typical pattern day to day.  In fact, C could eat the exact same foods, same amounts, same boluses of insulin...even the same amount and intensity of activity and get a huge range of numbers.

It's tiring.  It's frustrating.  And sometimes, it's very unmanageable.  But, we persevere.  We must.  We continue to strive for those in-range numbers, 70-120 or so...

On many days, there are mistakes made.  C's diabetes bag might be forgotten at home.  I might overlook that she's down to just 1 test strip.  There have been countless trips back to school.  The nurse might be absent and the checks are up to me to do.  There have been mornings when we've forgotten to bolus for breakfast and she ends up at 427.  I've raced down to school to do emergency site changes when the tubing has major air trapped in it or her site was pulled out at recess.  Or, maybe she's had a couple big numbers in a row and, no matter, how much we correct her, she just doesn't come down.

So, a day in our family's life...with diabetes?  It's different every day.  It keeps us on our toes. 

...as for coming home to a prepared meal in the crock pot??...rarely does that happen!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

8 Years Ago Today...

8 years ago today, we became out-numbered.

8 years ago today, I fully expected to meet another red-headed little boy.

8 years ago today, I finally found out what all the hype is, regarding epidurals.

8 years ago today, my husband fainted while watching the needle go into my back.

8 years ago today, I got to witness 2 little boys meeting their sister.

8 years ago today, diabetes was not even a thought.

8 years ago today, I knew our family was complete.

8 years ago today, sweet Claire Olivia was born.


Happy Birthday, Sweetpea!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Goldilocks and the 3 Cell Phones

Well, it happened.  All of us got new cell phones for Christmas.  Yes, all of us...including the 7 year old.

I know.  I've heard all the comments already. 

"Wow, she's pretty young to have a phone!"

"I wouldn't dream of giving even my 10 year old a phone!"

"What in the world does a 7 year old need with a phone?!"

I have to say that there is a ton of pressure on parents to provide children with cell phones.  And, we put it off until our oldest was in middle school.  He began going places, more and more, with friends.  We were beginning to drop him off at practices and games.  It felt like the right time to give him a phone...for our peace of mind.

Jump back to Christmas...

My cute little pink, breast-cancer-awareness-y flip phone was finished.  Literally, 3 days before our contract ran out with the carrier, it died.  It would not even stayed charged for 30 minutes.  Of course, the husband was out of town.  I couldn't believe it.  We had been waiting with baited breath for the freedom from this company so that we could start fresh, new phones, new carrier.  But I needed a phone right then!  How did I ever manage without one.  I went w/out for one day.  1 day.  It drove me to the brink, people.  This was just before Christmas break and I needed every possible moment to do all those crazy last-minute things a parent does w/out kids in tow. 

Well, I couldn't stand it...so off to the _ _ & _ store I went.

"Sorry, lady.  They don't make batteries for that phone anymore.  Can I upgrade you to a new phone and new plan?"  In other words, "Can we lock you in with us for another 2 years with lousy service and extremely over-inflated charges?"

"Um, no thank you!" I said. "I just need a phone for like, 2 more days.  Anything. Maybe a junkie old one someone just turned in.  Anything?"

"Sorry ma'am.  All we can do is start you on a new phone with a new plan."

Argh.

I certainly didn't want that.  I went home feeling bound to our house phone.

And then, my 12 year old had a brilliant idea.  "You can put your old SIM card into my phone, mom."

"Awesome!  Thank you dear heart!"

And then he realized he was out a phone until the next week or maybe beyond.  Such a sweet boy!

Anyway, where am I going with this post??  O yeah...a 7 year old with a phone...

So, after getting through that horrendous phone-obsessed weekend, the husband and I talked about our options.  We had really wanted to replace our phones (the 3 we had) at Christmas time...as Christmas gifts.  We wanted to give middle C one as well.  There are many times I just wished he had one.  You know, sports practices, off with friends.

So we decided to get 4 new phones, whole new carrier.  And then, I began thinking again (dangerous, I know).  The kid who really needs one is C!  She too, is beginning to participate in activities that are difficult for us to be at every single minute.  And I need to feel she can reach us whenever the need arises.  With diabetes, we are finding it increasingly difficult to make certain all of our bases are covered with the different adults who may be in charge of her supervision.  Of all places, Sunday School has given us several concerns.  I just can't trust that everyone will consider a blood glucose reading of 47 as important...something that happened a couple months ago.  I feel I can trust C more...to at least call me if she has that option.

She really has shown great responsibility for her new phone.  She knows it's not a toy.  It stays in her bag.  The only numbers in her contact list are family members.  I think our new motto is going to be "test, treat & text." 

So, the result is this.  We all got phones for Christmas.  All of us.  Even the 7 year old.  There are limits.  And there are restrictions.  But now I'm able to reach all my kids and they're able to reach me. 

I suppose people will think what they will.  But they don't know my daughter.  They don't know our life.  And, unfortunately, most don't know about diabetes.  If having access to her phone makes even one low  less scary for her (and me) then that 5th phone in our family is worth it...not only the money, but all the raised eyebrows and questions.


Goldilocks and the phones

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Happy Dia-versary!



Yes, that's right.  HAPPY Dia-versary! It's been 6 years for us.  6 years of finger pokes.  6 years of insurance battles.  6 years of 12 midnight and 3 am.  6 years of insulin, tears and fears...6 years of diabetes.  And, yes, today is a happy day.

Our family is choosing to celebrate this day, December 29th, C's diagnosis day.  We are not, by any means, celebrating diabetes.  Rather, we are celebrating LIFE, where diabetes has taken our family and the strength C has gained, because of this disease.  It was 6 years ago today that began this incredible journey for her and our family.  It is bittersweet to me, for sure.  I am so happy that God made me stay that long, awful night in the ER.  I am happy that we actually got the disturbing, confusing diagnosis.  Because that means, diabetes did not win out.

My eyes are welling up as I type.  But, really, I am happy.  My daughter is thriving.  Our family is growing.  And we are blessed beyond measure...despite diabetes.  No.  It will not win out.  We will work hard to keep things in check.  We will lean on friends and family who, may not fully understand our situation, but love us tremendously.  We will continue to learn about new advances for diabetes management.  We will hope, still, for a cure.  We will continue to lend and gather support from our online friends who know exactly what we're up against.  This is a great day.

So...we're off to go...bowling!...C's choice.  We may even get some ice cream too! 

Happy Dia-versary C!  We love you...


(Yes...got the ice cream!  And 2 hours later?...only 226!)

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

My Two Sons

Remember the old television show, My Three Sons? Well, this is the newest edition of "My Two Sons!" (Disclaimer: this goes against everything my mother ever taught me regarding boasting/bragging. Sorry, mom.) I thought it appropriate to write about my two boys for several reasons.

First of all, they're my boys and I love 'em! They have both played long and hard on their separate baseball all-star teams this summer. And as baseball sometimes goes, they both had games last night. Both their teams lost last night, which means...they are both finished with baseball. Well, at least for a while!

They are a funny pair.

Big C has brilliant red hair, stands nearly taller than I do and can pitch an insanely fast ball. He's 12. It seemed we had to re-iterate that fact several times to people during Little League this year because he stands taller than any other kid at his level. He will be going into the 7th grade this fall. He always gives us many reasons to be proud.

Then there's Middle C. His hair is also red, but more of a subtler shade. He is reminiscent of Opie Taylor -- Ron Howard's character on The Andy Griffith Show. Grandma tells him he looks like a young Brad Pitt. Either way, yes, I think he is handsome! He'll be headed for 5th grade this fall. And, I've got to say, the humor inside this kid keeps us laughing every day!

The second reason I wanted to write about them on the blog is regarding the roles they play in our family where diabetes is concerned. Their lives, too, are affected by this disease. A lot of time and attention is given to C because of type 1. And, though it is an intricate part of our family, we strive daily to carry on our normal routines. We never want diabetes to rule whether we do activities or not. But there are times, when it rears it's ugly head at inopportune moments. My boys have seriously never once grumbled about the "diabetes-interrupted" times. A low may need to be treated when heading out the door. Or, maybe the low happens at the end of a baseball game when the team is heading to the local pizza parlor. And, we just need to sit and be patient while C struggles to feel better. Diabetes is demanding. And it's demanding on all of us, including my two sons.

They support our efforts in raising awareness and raising funds for the JDRF. They participate in walks. They've attended Family Camp Days to learn more about diabetes. They were so excited this past May, when we set up a Sno Cone sale at the baseball fields. All proceeds will be going to our walk team. At one point during the day, they took over running the booth with some of their baseball buddies!

Big C recently wrote a paper all about type 1 diabetes and how his sister deals with it all. I was so touched...I posted it back in May. It shows how much he knows about this disease, more so than many people. It also shows that he doesn't take it lightly.

The last reason I wanted to write about my two sons in this post is to highlight one other thing they do in the fight against diabetes. They both participate in TrialNet. It's the ongoing trial to find answers from lab work gathered by siblings and cousins of type 1 kids. And, although they aren't jumping up and down with excitement to get their blood drawn yearly, they do it because it's what they can do to make a difference. I'm proud of them for that!

My two sons...