Diabetes Blog Week: We, the Undersigned

Prompt:

Recently various petitions have been circulating the Diabetes Online Community, so today let’s pretend to write our own. Tell us who you would write the petition to – a person, an organization, even an object (animate or inanimate) - get creative!! What are you trying to change and what have you experienced that makes you want this change? 

(UPDATED OPINION JUST ADDED TO THE END...a petition I can really get passionate about.)

Can I pass on this topic? I don’t know that I’ve had any experience with diabetes to make me overly passionate about changing anything.  Overall, other than the disease itself, I've been pretty pleased with the support we've received from the medical professionals, supply company, and other d-peers.  I just feel so new to diabetes that I don't have much knowledge about the bigger picture and things that should be changed.  I'm sure there are things that should change and I will fight the fight when I discover them.  But in the meantime...if I could start a petition about something...

Maybe I could start a petition that if you have more than a handful of coupons/ad matches you are required to use the coupon/ad match line at Walmart.  It’s there for a reason.  Don’t get me started…Just sayin’.

Or join me in demanding the post office keep their priority box display stocked for those of us who like to come in after hours. 

How about a petition to require all stressed out moms an uninterrupted hot bath with candles and smelly things for as long as they want at least once a week.

Even better...let's start some petition to cap the price of gas.  Who agrees with me on that one?  That's what I thought! Oh yeah!

It’s the simple things.  

But at least I'm not jumping on board with the whole Disney Princess nonsense...(as I keep my opinion of that to myself in an effort not to alienate my readers. It's a hot topic for sure!)

I know...not what you were hoping.  Tomorrow's post will be better. I figure if I can't write something intelligent, then maybe I can amuse a few of you.  :)

UPDATE!  Since I posted this late last night, there has been a discussion on the FB group I participate in that brought up an issue I could really get behind... Turns out that Disney has taken "Diabetes" off their approved medical list to get a line pass for the rides.  They've associated it with Grandpa's diabetes that you just take a pill for and the problem is solved.  I don't go to Disneyland on a regular basis, but I hope to take my sweets someday.  While diabetes in all forms is yucky and horrid, Type 1 IS different from Type 2.  Standing in lines, heat, poor food choices and more make managing the disease very difficult and could potentially be life threatening...my sweets has other conditions that would be just cause to get a pass, but I do see the need just in the T1D.  My petition is to educate Disney and get this back on the list and at the very least, don't lump my child's needs with grandpa who will probably be sitting on a bench in the shade anyways.  NO disrespect intended to grandpa...or anyone who suffers from type 2!!!  I just think that of all the medical issues my sweets has and can be approved for a pass, T1D is at the top of that list in being my biggest hurdle and concern and may prevent me from visiting your park all together if I don't feel it's safe for her.  Just asking for a little help and understanding.

It's Diabetes Blog Week! Share and Don't Share

So here’s the thing…it’s Diabetes blog week.  Each day, we’ve been given a topic to discuss and share our thoughts on the various topics.  You’re right…my blog isn’t about diabetes.   And do I really have the right to blog about it?  After all, we’ve only lived in this world since March.  Do I have anything relevant to say or share? I’m not sure I do.  I read other blogs and participate on a T1D Facebook page and find myself lost in the dialog.  What can I say that hasn’t been said?  I don’t claim to be a great writer or poet or even a deep thinker.  I’m none of that.  Just a mom who does what she has to do to help her baby live and thrive….and prays everyday that I’m doing the right thing.

So why have a chosen to participate?  I’m still asking myself that.  I guess it’s might be because I want to become more comfortable with blogging about my world.  To post anything besides a crafting project and it’s supply list with a few notes about how to complete the project terrifies me.  What’s rolling around the inside of my head isn’t always pretty and most the time very snarky and sassy.  Still, I feel it’s time for some personal growth. (Can’t lie…I’m looking forward to Saturday’s post…that’s right up my alley and back in my comfort zone!...stay tuned)

Yet, I sit here day after day…consumed with my baby and her needs…feeling somewhat disconnected from the world…wondering when the next bomb will be dropped on my sweet child…. feeling that maybe I do have something to say and something other people need to hear.  Just maybe.

I admit that my experience is very limited but that it’s also very unique.  You see, my sweets is blessed with an extra love chromosome….aka Downs Syndrome.  She has already dealt with several health issues from the moment she was born…diabetes is just another challenge she has been asked to face.  She is also very young to have diabetes…not unheard of…but it’s not that common for a child under 2 to be diagnosed with diabetes.  She was only 13 months old…Not walking…Barely crawling…Not verbal…And so very small.

I also worry that I don’t have much to say because she is honeymooning and her insulin dose is so minuscule that it’s almost normal…not the new normal…just normal….almost.  We give her one itty bitty shot in the morning and then just check her throughout the day….just to track.  We deal with lows and virtually ignore the highs because they really aren’t that high and can usually be explained…so we just wait for it to drop….and check to make sure it does.  I know someday…and it will be sooner than I would like…that will change, but for now, I’m breathing.

So that’s where I stand and that’s where my comments and thoughts come from.  And for someone who feels they have nothing to say, this post is already too long.  Thanks for hanging in there with me.  So…with that said…I shall proceed to the topic of the day…

Prompt: 

Often our health care team only sees us for about 15 minutes several times a year, and they might not have a sense of what our lives are really like. Today, let’s pretend our medical team is reading our blogs. What do you wish they could see about your and/or your loved one's daily life with diabetes? On the other hand, what do you hope they don't see?

We finally had our first appointment (since leaving the hospital) with our endocrinologist a couple of weeks ago.  I feel it went well and we had a lot of our questions and concerns answered.  I am excited that the doc is on board with putting her on a pump as soon as it’s doable.  But what about a CGM?  I’d kinda like one of those...or a diabetic alert dog...either way.

I would like the doctor to know that when they download her meter, I’m not sure they really know what they are looking at. 

Is that high at bedtime because she had some ice cream before bed or is it just high because she isn’t on enough insulin? 

Is the high in the morning because I gave he a bottle when she woke up at 3am and it’s now peaking 4-5 hours later, or is her honeymoon ending?

Is her low because she isn’t eating enough or is her dose too high?

Did I check her bg too soon after she had something to eat? Or did I wait too long?

I don’t know they understand the challenge of feeding a one year old who already has oral/eating issues.  I would like them to know about that.  She isn’t eating like other kids her age and we see a therapist twice a month for that.  So how can I put her on an eating schedule when she’s only eaten 4.5 carbs (2 oz of formula) for breakfast and it’s not snack time and she wants to eat now? Or maybe she is so hungry and won’t stop eating.  Or maybe she won’t eat at all. And try telling a baby that she can’t have a bottle because it doesn’t fit the schedule.  Yes…on the water or crystal light…but at the risk that she won’t be hungry when it is time for her to eat…assuming she will even drink the water/crystal light which hasn’t happened yet.

So obviously, carb correcting is virtually impossible, as she doesn’t eat enough carbs to even count.  

I’d also like the staff to know that I sure would love it if they said their name (speaking to the nurses) when I call in…so I know who I’m talking to.  Your center is huge and you have a large staff.  It sure would be nice if I knew who I’m talking to.  Maybe I talked to you a few days ago and don’t need to repeat our situation.  Maybe we are just meeting and I need to explain more so you know how to help me.  Maybe I wouldn’t feel so alone. Maybe by just saying your name, I will feel I have a friend who knows me and my baby and you know what I need to hear and what I need to do.  Your name would be nice.

My Creations 6x6 Canvas Workshop

The expo was awesome!  I got to meet lots of great people and look forward to serving thier crafting needs.  For those of you not able to attend, I wanted to share my April workshop with ya'll.  I filled 3 classes and will be scheduling more so LMK if you are interested in this class and I will get you scheduled. 

Cost: $15

(includes TWO My Creations 6x6 Canvas)

You provide the digital images and I provide the rest.  

Don't worry...I have boy colors and stamps, you don't have to have hollyhock and sunset flowers.  We will match the embellishing to your pics and your home decor.   You can also do family pics, couple pics, wedding, whatever!  Great gift for mother's day!!!

It's a FIRST!

Guess what I'm doing this weekend????  My FIRST Expo!  I've got a booth at the Utah Valley Women's Expo this weekend! If you'd like to come (for free), I've posted the ticket image at the end for you to download and print as many times as needed.  I'm so excited and nervous.  I already know what's going to be my favorite part. That's right...Make-n-Take!  I've planned a few projects that I will be doing throughout the event.  Check it out:

Loving this purse! All the pieces were cut using the Cricut Art Philosophy. 

It's all about bling.

A fun treat tube for Dad's day!

I "mustache" you to come to the expo and stop at my booth to make this project.

When the candy is gone, you can see the "secret" message on the tag.

The tag blocks the candy dispenser. Clever!  Thanks to Lisa Stenz for sharing her amazing design.

I can't resist a cute flower cluster.

If you'd like to come to the expo. Download this image and print it off as many times as you need.  Hope to see you there!!!

Another Life Changing Moment Called T1D

I just noticed that the last time I posted (before today) was only two days before my life changed once again.  It had already been a busy week with Chelsey leaving for her mission.  Then, Thursday, Amanda lost a close friend to the darkness of suicide that rocked our community.  If that wasn't enough, I was busy trying to prepare to vendor my first overnight crop that took place Friday and Saturday (March 8-9) and Sadie wasn't feeling well.

She had been "off" that week...not eating or sleeping well and somewhat fussy (this baby rarely fusses).  I could explain it a multitude of ways...growing, teething, the fact that I was busy and not my normal self....yet, on Thursday, I did mention it to the doctor when I took her in for immunizations and he assured me that "off" days were normal and not to worry.  He was right...but NOT at all.

On Friday, her fussing became worse.  I started working the crop and Greg was watching Sadie and kept calling me because he couldn't settle her down.  This was unusual because she is such a daddy's girl and loves to be with him, so I just thought he was being tired and impatient.  Really?  I was working!  I take care of her so he can work, why can't he do the same for me? It's not like I work away from home very often.  UGH!  As the night progressed, his calls became more urgent and frequent.  I decided to pack it up for the night and go home.  Sadie finally settled and we all slept through the night.

The next day, I went back to the crop but Sadie wasn't any better.  Greg brought her by early afternoon and she looked terrible. You could tell she was exhausted but wouldn't sleep or eat.  We decided that Greg would take her to the doctor just to see if there was something that could help her.  The next thing I knew is Greg is calling me and very incoherent about her status.  All I knew is that he was telling me I needed to meet him at the hospital...but he wasn't sure which hospital. Did I have time to break down my booth?  NO!!!  I had to come immediately.  WHAT????  What was going on????  He kept hanging up and calling me with bits of info but he was a confused crazy man.  So, I told Amanda and Kaitlyn (my superstar assistants) to start packing up and I would find someone to pick them up and my stuff.

Oh...and did I mention I was in the middle of a class that I had to abandon? No worries, the girls were amazing and took over for me without a hiccup.  On my way out, I realized I didn't know where I was going, so I sat in the foyer and started making calls to find someone who could get the girls.  No luck. Finally, Greg called and said he was at the American Fork hospital. Finally, something I could work with and I was off.

The next three days were a blur.  Let me explain what happened...even I didn't get the whole story until the next day.  So, Saturday afternoon, Greg took Sadie into the doctor. The nurse practitioner on duty did the usual checks and found nothing wrong.  It was a bug and there was nothing that could be done so she told him to take her home and let it pass.  Being the papa bear that he is, he refused to leave. The conversation went something like this...

"Something is wrong with my baby and I'm not leaving till you figure it out!"

"Sir, there's nothing I can do.  Babies fuss."

"Not this one."

"Well, you have to give me something else to work with."

"How about this...shes' had 5 full diapers in 3 hours and won't take a bottle."

He could see a light bulb go off and she tested her glucose levels and it was off the charts.  With tears in her eyes she apologized for trying to send him home and told him that Sadie had Type 1 diabetes and that she had to get to Primary Children's Hospital (which is an hour away) right away.  She called for an ambulance and called PCM to let them know we were coming.

While she was on the phone, Sadie's eyes rolled back into her head and she went limp.  Greg screamed down the hall for the nurse.  The ambulance was only 5 minutes away but wouldn't get there in time.  Sadie was slipping into a coma.  With no time to spare, he threw her in her car seat and drove her two blocks to the local emergency room.  They met him at the entrance, grabbed her and proceeded to stabilize her.

Turns out her glucose was dangerously high at 898 (normal is 80-120) and her body was filled with dangerous toxins that were eating away at her insides and killing her (Diabetic ketoacidosis). The ER Doc told Greg that if he had taken her home, we would have thought she was sleeping and she would have died within an hour or two.
 
This is when I got there.

She was crying, but conscious (I didn't find out about her going unconscious till the next day). They stabilized her and transported her to PCM by ambulance.

There, I stayed for the next three days learning more than I ever wanted to know about carb counting and insulin shots and blood testing.

I'm so proud of Greg for standing up and listening to his gut.  I baffle that he even thought to mention diapers.  Not that he won't change a diaper, but he really doesn't change that many so I have no idea how he would know that was out of the ordinary.  I have guilt that I didn't catch that. I asked him later what made him think to tell the nurse about her diapers.  He had no clue...it just came to him.  I call that inspiration from God and a down right tender mercy!...Don't you? Good job Papa for listening!!!

Looking back, I should have seen it.  For the previous week, she had been drinking one bottle after another, but I thought she was growing and since she's not eating a ton of solid food, it made sense.  And since she was drinking a lot, it made sense that she peed a lot.  In fact, I had been using cloth diapers but they kept leaking.  I thought it was the diapers. That morning, I had changed her overnight diaper and it looked like someone dipped her in a pool.  It was that full!  But I had no clue.  I didn't know the signs or anything about diabetes. I do now!

So now, this is our life. It's a cruel irony to make the needle-phobic girl who in 9th grade cried and had to go to the nurse that day in biology when you prick your finger to test your blood give her baby shots.  I have always been so needle-phobic my whole life and now this is my strengthening moment. I am proud to say that I put my big girl panties on and can now give a shot without making the "ugly face". 

Here are some pics of our crazy journey. These aren't the best quality as they are cell phone pics, but oh well...you know I will be scrapping them anyway.

Arriving to the ER at PMC

Getting settled into our room.

Finally, her BG is down and she can have ice chips.  She made those moaning sounds you make when you are REALLY enjoying your meal. 

Feeling better and resting.

Her first bottle in a long time. She gulped it down!

Hanging with dad. He's our HERO!!!

Feeling good enough to play with some toys in her bed.

They brought in a mat for her.  She loved to sit at the door and wave to all the nurses passing by.

Speaking of nurses...our favorite NICU nurse stopped by.  I know Sadie remembered her because after a couple of days of getting poked and prodded, she really didn't want anyone touching her...but not Lynette!  She crawled right over to her and cuddled up.  It was an amazing moment.

I was framed, I tell ya!  Framed!!!

 

Hey!  I don't know how to carb count leads! Silly girl...just munching away.

One of Sadie's favorite things to do was to ride around the hospital in a wagon.  I was especially grateful for our nurse who took her for a ride at 4:30 am so I could finally sleep.  The first couple of nights there were pretty rough to say it mildly.

Going home!

I want to add a couple more pics to show you that things are back to "normal" and we are doing fabulous.  I have a lot to learn still and a whole new lingo to embrace.  There will be lots of challenges, but I can't help but be grateful for all of the tender mercies God has bestowed on us. We have our Sadie and she is AMAZING!!!!

Exploring her world just like a "normal" baby and keeping me busy!

Thanks everyone!  LOVE YOU!!!

It's a Cricut Party!

Whether you use one Cricut^®-cut piece or several, you can create cute party favors and decorations using your Artiste cartridge. Combine your Cricut^® pieces with unique stamping techniques and you have projects that will knock your guests’ socks off! Want some recipes and tips for how to make this adorable artwork? Below are instructions for creating two pieces from the “Clearly the Best: How to kiss—with stamps” episode. Combine the Cricut^®-cut pieces for these projects with the kissing stamping technique taught in the video, and you have a stellar 3-D item! Want to learn more about the kissing stamping technique? Click here to watch the video.

Recipes and Tips

 

Party Banner
Stamp set of your choice
X5668 Honey Cardstock
X5764 Pear Cardstock
1272 Cranberry Cardstock
Z2197 Pear Exclusive Inks^® Pad
Z2163 White Daisy Exclusive Inks^® Pad
Z1751 Baker’s Twine Harvest Assortment
Z1311 1¼" Circle Punch

Cricut^® Shapes:
Artiste
1" Shift+3D Object (cut 56, p. 57)



Art Tip! This banner only uses one type of Cricut^® shape, but the finished product is still stunning. Use stamp kissing to randomly stamp across the pieces using the stamp set of your choice. Score with the help of the Cricut^®-cut score lines on the shape and piece together to create little globes. Tie together with baker’s twine and voila!


Owl Miss You Bag
1385 White Daisy Cardstock
1292 Crystal Blue Cardstock
X5668 Honey Cardstock
X5930 Slate Cardstock
Z2162 Honey Exclusive Inks^® Pad
Z2117 Crystal Blue Exclusive Inks^® Pad
Z1349 Shimmer Designer Brads
Z1752 Sparkles Clear Assortment
Z1311 1¼" Circle Punch
Twist Ties
Thread

Cricut^® Shapes:
Artiste
4½" 3D Object (p. 77)
4½" Shift+3D Object (cut 2, p. 77)
1" Shift+Accent 2 (p. 51)



Art Tip! This project uses many Cricut^® shapes and all the pieces coordinate so nicely for an adorable finished product. Use the Artiste assembly booklet to put the bag together and then add the embellishments. The feathers are created with punched circles that are stamped using the kissing technique; however, if you don’t have the circle punch, you can easily make these using the Cricut as well. The eyes were created using Shimmer designer brads, but you can use any large brad or button to create the same look. Finish with the “owl miss you sentiment” for a special touch.
Be sure to share these tips with your customers! The owl bag and party banner are great projects to create at a workshop or club. Share just how wonderful Cricut^® shapes can be by showing off these 3-D items with customers at Gatherings or other events. It’s a Cricut^® party!

Goodie for Chelsey

Yesterday was the last day I will see my baby girl (not so much a baby anymore) for 18 months while she serves a mission for our church in Atlanta, Georgia.  I already miss her and I'm sure she will miss us.  (layout to come)

 
So today, I'm putting together a little goodie box with some of her favorite treats and a little photo album. Of course, I had to embellish it!  This design was inspired by Bren Yule. 

Supplies:

• For Always Paper
• For Always Stickease
• Lagoon Ink
• Sparkle Flourish
• Clear Sparkle Assortment
• For Always Assortment
• Black Tulle Ribbon
• Colonial White Rosette Ribbon
• Cricut Art Philosophy
• Sponge
• Liquid Glass

I'm off to Walgreens to pick up the photos I ordered for it and chocolate.