Diabetes diary 1/25/16

A update on our diabetes journey. I suppose in the daily routine of life, I've become accustomed to the ups and downs that I often forget to take a moment to post. I have to admit the freedom of Daniel living life on an insulin pump has been life changing. Blood sugars are much better. There are still the spikes. There are still the lows. The disease still reminds us it is here everyday, but to our family it is just business as usual. We correct as the time arises and in the meantime enjoy life to the fullest.

The boys are growing up and thriving. The winter season is upon us. Daniel is busy playing basketball for his junior high. He wears his insulin pump during his game proudly on the back of his basketball shorts. The referee before the game does mention it to the other team I suppose as a sign of caution. The boys are boys and still play just as rough as usual. I wouldn't have it any other way. Let them play ball! 

He is just one of the boys with not a care in the world. It is just the way it should be for a twelve year old in the seventh grade. He is accepted as one of his peers and is going through his pre-teen years in stride. 

As I sit here tonight and write this post I'm so thankful for this moment to reflect on how far we have come in Daniel's journey. Four years has just passed since he was diagnosed, he is six months into using his insulin pump therapy, and with every site change I see his skin heal from all the injection sites he once had from years of many injections he had daily. It is such a blessing to see such a difference. 

Let's continue to have a great new year. I'm looking forward to what's next to come. My Type 1 kid rocks! 

Another cloudy morning...

Well, we've made it almost to the middle of January and we have woken up to another morning of possible rain. It's not the usual sunny winter days I've grown accustomed too, but I do love the rainy weather. This is the first winter I've had to search for different types of coats for my preschooler. What three year old wouldn't want coats and rain boots? With hoods or without? With that said the search begins. Little did I know our stores did not plan for the El Niño storms and had already displayed spring clothes. I even searched after Christmas clearance sales for coats with hoods and stores didn't seem to have anything. On-line shopping is always a better option anyways and did my little guy have fun at carters.com and of course you can use all their store coupons on purchases! We are ready for the rainy preschool days ahead.

Oh the joys of childhood. If only life could be as joyful and colorful as our early childhood forever. 

Preschool 101

What a great way to begin the new year than to begin with a new adventure... Our youngest has reached another milestone and into the wonderful world of being an independent preschooler. 

So much has happened over the last few months, Where do I begin? I have taken a few months off from my blog and focused on our family, the Christmas holidays have came and gone, the decorations are all put away, vacation is over, it's the new year, and with that comes a sense of renewed hope towards this upcoming year. I don't have any silly New Year resolutions like a fad diet. I focus on family and spiritual well-being. 

With that said, as vacation came to an end, Landon wanted to go back to school too just like the older kids. I did my research of area preschools in the fall and had prepared for him to begin, but he wasn't prepared, suddenly to our surprise over Christmas vacation, he determined on his own it was his time. It is true how some children will just let you know when they are ready. It really was that simple. 

I made the phone call to tour the preschool, met with the Director, looked into two available classes, which I then watched and observed which one Landon seemed to gravitate towards. I allowed Landon the ability to feel comfortable to explore the classroom and meet his teachers. I want him to build self-confidence and be reassured it was a safe environment. He chose his class almost instantly and stayed for 20 minutes without any hesitation. It was an easy decision. That was his class and we were off to Target to shop for his backpack as I'd promised. 

His first day was a breeze! He didn't shed a tear. He is completely independent. What a joy it is to see the happiness in his eyes as he talks about preschool. He shares stories at the dinner table of his activities and his day. It is bittersweet for myself as he is my youngest. I am beyond proud to watch him grow into a boy. He walks proudly to get to school and waits patiently in line for class. 

And as I leave him each day and say good bye I know he's having the most memorable few hours of his day. He tells me all about it later and we spend the rest of the day enjoying his stories. He looks forward to another school day and wishes it were longer. He's so tired when I pick him up, he falls asleep during lunch. The funny thing is he doesn't realize he has taken a two hour nap when he wakes up refreshed to pick up his big brother from school. 

This was the right time for Landon. His life as a preschooler is very exciting and we encourage him to share his experiences and learn all that he can. That's what life is about!