Just taking it one day at a time....

Camp

2011-07-24T22:40:00.001-05:00

The day finally arrived, much to Cale's dismay! First day of Camp. He was not convinced that he was ready to go. He wanted to wait another year. Kept saying he wasn't going to have any fun and that he was going to be homesick. Well, as I am typing this, I look up at the clock and realize that it is time for "lights out" in the cabins at Camp - where he has been since this afternoon.

Let me first start out by saying, he was not forced to go to Camp. He has attended 2 years of Day Camp (and loved it) and he is now old enough for Overnight Camp. We did go and take a tour last year and he was very excited! He talked about it a lot. He happily wrote another essay to submit for a chance to win a partial scholarship towards Camp. (Sidenote...he won a FULL SCHOLARSHIP! - HOLLA!) He was all into getting things ready. We put in a request for he and a friend he made at Slam Dunk for Diabetes Basketball Camp to be in the same cabin - and they are! Fast forward to this past week, the week before Camp is to start. He doesn't want to go. There was a lot of talking it out and asking him to please just give it a try and that we KNOW he is going to have a great time! I all but told him if he can't hack it, he can be picked up early.

He was very quiet the entire ride to the campgrounds. He did "perk" up a bit when we found his friend and realized that they were in the same cabin. He enjoyed picking out his bunk and getting the top bunk all ready with his sheets, pillows and blankets. However, HE DID NOT WANT US TO LEAVE! Heartwrenching! However, as we got to the parking lot, I could see through the trees and he had been talking to another boy that seemed unsure also and they were playing tether ball together. Big sigh, he was making friends and participating already.

BUT - Today was one of the hardest days that I have experienced in a very long time. I am going to insert a WARNING here...rambling coming up!!

I haven't cried this much since he was diagnosed. I have teared up on and off during the last couple of weeks. But his morning, I sobbed in the shower. I had to leave the room so that Cale wouldn't see me cry several times during the day. I cried as we were driving to the Camp (again, he couldn't tell). I cried after hugging and kissing him goodbye as my husband was dragging me away telling me to let him be, he will be fine. I cried during the new parent orientation (kept my sunglasses on as to not look too foolish...didn't work). I cried in the car as we were driving away. Thankfully, I fell asleep on the ride home! Can't cry in your sleep! BUT, I woke up one town away and started crying when we got into our town. Even now, I have tears rolling down my cheeks. One of the worst headaches I have ever had has finally subsided. Deep down I KNOW HE IS GOING TO BE FINE! I'm more worried about how he is going to adapt than I am about the diabetes part. Don't get me wrong, I will feel tremendous relief every morning at 7:00 when I haven't heard my phone ring (that is the time for morning BG checks...I will know he made it through the night - morbid, I know, but an aspect that we D-Mama's must deal with!). I was pleased when I heard that at 10 pm every day, the entire medical staff meets and they go over each and every camper's day on an overhead projector and review their BG's, their activity, the previous day's and evening's BG's and discuss trends and if there should be any changes. The Staff Doctor has the ultimate say on everything, but they do not take any of this lightly!!!

Well, I've been blog absent for awhile and when I do come back on I am a blubbering idiot!! I sincerely hope that, at the end of the week, I will be blogging about the incredible time Cale had at Camp. Now to try and sleep through the night. My guess is that I will finally be able to do that Thursday or Friday night!!!

***UPDATE - Yes it is 4:15 and I am awake AGAIN! Told you I wouldn't make it through the night yet!!***

10!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-05-31T21:46:00.002-05:00

Cale is 10 years old today! 10! 10! 10! I can hardly believe it. Where has the time gone?

10 years ago today, Cale entered the world fairly quick. Induced at 8:30 am, first breath at 2:21 pm. Not too shabby if you ask me! Perfectly shaped head...Daddy's chin...dark hair...dark blue eyes....8 lbs. 2 ozs....21 inches long. My first born...my son, Cale.

Cale was actually a very good baby. Not too terrible a toddler. Pretty good pre-schooler. Good grade school student. Now, sure he's a little mouthy (oh help me come the actual teen years), has his opinons about certain things and has a new found love of basketball (seems military play has been pushed aside...kinda bittersweet, but a relief all at the same time...CAMO OVERLOAD!!!) but he is still a very sweet and sensitive boy. He is 5 foot 1/2 inch tall and now wears a size 8 in men's shoes! I give him a few years and he will be calling me shorty!

Here are some pics of my 10 year old boy through the years (keep in mind, I just now learned how to scan pictures!)....

He was only 1 day old here!

My favorite picture of him! Cale was 6 months old here!

Cale at 1 year old....this was the ONLY shot we were able to get that day!

Cale at 2 years old...what did I do to his bangs?!

Cale less than 2 months away from becoming a big brother!

Cale on his 3rd birthday....I miss that room. Loved the clouds!

The 4 year old little stud

Cutest little t-ball player ever!

Cale's first day of kindergarten! So little!

8 days into the kindergarten school year and he jumped off the slide at recess,

breaking his arm which required 2 surgeries to fix!

Cale on his 6th birthday! Notice the flushed face?

Cale and Ryan...days before life threw him a curve ball.

Cale while in the hospital - August, 2007. Here he was using syringes for fun...

squirting water at pictures of diabetes related pictures!

Cale's first day of 1st Grade....3 weeks after Diagnosis Day. What a change and he's so happy!

So excited to get his first snowmobile!

White Sox fan

First day of ADA Day Camp 2009 and 2010! Someone grew.

This year, overnight camp. We are both very nervous (that's a whole other post).

Private Cale Sowers....LOVED LOVED LOVED anything military!

Blackhawks fan....braving the crowd at the Stanley Cup Parade in Chicago!

Cale, loving basketball. This is at the Slam Dunk for Diabetes Camp. He is going again this

year AND to another basketball camp. He cannot wait!

Ode to his new obsession....his birthday cake. If you look close enough, you can acutally see the wood grain on the hardwood floor. This cake tasted and looked incredible!

My 10 year old boy! Sporting all of his new birthday duds...From head to toe!

He has grown soooo much! He has gone from a little bundle of warm, sweet smelling baby that was fascinated with ceiling fans and who's favorite word was "on" to this young "man" that knows more about history and military than I will ever care to know and is becoming quite the free throwing maniac!! Life has really given him some hurdles in his 10 short years, but he is not letting them stop him and is a happy boy that is stronger and more brave than any other child (and adult!!) that I know!!

Happy 10th Birthday Cale!!! I love you very much!!

UGH!!!

2011-05-07T00:16:00.000-05:00

I'm a little annoyed. Ok, I am very annoyed!!! Everyday at school, the nurse goes up to Cale's classroom at 9:15 for his morning BG check. This is 2 hours after he gets his breakfast insulin and it is his class' snack time and 1 hour prior to PE. What timing!!!!

It is arranged in Cale's plan that he gets just a correction shot if necessary and then a small snack. Otherwise, just the small snack from his snack bag. All of these snacks are 15 grams of carbs or less. Today, he gets his BG checked. It is exactly where it should be 2 hours after breakfast. YEAH!!! However, someone brought in cupcakes for a snack. And I am not talking homemade cupcakes....I mean the ones you buy at Wal-Mart that are LOADED with frosting!! At 9:15 AM!! Seriously??? Normally, I get a call when something is brought in for snack. NOT TODAY!!! He was told to go ahead and have the cupcake....WITHOUT ANY INSULIN!!!! WTF???!!! Are you kidding me??? Even if he was hovering just above being "low", I would have given him insulin!!

So why was the nurse so concerned when she finally did call me at lunch time saying his BG was 372???!!! Did this number shock her?! Why was she befuddled by it?? DUH!!!! And to top it off, it was pizza day at school, which I hate as it is anyways, but what can a mom do? I am not going to tell him no every week on Friday. For some reason, my kids LOVE the school's pizza. Puke.....

I told her what I wanted done - please tell him to have plain milk, please have him bring the cookie home (why do they have to make the most carb laden cookies every pizza day?), yes he can have 2 pieces of pizza and please give him this much insulin. Also, please test him in 2 hours. I also calmly mentioned that he should have had a shot with the cupcake. I didn't want to go all ape $hit on the phone. It was hard to hear her as it was with her calling me from the loud lunchroom. I also wanted to calm down before talking to her. Come Tuesday, she has off on Monday, we will have a little talk. Although, they only have 20 school days left of the year (where the heck did the year go??) and then he is off to a different building with the district's head nurse taking care of him. I am getting very excited about that, the nurse part, not the he's getting older and moving up part! She takes a great interest in the kid's with diabetes. She asks about what they had for breakfast when doing BG checks and notes it to watch for trends on her own!! She also does this with lunches. Can she move in with me???

Anyway....2 hours after lunch, Cale was in the mid 200's. Less than 2 hours later, after school, he was still hovering in the 200's. Correction and off to play! Pre-dinner....72!!! Bedtime check...105. Back to pretty BG's!!!! Let's hope the night is more of the same! Let's also hope she "gets it" on Tuesday!!!

I asked Cale about what he thought when he got home from school. His response was, the nurse said I could have it!! I can't get upset with him....he's just a kid...and I didn't. I know in the back of his mind he was questioning it. But the nurse said it was ok. So, he listened. She is an adult. She is a nurse. She would know what to do, right?! Guess not!! I did tell him to make sure and remind her to call me the next time an outside snack comes in. He said he would and then went on his merry way. I hate this!!!! I hate all of this!!!!!

AND...on a side note...Cale is having an ipro CGM put on for a week on Monday. This is just a small CGM that will track all of his BG's for the week. We will "pop" it off after the week and turn it in for the numbers to be analyzed. His A1C has been too high for our liking the past 2 times - and the last one included several swimming lows that didn't make it budge - YIKES, so we are going to see how he's doing all day long. I only wish this would alarm for lows and highs. But, it's not that kind of CGM - whatever!!! I also hope that he doesn't have a reaction to the adhesive. Fingers crossed!!!!!

WOO HOO!!!!

2011-05-01T15:44:00.000-05:00

I'm going shopping!!! And all thanks to Reyna and the birthday boy Joe over at BETA BUDDIES!!! This is so exciting!! Such a great birthday present - and it's not even my birthday!!!! I can't wait to sit back tonight, once all of my boys (hubby included) are tucked into bed and shop my little heart out!! I do believe there will be some presents purchased as well!! I only wish this was a few weeks ago....I so would have bought one of these ~

and worn it when I woke up at 3 am to watch the Royal Wedding!! (Yes, I am a dork and I admit it!!)

Thanks Reyna and Joe!!! You guys rock!!!!

Slam Dunk for Diabetes

2011-04-13T20:28:00.000-05:00

I know I have already done a post about Cale's experience at the Moses E. Cheeks Slamdunk for Diabetes Camp. But, I just found this video that explains more about the camp. There are a couple of "stars" in this video, also! Cale's in it several times. I made it in a couple of times. And my sister even has a cameo (the tall blonde at the beginning, standing back from the registration table!!!) Check it out...if you live nearby any of the locations, I highly recommend sending your child with Type 1!! (It's FREE!!!)

Cale can't wait until June!!!!

We are back...

2011-04-06T16:22:00.000-05:00

...and I now know that everyday real life is not fun!!! While in Florida (an entirely different post will be done about our vacation), we had the normal "D" concerns. I am convinced that if we had pool access all year round, Cale would need very little insulin!!! But, that was the only real concern! We were able to relax, go with the flow and enjoy the sun (once it finally appeared).

Today, it was back to sorting the mail into bills and garbage (same thing right?), getting the kids to school...fighting included (errrr!!!), dressing warm (I did wear flip flops...my feet are tan!), getting sucked into PTO drama as soon as I walked into the school and thinking about doing grocery shopping (I only thought about it, will actually do it tonight) and laundry. Not fun things!

We did get to meet up with Lora and Justin at a cool video game spot near Tampa. At first, both of the boys went in totally opposite directions to play their games while us "D" mamas chatted up a storm. Once we decided it was dinner time, they had a blast together!! Playing with ipods, talking military, shooting fake snakes out of peanut cans and asking for dessert (hmmmm....who did that - Justin?!)!!! It was a great time! I am so glad we were able to make our schedules work!!

And now a funny "D" moment. One morning, we wandered down to breakfast at the hotel we were staying at near Busch Gardens in Tampa (that's a whole other gross story!) and as we were sitting and eating, we heard a "snap" sound. My husband sarcastically laughs and says....someone just broke their plastic fork. Cale and I said...nope, someone just closed a test strip bottle. Sure enough, a lady sitting 2 tables away from us was testing her BG!!!!! Our ears are trained!

And we are off!!!

2011-03-27T04:09:00.001-05:00

WOO HOO!!! We are headed to Florida today for a much needed vacation!

I am really hoping to be able to meet up with Lora while we are down there. She only lives an hour away from where we will be staying. From everything that I've read, Cale and Justin should totally hit it off (as I am sure the mama's will too)!!

Let's hope "D" enjoys the vacation and cooperates!

Keep an eye out for the pictures...they will be coming!!

Sunshine and warmth....here I come!!!!

LIttle Turkey!!

2011-03-07T21:31:00.001-06:00

On Thursday (yes, on his birthday) Ryan lost yet another tooth. He came home from school with it in a little tooth necklace. He showed it to me and my first thought was "do we have any cash in the house"? I know, sad to have to think if we have enough cash to cover a teeny, tiny tooth (if you know Ryan, you know just how teeny, tiny those teeth really are!) but we do use our debit card for everything. Luckily, we did!! But....

Ryan didn't want the tooth fairy to take his tooth. He asked me straight out if she had to come or if he could keep it. I said he can keep it, but there won't be any money left! He was fine with that.

Fast forward to today (Monday)....Ryan comes running out of his room with the tooth necklace yelling "I knew it, I knew it!! You are the tooth fairy!!!". Come again spaz??? He had put the tooth under his pillow last night, without either Pat or I knowing, and it was still there this morning. He just kept jumping around and doing his little butt dance (he can really shake that thing...look out Chippendale's!!!) singing "you are the tooth fairy....you are the tooth fairy".

Once Beavis settled down, I told him that I am not the tooth fairy. "Yes you are!! She didn't come and take my tooth!" Thinking quickly I replied that the tooth fairy only comes on the day that you loose your tooth. You can't hold onto it for days and then expect her to come. He had no response (yet).....take that you sneaky little turkey!!!! Fingers crossed!

Seven

2011-03-03T09:14:00.000-06:00

(Warning....picture overload!!)

Seven years ago today, Ryan Patrick entered the world after 18 long hours of labor and one c-section, weighing 9 pounds 7 ounces (I KNOW!) and measuring 20 inches long. Our lives have not been the same since!!! I mean that to be a positive - mostly!!

Ryan is a very cute (and I'm not just saying that because I made him!), energetic, headstrong, funny and smart little boy. He can be the biggest cuddler ever, but if you get on his "bad" side...LOOK OUT!!!!

He loves school and is a perfect little student. He is so into building models right now that it isn't even funny! He is growing up so fast!! It is so hard to believe that he is over halfway done with 1st grade! He's not my baby anymore...he's a KID!!

Happy 7th Birthday Ryan - I love you!!!!!

Baby Ryan - still in the hospital

Look at those big eyes!!!

Ryan's First Birthday

Goofing around while Daddy is building the deck...quick cover him up!!!

Crazy hair guy!!!

Mischief!!!

This is how we found him when his 3rd Birthday party was starting.

Dude!!

Ryan's 5th Birthday...such a dork!!

Waiting for Pre-School graduation to start.

My little hockey guy...who refuses to play now!

Our little White Sox in the making!

Cool guy on his Kindergarten Field Trip.

Ryan and his 2 best buddies at their 1st Grade Halloween Party.

My 7 year old boy!!!

Sniff.....

Slam Dunk for Diabetes

2011-02-22T09:36:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Cale attended a basketball camp for children with Diabetes. This time it was a one day clinic, but last Summer, one was held closer to our home and he went for 3 days AND was interviewed on the news (that video isn't available anymore-it was fun!). He is ready to go again this coming summer.

It is called Moses E. Cheeks Slam Dunk for Diabetes. He loves it!! And it's FREE!! This clinic was held at the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox Training Academy. It is such a neat building! One side dedicated to basketball and the other side was all baseball. My sister came with and wanted to put on one of their t-shirts so she could stay and play!!

The staff was so good with the kids. The General Manager of the Facility has a 5 year old godson with Type 1 Diabetes so he was all into it. He kept telling them that there is nothing they can't do. He never wanted to hear the word "can't"!! (Of course, Cale tells me afterwards that he was wrong. He can't join the military.)

It was so good to see all of these kids doing something together, all of them alike. At the very end, right before the last pep talk, everyone had to line up and have their BG's checked. It was really something to see, over one hundred kids, lined up, waiting to test themselves. No one different. It brought tears to my eyes several times yesterday, but I held them back. I've been a little emotional lately (total understatement).

Here are some pictures from the day...

Cale waiting for the morning to begin.

Making friends.

My 5 foot tall 9 year old...waiting his turn.

Be the ball...see the basket...

Headed for the hoop.

The entire group at the end of the day...pep talk time!!!

Cale and Mom

Chicago Bulls Championship Banners...Memories...I went to so many of those games!!

And of course, the building was half Chicago White Sox...Gotta put up a picture of my boy Paulie!!!

You Don't Say

2011-02-14T15:22:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday afternoon, Cale came home from school complaining that his head hurt. The look on his face was not "normal". I went over to him and touched his forehead...CRAP!!! He has a fever!!! I honestly thought that the "bug" that Ryan had for 5 days straight (fever and headache), over a week ago, had escaped Cale and he wasn't going to catch it. Not so much!!

Cale ended up staying home from school on Thursday and Friday. The poor guy had to miss his Valentine's Day party (gotta say, I was disappointed for him...but relieved at the same time...remember the class Halloween Party?). He was pretty miserable all of Thursday. Highlight would be that he can now swallow an ibuprofen pill and that really brought the fever down, for awhile. No more sugary filled liquid medicine!! By the time his little brother got home after school on Friday, Cale seemed pretty much back to normal, with the exception of a cough and a little congestion. But, he was all over the place! The energy had returned!!

The entire time Cale had a fever, his BG's were slightly elevated, but nothing alarming. It was 2 full days of constant BG checks and ketone checks. He couldn't understand why I had him keep checking his ketones. He is only used to them being checked when his BG is 240 or above. He wasn't over 240. BUT, at one point, he had moderate ketones. So, he got a little "sick day" lesson on all of this. The hard part is that my "little boy", at 9 years old is already 5 feet tall. Try getting that to the bathroom in the middle of the night, when his BG is over 240 and he is SOUND ASLEEP!!! Dad had to come help out with that one!

The crazy part was after the fever was gone. Cale's BG's were out of control - but no ketones! There was nothing bringing them down! I had to give more insulin than ever in a single syringe! Even now, they are still on the higher side. Inside, I am mourning the non-use of our OmniPod (DAMN ADHESIVE)!! I so wish he was able to use the pump again. I wouldn't cringe and have to hold back the tears in the middle of the night when I have to come at him in his sleep with a needle. I could adjust the basals to help out. We wouldn't have had to poke so many teeny tiny holes in his skin this weekend to try and bring down his BG's. **sigh**

Cale complains about diabetes. Who wouldn't? The really amusing part in all of this was on Saturday night. We had family movie night and watched "Grownups" (I was told it wasn't so bad for Cale to see, Ryan on the other hand....let's just say - they "out" the toothfairy!!! It got really quiet in our living room at that point, but no questions. We did play it up in the next scene when Adam Sandler was wearing a t-shirt that said U MASS. Ryan thought it was funny that he had a bad word on his shirt and we explained it was short for University of Massachusetts. He said, "Oh, I thought there was a D in the front of it!" We totally played that up to help forget about the toothfairy.).

After that movie, I had Cale test himself...he's BG was up there. So I gave him yet another shot and we actually started watching "Gone With The Wind". Cale was kinda enjoying it (he likes war...any war) and Ryan went in my room to watch iCarly and he fell asleep. During the Intermission, I asked Cale if he would mind testing himself again to see how he was doing. He looked up at me from the floor and said, "Yes, I do mind, but I will do it anyway". He stands up and I hear him mutter "This is friggin' ridiculous!". I lost it!! I couldn't stop laughing and when Pat came back in the room, I told him and he couldn't stop laughing. It is Friggin' Ridiculous!!! He hit it right on the head!!! Thankfully, he was 99!!! YES!!!!

Then, as we were waiting for the Intermission to be over, Cale asked why they do an Intermission. After we explained about old movies and how long this movie was and how they couldn't pause the movie to go to the bathroom back then, he said "But Strange Brew had on Intermission too...didn't it??". Ahhh...kids!!!

Having Fun in the Snow!!!

2011-02-05T20:54:00.000-06:00

Today, we made the most of the crazy amount of snow that we received earlier this week. All four of us suited up and drove out to Wonder Lake to go snowmobiling. Yes, our snowmobile has been kept 35 miles away from home (the trails and fields are better out that way and there is more garage space for the sled - if we kept it here, we wouldn't even be able to fit my 1 car in our 3 car garage, like we do now - Thanks Papa and Nonnie!!!). Not always an ideal situation, but not a bad set up. Since my father-in-law (Papa) spends the winter in Florida, his snowmobile sits there, all lonely. So Pat hopped on his snowmobile with Ryan and I took Papa's with Cale.

Let me first say, the amount of snow we got was not always ideal for our ride. The trails were not groomed well because the groomer couldn't really get out there. To cross a road, we had to sled up the HUGE piles caused by the plows, stop and look, then head to the other side where we would have to gun it up that pile. Needless to say, I am not the most experienced snowmobiler. I am now, however, VERY experienced in burying snowmobiles in the snow!!! I did it FOUR TIMES!!!! I also, WARNING....bad Mommy moment coming, "threw" Cale off the back of the sled at one point (I freaked out and he jumped up and was laughing hysterically!! This is where the deep snow came in handy! The other riders that were nearby were giving him a thumbs up). Pat was very patient and calm each and every time I buried one. Even when he was waist deep in the snow trying to dig one out - with the help of 2 very kind men that stopped! The last time I did it (which technically wasn't really my fault because I was following Pat's directions) we were only a couple blocks from the house. I had to run up and get my Escape to pull it out! FUN!!!

We all had a great time! I can't wait to go out again, once some of the snow either melts or packs down more! I am so sore from trying to keep the skis straight as they would get caught in the grooves of the tracks from other snowmobilers and pull us in one direction and that was not the direction I wanted to go.

AND....Diabetes TOTALLY cooperated all day!!! As we were getting ready to leave, I had Cale test himself and he was in the low 90's. A little snack to help make it to lunch and we were on our way! Over an hour later, at lunch, about 140 - not too bad. And he didn't feel low the entire time!! We were out for over 5 hours! I did freak a little when we got home and he tested before he was going to eat dinner and it showed 367!! Crap, no wonder he didn't feel low!! I corrected and gave him the insulin for his dinner. Not even an hour later and he said he felt low. ??????? Seriously?! He tested and was 92!! Obviously, his pre-dinner BG was wrong!!! So, the big D did cooperate today, just not his "ticker"!

Here are some pictures.

Ryan and Cale waiting patiently to head out!!

Cale and Ryan on the side of the trails...I really liked when we rode through "woods".

My 3 snowmobiling guys!

Me and my 2 little snowmobilers....gotta love that all 3 of the males have really cool snowmobiling gear and I look all hodge-podge in whatever jacket, helmet and gloves that we could scrounge up!

I love this picture! My 3 Arctic Cat Guys!! See, they have cool jackets!

Here is the last time I got a sled stuck. (I so wanted to take a picture when he was waist deep - like another guy that rode by did - but I didn't want to add to the situation) You can't tell from this angle, but the tracks are totally buried! That sled wasn't moving at all!!!

That is until I ran up and got my 4 wheel drive vehicle. And that even took some doing!!!

Man...I hate cell phone pictures. So fuzzy!!! BRING A REAL CAMERA NEXT TIME ANDREA!!!

Our Blizzard

2011-02-02T10:15:00.000-06:00

For all of our family in the warmer climates....here are some pictures of our Blizzard!! This weekend is gonna be great for snowmobiling!!!

Just keep repeating....

2011-01-19T08:53:00.000-06:00

"When you get to the end of your rope,

tie a knot and hang on."

Franklin D. Roosevelt ..

This came over on the Facebook status for The Diabetes Awareness Ribbon page this morning....so,so true!!

WHY DID I JINX MYSELF....the update

2011-01-17T17:12:00.000-06:00

Here's hoping tonight we can get back to Friday night's numbers.

Saturday night, pizza for dinner. Bad number night.

Sunday night, total WAG (wild a$$ guess) on the carbs for dinner and birthday cake. And that WAG was

WAY OFF!!!!!!! Lots of corrections.

Fingers and toes crossed!!!!!

WHY DID I JINX MYSELF?

2011-01-16T11:53:00.002-06:00

You knew it was coming if you read yesterday's post. However....we have a culprit...PIZZA!!!! Damn you cheesy goodness!! Oh how I miss the extended bolus with the OmniPod!! Fingers crossed for tonight!

Report Card Time

2011-01-15T08:58:00.000-06:00

And I don't mean the school ones for the boys. It was time for Mom's D report card (and why is it only Mom's??? That's another post!). Every 3 months, I tell Pat that Cale's A1C will be higher than the last time. And every time, he says, you always say that and if it is, it is only by .1 or .2%.

NOT THIS TIME!!!!

Back in October, Cale's A1C was 6.9%. I was pleased with that number. (Can you guess where I am going???) So after the weigh in (79.8 pounds) and height measurements (4' 11-3/4"...HE'S 9 YEARS OLD!!!!) and some questions for Cale from our lovely nurse, Molly, the time I dread comes......7.7%. :(

Now I know that this isn't terribly horrible. But I don't like it!! I knew that there were the 3 weeks that included Christmas Break and the first week back to school where Cale's BG's S.U.C.K.E.D. no matter what was done. Ok, holiday's and your regular daily schedule are whacked. Both the nurse and our doctor said that is typical. But then the first week back to school was not pretty either. He wasn't sick, he never got sick (Ryan did, maybe it was sympathy illness....sympathy for the brother that annoys and hurts you...I don't think so!) and he started right back into our regular routine without the blink of an eye! No clue....

THEN, the second week back to school, there were lows, lows and more lows!!! However, there were still the occasional "why are you so high?" moments. Although, and here comes a bad Mom moment on my part, the nurse called one afternoon, she rattled off his BG's for the day...2 hours after breakfast he was 61, then at lunch he was 309 and 2 hours after lunch he was 274. WTF!!! Since he still had insulin working and the day was ending within 45 minutes, I said give him water and I will test and see how he is as soon as he gets home. So, he gets home and shows me the little slip of paper that has his BG's and treatments (this is something new we are doing. Normally, since I am at the school A LOT, I just stop in and review the BG's in her log). His 61 was treated (and not rechecked after 15 minutes!) with a juice box, his normal snack (which is upwards of 25 grams because he has PE in the morning) AND a popcicle that someone had brought in as a birthday snack!!! First of all, a popcicle??? It is freaking January in Northern Illinos!!! It is also 9:15 in the morning!!! It is also NOT SUGAR FREE!!!! So let's add up all of these carbs shall we....15 for the juice box, approx. 25 for the snack and (let's use an average) 15 for a popcicle = 55 grams of carbohydrates!!!! CAN YOU SAY OVER TREATMENT!!!!! No freaking wonder he was 309 before lunch!! THEN, I look at the insulin he was given for his correction scale and lunch...it was 1 whole unit less than what it should have been. Total miscalculation on the sliding scale AND I come to find out when I question it the next day....are you ready for this....she never uses the half unit!! At lunch, his ratio is 1:15. So if there is no correction needed and his lunch was 67 grams, he was only being given 4 units of insulin, not 4-1/2. Now a half unit may not sound like a lot....BUT IT IS!!! Why wasn't I looking at her records more carefully? How did I not catch this sooner?? Why did she tell him he could have that much at snack time that day??? Why wasn't he rechecked for that low????

AAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Needless to say, I am now double checking everything that has been done during the day, everyday, very carefully and making extra sure that it is being done correctly.

Back to the appointment. I talk to the doctor and we start tweaking his ratios and decided that at his next appointment, if the A1C isn't lower, we will do a trial CGM for about a week to see his trends (YEAH!). I was so glad that his appointment was coming so soon. I couldn't think anymore of what to do. I would look at his log and the numbers would just start melting together. I was very concerned, because no matter I did, during the night it was either, needs a correction OR I was feeding/giving juice at every check-nothing in between! It was sad that, lately, I would be relieved at the midnight check that his BG was 225. I knew that it would come down by the time he woke up to a great number. But, he shouldn't have to be this high to make it through the night!! If he was 150 at midnight, I would have popped 1 glucose tab in his mouth and crossed my fingers. It was weird!! I was at a loss!!! So, last night, we did the change of ratios and what not and sent him off to bed. 11:30 check...174. Ok, let's see how 2:45 is....144...and then 7:00 (when he would normally be waking up, except on weekends, my 9 year old turns into a teenager and will sleep FOREVER if we let him)...109! I am pleased. I wouldn't mind a little lower at 11:30 which in turn will lower the others somewhat...but I am thrilled with these compared to those of late. Let's hope the same happens tonight. Now that I have said this, come back tomorrow for my "WHY DID I JINX MYSELF?" post!!!! And, keep in mind that tonight it is girl's night out and the last time I had one of those, a fight ensued between Mom and Dad over D care/carelessness. But, we won't get into that one now, will we?? Again, that's a whole other post!

(What is the deal with the background color for the text...I CANNOT make it go away!!!)

The things kids say....

2011-01-12T23:06:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I was called in to work for our school secretary. During the day, Cale came down to the office because he "felt low" (he wasn't, but soon would be if he didn't eat soimething). While he was down there, he asked me if his teacher had told me what he said in class. Now, I had spoken with her earlier in the day in regards to his homework, but nothing was said about what he said. Turns out, his name was moved to the "yellow circle" for his little outburst. I made him finish his snack and sent him on his way.

So, right after school, both boys came down to the office to wait for me to finish up my day. I am sitting at the desk, the principal is standing at the counter right next to me and Cale is sitting in one of the chairs in front of us. I take this opportunity to ask him what the circumstances were for what he said in class. This is how it went....

Me: "What was happening in class today that made you say what you said?"

Cale: "Well, we were discussing compound words and someone asked for an example. So without thinking, I said Buttcrack." (Like how he tried to cover his butt by adding the part about not thinking?)

This in turn made the principal laugh hysterically!! How in the world am I supposed to enforce discipline when the head of the school is laughing about what he did?! Needless to say, I told him that he shouldn't ever talk like that in school and to never do it again.

THEN, we finally get home from school and the boys are emptying out their folders and getting ready to do their homework. Ryan calls me over to ask me a question about his math test that was returned to him. Here is how this conversation went....

Ryan: "Mommy, what are these red marks by these problems?"

Me: "Those are check marks. You got those problems wrong. This number sentence for this word problem should be 7-2=5 not 8-2=6."

Ryan: (Immediately sobbing) "But that's not what she read to us!! She said 8!"

Me: "Are you sure that she read it with an 8?" (thinking to myself, if she did she would have noticed that most of the other kids wrote 8 and not 7)

Ryan: (hesitating) "No! But, I don't like to be wrong!!!"

He really, really doesn't like to be wrong!! He will correct his teacher if she makes a mistake (I emailed her on how he "threw her under the bus" about his test and she found it very funny and told me that she knew he wouldn't be happy with that test because he likes to be right. She also said it's a good thing he is pretty smart and that this isn't a normal test score for him - insert pride here!). Also, keep in mind, he is very head strong and one time, when he and Pat were going back and forth on something, he walked out of the room and muttered "I'm right, you're wrong!".

Just wanted to share that little bit of amusement!

It's Someone's BIrthday!!!!

2010-12-20T21:22:00.001-06:00

Let me first start off by saying, I had BIG plans for this post! Pictures, pictures, pictures!! BUT, I have torn my house apart and cannot find my baby picture album ANYWHERE and I have zero clue where my parent's keep their pictures from our younger days....

That being said...Happy Birthday to Tracie over at Such Is Life!!!! What are you now....48. 49???? Kidding...I know you are 45! (Ahhhhhh....my tummy hurts from laughing!!!!!)

In all seriousness, I hope you have a great birthday and are treated like a Queen!!!

(Again...I'm so funny! A Queen??!! Your fam??!!)

Linus and the Gang ROCK!!!

2010-12-04T07:56:00.000-06:00

A friend posted THIS on Facebook and I just had to share!!!! IT.IS.AWESOME!!!!!

(and I really don't like that word!)

If I knew how to add it like a normal person, I would.

For now you will have to follow the link.

My Seventh Sense

2010-11-23T16:36:00.001-06:00

Yes...that's right, my Seventh Sense.

I posted not too long ago about my Sixth Sense...the one where I wake up out of a totally sound sleep and decide to test Cale's BG only to find that he has gone low. I kinda like that one and wish it worked all of the time. How much would that rock?! I could sleep and sleep and only wake up when absolutely necessary. Dare to dream!

So back to my Seventh Sense...yesterday was a beautiful day here in Northern Illinois. Sunny and 67. Gorgeous!! Storms were going to be rolling in midafternoon. No big whoop...right?! Not so fast....

I spent most of my day at the school doing my "Miracle Mom" work (I go in once a week and do any and all projects that the teachers might need done) and finally got out of there around 1:00. I had to pay some bills and go to the bank, so off I went. Now, the boys get out of school at 2:45 everyday. On Monday's and Tuesday's, Cale stays after for a Reading Group that lasts until 3:30 when I pick him up. On my drive back home, around 2:00, I decided to pick up the phone and call the school to have them tell Cale to skip Reading Group and come straight home. I knew if a decent storm came through while he was in there, that deep down, he would be FREAKING OUT!! He does this every time there is a dark cloud in the sky ever since January, 2008.

It's 3:15, everyone is home (including Pat - which is a miracle because every time this happens, he is not home). The boys are getting ready to do homework when the phone rings. It's my mom telling me a tornado has touched down at an intersection VERY near our house. That's when I heard the sirens. The boys go running to grab their "blankets" and I grab my cell phone and Cale's Diabetes backpack and we head to the basement. Pat, heads to the front porch to watch the entire thing (I have still not forgiven him for that. The boys were freaking out, wanting him down with them and he is getting to see everything that is happening. SO NOT FAIR!!!!!). Finally, the all clear is given and we go check out the sky to see the aftermath and to see if anymore is coming.

Luckily for us, the tornado hit about 2 miles away from us. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured - anywhere. A school bus was "lucky" enough to be right where the tornado touched down, it flipped a few times and landed in a corn field. There were five children and the driver on the bus. Minor injuries and I am sure there will be some hesitation for getting back on a school bus, but everyone is ok. Our school secretary's house and barn did get hit. They were able to stay in the house last night, but there is still some damage to look into. Other's weren't so lucky. One of our teacher's owns the house and barn right next door. They haven't moved in yet as they are totally remodeling the house first. House survived, can't say as much for most of her beautiful barn.

So, as you can see, my Seventh Sense told me to make sure Cale was at home when the tornado touched down. Granted, it didn't go anywhere near the school, but how would I have known that while sitting in my basement?? I had him within arms reach the entire time. I knew where my kids were. The children of several people I know, were still on the bus on the way home from school. All of our drivers kicked butt taking care of them and got them into basements as soon as they could. Scary, a school bus load of kids all in one basement. Can you imagine??? Some of those kids are really little. They wouldn't have a clue what was going on and probably just wanted their parents.

Here are some pictures of the actual tornado and some of what was left in it's aftermath...

These are just a few. There was A LOT more damage than this, but you get the idea. Several houses were leveled. A village hall is no longer. Silos are laying out in corn fields. Pools look like a giant stepped on them. Trees and power lines down everywhere. Debris all over the place. Cars are totalled. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt. Thanksgiving is not going to be as festive this year for some people, but they will surely have something to be thankful for...to be alive. According to our school secretary, everything that was lost, can be replaced.

We have some crazy weather out here. A tornado in January of 2008 took out a lot of Edward's Apple Orchard and several other houses. Now on November 22, 2010, another tornado takes out even more homes, businesses and farms.

AND....School was cancelled today because 4 of the 6 schools in our district were still without power. I found this out 10 minutes after they woke up for the day! That made for a VERY LONG DAY!!! This means the boys have a 6 day weekend!!! I am gonna need some wine....STAT!!!!!

Halloween

2010-11-07T12:45:00.000-06:00

So I am a little behind getting some pics up from Halloween. Whatcha gonna do? You don't scare me!!!!

Here are my military guys. I really can't say Army guys because I think Ryan was some sort of paratrooper and Cale was....let's put it this way, they talk about soooooo many different military things that I don't have a clue about, so I tend to just smile and nod. You kinda have to, it's all they ever talk about!!!

Private Ryan - no saving needed

I would hate to meet up with this face!

Or this face!!!!

Ryan took every opportunity to play combat while trick or treating.

I actually really like this picture! Thinking of getting it framed.

Cale and his friend Ryan. This was his first year that he

didn't have to go trick or treating with Mommy. He did, however,

get to go with Ryan (and his parents)! I think he enjoyed

that a lot more than going with me!

Private Cale...contemplating his next move.

He's so serious!!

The boys are constantly playing military, WWII, Vietnam, etc..... The only thing I had to get for Halloween this year was candy and face paint. You have got to love that!!!

My thoughts

2010-10-30T01:08:00.000-05:00

Lately, I have had several tiny "meltdowns" when it comes to Diabetes. Halloween doesn't help it either!! Imagine how I felt when I walked into Cale's Halloween party, after it has been in full swing for half an hour, to find out that treats have already been passed out and pretty much all inhaled. You would not believe the amount of, please excuse my language, CRAP that they were given to eat!!! I wouldn't even have eaten all of it myself...not at one sitting, at least!! Brownies with frosting and sprinkles, huge sugar cookies topped with frosting, powdered doughnuts (really?), small cupcakes with sugar cream frosting, trail mix, candy and huge, where's the keg, plastic cups full of fruit punch! Thankfully, I packed Cale a water bottle with sugar free lemonade mix to drink. That didn't stop him from eating everything! I had already told him when I would be at the party and to test if they were to eat before I arrived. He did, he told me what his BG was and then told me what he ate. I stopped counting at 90 grams of carbs and gave him his shot, with every intention of rechecking in 2 hours and correcting as needed - thankfully it didn't turn out to be too much of a correction. Needless to say, he was WOUND UP for the rest of the day and then he crashed way earlier than normal. He also complained of a stomachache. Hmmmmm.....wonder what that would be from?!

So I was really annoyed at the amount of junk they were given to eat. I felt horrible that I had to be so concerned. I didn't take it out on him, after all, he was just being a 9 year old boy. I did tell him that it was way too much for anyone and for the next party, he is to eat one thing and bring the rest home.

I hate having to tell him that. I hate these feelings of why can't he just be like everyone else. I hate hearing that some kids have teased him about having Diabetes - oh how I hate that - that has been the cause of many tears lately. I hate that I worry all of the time. I hate that I have to read about the 13 year old girl that died in her sleep last week because of Diabetes, with no real explanation as to what really happened. I hate that his sleep has to be interrupted every night to test his BG - although, he seems to sleep through it, but still stirs a lot when I fish his hand out from under the blankets. Then, if he's low, he does have to somewhat wake up to drink/eat. But it needs to be done so that he will wake up in the morning. I hate that he can't join the military because of Diabetes (ok...that I really don't hate, but for his sake, I pretend). There are so many things I hate about this disease, but I realize that I need to have these feelings. And, I need to keep these feelings away from him. I can't let him feel like he's a burden in any way, shape or form, because he is NOT!

Deep down, however, I can't help but really like the comments that I receive about how I am caring for Cale. I thank those that give me these compliments. Their words give me so much encouragement. It helps me realize that I am doing everything that I can for him. And I know that if this was their child, they would do the exact same thing that I am doing for my child. That is our job. There is no question as to what needs to be done. We just do it. Sure, we have our moments. But, we would have moments with completely healthy children (you have met Ryan, right?).

I was reading another blog from a mother of a child with Diabetes and she posted the following poem, that made me cry, in a good way....

CHOSEN

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit.

Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

"Armstrong, Beth; son. Patron saint...give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."

"Forrest, Marjorie; daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia."

"Rutledge, Carrie; twins. Patron saint, Matthew."

Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a child with Diabetes."

The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's so happy."

"Exactly," smiles God, "Could I give a child with Diabetes to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."

"But has she patience?" asks the angel.

"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it."

"I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world. She has to make him live in her world and that's not going to be easy."

"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you." God smiles, "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect -she has just enough selfishness." The angel gasps - "selfishness? is that a virtue?"

God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect."

"She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice....and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing My work as surely as if she is here by My side".

"And what about her Patron saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in mid-air.

God smiles, "A mirror will suffice."

By ~ Erma Bombeck

Now, those of you that really know me, know that I am not an overly religious person. I do believe in God and we try to instill this in our boys. I can tell you right now, I am going to make sure that we do that even more.
I may have my moments and I do wallow in them (and I thank all of you that allow me to breakdown to them and help me through those moments), but they don't last too long.

I watch Cale play, I hear him laugh, I see him enjoy so much and I realize, this is how it is supposed to be. I do what I do, and deal with what I deal with, all so that he can have his childhood and grow to be the person he is destined to be...no matter what life throws his way.

Step Out Walk - 2010

2010-10-17T10:03:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, October 16th, Team Cale once again "Stepped Out" to Fight Diabetes. It was a beautiful day! The walk was in St. Charles, Illinois. It started out along the Fox River and wound through some wooded areas and then back along the River. It was such a nice walk! I love the Fall and with the water and the changing leaves, things couldn't have been nicer!! The walk was 5 miles long and we all made it!

Team Cale was announced during the opening ceremonies as not only a new team to this walk (the previous walk we did was in Rockford) but we were also one of the top 5 fundraising teams!! That felt really good considering how many people were there!! As of today, Team Cale has raised $3,280!! And we can still send in any late donations until November 5th!!!

Team Cale consisted of Me (of course), Pat, Cale and Ryan, my Mom and Dad, Lauren and Kevin, my cousin Jenny, Cale's best friend Ryan and my mother-in-law and father-in-law (they were there in spirit...they helped fundraise, but were unable to do the 5 mile walk due to a brand new knee!!!). What I found funny is, during the walk, the ones that were "tired" and "hurting" were the two 9 year olds and the 6 year old! Where was the energy that they have ALL OF THE TIME?! Granted, Ryan's little legs had to take almost twice as many steps as the adults, but he is always on the go at home and doesn't have to rest! Ahhhhh!!!!

My very talented sister-in-law, Chris, graciously designed our t-shirts again this year!! Everyone had the Army star logo with "Team Cale" on the front and the little boys had their names military style on their backs (which made my "big" boy want his, too!). We love the t-shirts!!!

Here are some pictures of our day...

Team Cale

My family

The boys watching the waterfall...check out their names on their backs!

The three monkeys

The path winding through the "woods"

Best Buddies

Best "Goofy" Buddies

Daddy & Ryan...Ryan was tired!

Cale with Auntie Lauren and Uncle Kevin

Cale with Grandma and Grandpa

Leave it to Lauren to find a cat!!!

WWII Re-enactment

2010-09-27T16:38:00.000-05:00

So I haven't been blogging for quite some time now. I finally have a moment to sit and type. Wasn't sure what to write about....so here has been the boys' life lately....WWII (unless it is raining out, then it turns into Vietnam - thanks Forrest Gump)!!! I believe that I am one of very few mom's that actually have a load of laundry that she has labeled "camo". They have soooo much of it!!!

On Sunday, they went with Daddy and Grandpa to the nation's largest WWII Re-enactment and had a BLAST!!! Here are some pics of their fun day....

Yes, they had to wear some of their "gear". They were not too happy that they couldn't bring everything!!

I heard that Cale acutally "cocked" this when he got up there. Those are blanks, but the guy freaked a little!

Look out!!!

They told me what kind of gun this was....sadly, I wasn't listening.

Hey...Auntie Lauren...I WANT JUICE!!!

They want this built in our back yard!!

Why am I thinking of MASH right now??? I know, wrong war!!

I don't think they really wanted to leave.

Coming Soon to a Blog Near You!!!

2010-08-25T21:58:00.000-05:00

A new post!!! I promise!!!

I'm here!!

2010-07-06T23:32:00.000-05:00

Yes...I am here!! Summer is in full swing and my computer is not!!! It has to be sent away for repairs for 2-4 weeks (WHAT!?!?). So for now, I am using my neighbor's extra laptop, which means no pictures can be posted because they are all on my laptop!!

So here is what is new...Cale went the the ADA Camp in June and LOVED IT!!! Thankfully, it was not the hottest week of the year again like it was last year. AND thankfully, the pool was open this year, unlike last year!! AND thankfully, the weather cooperated for all but one morning the entire week! He had a blast! He got to see his friends from last year and he made several new ones - including a very cute girl that lives right by the in-laws!!! He got to see her again when we went to the 4th of July parade in Wonder Lake. So adorable, when they first saw eachother there, they were so shy and then SNAP they were having a ball!! Actually pretty funny to see two children with diabetes scrambling for all of the candy that was being thrown! Also turns out that Pat's parents know her grandparents. Small world!!! It was great to find someone from camp that lives so close. Everyone else from last year lived closer to Chicago.

Next week, we are going to attend the open house for the overnight camp that Cale will, hopefully, be attending next year (gotta get the application in right away. There is a huge waiting list for this year!) His new friend will also be going to check it out. He heard a lot about overnight camp from the counselors at day camp and is really starting to get excited about it. I am too...no hotel for the week, sleep through the night (sounds ideal, probably won't happen...chances are that I will be up most nights worrying) and no math!!!! I will post camp pics as soon as my computer is back...maybe. By then it will be old news.

The week before camp, we and by we I mean, my mom, the boys and I, braved it and went to Chicago for the Blackhawks parade. We woke up SUPER early to take the train there and am I glad we took the first train out. IT WAS PACKED!!!! The train actually had to skip some stops. It was standing room only and packed with people in red and black. Thankfully, we got on at the very first stop. We actually got a pretty good spot on the parade route. Cale was right on the street thanks to a VERY nice man who was there with his younger daughter. Everyone around us was so nice and excited! Only drawbacks, Ryan was being a pain in the butt (almost like how he acts when there is a full moon...those who know him know exactly what I am talking about!), it was kinda hot and the parade started late so they seemed to drive past us pretty quickly in order to get to the rally on time. And the biggest drawback of all, Pat had to work. He has waited his entire life for the Hawks to win the Stanley Cup and then he couldn't get off of work! However, he insisted I take the boys so that they could say they were there. We had ticker tape fall all over us, we saw the players AND WE SAW THE CUP!!!!! It was great!!! We made the very smart decision to skip the rally (hello....we were a mere 4 people out of an estimated 2 million!!) and went to lunch at a pizza place and watched most of it on the tv there. We couldn't watch all of it, had to haul butt back to the train station in order to get a seat on the train back. Luckily, we made it and we got seats!!! It was memorable! Again, I will post pics later, but by then....old news!!

This Saturday we will travel down to Coal City for Danny and Chris' wedding reception party/picnic. Weather looks very promising. Can't wait! It should be a great time!

In two weeks, Cale is attending a Diabetes Basketball Camp near here for a few days. He has been playing ball at the YMCA and now is excited to be going to this camp. Added bonus....it's free!!!!

Other plans for this summer include going to Six Flags, Magic Waters, Silver Lake Beach and lots of swimming at the neighbor's house!!! Pat and I are also hoping to take Cale up to Wolf River in Wisconsin for white water rafting. We just need to find a place where the minimum age isn't 12. He would have so much fun rafting!! That is the perfect river to him to go his first time!! And let's not forget...August 14th, Lauren and I are going to see Bret Michaels in concert with Firehouse and Warrant!! Woo Hoo!!!! 8th row baby!!! ROCK ON!!!

So, that's what is happening here. Busy, busy, busy!!

Here come the Hawks...

2010-06-10T08:32:00.003-05:00

The 2010 Stanley Cup Champions...The Chicago Blackhawks!!!!!

It is a very happy time in our household. My husband has waited his entire life to see the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup. Can I just say, he was physically ill when he got home from work last night in anticipation of the game. He sat in his recliner so tense and sweating up a storm!! And when overtime started...I thought he was going to have a stroke or something. THEN...Patrick Kane fires it in and the lamp didn't light...but that didn't stop Kane from celebrating. Once everyone realized what had happened....OH MY GOSH!!!!! Craziness!!!!! To quote Patrick Kane "Holy Crap!" (he's so cute)

We are really wanting to go to the parade and rally downtown tomorrow....however, Pat doesn't think he can miss work. How much does that bite for him?? I am contemplating taking the boys, but I have to say, it will be VERY overwhelming down there. I will have to ponder that for the day.

He's 9!!!!

2010-05-31T19:55:00.001-05:00

Nine years ago today, after a pretty easy pregnancy and then after a mere 6 hours of labor, Cale entered the world with gusto!!!! I can't believe how fast the time has gone!!

Here he is at just under 3 years old on "vacation" in Galena with Grandma and Grandpa....

...to today as the WWII Army guy with 2 of his biggest fans (the little ladies love him)!!!!

He went from loving ceiling fans and trailer hitches to being infatuated with the Army and WWII!!! Drive through our subdivision and you will most likely see him in full combat gear along with his friend Ryan.

This year, we had the family over for a BBQ on Sunday to celebrate. We feasted on brats, hot dogs, burgers and of course cake and ice cream (Diabetes Schmiabetes...no such thing on your birthday!!) He got LOTS of great presents. Most of which pertained in some way to the Army...a make your own fort kit, several military books, 2 military guys, new binoculars, a super soaker, camo clothes, money and the promise to be taken to the Army Surplus store and his very own basketball hoop! He is getting pretty good at basketball and now we can practice more at home! FUN!!

I think his favorite thing was having his best friend spend the night and all of today at the house. Surprisingly, they passed out in the army fort by midnight....another big surprise, they were awake at 5:00 am!!! Really??? They spent the whole day playing and we are all a bit tuckered out now. Time to relax and get ready for the last couple days of school!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!! I LOVE YOU!!!!

Sad day....

2010-05-28T21:49:00.000-05:00

Let me first start off by saying how great we have it at our school in regards to Cale's diabetes care. Everyone is so helpful, concerned and cooperative. He has never been denied anything!! It is a dream. The teachers, principal, secretary and most of all our nurse!! Salena has been an unbelievable godsend!!!

She came on staff the same time that Cale was diagnosed almost 3 years ago. At first, she was only at our school part time, but she was ALWAYS there for Cale at lunch. She made that her priority. Then came the glorious day that we found out she was to be at our school full time....insert happy dance here!!! No one could ask for a better person to take care of their child. Salena even went above and beyond by taking time away from her family at night to attend the pump training with us!! She has attended every field trip that she was needed to attend. She has let me give her phone number to a baby sitter when we were able to spend an evening in downtown Chicago (70 miles away), just in case!! She treats Cale like he is her own son. She has become such a great friend!!

Today, I find out that she is not returning to our school next year!! Can I just say...I cried. I thought I had one more year with her taking care of Cale before he went to the Upper Elementary School in 5th grade. No such luck!!! I often kidded her saying that she had to go to 5th grade with him.

I completely understand why she is leaving. She and her husband own their own business and their medical insurance premiums are killing them!!! The very sad thing about this is that she is ONE MINUTE shy of her time she works at the school to be eligible for the district's insurance. ONE STINKING MINUTE!!!! She has fought this for 2 years and doesn't feel she can fight anymore considering the amount of staff that has already been cut (that is totally another post). She has gotten a job at an immediate care center nearby and has already asked to be kept on as a substitute at our school for anything, lunch room, nurse, janitor...but she cannot sub for our secretary, that's mine!!! Plus, should we need to go to an immediate care, guess where we will be going?

She will be missed at the school so much! I can only hope that we get another nurse next year that is half as good as Salena! SNIFF!!!!!

He Did It Again!!!

2010-05-17T12:13:00.000-05:00

I am so proud of Cale...he wrote an essay and once again, he won a scholarship to ADA Camp for this summer!!! He cannot wait to go. He had so much fun last year. He made friends. He really connected with one of the teenage counselors. He was JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!!!!

So, towards the end of June, we will all pack up to stay near the campgrounds and we will have a mini vacation in good old Des Plaines, Illinois!!! Sounds lame, but camp is close to 60 miles away from our house...we are so hoteling it!!!!

Cale on his first day of camp in 2009...he looks so little!!!!!

Next summer....overnight camp!!

All of my boys having fun in the hotel pool last year!

Friends...big and small!!

Sixth Sense

2010-04-24T23:41:00.001-05:00

That's right...I do believe I possess a Sixth Sense and I do not see dead people!!!

Over the past week, there have been 3 nights that I have woken out of a deep sleep for no reason. As soon as my eyes open, I figure, "I'm up, I will check Cale". And low and behold....his blood sugar has been below 70 each and every time!! And I would like to add that there was no explanation as to why he had dropped so low. He had been going to bed in the lower 200's!

Sixth sense, mother's intuition...whatever it is, I will take it!!

HE DID IT!!!!!

2010-04-15T18:05:00.000-05:00

Tonight, Cale gave himself his injection...for the very first time!!!!!!!!!

Mommy's Report Card

2010-04-15T09:47:00.001-05:00

Cale had his 3 month endo visit yesterday. Time for Mommy's grades. It was actually a very fast appointment. He is 4'9" tall and weighs 75 pounds. He has definitely grown since his last visit. (There was a student doctor shadowing and he was taller than her!!! He's 8!!!!) Anyway...his A1C was 7.3. His doctor is very pleased. His last one was 7.4 - which was when he was having all of the pump/skin problems. The one before that was his lowest ever...6.8. But I will take the 7.3 and be happy.) Cale does need to start taking his shots in other places. He really likes his stomach, but you can totally see little bitty bumps starting to show. Thankfully the warm weather is coming and his legs will have easy access!!! Our only change is to try a teeny tiny bit of insulin with his bedtime snack to help bring him down in the night (the doctor told me I needed to sleep...really???) and if that doesn't help, we will up his Lantus by 1 unit. I will still wake up, my body is programmed. I am not overly concerned about the highs, I do treat them, it's the lows that have me scared out of my mind!! You never know when they will hit!!!

After talking to the OmniPod lady at the Expo on another option for skin protection, Cale has decided that once I get that product, he will try on the pod, minus the pod. He wants to just wear the adhesive and see how that goes. Fine by me. Step one complete. His approval. His doctor gave that the thumbs up. Now all I need to do is find the card that the rep gave me with the info....ah the joy of super cleaning your house for a shower and misplacing things!!!

While at the doctor's office, we picked up a brochure for a Basketball Camp for children with diabetes. I have seen this before, however it was located over 80 miles away from our house. Not gonna happen for 3 hours a day for 3 days over the summer. BUT, this one is nicely located just over 10 miles away. AND IT'S FREE!!!! Cale has been taking basketball lessons at the YMCA for several months now and is currently signed up for a league there starting next week. (Remember his height???) He totally wants to go to this camp. Who am I to say no???? So the form was mailed out today and we will keep our fingers crossed that it is not full. ADA Summer Camp in June and then Basketball Camp in July. His summer is filling up fast!!!!

Diabetes Expo - 2010

2010-04-11T22:28:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, my sister and I took Cale to Navy Pier in Chicago for the ADA Diabetes Expo.

Last year, the Expo was fantastic. It was huge! We attended a couple of "classes" including one for their summer camps. Let me tell you, the video that they show...tear jerker!!! Needless to say, Cale attended camp last year (on a scholarship no less) and is already signed up for this summer (fingers crossed for a scholarship!!). We came home with BAGS of information, samples, meters, test strips, food, coupons, t-shirts, water bottles, you name it, we lugged it home!!!

Fast forward to this year...it was a complete let down. Cale was so excited to go (he didn't go with last year, his school was having a fun fair). He was bummed! It was considerably smaller. Still in the same huge room, but everything was crammed together. Very little give aways (I'm not a greedy person - really). Nothing really new...except that I did speak with the OmniPod people and I was given another thing to try for Cale's allergic reaction to the adhesive, when he is ready to try again. BUT, I found out that the new and smaller pods will be out by the end of the year AND even before that, the CGM should be integrated. Now that was great news!! Of course, only if he decides to try the pod again and we have success (cross the other fingers on that one!). One other plus of the Expo was that The Home Depot was there in the kids corner and they had a wood craft for the kids to do. Cale got a hard hat, apron, a pin and he made a wooden tool box. His favorite part of the Expo was the balloon lady. I'll post a picture of that after I steal Lauren's camera!!

Honestly, we did the Expo in under 45 minutes. Keep in mind, we drove about an hour and a half to get there. Driving in Chicago is C.R.A.Z.Y!!!!! Really a let down. Cale does not want to go next year - join the club buddy!!! We shared the elevator with a couple of people that felt the same way we did.

So, we walked along Navy Pier. Had lunch at Bubba Gumps - yet another disappointment. Just a heads up, when you go to Bubba Gumps Shrimp Co. - ALWAYS order shrimp!!! The crab legs were horrible!!! They were steamed in what I can only describe as toilet water with some green spices floating in it! I kid you not. Ask Lauren!!! THEN, McDonalds was out of ice cream!! Are you freaking kidding me????

The highlight of the entire day was the Chicago Wolves game that we went to that night with everyone in our family. The boys had fun and it was a great time!! Hockey games are fun.

So that was our trip into the city in a nutshell. A smashed up nutshell!!!

Well...we did it!

2010-04-03T10:11:00.001-05:00

Even though I never thought we would, we did! We got Cale his own cell phone. Almost 9 years old and he has a cell phone!! I don't like it one bit!!! However, under the circumstances, it was necessary.

I feel like I have been "smothering" (for lack of a better word) Cale since his diagnosis. I have a VERY hard time letting him go out and play with friends. I am always having his friends over here to play. It breaks my heart that he can't just jump on his bike and go off (of course he would have to let me know where he was going!). But, if he did want to go off on his bike, I was always telling him how far he could go and how soon he had to come back to "check in". What kind of childhood is that? I also feel, deep down, that his social skills are not as up there as they could be because of all of this.

Given all of that, we got him a phone. He will still have to tell me where he is going. He will still have to pack juice boxes, glucose tabs, a snack and his meter. But now I can reach him anywhere!! I have programmed all emergency numbers into his phone. There is also a place for emergency information. I programmed his name, address, date of birth and that he has type 1 diabetes (and for those that don't know - I programmed insulin dependent). There are no bells and whistles on this phone - except for a camera, they all come with cameras!!! He isn't allowed to call his friends without permission. He isn't allowed to give out his phone number without permission. He isn't allowed to text - it's not activated. He isn't allowed to take it to school. It is to stay on a little shelf in the kitchen unless he is going out to play or we are going out for the day (just in case). Basically, he can call family and 911. That is all we are letting him do at this point.

He has been having a ball with it over the last day. He keeps calling me from his room - cell to cell, no minutes used!! He took it with to Ryan's hockey lessons last night and would move about 10 feet away and call. He has mastered the ring tones. He has taken more pictures than one can imagine. I am sure the neatness will wear off soon.

While it still kills me to have gotten him a phone, I know have a little bit of relief when it comes to him being just a "normal" kid. The worries are still there, but they have subsided just a tad. And as an added bonus, this phone does come with the "family locater" option. For a few bucks a month, I can GPS the guy. I haven't activated it yet, maybe closer to summer just to ease my mind!!!!

Spring Break and an Update!!

2010-03-30T22:35:00.005-05:00

I have not fallen off the face of the earth!!! Last week was Spring Break here in good old Illinois. It was a fairly cold one! This week, of course, is supposed to get up to 80!!! At least I will get to enjoy the weather while the boys are sitting and learning in school!!!

School...that's a fun issue in our town lately! Teachers being let go for next year, a new superintendent that sounds less than a pile of manure!! It is sad and scary and I can't wait until the next school board meeting. I have a feeling it will be nasty!!!!

So back to Spring Break. The boys had a pretty good week. Cale was able to have his friend, Ryan, over A LOT!!! First of all, a little confusing because everytime I called my Ryan, his friend would answer. I couldn't even say Ryan S. because his last name starts with S. So I started with the Ryan Patrick (who, by the way, has been putting his full name on his school papers and spelling it Patchrik). Anyway, Cale has finally found a friend that shares his exreme passion for anything Army!!! Every time they are together, itis in full on camoflague and Army gear. He had a sleep over one night and they had made an Army "fort" out of camo sheets in Cale's room and insisted on sleeping in it. They also asked to sleep in their camo clothes just in case they were attacked in the middle of the night. They also wanted to go outside and play night Army at 10:30 pm!!! That answer was a big NO!!! I even had to be "that Mom" and tell them it was time to turn off the lights and try to sleep at 1:30 a.m. They finally ended up falling asleep at 2:00 a.m!!!! On the plus side, Ryan's mom specifically asked me if she could learn what needs to be done with Cale so that he can play at their house. As scary as it is, I am all for it!! It helps that she is a CNA and has worked with people that have diabetes and she is studying to become a nurse.

My Ryan felt very left out. He is so used to being able to play with Cale. So, I let him have a friend come over to play. Unless there is a full bottle of wine available, I will never let them have friends over on the same day! It was NUTS!!!

On Wednesday, my sister (Hi Lauren!) took the day off of work (which was so difficult(um-not) for her to do considering she hated that job and had gotten a new job that started the following Monday!!! YEAH!!!) and we took the boys into Chicago to the Museum of Science and Industry. We spent the ENTIRE day there and they loved it!!! We saw everything except the Coal Mine (Ryan had a little bit of a gas issue and we weren't going to be confined in a small space with the "walking turd" as Lauren called him) and the "Green" house. The boys loved the submarine. I actually thought it was really cool!! We even paid the extra fee to go on the tour and I learned a lot! Normally, I could care less about that kind of stuff (I hate the History Channel and Military Channel - which are always on in my house) but it was interesting. 57 guys on a 90 day mission in a sub that only has bunks for 30 to sleep at one time. Only 2 bathrooms but one was used for food storage. They didn't shower (GROSS!) and the lowest temp in the sub was 90 degrees. STINKY!!!!

Here are some pictures from our day~

They had a farm exhibit. Here are the boys driving a combine. They are actually watching a screen that makes it look like they are driving through a corn field.

Of course it was a John Deere!!

My John Deere loving son - by the way, his new John Deere bedroom is all done!!

Yeah...that's Ryan smelling a pile of cow manure!!

On to the Circus exhibit...turns out Auntie Lauren loved this exhibit - explains A LOT!!

Um...what!!!???

We are getting closer to the submarine...U505, a captured German sub.

Unfortunately, we couldn't take any pictures inside of the sub. You wouldn't believe the size of the bunks and several of them have a missle lying on the floor next to them!!!

Ryan's favorite part of the huge train layout...the John Deere tractors being transported.

In the Air Craft Carrier exhibit...hey Grandpa, here's how they stop the planes when landing!

Checking out the baby chicks that were hatching. Did you know it takes 10 hours for a chick to hatch?? See, I learned a little that day, too!!!

Hi Auntie Lauren!! She made me take this cuz she said she was having a good hair day!

The tornado in the new weather exhibit. Overall, the exhibit was not very impressive. The lightning was loud - yes the lightning, not the thunder!! Would have rocked if we could stand inside the tornado!!!

Cale made me take this one.

The day was great. We got there at 10:30 and didn't leave until after 5:00!!!

Well worth the trip! This week, they have Friday off from school as well as the Monday after Easter. The plan is to go see The Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie or as Lauren calls it The Diarrhea of a Wimpy Kid movie!!!

On the everyday items, Cale has joined a Basketball league through the YMCA. He has practices and games every Saturday starting on April 24th through May 22nd. Not overly competitive, more learning while playing. Perfect for a beginner!! Ryan has been officially promoted from Rink Rats to Termites for his hockey lessons. They don't want him back in Rink Rats! The coaches would have the kids start at the blue line and skate as fast as they could to the goal line and stop several times. Ryan kicked butt!!! That turkey is fast!! AND, he stops - he doesn't fall!!! Now he will start working on backwards skating and more stick handling. Ryan is also signed up for Little League for the summer. Cale didn't want to play. He would rather go to the playground or to the basketball hoops while Ryan is playing. I always wondered what the big deal was with parents always taking their kids to this activity and that activity. How crazy could it really be??? Now I know!!!! I'm not a soccer mom, but I am a Basketball/Hockey/Baseball mom.

On the diabetes front, Cale's numbers are doing pretty good. Had a few highs a couple of days ago, and even though they weren't good, we know the reasons!!! He still has no desire to go back on the pod. Still have the 3 full boxes in my cabinet - all paid for and collecting dust!!! Our ADA rep is helping me out there checking with some support groups and seeing if anyone needs/wants them. I tried e-bay, but a message kept coming up about FDA regulations, and even though I don't think they pertain to me, not gonna take any chances. Who knows, maybe after Diabetes Camp this summer, he may want to give it a try again and see how his skin reacts. Then again, maybe not. Maybe someone there may need the pods??? On a positive note, he did attempt to give himself an injection today!!! It didn't happen, but he did try. He is also getting all of the syringes ready on his own. Of course, I am telling him how much and double checking, but he is doing great. It's kinda cute to see him tapping out the bubbles! AND, we are going to be doing our ADA Step Out Walk on Saturday, October 16th. Go TEAM CALE!!!

Ok..I've rambled enough and bombarded you with enough pictures. I promise not to stay away so long again!!!

It's Someone's Birthday!!!!

2010-03-28T19:39:00.000-05:00

And it's a big one!! I won't give the specific number, but she's not 59 and not quite 61! Any idea????

Happy Birthday Mom!!!! We hope you had a great day and we all hope that you were happy with your "Surprise Party"!!

Here's a picture of Mom with her very, very, very good friend Cathy at dinner.

The entire family went out to dinner at Niko's in Huntley and we surprised Mom with inviting Cathy and her husband Chuck. It was a great time!! Good food, good laughs, cake, presents and Sea Breezes!!!!

My Baby Turns 6 Today!!!!!

2010-03-03T16:28:00.001-06:00

Six years ago today, around 3:30 in the morning, I started feeling tightening in my abdomen. Nothing painful, but the tightening came every ten minutes. So after about 2 hours of this, I called the doctor and after remembering how quick my first son was born (6 hours from first drip of pitocin to his first breath) I was told to come in as soon as possible.

Eighteen hours later, after a scary incident involving near intibation and the crash cart and after not dialating past 7 cm, Ryan Patrick Sowers was born via c-section weighing in at 9 pounds 7 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. Sweet, tubby little guy!!! He actually looked like a dark chubby little Italian guy which lead to some questions from friends as to who the father really was. After awhile, his skin lightened and he started looking more like his pale, white Irish Daddy!!!

Today, he isn't so tubby. He is finally growing out of his nickname "Midget" and is the most active little boy ever! He is an ice skating maniac! He loves kindergarten! He is a little on the bull headed stubborn side (who am I kidding, there is nothing little about that!!) and can really hold his own. He has the littlest teeth ever and still loves his "baby blanket" a.k.a. "the rag". He loves to talk and talk and talk, John Deere tractors, monster trucks, legos, his bike and watching SpongeBob Squarepants, but will still watch Max and Ruby if given the chance.

Happy 6th Birthday Little Man! I love you!!!

I will post pictures from tonight with cake and presents tomorrow!!

Ryan's 6th Birthday Party

2010-03-01T10:43:00.000-06:00

On Saturday, we had a birthday party for Ryan and 6 of his friends (7 if you count Cale). It was held at the ice arena where Ryan has hockey lessons. They have a playworld there (think McDonald's - only bigger). So for an hour the kids ran wild in the playworld, then an hour for pizza, cake and presents and then it was an hour of ice skating. The boys had a blast!!!

They ran nuts in the play area. Ryan was a little upset at first because all of the boys weren't following him around. I guess he thought, his day, he's in charge. He eventually got over it and they had fun. They kept asking when it was time to skate. Then when we got the page saying that it was time for the party room, they went crazy!!! Screaming!!! I couldn't even hear the entire page.

Into the party room for pizza, cake and presents. I got a little taste of what lies ahead for me as a mother of boys. A LOT OF FART TALK!!!!! Seriously! And they all thought it was the funniest thing ever!! Help me!!

Time for skating. Even the kids that had never skated before and had to use the "walkers" skated laps around me!! The rink was packed and they all took off!! It was so hard to keep track of them!! Luckily, we didn't lose a child!! But we did wear them out (not Ryan, for some reason he was so hyper after the party).

All in all, Ryan had a great day and is looking forward to Wednesday for more cake and presents!

Here's some pics.....

Ryan and his Buddies

Birthday cake

Opening presents is so exciting!!! He got so much fun stuff!!!

Ryan ready to hit the ice wearing his brand new Ice Hogs shirt he got from his friend Matthew!

Full of Pride and Tears

2010-02-23T14:26:00.001-06:00

Just last night, as I was getting Cale's Lantus injection ready, he says to me "Mommy, you know, once you have diabetes for as long as I have, it's not a big deal. So I have to count carbs and get a lot of shots, so what."

I wanted to cry!!! I was not only upset because he even had to think things like that in his less than 9 years of life, but I was so proud of him for accepting what life has dealt to him! I hope he keeps up with the positive attitude!!

Then, as Ryan's was putting together his "T" Sound Sack for school (he has to find something that starts with the letter "T", put it in the bag and draw a picture of it and write out the word) Cale noticed that he was putting the picture of the tornado that touched down here in January of 2008 into his sack and said "I have seen and have been through a lot since I was born!" He's right. He has had stitches, broken his arm which required two surgeries, was diagnosed with diabetes, witnessed a tornado touch down within a mile of our house, a recent earthquake (yes in Illinois!!!) and that is only what I can think of off the top of my head! Hopefully the rest will be for the better!!!

Totally jinxing myself

2010-02-21T19:05:00.001-06:00

As soon as I type this, EVERYTHING will change. No doubt about it. Cale has actually been doing better off of the pump than he was for the last couple of months that he was using it. The allergy thing really sucked the "fun" out of using the pump. It bothered him to no end and it consumed his daily thoughts. Seriously!! We had his parent/teacher conference on Thursday night and we realized that he hadn't been down to see the nurse, outside of morning check and lunch time, for over a month!!! There, I've done it now. He will be down there all day tomorrow!!!

His numbers have been incredibly within range (a few highs and lows sprinkled in). Once again, I have done it. He will sky rocket over night or drop way low!!!! He seems so much happier, too! We have discussed going back on the pump and he flat out said "NO". I said maybe when he gets a little older. He agreed and even agreed to "try" a pod again really soon to see how it affects his skin. I think I am in the minority when I say that giving the daily shots isn't that big of a deal. Granted, hitting a couple of buttons was fantastic (I miss the sound of the insulin "pumping" in) but going back to the old fashion way, isn't that horrible. We are even using syringes, not the pens. I have a knack for drawing up 1/4 units with my naked little eye!!!! Pens only let you give by the half unit.

Cale has even started drawing up is own insulin. He still won't get close to giving himself a shot, but I did indicate on his camp application that that was one of my goals for him at camp. Wait and see. Wait and see.

So that's the latest on the pump front. He isn't using it. Anyone know someone who is willing to buy 3 boxes of pods???? Seriously. The company sent out his order way before they were supposed to (not very thrilled about that considering the one time I needed them sooner was like going through Congress and this time, when they are not needed, they are shipped almost 3 weeks early! Money grows on trees right??), so now I have an abundance of pods and no one to wear them!! I guess I could do e-bay?!

I am here!!!

2010-02-14T20:10:00.005-06:00

Ok...so I have been MIA for about 9 days! It's crazy what day to day life does to a person and their time!! Here's what's been going on here (sorry if it sounds like rambling!!!):

Happy Belated Birthday Ashlee!!!! I am so sorry I missed it!! Guess where my head has been? Hope you had a great one!!

I was busy planning a Valentine's Day party for 22 kindergartners. CRAZY!!!! I thought I had a great idea for a game that would get some of their energy out. Well it worked - kinda!!! I cut out 22 hearts and put them all over the floor of the classroom. I then started some music (Taylor Swift to be exact - although one of the little girls did request Lady Gaga!!!) and had them dance. Once the music stopped they needed to get on a heart. If there wasn't a heart, they were out. Take away a heart, start the music and repeat. Basically musical chairs with dancing. Well, the boys decided that "You Belong With Me" was the perfect song for a mosh pit!!!! Seriously!!!!! There were a few injuries. Thankfully the next AND LAST class party is at the end of the year and we will be able to go outside!!

News on Cale and his Omnipod....he is still not on it. I did hear through the grapevine, a.k.a. our fantastic school nurse, that he told her that he doesn't want to go back on it - ever. He is really enjoying not feeling it on his skin. He loves that he doesn't have to worry about where it is on his body and if it will get caught on anything. He likes that he eats, gets the shot and then no more worries until next time. His numbers have been really good so far!! (I know, I just totally jinxed myself!) He has a high here and there, but over all, pretty good. We are planning on at least trying one pod here very soon with the new barriors that I found to see if they work with the allergy. Who knows, he may just have to wait until he is a little older to try the pump again.

Cale has been registered for ADA summer camp!!! So exciting!!! All I need is to get the paperwork to the doctor and he is all registered. Now we look for a reasonable hotel nearby and we are set. We really want to stay at the same one as last year, but the prices are just too high right now for the rooms. I check them every other day to see if they have been lowered. Not yet! Oh yeah....and we need to keep a look out for the scholarships! Let's hope he wins another one again this year!!!!!

Ryan just finished this session of hockey lessons. He did really good!! He got an "Awesome! Keep it up!" for the T-push with skating, a "Good job" You're getting better!" for Gliding and also for Stopping (he isn't just falling down anymore, he is actually pointing his toes in and stopping!). The recommendation for being promoted to the next class level was "Think about moving up". However, we thought about it and have decided that he is going to do this class again next session. The next class up focuses on stick and puck handling and we think a little more skating focus is needed first.

Cale is still doing basketball. He really likes it and is still doing pretty good! I just got an email from the lady that used to head up our support group for diabetes and one of the high schools around here (along with the Chicago Bulls) is offering a basketball camp for children with diabetes. Normally, the closest camp for this is in either Lisle or Chicago which are both at least 75 miles away (ONE WAY!!!!). And it is FREE!!! Pretty cool. I cannot wait to get the info on it. Cale is excited!! I think it is really great that there is so much out there for chidren with Type 1 Diabetes that help to show them that there is nothing wrong with them and to help them focus on being, for lack of a better term, "normal".

Pat has been working at least 3 days a week (last week was 5!!!!) and he is still teaching a couple of nights a week. The last few Saturdays, he was the student. He's been keeping pretty busy and losing A LOT of sleep. Up at 4 am and not home until after 10 pm can take a toll on a guy! Next week, there is no school for him - teaching or learning. Hopefully he will get another full work week in!!!

Pat took the boys out snowmobiling out in the fields in Wonder Lake yesterday. They had so much fun. He took out his snowmobile as well as both of the little ones for the boys. Ryan's kept dying (we weren't surprised - it was too warm for it) so the boys had to take turns on Cale's. At one point, Pat let them drive his and he was left standing without a sled. Kinda wish I would have gone with to see them ride, but then again, the silence was golden!!!

The boys are off of school on the 15th AND the 19th!! What to do, what to do!! We will go swimming at the YMCA tomorrow, if they behave!!!

Ryan's 6th birthday party has been planned for Saturday, February 27th. He has invited 7 boys from his class. It is being held at the ice rink where he takes hockey lessons. There is a huge PlayWorld (think McDonald's play area only way bigger and way cleaner!!!!) and party rooms. The boys will play for an hour in the PlayWorld, then pizza, cake and presents in the party room for another hour and then the last hour is ice skating. I guess I had better get out on the ice and get a little practice in before the party. So far, the two boys that are I know are coming have never skated!! YIKES!!!

There was some sad news at my parents house this week. Their dog, Sparky, went into kidney failure. Unfortunately, there really wasn't anything that could be done and they had to make the difficult and unfortunate decision to let him go. Sparky was a yellow lab that they adopted 6 years ago, when he was 4 years old, from a Lab Rescue Organization. He had some allergy issues and my parents took such good care of him! He had the best 6 years with them. Sure, he could be a pain with just wanting attention. He loved everyone and wanted them to love him. He could also clear a room with one little puff of air. However, now we will really see if it was him or just my Dad blaming it on him!!!! The boys took it pretty hard when I broke it to them. They seem fine now, but I do still get questioned here and there about why, where, how...

Ok, I hate to end it on a sad note, but I really didn't want to start out sad. To all the family down South and out West, I promise to keep up with this and hopefully make the posts a little more interesting than this one was. It really looks like an outline or homework. Oh well....

AND

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

2010-02-05T07:27:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Kevin!!!

We hope you have a great one!!

2010-01-31T12:51:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Dad/Grandpa!!!

We hope you have a great one!!!!

Lauren!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-23T13:21:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to my baby sista!!!! We all hope you have a good one!!!!!

A little update

2010-01-21T23:06:00.000-06:00

Here's the latest on Cale. He is still getting daily injections. His pod sites are looking better, but there are a few that still need some healing, mainly his arms. That skin is the most sensitive. His back and stomach look great though!

Cale amazes me daily. He has yet to complain about getting the injections, aside from the occasional cold insulin. I keep waiting for the time to come when he turns down a snack because he will need a shot. It has been two weeks and I still haven't heard anything. He has also not asked to have the pod put back on. I am really very surprised. Although, he is really loving when he, Daddy and Ryan play rough and there is no question about where his pod is so that it doesn't get knocked off.

While the injections are making me think more than normal, what with the carb counting (which isn't new) but with the taking into consideration his BG before eating, the carbs, the way he reacts with the carbs he is eating and with his insulin to carb ratio for that time of the day, my head is spinning!! HOWEVER, his BG's have been pretty good!! Sure, there has been a high here and there, but he is waking up right on target!! For the most part, when he checks himself, he announces his number with what sounds like pride! Now, I know that whatever his BG is has nothing to do with him and what he is doing, but he seems very happy when he sees what they are!! Another highlite for Cale...he has started pulling up his own insulin into the syringes - correctly!! He keeps thinking he may give himself an injection, but he is just not there yet!! Baby steps!

Deep down, I am really hoping that he will be back on the pod soon. It is just so much easier for him and seems more "natural". But, we are still waiting for his sights to be completely clear and I am waiting for him to ask to start it up again. In the meantime, I have started stocking up on the new products that we will be trying in the hopes that they will help with the allergic reaction. Either keep your fingers crossed for him or pray that the pump people pull their heads out of their rears and figure out how to remove what is causing the reaction from the adhesive for so many people!!!!

The "Dreaded" Appointment

2010-01-13T18:56:00.000-06:00

It wasn't that bad!! The doctor, the nurse and the lady that shadows the doctor and writes up everything that he says (Isn't that great? I don't have to take notes!!) were really shocked at the pod sites and their appearance. I was given a couple of more tips to help with the reaction, so once he is totally "healed", we will try the pods again. His doctor was very understanding and concerned. He made sure to talk to Cale about what will happen if he is still reacting to the pods. He told him that he will have to go back to doing shots and Cale told him that he knew and was ok with it (makes you want to cry doesn't it??). He also told Cale (and I love his doctor for this) that what is happening is not his fault and that he didn't do anything wrong to make this happen.

So, another week or so on shots and then he would like to see his BG log. He will do any tweaking necessary and we are to let him know how if we are starting back on with the pods. Then, we just go back for his appointment in April (unless we have some pod issues). The highlight of that appointment is getting all of the doctor's paperwork completed for ADA Day Camp. It's in June and he is already excited about it!!!

Last time, Cale's A1C was 6.7, which thrilled me to no end. This time, it was 7.4. Not as bad as I thought it was going to be. I know, I was getting worked up too much and I need to relax. But when things take a turn and you don't know why or what really to do, your mind goes wild. Live and learn and start drinking!!!!!

Cale Update

2010-01-11T14:53:00.001-06:00

Where do I start? Cale is doing injections today. Really kinda weird. I have to actually do the math in my head!!! I got too used to the pump giving me the suggested bolus!! At least I dusted some of the cobwebs from my brain!!!

As I said in the last update of my last post, I kept Cale home from school today because he had been over 350 since midnight with ketones. Slowly, but surely, we got him down with negative ketones. By 1:00 pm he was 115!!! BIG SIGH OF RELIEF!!!!

I am still worried and upset, but at least he is doing better!! Thank you all for the words of encouragement and for the suggestions. I am going to look into the ideas. I appreciate them so much! Keep an eye out for my post after Cale's appointment. I have a feeling it will be written through tears again! Wait a minute, I need to stay Positive!!!! I'm trying!!

Another update...per Chris' link, I have order a small bottle of mastisol. Fingers crossed and thank you!!!!

I have hit a dead end....

2010-01-10T20:28:00.003-06:00

...and I have no idea what to do! Cale has an endo appointment on Wednesday (I am sooooo scared of this A1C, yet prepared for it all at the same time). I am 95% sure that he is going to have to go back to daily injections, at least for a few months. I know it isn't the end of the world to have to go back, but when we have come so far with the pod...his last A1C was 6.7!!! I cannot tell you how good that felt!! Makes all of the worry and the sleepless nights totally worth it!!!

However, we have been having nothing but trouble with the pump these last few months. Cale has developed an allergic reaction to the adhesive on the pods. Not a slight one, it can look really nasty. Here are two pictures to show just how bad it can get....

This is his arm

This is his leg.

And these marks last a long time. There was a point where we didn't have anywhere to put a new pod and had to wait for an area to clear up. I took the boys swimming at the YMCA last week and wanted to cry. He had these marks on the back of both arms, two marks on his back and two on his stomach. I was so thankful that his swim trunks are long and I couldn't see the marks on each of his legs. Why? Why? Why? I don't know what to do. We have tried several things including skin tac, tegaderm, IV3000, benedryl spray, what next??? We have even gone to changing the pod every two days instead of three hoping that it won't irritate the skin as much. The OmniPod people have been helpful, but I need more help. I need to meet with one of their specialists, with Cale, and really work on this. Did they change their adhesive? Do they have any more ideas? They have already given a few...I NEED MORE!!!! Let me rephrase that...CALE NEEDS MORE!!!! This is something that is affecting his whole life. It is a constant worry about the pod. Always checking to make sure that it isn't too irritated. Always thinking to himself "don't scratch, don't scratch".

Right after Christmas, we went away for a few days and I took him completely off the Pod for the time we were away. This gave his skin 3 days to heal and there wasn't the worry of allergic reaction while we were supposed to be having a good time. He was really, really good about having to have shots again. I was so proud of him (AND he has also told me that he will be ok with going back to shots if that is what the Doctor wants him to do)! For an 8 year old, he is really mature about all of this. Sure, he has his moments. Who could blame him? I have a lot of moments and while I am "living" with diabetes, I am not living with diabetes. This is his life and to put it mildly...IT SUCKS RIGHT NOW!!!! But, I have to try and hide all of my frustrations and put on a positive aire for Cale. Like I said, right now, he is taking it so much better than I am. He has to deal with the reaction daily and he is doing so well with it. He is an amazing boy!!

I think I have rambled enough. I probably don't make total sense, but I had to sit down tonight and just get it off my chest. The tears are now dry and I will get thinking positively and wait for Wednesday. It's all I can do!

3:30 am update...thinking positively is not working!! Whatever new junk I tried last night to supply a barrior between Cale's skin and the pod and his skin has caused the adhesive to slide off! This in turn caused the cannula to come out while Cale was moving in his sleep. BG 383 and moderate ketones!!! I gave him an injection and pulled the pod off. Get to start all over again in the morning!!! Here is some positive thinking...I AM POSITIVE THAT I HATE DIABETES!!!! Now let's see if I can get back to sleep...doubtful!!!

7:00 am update...Cale is not going to school today. I can't get his BG below 350 and he still has ketones!!! Just gave him 5.5 units of insulin via syringe and 11 units of Lantis. He is off the pod for at least today! Calling the doctor this morning if he doesn't go down. THIS SUCKS!!!!

Happy Birthday Mrs. Paprocki

2010-01-06T17:20:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Chris!

We hope you had a great one!

I currently have my head up my rear end which is why your card is going to be late!!!

New Year's Eve Pond Hockey

2010-01-03T23:06:00.001-06:00

On New Year's Eve, we went over to our friends, Gordy & Susan's house. We actually got there in the late afternoon and were able to suit up and play some pond hockey. This was Ryan's first time skating outside and it was actually the exact same place we took Cale for his first time when he was about 3 years old. Turns out, THEY LOVED IT (and when I mean they, I am talking about Pat, Cale and Ryan - I stayed nice and warm in the running car taking pictures)!!! They cannot wait to go back! If they ALL have their way, they will be going back every Sunday (starting next week, I vetoed skating in below zero temps!) to skate some more! I am all for it...mainly because I don't have to participate. Stay home, keep warm, enjoy silence. Good enough for me!!!

Doesn't he look like a pro?? Daddy made him suit all the way up!!!

Cale loved it and he is really good!

His blood sugars didn't...they dropped. We have learned, rather quickly, that his blood sugars drop FAST when he is skating.

Pat had fun...but he paid for it on Friday!

We stayed all night at their house and rang in 2010! The boys had so much fun. Cale ended up with a little bitty four year old girl attached to him the entire night. Turns out that their neighbor's daughter, who is 4 but actually looks about 2, loved him. They adopted her from China and she is so stinking adorable!! Cale actually told me that he wanted to take her home. Her mom wanted to take Cale home!

So the boys played, Pat hung out with the guys in the garage and I caught up on A LOT of gossip with the chicks. Good times!

The New Mr. & Mrs. Dan and Chris Paprocki!!!

2009-12-21T18:16:00.001-06:00

BELATED CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HAPPY COUPLE!!!!

(I know I am slow, I apologize!!)

On Saturday, December 12th, at the home of Chris' parents in Coal City, Illinois, Danny and Chris were officially married!!!! It was an extremely intimate ceremony and very nice!! Chris looked beautiful (of course) in her gown and Danny cleans up pretty nicely!!! Steven stood beside his brother as best man and Cale was the ring bearer. They both looked so handsome! Chris' sister was her maid of honer and looked great her blue dress. Paired with the red and white rose bouquets and poinsettias, everything was perfect!

The ceremony was very sweet. Once they were pronounced husband and wife, they kissed and we all clapped. Well, the next thing we know, in comes the family dog running up to everyone wagging her tail. I guess she thought it was her day!!! Very cute!

Once the ceremony was done, it was picture time and then we were off to the Rockwell Inn for a delicious dinner and what had to have been the best cheese cake that I have EVER had!!!!!

It was a fantastic day! I cannot wait to throw the shower and for June for the even bigger celebration!!!!

Here are a few pics from the day. Lauren had my camera and she has issues doing things right handed so there are only a few!! Enjoy and hopefully we can get some of the professional ones on here some day soon!!!

The newlyweds hanging out in the secluded corner booth!!

Hamming it up at the bar!!!

Mrs. Big Yank and Mrs. Little Yank

aka...Kris Paprocki and Chris Paprocki

Lauren loved this door! Weird girl!

Promoted

2009-12-08T23:36:00.001-06:00

Ryan has officially been promoted to "Rink Rats" for Hockey. Basically, what this means is that he no longer needs to hold onto a chair to skate. He can do it by himself while holding a hockey stick. His next lessons start in January and he will be on the ice without Daddy! I'm not sure Daddy can handle this! This Saturday and next Saturday, he will attend an off ice shooting clinic at the Rockford Ice Hogs training facility. Pretty cool!! This week he may have to wear his suit to the lesson in order for us to make it to Danny and Chris' wedding on time (we will have plenty of time...don't worry people!!!).

Here are a couple of pictures from his last "Chair Hockey" lesson....

Daddy getting Ryan psyched up to skate...

It worked!!! Look at him go!!!

Check out his shiner!!! Totally hockey like - but he got it in gym class!

Final sweaty head of chair hockey!! He loves that!!!

Basketball Update

2009-12-01T21:37:00.001-06:00

Here it is!!!! A basketball update on the same night that it occured!!!! However, I forgot the camera today, so no pictures...sorry!

Cale did GREAT!!!! First of all, his blood glucose was in complete control the entire time (now I just have to see how it affects him during the night).

Second, Daddy was able to get the night off from teaching so that he could come and see Cale play. He was so proud! He was also very impressed with the coaching (happy Papa?). I think he figured that we would just see a group of boys playing around, but the entire time is actual lessons. They are either doing drills, practicing layups, shooting baskets, you name it.

Tonight, they learned about "faking". They did a practice drill where one boy would be dribbling down the court, he would pass it to another player who in turn would pass it right back. Then they would "fake" passing back but instead turn and pass to the next player. They continued two more times and then made a shot for the basket. Cale made it several times!

To end the night, they had another scrimmage game. All of the boys did such a good job. They were blocking, dribbling (most of the time), shooting and rebouding. They have come a long way in these past few weeks. Only two more weeks to go and then it is time to sign up for the next session.

Cale is really having a fun time. I am very impressed with his following everything that his coach is explaining, every time!!! He is doing amazing!!!

GOBBLE GOBBLE!!!!!

2009-11-26T08:07:00.001-06:00

We hope that everyone has a happy, filling, safe and restful Thanksgiving!!

By the way, to all of you you who live where the sun is the "norm", we woke up to snow on the ground. Not enough to do anything, but the grass was covered!!!

Basketball - Week 3 Hockey - Week 5

2009-11-23T22:59:00.000-06:00

Basketball, week 3 brought on some new techniques and more drills. Cale loved it! He has done great with dribbling, but has started getting better at bouncing from one hand to the other. They had some dribbling races and, for the most part, he kept pretty good control of the ball. (If I could figure out how to download videos, I would have several here...but the little icon that I need is not on my tool bar - what's up with that???) Cale has also been working on shooting. Sometimes, he is too far under the basket, but his "coach" really works with him. Once Cale is shown how to do something, he heads to the back of the line, waits for his next turn and when it is his time, he does EXACTLY what the "coach" told him last time. It is so cute. Ah...the memories of high school and basketball games! Walking into the gym brings about a smell that makes me feel 17 again!!! I don't know if that is good or not. Especially since I am bringing my 8-1/2 year old son to play basketball. There is not a lesson this week because of Thanksgiving. Cale was really bummed about that, especially since this would have been the only Tuesday that Daddy wasn't teaching and would be able to come and watch. But, Daddy surprised him and was able to get next Tuesday off so that he can come and watch. Now he is a happy boy!!!

Practicing dribbling.

Nike ad...even though he is wearing FILA.

Onto Hockey - Week 5. Unfortunatly, due to circumstances beyond my control (and if you know Ryan - you completely understand) there was no Week 4 hockey. But, skipping one week really didn't do Ryan any harm. He went out onto the ice without a chair AT ALL!!!! He took off! Pat would skate to one side of the rink and Ryan would make his way to him, stick in hand. Oh, of course he fell. That ice is slippery!! If you could see my vidoes (I know, I know) you would be surprised at how good he did. You would also get to see Pat almost fall!!! And, we realized that those of us in the bleachers need to keep quiet when Ryan is on a roll. Every time, and I mean every time, Ryan was going at it, we would make a positive comment and BAM onto the ice he would fall!!! He was pretty wiped out after this practice. Unfortunately, lessons on Friday night, after a very long week of kindergarten, takes a toll on a little man. He also banged his elbow up, but once we left the rink, he forgot all about it. He was still very pleased with his sweaty hair after taking off his helmet. Only one more week left of this lesson (next week because of Thanksgiving) and he is done until January. Although, according to him in the car after this past week, he's all done. Not so my man, not so. He is doing good and always wants to go, he just gets tired. Who wouldn't???

Basketball - Week 2

2009-11-10T21:44:00.000-06:00

Cale had his second basketball lessons today. He had so much fun!! He started out with dribbling and doing some practice drills. Then they learned guarding. The boys were paired up and showed how to guard each other. Well, I don't think that Cale knew that basketball ISN'T a contact sport. He was grabbing kids and pulling them down to get the ball. Kinda funny. Then he figured it out. No contact! Once that was established, he did great! The kids were split into teams and had a little scrimmage game. He made 3 baskets and was awesome at rebounding!!

It was really cute to see the kids playing. Some would get the ball and just start running, without dribbling the ball. Some tried to guard their own teammates (Cale included).

Cale said that he had a great time! I really hope that the fun continues because I really think he will do well in this sport. Now to just figure out how to handle his blood sugar during this time. He dropped very quickly tonight. But, he downed about 4 glucose tabs and was good to go. Next week, we will try something different. Just not sure exactly what I will do.

Oh, and I am sorry there are no pictures. I did have the camera with me, I just totally forgot while watching the kids play!!! Next week!

Hockey...Week 3

2009-11-08T18:06:00.001-06:00

Friday was Ryan's third week in chair hockey...only now we just call it hockey because, as you can see, he doesn't have to use a chair!!! Of course, he still had some spills, but overall, he did pretty good. AND, he doesn't get discouraged!!! In a couple of weeks, he will be out-skating Daddy!!!! His favorite part of the night is taking off his helmet at the end so that he can show off his sweaty hair!!! DORK!

And away he goes!!!

Getting ready for the puck to drop!!

I really thought that I had a lot more pics from this week, but I actually have a lot of video. I really need to figure out how to post those, they don't seem to want to load for me!!!

Air Sowers

2009-11-04T11:49:00.001-06:00

Cale had his first basketball lesson last night at the YMCA. At first, we weren't sure if he was going to go because his Blood Sugars were running really high. He had even come home early from school to help get them down (they are now down and looking good). We had changed his pod and he lounged around the rest of the afternoon and seemed really tired. But once we got outside and were on our way...look out!!! Fresh air is amazing!

Cale is the oldest in his group. The ages for this class are 6 - 8 years old. He is also the tallest in the group, but no surprise there (I could tell that his teacher was really excited about that...he kept mentioning it and even commented that he would have to raise the net to accomodate him!!!).

He did really good!!! He kept control of the ball while dribbling. He was shooting really good and was hitting most of the practice lay ups! He commented that he really had some trouble bouncing the ball from hand to hand while standing still. I told him that is why you practice. Daddy has just cleaned the basement and there is plenty of room to practice all types of dribbling! He's all for it!

He told me this morning that he really had a good time and cannot wait until next week. I am so glad. I hope he continues on! Another signing bonus to help with Mommy and Daddy's retirement!!! Who could ask for more?????

The shoes...once they are paired with Basketball attire...not so bad!

Warming up....and so color coordinated!

Gotta stretch!!!!!

Practicing passing.

My cool dude!!!!

Better pictures will be coming in the next weeks...

The Sowers Boy's Halloween

2009-11-01T16:41:00.001-06:00

Hallween has come and gone!! Here are a few pictures of the boys...they didn't last very long with trick or treating...IT WAS FREEZING and windy!!!!!! But they had fun!

Cowboy Ryan

He HAD to have a beard!!!! Nice face!!!!

Captain Jack Sparrow

Is it wrong that I think he looks good with eyeliner????

Watch out Patrick Kane.......

2009-10-25T20:54:00.000-05:00

Here comes Ryan Sowers!!!!!

Ryan had his first Chair Hockey Lesson on Friday night. After a while, he didn't want to use the chair. Next Friday, he will not use the chair, he will use a hockey stick.

Oh sure....he fell several times - but not so bad for being only his second time on the ice. And he was always smiling and never complained.

I think we can look forward to a very nice signing bonus so that Mommy and Daddy can retire, preferably to Maui!!!!!

Here come the Hawks....the mighty Blackhawks!!!! Captain - Ryan Sowers!!!!!

(Can they fit 666 onto a jersey??? Just kidding!!!!)

Attention Andrea!!!!

2009-10-20T23:12:00.002-05:00

Please bend over....and pull your head out of your butt!!!!! I am so out of it lately!!!!

Happy Late Anniversary Tracie & James!!!!!!

Hope you had a great one!!

(And some people don't believe that personal ads work!!!!)

Endo Visit

2009-10-14T22:07:00.006-05:00

Today was Cale's three month endo visit. I had some concerns going into this appointment. Just within the last week, Cale has been breaking out in a rash underneath his pod. It bothered him so much that he actually woke me up at 1:30 this morning complaining and wanting it changed (I had just put it on a little over 24 hours prior). It was soooooo red and raised and itchy. We cleaned it off and then lathered his arm in hydrocortizone cream. Then we placed the new one on his back. Back to bed he went. I made him shower in the morning to remove anything left from the old pod and sent him off to school. Well, he comes home and it is all red under the new pod site. I make him keep it on (horrible mother!!!) so that the doctor can see it. Deep inside, my heart is breaking because I know that he is allergic to something in the adhesive for the pod and I'm wondering if this could mean the end of the pump....any pump. I keep a brave face on and tell him that Dr. C will know exactly what we can do to stop the itching. AND HE DOES!!! I was told that it most likely is an allergy to something in the adhesive and even though he has been on the pod since February, it could have taken that long for his body to realize it. It also could just be something in this batch of pods and the adhesive on it (fingers crossed on that one). However, in the meantime, I am to use skin prep on the pod site and then place a Tegaderm HP patch over that and THEN put the pod on. I can do that!! And I did just that as soon as we got home and so far so good (knock on wood). That was about 7 hours ago. I really hope this either works or it was a fluke allergic reaction to this batch. sigh.......

On to the appointment also know as Mommy's Report Card. I, or course, have no idea what to really expect. Cale's numbers were unbelievably within range throughout most of the summer. Then school started and, well, not so much. I was lost. A tweaked Basal here and a tweaked Insulin to Carb Ratio there. Tweaks would work for a couple of days and then BAM!!!! Craziness!!! Tweak again, within range, then crazy!!

So we gave our nurse his numbers log, reviewed all of our presets on the PDM, marked his height and weight on the chart (over the 95% in height - he's 4'8" and about 85% in weight - he's 70.9 lbs - yes, he is signed up for Basketball in November!!), checked his blood pressure, she chatted with him a little and then it was my time. I held my breath and waited....6.7%!!!!! YES!!!!! Now I know that he has had some highs and some lows that basically "cancel" each other out, but I was just looking back at his log and that has only been over the last couple of weeks. It seemed so much longer in my mind! Needless to say, I am a happy Mommy! Dr. C high fived him when he got into the room and he gave him the once over with eyes, ears and what not, we revised a couple of Basal rate times, discussed what to do with the allergy, discussed what to do with Basketball, updated our scripts and then he wished us a Happy Everything and we were sent on our way until January!!

I walked into the appointment totally worried about the allergy (still a little worried, but glad we have some options) and left feeling pretty good about things. I even got another "You are doing a good job" from my husband (I wish I had a tape recorder for that...I am always being told that I shouldn't worry so much about the overnight numbers. Now he sees why I check when I do and why I sacrifice my sleep for our son's well being and future.) Ok...done tooting my own horn now. Now I just have to focus on doing as I have been and see where there can be some improvements. And maybe catch a few zzzzz's before BG check time.

The Pictures Are On-Line!!!!

2009-10-08T13:28:00.002-05:00

Who wants to see pictures from Lauren and Kevin's wedding???

Go to www.apictureperfect.com

then click on Order On-Line and then choose Paprocki/Kleinjan.

You can order anything directly from this site.

(Please ignore all of the pictures where I look like butt....diet and exercise time...oh who am I kidding??!!!)

2009-10-02T04:53:00.000-05:00

MORE DAY!!! Run Kevin Run!!!!

2009-10-01T07:18:00.000-05:00

MORE DAYS!!!!! SO CLOSE!!!!!!

2009-09-30T13:55:00.000-05:00

MORE DAYS!!!!!!!!

2009-09-29T07:19:00.000-05:00

MORE DAYS!!!!!

2009-09-28T14:02:00.001-05:00

MORE DAYS UNTIL MY LITTLE SISTER GETS MARRIED!!!!!

Numbers and School

2009-09-08T18:23:00.006-05:00

Why oh why can't diabetes at least be "black or white"? Why so many variables? Why? I ask you why???

At the end of the summer, Cale's BG was about 90% within range at any given time. I was thrilled!! I felt confident!! I was really looking forward to his next endo appointment just so that I could be told his A1C!! Then school started...and everything went to the dogs.

Two hours after breakfast, his BG is consistently over 225. Why?? During the summer it was under 150. So, no morning snack for Cale. He wasn't so happy about that. Then lunch would roll around...this year, the school is trying something different and having recess before the kids eat in the hopes that it will make them eat more. Ok...that I understand (most kids would eat very little in order to have more recess time-I witnessed that a lot last year) for the kid whose pancreas was working. But not for Cale! Now, we have to take into account how much running around he did at recess and factor that into his bolus calculations for lunch afterwards. AND....Cale has gym 1-1/2 hours after eating. So that also has to be kept in the back of our minds at lunchtime. Not to jinx myself (or our fantastic nurse at school) but so far so good. The only thing that we have had to do is have Cale eat a small snack right before gym...even though his number (at that time!!!) is within range, but will still be going down. Seems to be working. (I would set up a different basal rate for that time of day, but sometimes, in gym, they are running and playing and what have you....other times, it is low key.)

Now let's get back to the morning. First, I played with the Insulin to Carb ratio. No luck. Then I decided to up his basal rate. That worked....too well. The first day of the new basal rate, two hours after breakfast his BG was 54!!! So not where I wanted his BG to be. Back to the old basal rate. Waited for the next morning to see what it would bring...110!!!!!! Yes...we did it!!!!! Or so I thought. That was last Friday...fast forward to today and his BG 2 hours after breakfast was....wait for it....425!!!!! What the (^*%!!!!!!! Seriously....now what? He ran a little higher (nothing too too bad) until around 2:00. Then everything was back to within range. Why...why....why?????

I think I will wait and see what tomorrow morning brings and then a nice little phone call to the endo will be made. I know it is his job, but I would rather just be able to use my teeny tiny little brain to figure it out, but like I said, nothing is "black or white" with Diabetes. NOTHING!!!!!

Hmmmmmm?

2009-09-03T08:46:00.003-05:00

Does anyone else find it just too coincidental that Ryan is acting out (to put it mildly) and that there is a full moon on the 4th???? Something to ponder.

FUN TIMES

2009-09-02T08:37:00.003-05:00

I wish! Today, Ryan decided he didn't want to go to school. Now, those of you who know and love Ryan, probably know how the remainder of the morning went. And you would be correct. I tried to be calm, I tried to be rational, I nicely put him in the bathroom to get ready (he didn't do a thing in there), I ended up calling Pat at his training in Wisconsin (that didn't help), I quickly sent Cale off so that he wouldn't miss the bus and I had it out with Ryan.

Now to be fair, he is getting a cold, but that does not mean he can stay home or be a brat. So, once Cale was gone I had to explain several things to him.

Today is his day to bring the snack and if he isn't at school, his friends do not get a snack.
He is not "sick" and if he does start to feel bad, he tells his teacher and then he goes to the nurse who will know for sure if he needs to be home (he doesn't have a fever and I gave him some daytime cold/cough medicine).
If he doesn't go to school, Mommy and Daddy could get in trouble for not sending him.
AND, this is what did it, he won't be ready now for the bus and I would have to drive him to school. He was happy as a clam (are clams really happy???) to be driven and was all smiles after that.

So now I need to find out if there is trouble on the bus or what his deal is. If there is a deal or if he is just stubborn (Ryan????). As I said...FUN TIMES!!!

Attention Auntie Lauren!!!

2009-08-24T20:22:00.002-05:00

Here is a picture of their shoes!!!

First Day of School

2009-08-24T09:05:00.006-05:00

It is here...the first day of school!! Ryan was very excited (he woke up at 5:45) and Cale was like "oh yea....school is starting" (I know he was excited too).

Here are some pictures....

Ryan's first day of kindergarten!!!

The third grader and the kindergartener

Do we have to go to the bus stop now?????

Is the bus coming soon Mommy? (I heard this several times)

Cale helping his little brother and our little neighbor girl onto the bus for their very first times

Ryan waiting to go into his room (looking a little apprehensive I think)

Ryan and Karolyn (our neighbor) checking out the turtle

Ryan found his "lillypad"

I'm not gonna lie...I had tears. Cale is so big now and Ryan isn't a baby anymore (although his "baby" blanket looks very lonely right now) and I am all alone. I know I couldn't wait for this time to come, but why so fast and now what??????

By the way...I didn't get to see Ryan get off of the bus, but I was told by a friend that he jumped off and said "that was awesome!". Thinking back...I think Cale did the exact same thing. Must be the shirt, they both wore the same one for their first days of kindergarten.

Last day of summer....

2009-08-23T10:13:00.002-05:00

Although the calendar says differently...today is the last day of summer for the boys. School starts tomorrow!! Cale is staring the third grade and Ryan is officially in kindergarten!!! Today, we will be going to the school to attend the Kindergarten Open House so that Ryan can meet his teacher and see his classroom. He is excited even though he already knows his teacher (same one that Cale had, she is GREAT!) and has been in his classroom several times already (they have a turtle and a Guinea pig). He spent a lot of time at the school with me last year when I would help out in the cafeteria and with recess duty. The kid knows the school inside and out. He doesn't seem nervous at all and maybe that is why! He really can't wait to ride the bus!

So our last day all together. Kinda bittersweet! I know I talk about going out of my mind with them all day (they do fight A LOT!!!!) but after tomorrow, it is just me for over 7 hours...ALONE...what to do, what to do....I guess the house will be clean. If only I would get one of the jobs that they keep posting at the schools. That would be ideal!!!!

So, at 7:30 tomorrow morning, the boys will be getting on the bus, I will be following and making sure Ryan gets to his room ok. Then I have quiet time until 11:00 when they get out and then we are off to CoCo Keys, the indoor water park here in Rockford. If it is how I think it will be, we should have no crowds to deal with. Then comes Tuesday, full day for both!!! I have a feeling I will be calling/texting several people all day until I come to grips with really being alone!!!

We have upgraded!!!

2009-08-17T23:05:00.002-05:00

We now have the new and improved PDM for the OmniPod! It is so much easier to read than the old PDM. This screen is larger, in color and very bright!! The old one was usable, but very hard to see in the middle of the night. It was hard to read even with the backlight turned on. The new PDM also has the capabilities to download to the computer AND there is a light for the test strip! Another plus for the middle of the night testing!

I would say that the only drawback is that the buttons on the bottom are tiny and take some getting used to. The old ones were very easy to use, but the more I use the new ones, the easier they are. Good luck to Pat and anyone else with larger fingers!!!

It's so pretty!

And the award goes to....

2009-08-14T22:04:00.003-05:00

Andrea for Mother of the Year!!!

Here is why....I was working at our school on Wednesday and Thursday filling in for our regular secretary who was having fun at the fair with her cows. My in-laws were very kind to watch the boys both days. AND I was very fortunate that my father-in-law came to the school each of those mornings at 8:30 to pick them up. (Thank you Papa!!!)

Wednesday went fine. We pulled into the parking lot, the boys jumped out of my car and into his. Off they went for a fun day. Fast forward to Thursday, same thing happened, out of one car and into the other. Nice and smooth right???? Guess again!

Two hours later, I receive a phone call from my mother-in-law...do I still have Cale's backpack with all of his diabetes supplies? I run out to the car and sure as s&*t...there is was in the backseat. So Papa drove the 45 minutes back to the school to pick up the backpack. Then he drove the 45 minutes back to his house and got there just in time for lunch. Thankfully, it was a beautiful day and he brought the convertible and had the top down. He had a nice birthday drive (did I mention that it was also his birthday?? Absent minded daughter-in-law of the year award coming soon!!) all alone.

It's been two years since Cale was diagnosed and we have been using the exact same little black backpack the entire time!!! It goes everywhere with us! I swear, one of these days I will pull my head out of my butt and take a nice deep breath!

Two years ago today...

2009-08-06T17:18:00.004-05:00

had to have been one of the worst days of our lives. August 6, 2007 was the day that Cale was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. All of our lives (his the most) were changed in one single blood test. 4 days were spent in the hospital learning more than I ever wanted to know about carbs, 2 different types of insulin (thankfully that has been brought down to one), timing meals (a thing of the past), fiber, protein, ketones...you name it. The first day was the worst. How do you explain to a six year old that he can no longer just eat anything he wanted whenever he wanted? How do you explain that he needs to check his blood all of the time by poking himself in the finger? How do you explain that he will have to have several shots a day? How do you explain to him that this needs to be done to keep him not only healthy, but alive? How will we all get through this?

Fast forward two years, Cale has been amazing! Sure he has his moments when he gets very "down" about having diabetes, who wouldn't? But he has been so responsible it is a relief yet saddening at the same time. He NEVER eats anything without checking with us first or without checking his blood sugar. His endocronologist praised him up and down during his last visit for being such a good boy. The 6.9 A1C result that he received at that visit just showed that we are doing everything that we can for Cale. After his diagnosis, his A1C was elevated at his first visit but it has done nothing but come down since. (Enter big sigh and smile here) Cale is even doing great counting carbs and adding everything up for us. 6 months of being on the pump has improved everything tremendously and I believe has given him more self esteem in regards to the diabetes.

That day 2 years ago was pure hell, and trust me, we have had our "bad" days since, but overall, things couldn't be going better. Let's just keep Hoping for a Cure!!!!!

Dear Lauren ~

2009-07-28T22:28:00.002-05:00

Here is an updated post!!! Happy???

I promise to start posting more often. Now that I can sit in my living room and use the computer, I will be able to do so once Frick and Frack are in bed. I will be downloading pictures soon and will be able to do more with the blog.

Now get off my back and get back to work!!!!

Love ~

Andrea

Camp Update

2009-06-23T19:37:00.003-05:00

Here I am at the hotel computer. Not much privacy here seeing I am basically in the lobby. But I wanted to update everyone on how Cale is doing at Camp Confidence. HE LOVES IT!! When I picked him up yesterday and asked how it was, his reply was "I am totally coming back next year and the year after that I want to go to overnight camp!". I guess he likes it. The only downside has been that the pool at the camp has been having pump problems and will not be open all week. They were supposed to swim everyday at the end of the day. So now they are just playing a lot of water games. He was soaked when I picked him up today. Good thing, this weather is unbearable already!! Tomorrow is supposed to be close to 100 with the heat index!!!! Frozen water bottles will be packed for the day!! At least he can come straight back to the hotel and go directly into that pool, which is where are right now with Daddy. They are having a ball!!!

It's almost time!!!!!

2009-06-20T15:42:00.003-05:00

Camp Confidence is only two days away!! This morning we had a parents meeting and the kids got to see the camp. Aside from the mud and puddles left by yesterday's horrible downpour, it wasn't bad. Cale is excited. He saw several kids wearing the Omni Pod. I caught him looking at a girl that had her pod on the lower part of her upper arm. The wheels in his brain were turning, I could tell. He is going to have so much fun and I don't have to make beds or clean for five days!!! Hotel life, fun times!!! Check back next weekend for more details on how camp went!!!

2009-05-31T09:12:00.005-05:00

HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY CALE!!!!

8 years old already!!! Seems like just yesterday I could hold your entire body in my arms, all you could say was "on" and ceiling fans could entertain you forever. Now you are almost past my shoulders in height, have a very large vocabulary and are as active as any person could be. Ceiling fans are now just for cooling off and Legos, Star Wars and Pirates are your entertainment! I hope you have a GREAT birthday Buddy!! I love you!!

(Pictures from today's party will be posted later)

Congratulations are in order!!!

2009-05-27T10:29:00.005-05:00

Way to go Cale!!! It is official...he has won a scholarship to the ADA Camp Confidence!! I (finally) checked my voice mail this morning and there was a message from yesterday informing us about his big win. I called back this morning to confirm and it is true!!!

He has been really excited about going to camp and I think that this is really going to boost his spirits even more. He wrote his entire 2 paragraphs by himself (I did help with some spelling) AND he even added a picture he drew of himself at camp. I am so proud of him!!! My mother-in-law believes that this is the first of many scholarships for Cale. Wouldn't that be nice?!

Accepted

2009-05-14T14:53:00.002-05:00

It's official...Cale has been accepted to the ADA Camp Confidence. I told him yesterday when he got home from school, and he did the had into a fist and arm to the side thing and said "YES!!". I am so glad that he is excited about going to camp.

I read through all of the paperwork and we have to supply nothing except a child and his lunch (and his remote for the OmniPod). They supply everything else. Had he still been taking injections, they supplied the needle and insulin. They will have an abundance of glucose meters, all the same type, all around the camp. The only thing with having a pump is that someone (me) has to be able to be reached at all times in case of questions regarding the pump, if the Pod falls off, or if there in an obstruction and insulin is not being delivered.

That being said and the thought of home being 68 miles away from camp, I booked a suite at a local hotel for the week that is only 4 miles from camp. It has a FULL kitchen (way nicer than mine at home - stainless steel!!!), a living/dining room and a bedroom. Not to mention a pool!!! It will be a little vacation for me and Ryan (Daddy will most likely be staying with us also so that he is only about 20 miles away from work as opposed to 75 - gas money savings...cha-ching!!!). Ryan and I will spend all day by the pool enjoying the sun (jealous Lauren??? Although, given the current circumstances at work, you may be able to visit!!!). There is free breakfast and we won't have to go anywhere else to eat. I will just bring with our normal weekly groceries and cook in the room. Ahhh...a vacation to DesPlaines, Illinois. Not what I would have picked, but to benefit Cale, I am all for it. I guess I will have to wait on going to Maui!!!! Keep dreaming Andrea!!!!!

Cale's First Holy Communion

2009-05-10T17:49:00.004-05:00

Here they are...pictures from Cale's First Communion that he made on May 2nd. I was having some problems with my camera and the fact that it didn't want to transfer everything to my computer (that has now been resolved with my fancy schmancy new camera that I got for Mother's Day!!!).

What a ham!!

Could he look any older???

How angelic looking!!!

It was a gorgeous day and he looked so handsome and OLD!!! The mass went by fairly quick. The priest obviously knew what he was doing having 32 seven and eight year olds in the pews without parents. Although, they all were very well behaved. Maybe he should sit else where every week???

We had to unfortunately postpone the family party after the service. Ryan had been throwing up for a couple of days and was finally coming around, but no one needed to be exposed to whatever he had. I personally think it was just a stomach bug, he had no fever or anything else wrong. Thank goodness for Uncle Kevin. He was kind enough to stay home with him so we could all attend Cale's mass. Ryan was falling asleep as we were leaving and woke up about an hour later and they played games and put together a puzzle. He was ready to eat when we got home and was fine ever since. Uncle Kevin is the "kid whisperer"!!!! Here he is right before we left for church.....

Well there you go people. I actually posted something. I would have put up more exciting pictures, but Auntie Lauren has them on her camera. I promise to post more often, so please...no more nagging!!!!

Coming soon.....

2009-05-06T14:31:00.001-05:00

......Cale's First Communion pictures. I promise everyone out there that is pestering me that they will be posted by the end of the week. Thank you for your patience!!!!!

Deep Thoughts...By Ryan Sowers

2009-04-14T11:05:00.002-05:00

Just thought I would share with you a few of Ryan's philosophies on life...

On Easter, my parents came over for Brunch and I asked Ryan if he would like some orange juice, his response "I don't like orange juice, it has hair in it!". Ok...note to self, Ryan does not like pulp.

Then today, he asked why Jake was always licking his (oh how do I put this nicely) nuts. I told him that Jake doesn't have those anymore. He wanted to know why so I told him that when Jake was a puppy, we took him to the doctor and he removed them. He looked me straight in the eye and said "How is he not dead then?".

Only a child......