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! 

Ready for Division Championship

The Upland Chargers are ready for their Division Championship game this Saturday at Noon and then next weekend we will play in Arizona on Saturday the 7th for our National Berth to Florida for Pop Warner ESPN Disney Televised National Championship. Wow! I feel like it's a dream. 

Last week we played High Desert and remained undefeated. Diamond Bar lost to Fontana which leads to our next game against Fontana. We are the number #1 seed. At our parents meeting tonight, we all realized the blessing we have in these boys. They have a gift together. 2015 Upland Chargers pee wee division championship bound! 

Game ready throwing up the U! 

The smallest player... Lol

Gametime!!! 

Time to head to my seat in the stands and get ready to watch our boys fight for the WIN! 

There's Daniel in all black going out for the coin toss. Moments of joy and pride for myself to know with diabetes he can do this, he can play a game he loves. Injuries happen, but he's watched over by a special angel. 

Here's some game pictures...

The game ends 40-16! Celebration time!

The team is made up of amazing young men. They work hard on and off the field. Pop Warner offers scholar awards for the boys as well for maintaining top gpas during the season. It's a difficult schedule. Daniel is doing a great job. He's tired, his blood sugar struggles, he studies late, but he's figured out how to manage his time. He's amazing! 

This Mama is proud of you and especially your little brother. Let's get another win this weekend. #cantstop #wontstop #gottagottagottawin #uplandchargers 

A burning connection between a mother and her son

Those of us blessed with sons know that there’s an undescribable connection that a mother and son have between each other. I am fortunate enough to have 2 sons and while they’re loud and rough and smelly (oh, so smelly!!)as they are growing up. I love them so much that it’s hard to put in to words. 

I recently reflected on my feelings as a mother of a son and the words will probably resonate with other mothers completely if you have a son. 

"Although my son is already a little grown-up I still remember how I was warned before having him that boys love their mamas — and I thank my friends for the fair warning. But what no one warned me about was what the deep, burning, connection that I’d feel with my son. A connection that only him and I will ever understand. The connection that is only known between a mama and her boy. 

It’s so true! When I had my first son people all around me told me how boys love their mamas and I was so happy for that. I didn’t realize how protective, responsible, and passionate I would feel back.  I have a daughter too and I think I also have a deep burning connection with her, but it’s just different than with my boys. 

This little brave little boy has been through so much and yet his love and attachment to myself is still so pure. A son is a gift to a mother. Such a beautiful soul blessed by God. 

"Another soul connected to mine from the moment we met. Never a moment of separation. My heart melted with his. A true love that will last a life time. An inseparable bond. Mother and son" 

The loves of my life are truly a mixture that blend to keep my heart complete. 

Friday night thoughts

As I sit her tonight and ponder on why we go through certain things in life, I wanted to share some thoughts. I am so grateful for what really matters in life, real relationships, real love, real friends, and my amazing family. People for so many years have tried to say things about me, my character, my life, that Leonard and my relationship is wrong, but here we are still going strong. 

All of the things I have been accused of have been shut down and proven wrong, because none of it was true. I have fought hard for justice, I have fought for what's right, I will never stop, I am stronger because of all of that!... I will not be boastful in someone else's pain, that is not who I am. I will be grateful when God is faithful and lives up to his promises.  Evil will not prevail. 

Thankfully he continues to protect me and blesses me with great things in my life because I choose to be a good person even when doing the wrong thing would have been easier at times. I do not hurt people for sport, I do not use people, I do not manipulate, or lie for my own financial gain. I am not perfect by any means and of course have made mistakes in my life, but also have a virtue called integrity and that is the compass that leads me through life! I am unwavering in my beliefs and moral fiber and I will not back down because I am not afraid of a fight. Sometimes God sends his sheep to fight the wolves. 

People have now seen the truth, thankfully, despite certain peoples malicious intent to destroy that belief of who I really am. So tonight I am grateful for that and want to thank everyone who has endlessly supported me and fought for me. It means more to me than you know. The light always overcomes the darkness. 

Thursday Night D-Mom Post

It's been a long week and I'm ready for the weekend. Daniel has had abnormal blood sugars this week. He has been waking up in the 300's. His weekly average is in the 200's and his highest BG470. Type 1 diabetes sneaks up on you... We had beautiful numbers for one week and seemed to be free from hospital downloads for a month. His blood sugars hit a point of stability and we had a few high and a few lows. This week it's highs, which result in sudden lows from too much insulin. These are the wonderful moments as a mother of a Type 1 Diabetic that I wish didn't exist. 

Checking his blood sugar at least 8 times a day. He even checks mine at times. I don't mind. It's the least I can do to support my son as he does it so much. If he wants to know my blood sugar I gladly volunteer. Mine always seems to sit in the 80s. Daniel always tries to trick my blood sugar with candy, soda, or something else extra sweet, but I'm not a sugar eater in general so it doesn't change my numbers much. It's the little fun we have. Any fun we can have with this disease we try to have. It's something we live with, but it doesn't control our lives anymore. 

The boys and I busy as usual, but I wouldn't have it any other way. School, appointments, football, errands... It all makes my world go around. Never leave without the iPad in hand. You never know when you might get stuck in traffic or waiting an extra long time somewhere and I need to keep a 3 year old busy with his preschool activities. 

At this moment, I'm praying for better blood sugars, a great football game for Daniel and his team, quality time, and some beautiful weather. Life isn't always about material things, I enjoy the smiles of my children and their laughter and joy. There's never a dull moment in my life with two little boys. The wrestling, the fighting, the giggles, the rough housing, the noise, the smelly socks, the skateboards I trip over, the monster trucks I step on... That's my life! 

More to blog about soon... 

Upland Chargers made the playoffs

The team throwing up the big U! They won their final season game against Rialto 14-0, shutting down another team and remaining undefeated. These boys make up a great team and together have something special. The defense not allowing points scored with the ability to break the offense of the other team down  is exciting to watch. They deserve the road they are headed on. Go Chargers! 

Here are some pictures from Saturday...

Walking out for the coin toss and there is Daniel #32. I still can't believe how much he has grown. He looks so tall on the field, yet at home he seems like my normal son. He's almost as tall as me. He checks daily. That's his goal the day he passes his Mom. It will be soon. He looks me in the eye now and is so strong. 

Well we won the coin toss, we were on the board first. Here is a picture of Daniel on a tackle which stopped their touchdown run. 

Trucking time... Push push push! 

Landon had the best seat in the house. Front row on the team bench. Lucky little brother. 

Get that interception!!!! 

What an exciting day! I have so much videos. Daniel is doing amazing. His blood sugar is being controlled better with his pump although he still needs injections during the game. I suppose this will always be due to the length of time he is off insulin. His first progress report from Jr. High came in and for Avid and accelerated classes he is earning straight A's. This Mom is completely proud beyond words. He's learning to do chores and become responsible. God blessed me with an Angel. 

Landon follows in his footsteps. Learning,  playing football, doing chores, everything brother does he says I want to too. Life is wonderful. Two precious little boys who enjoy being together and learning from each other. 

What an exciting weekend! Let's see what next weekend has in store for us. Mom loves you Daniel. Your a great big brother and just an awesome kid! #type1strong 

Saturday Night Football Upland vs Rancho Cucamonga

In celebration of all the women fighting breast cancer or who are in heaven now looking down on us after loosing their battles, this game was for you all! In our own lives we all have either a family member or a friend suffering from breast cancer or has lost their battle. The boys know their own personal women they were playing for and released balloons with that woman's name on it. God Bless each and every woman with her battle. May she RIP if she has lost her battle. This was a tough night for many. We began our game with a moment of silence, a balloon release, and a prayer. 

Amen. 

Daniel #32 playing for my dearest friend in this entire world whom I've known from birth his Auntie Dee. His Auntie Dee is fighting her battle still and he wants her to know he dedicated his game to her. 

Gametime! Let's go Upland! One game at a time. Go Sosa #32! 

Landon and myself in the stands trying to take selfies. It's not so easy with a 3 year old anymore. He would rather watch the game or dance to music. 

He did enjoy his nachos. He sat on his blanket and ate them while cheering for his brother. He yelled go Chargers! He yelled go Brother! And when the music came on in between quarters or on timeouts, he had to get up and dance. It was a fun Saturday night.

It makes me wish all their games were at Upland High School on Saturday nights at 7pm. My Mama's boy was attached as usual. It was perfect weather for a night game. 

Upland beat Rancho Cucamonga 32-0! The boys are still undefeated. We take it one game at a time. Next game is this Saturday. 

Words can't begin to describe how proud we are of these boys. Between school, late practices, and tough competitions, these boys are amazing. We've suffered injuries. Daniel's suffered high blood sugars and low blood sugars during the games. Yet, God watches over our boys each and every single game. 

Just a silly picture of my son to remind everyone that he's still a little boy. He's only 12 1/2. Still a kid with huge responsibilities, but the kindest heart I know. I'm a proud Mama. His bg spikes extra high since he doesn't wear his pump during the games. He takes his miss basals and corrections, but adrenalines pumping. He's keeping up with school, had his first cold, doing chores, he's exhausted daily. 

Type 1 Diabetes is just something we deal with... It doesn't stop him! 

Preserving Childhood...One Imperfect Moment At A Time

As I went through old pictures yesterday, I realized my favorite weren't the posed photographs we took at the studio, they were the ones I snapped around the house while the kids were just being kids. Memories of the older two just being themselves. The house wasn't in order, they weren't dressed fancy, they were themselves, just being kids... Daniel was little and learning about the world around him. 

In my attempt to capture Instagram-worthy photos that would generate many likes, I am missing the most important moments of my children’s lives. The quiet moments where they discovered the wonders of a goldfish, or created the most enthralling construction site ever.  In my attempt to wait for perfect moments, I am missing all of the imperfect ones that made each and every minute of my day so sweet.

Life travels too swiftly.  In my daily life, I’m not ashamed to say that we reside in our jammies for much longer than is socially acceptable.  We have snarly, jacked-up hair that never seems to stay in place.  I have children whose assertion towards independence includes dressing themselves in creative ensembles you’ll never find in a GAP ad.  The floor is generally strewn with toys, someone inevitably has snot running down their nose, and most of our grins are accessorized with chocolate quotation marks and milk mustaches.  In my daily life with the boys, perfect moments are few and far between.

 Life is not made of perfect moments.  However, it is pieced together beautifully by many imperfect ones.  In-between those cracks is where real, authentic, life-long joy is found.  If I waited for perfect moments when everyone’s hair was tamed, clothes matched, and noses were snot-less, I would miss my entire life.  It would pass me by so quickly, and I’d have nothing to show for it.

Stop waiting for perfect pictures.  Stop comparing yourself and your children to seemingly perfect photos on social media.  Capture as many seemingly mundane, everyday photos of your children as you can.  Every day those shirts get smaller and those jeans creep up higher.

When my kids are grown, and I’m rocking back and forth in my squeaky old rocking chair…when my face is mostly wrinkles and I’ve lost track of my age…the moments I will treasure, will yearn for, are the everyday, messy-faced moments that I got to share with my babies.

Don’t hide your cameras in the closet.  Every day is full of beautiful, tiny moments that will silently disappear unless you catch them.