All are healthy here! Yippee!!! We thank God for the blessing of good health.
Eliana is having some drainage issues which are bothering her, but it isn't sickness, maybe allergies? Not really sure how to help her. The drainage is all inside not out. I can write more but not sure any one wants the yucky details. lol
Joshua's numbers are still fluctuating a lot. Today has been one of the hardest. He went from 295 to 96 in less than 2 hours. Needless to say, he didn't feel too well. Hopefully we have it corrected and since it wasn't technically a low, it isn't as scary or dangerous for him. I know that all the fluctuating though isn't great for his body either. No news yet on the nephrology referral.
More to share later. Thank you for your prayers. Hoping to have some down time this week-end. My sweet friend Catherine is coming to visit so we can have girl time. :-) I'm looking forward to it!
Love
Leslie
Friday, July 24, 2009
Happy Birthday
Just reading those words probably brings up thoughts, memories, images of years gone by. I'm guessing most of you have happy memories associated with these words. I know that I do. I think of ...
candles - and a little one trying hard to blow them all out
cake - especially that one for the first birthday smeared all over your face
party - a time to share with family and friends
gifts - a squeal of delight to know you have been given something undeserved
attention - for a day anyway, the focus is on you. Who doesn't enjoy a little positive attention.
so many sweet memories of birthdays ...
My birthday is coming up soon (next month), but that isn't why I'm thinking about birthdays now. Also coming up is the birthday of a little girl that I have grown to love. I didn't intend to fall in love with her. I've never met her and I know very little about her. I've prayed for her faithfully for almost a year though and in that year, I've fallen in love with a little girl living across an ocean and far away. A little girl called Tonya.
I started off just wanting to make a difference in the life of another child with Down syndrome. God has called us to care for orphans and one way our family has done this is to sponsor children in lieu of gift giving at Christmas. Last fall, as we looked over the listing of children, we chose a child that seemed to be in great need. She was 3 years old and her listing said she was at significant risk and needed to be adopted soon. I began to pray. I didn't know that the power of prayer would lead to more than just concern or sympathy, but love for this child I don't know.
She has beautiful dark eyes. I wonder if she has even seen a candle or a birthday cake. She has such cute chubbie cheeks. Does anyone ever kiss them? I wonder so many things. Is she loved? Does she like to laugh? Does she have much to laugh about? Does she like to play outside? Has she ever been given a gift? Will she ever know the love of a family?
I can't tell you how many times I've cried as I pray for sweet little Tonya. I pray, urge, and yes, beg for God to send her family to go get her. I pray that she will be safe and kept in the baby house (orphanage) until a family can bring her home.
Why the tears? Well, beside the obvious of her needing a family, is the fate of this precious child if she doesn't get a family. At age 4, she can be transferred to an institution. Here, she will most likely die within the first year. I've been told that death is a blessing as some of these places are just horrible. I can't type more as I'm crying now just thinking about it.
Sweet Tonya's birthday is next week. She will be four. Will you join me in storming the gates of heaven for this precious child? I so want for her to have a family to love her, to sing happy birthday and to give her the life that every child deserves.
It's not just this sweet child. There are thousands more all over the world that need someone to step forward and bring them home. Please pray for these children. Please pray about what you can do to help one of these beautiful children. We can't change the world, but perhaps we can change the world for one child.
With love
Leslie
candles - and a little one trying hard to blow them all out
cake - especially that one for the first birthday smeared all over your face
party - a time to share with family and friends
gifts - a squeal of delight to know you have been given something undeserved
attention - for a day anyway, the focus is on you. Who doesn't enjoy a little positive attention.
so many sweet memories of birthdays ...
My birthday is coming up soon (next month), but that isn't why I'm thinking about birthdays now. Also coming up is the birthday of a little girl that I have grown to love. I didn't intend to fall in love with her. I've never met her and I know very little about her. I've prayed for her faithfully for almost a year though and in that year, I've fallen in love with a little girl living across an ocean and far away. A little girl called Tonya.
I started off just wanting to make a difference in the life of another child with Down syndrome. God has called us to care for orphans and one way our family has done this is to sponsor children in lieu of gift giving at Christmas. Last fall, as we looked over the listing of children, we chose a child that seemed to be in great need. She was 3 years old and her listing said she was at significant risk and needed to be adopted soon. I began to pray. I didn't know that the power of prayer would lead to more than just concern or sympathy, but love for this child I don't know.
She has beautiful dark eyes. I wonder if she has even seen a candle or a birthday cake. She has such cute chubbie cheeks. Does anyone ever kiss them? I wonder so many things. Is she loved? Does she like to laugh? Does she have much to laugh about? Does she like to play outside? Has she ever been given a gift? Will she ever know the love of a family?
I can't tell you how many times I've cried as I pray for sweet little Tonya. I pray, urge, and yes, beg for God to send her family to go get her. I pray that she will be safe and kept in the baby house (orphanage) until a family can bring her home.
Why the tears? Well, beside the obvious of her needing a family, is the fate of this precious child if she doesn't get a family. At age 4, she can be transferred to an institution. Here, she will most likely die within the first year. I've been told that death is a blessing as some of these places are just horrible. I can't type more as I'm crying now just thinking about it.
Sweet Tonya's birthday is next week. She will be four. Will you join me in storming the gates of heaven for this precious child? I so want for her to have a family to love her, to sing happy birthday and to give her the life that every child deserves.
It's not just this sweet child. There are thousands more all over the world that need someone to step forward and bring them home. Please pray for these children. Please pray about what you can do to help one of these beautiful children. We can't change the world, but perhaps we can change the world for one child.
With love
Leslie
Monday, July 20, 2009
Some other happenings at our house
We've had a few things going on here the last couple of weeks that didn't involve sickness or diabetes. (Not a lot, but a few.) I thought I'd share some of them.
Isaiah lost a tooth. It's been bothering him (didn't think he could eat certain foods with it being looose). I was glad to see it come out. The one beside it is also loose and should come out soon too. I love the look of no front teeth! So cute.
A funny story on this loose tooth. While it was loose, he really didn't like things touching including food and the toothbrush. One night when Roger was brushing his teeth, Isaiah pointed to the loose tooth and said that this tooth didn't need to be brushed because he didn't use it anyway. LOL He cracks me up!
We've redeemed a few coupons from the children's coupon books. Isaiah chose to cook with Mommy. He was able to pick what he wanted to cook and he chose pizza! A hit all the way around. He did such a good job with all of it!
Here is one of the finished pizza - doesn't it look yummy?! (It was!)
Just had to share a picture of this cutie all ready for the 4th of July!
As a special treat, Rebecca made us a festive and patriotic looking dessert. It was yummy too! I love that she initiates cooking treats for us!
This is not the best picture, but it is the best one I have. Eliana fed herself lunch! Mac and cheese! She did it all herself. :-) What a sweet thing to watch her using her little fork and feeding herself. I realize that this may not seem like a huge milestone, but it was a very sweet one for all of us. She has been a little resistant to feeding herself and honestly sometimes it is just easier for one of us to help her. I'm so proud of her for doing this and she seemed to enjoy it too!
Rebecca attended another drama camp. This time the production was Get Smart. Remember the old tv series? It was very funny and the kids had a blast putting it on. Rebecca was a "blond" - that wasn't. LOL She is on the right in brown.
This is the cast.
We all enjoyed the play - it was very funny and they did a super job! Wish you all could have been there. Afterwards there was a snack reception which provided one of those tough moments for Joshua. We had planned ahead and brought snacks that we knew he could eat. Well, of course he wanted to have some of what everyone else was having. I can understand that.
He had 2 oreos and then some of what we brought. I thought it was a good compromise. He was bummed not to have a drink (even though we'd brought something for him). I think it is just some of the loss he is dealing with. I hope I don't make him sound like a whiner for the way he is acting because he really isn't. It is a loss. A loss of freedom to be able to eat what you want and when you want it. It's a freedom that most of us take for granted. I know I have. I don't have to eat on a schedule and only certain types or amounts of foods. I've tried to encourage him that it will get better as we are better able to regulate his numbers and going to a pump sometime in the future would help too.
Just a little of what is going on here. I remain behind and have just accepted that perhaps that is to be life now and I'll just enjoy it where I am and do the best that I can each day. I know God has a plan for me, for my days and for my time. I'm trying to follow His lead as best I can.
Blessings
Leslie
Isaiah lost a tooth. It's been bothering him (didn't think he could eat certain foods with it being looose). I was glad to see it come out. The one beside it is also loose and should come out soon too. I love the look of no front teeth! So cute.
A funny story on this loose tooth. While it was loose, he really didn't like things touching including food and the toothbrush. One night when Roger was brushing his teeth, Isaiah pointed to the loose tooth and said that this tooth didn't need to be brushed because he didn't use it anyway. LOL He cracks me up!
We've redeemed a few coupons from the children's coupon books. Isaiah chose to cook with Mommy. He was able to pick what he wanted to cook and he chose pizza! A hit all the way around. He did such a good job with all of it!
Here is one of the finished pizza - doesn't it look yummy?! (It was!)
Just had to share a picture of this cutie all ready for the 4th of July!
As a special treat, Rebecca made us a festive and patriotic looking dessert. It was yummy too! I love that she initiates cooking treats for us!
This is not the best picture, but it is the best one I have. Eliana fed herself lunch! Mac and cheese! She did it all herself. :-) What a sweet thing to watch her using her little fork and feeding herself. I realize that this may not seem like a huge milestone, but it was a very sweet one for all of us. She has been a little resistant to feeding herself and honestly sometimes it is just easier for one of us to help her. I'm so proud of her for doing this and she seemed to enjoy it too!
Rebecca attended another drama camp. This time the production was Get Smart. Remember the old tv series? It was very funny and the kids had a blast putting it on. Rebecca was a "blond" - that wasn't. LOL She is on the right in brown.
This is the cast.
We all enjoyed the play - it was very funny and they did a super job! Wish you all could have been there. Afterwards there was a snack reception which provided one of those tough moments for Joshua. We had planned ahead and brought snacks that we knew he could eat. Well, of course he wanted to have some of what everyone else was having. I can understand that.
He had 2 oreos and then some of what we brought. I thought it was a good compromise. He was bummed not to have a drink (even though we'd brought something for him). I think it is just some of the loss he is dealing with. I hope I don't make him sound like a whiner for the way he is acting because he really isn't. It is a loss. A loss of freedom to be able to eat what you want and when you want it. It's a freedom that most of us take for granted. I know I have. I don't have to eat on a schedule and only certain types or amounts of foods. I've tried to encourage him that it will get better as we are better able to regulate his numbers and going to a pump sometime in the future would help too.
Just a little of what is going on here. I remain behind and have just accepted that perhaps that is to be life now and I'll just enjoy it where I am and do the best that I can each day. I know God has a plan for me, for my days and for my time. I'm trying to follow His lead as best I can.
Blessings
Leslie
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Diabetes Clinic
This is long overdue and I apologize. Things have just been ... busy. :-) This is kind of factual, but just sharing more about our clinic visit on Tuesday.
We left early and got to the hospital in time to park, walk across the bridge and check in. They are very punctual (which is really nice!) and we were called as we were checking in. Everyone we met was very nice and helpful! Great staff!
First a check of the basics - height, weight, temp, etc. Then to the room. We spent most of the time with the Nurse Practiioner and a resident. She talked with us about some of the information that we had covered before - but it was a good review. It was soooo much to take in at first and I find I hear new things each time.
His blood results showed that his A1C number had dropped to 12.1! This is good news! A good drop I think in just three weeks time. He was 15 just three weeks ago. Normal is 5-7. This number looks at the rate of blood sugars over the last 3 months. His now indicate an average of 345. Still too high (obviously), but moving in the right direction!
Some other results. There is still blood in his urine and he is being referred to a nephrologist to further explore. The good news is that we've already had a renal ultrasound and CT scan which show no causes for the problem. The other piece of (hopefully) good news is that there is some familial history of this and hopefully it will just be something that *is* that doesn't have a problem behind it.
His weight is of concern. Have I mentioned that he is really skinny? Even though he is a good eater? He is at the 5th percentile for weight. :-( He eats well and snacks often. Not really sure how to boost his weight and am hoping that will come in time.
We also spoke with a nutritionist. Our goal is for Joshua to eat 14 carb choices (15grams of carbs per choice) each day. That is about 4 per meal and 1 per snack. I should have asked about getting more calories in without the carbs. That is not easy! She also said we don't need a scale - though I'm still interested in one as I think it would help a lot with fruits and veggies. Right now it is really a guess.
We also had another medicine change. We are off of regular and now on Novolog and Lantus. She is hoping that this will just cover meals and not "stack" the insulin in the evenings when he has two shots. So far, we are seeing much higher numbers. While it is good not to have the lows, I'm not sure I really like the highs either. He was feeling funny after going to bed and we checked at 11:20pm and it was 332. That is really high. I've emailed his dr and I'm sure she'll get back to me if we are to correct the dosage.
We are supposedly in the honeymoon. I was hoping we wouldn't see these high numbers and that there might be a reprieve from some of the insulin shots for awhile. That would be nice. We are currently at 4 shots per day. Pokes vary - some days have more than others. Today it was 7.
Other news - we are all healthy!!! Yippee!!! No sickness since Saturday. :-) We have more going on and I'll post more later. Eliana started music therapy today and it was a big hit. Rebecca is in a drama camp this week. We are looking forward to seeing the production.
More later. It's time for sleep.
Love
Leslie
We left early and got to the hospital in time to park, walk across the bridge and check in. They are very punctual (which is really nice!) and we were called as we were checking in. Everyone we met was very nice and helpful! Great staff!
First a check of the basics - height, weight, temp, etc. Then to the room. We spent most of the time with the Nurse Practiioner and a resident. She talked with us about some of the information that we had covered before - but it was a good review. It was soooo much to take in at first and I find I hear new things each time.
His blood results showed that his A1C number had dropped to 12.1! This is good news! A good drop I think in just three weeks time. He was 15 just three weeks ago. Normal is 5-7. This number looks at the rate of blood sugars over the last 3 months. His now indicate an average of 345. Still too high (obviously), but moving in the right direction!
Some other results. There is still blood in his urine and he is being referred to a nephrologist to further explore. The good news is that we've already had a renal ultrasound and CT scan which show no causes for the problem. The other piece of (hopefully) good news is that there is some familial history of this and hopefully it will just be something that *is* that doesn't have a problem behind it.
His weight is of concern. Have I mentioned that he is really skinny? Even though he is a good eater? He is at the 5th percentile for weight. :-( He eats well and snacks often. Not really sure how to boost his weight and am hoping that will come in time.
We also spoke with a nutritionist. Our goal is for Joshua to eat 14 carb choices (15grams of carbs per choice) each day. That is about 4 per meal and 1 per snack. I should have asked about getting more calories in without the carbs. That is not easy! She also said we don't need a scale - though I'm still interested in one as I think it would help a lot with fruits and veggies. Right now it is really a guess.
We also had another medicine change. We are off of regular and now on Novolog and Lantus. She is hoping that this will just cover meals and not "stack" the insulin in the evenings when he has two shots. So far, we are seeing much higher numbers. While it is good not to have the lows, I'm not sure I really like the highs either. He was feeling funny after going to bed and we checked at 11:20pm and it was 332. That is really high. I've emailed his dr and I'm sure she'll get back to me if we are to correct the dosage.
We are supposedly in the honeymoon. I was hoping we wouldn't see these high numbers and that there might be a reprieve from some of the insulin shots for awhile. That would be nice. We are currently at 4 shots per day. Pokes vary - some days have more than others. Today it was 7.
Other news - we are all healthy!!! Yippee!!! No sickness since Saturday. :-) We have more going on and I'll post more later. Eliana started music therapy today and it was a big hit. Rebecca is in a drama camp this week. We are looking forward to seeing the production.
More later. It's time for sleep.
Love
Leslie
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Short Update
We have had no sickness for two days!!! Praise God! Hoping this is the end of it. More than 2 weeks has been more than enough!
This is going to be short as Joshua and I are headed to Diabetes Clinic today for several hours. I'll update more on this later.
Last night was another hard night for Joshua. It's so hard to see your little boys body just racked with sobs. No words necessary. I knew. I just held him and prayed. I praised God knowing that focusing our minds on praise is a good thing. Then I just prayed God's truth over him. He is loved so very much. God is carrying him and will continue to do so. We prayed for a long time.
Afterwards we talked. And laughed. Not about what was troubling him, but just stuff. It is still a lot for a little boy.
"Will I ever be able to eat what I want and when I want it?"
Yes, but we'll need to figure out how this works for your body. Still a lot to learn. I'm hopeful that today will help a lot with questions we have and information we need.
Thank you for praying for our family.
Love
Leslie
This is going to be short as Joshua and I are headed to Diabetes Clinic today for several hours. I'll update more on this later.
Last night was another hard night for Joshua. It's so hard to see your little boys body just racked with sobs. No words necessary. I knew. I just held him and prayed. I praised God knowing that focusing our minds on praise is a good thing. Then I just prayed God's truth over him. He is loved so very much. God is carrying him and will continue to do so. We prayed for a long time.
Afterwards we talked. And laughed. Not about what was troubling him, but just stuff. It is still a lot for a little boy.
"Will I ever be able to eat what I want and when I want it?"
Yes, but we'll need to figure out how this works for your body. Still a lot to learn. I'm hopeful that today will help a lot with questions we have and information we need.
Thank you for praying for our family.
Love
Leslie
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Health - what a blessing!!!
Praising God that we all seem to be well!!! We are now more than 24 hours with no sickness. Whew! That is a sweet thing to write. After more than 2 weeks of, well, yucky sickness, we appear to be healthy!
Thank you friends for your prayers and encouragment. Thank you for your sweet comments and your help for my family.
I'll try to write more later. Today, I want to have fun with my kids and maybe even do a little school planning or scrapbooking. :-) We'll see.
Hope you have a great Saturday!
****UPDATE**** I guess I spoke too soon. Joshua is sick again. (Not throwing up) Wondering if some of this is related to his diabetes? Diet? Still the virus/sickness? *sigh*
We had planned an outing today to go see a movie. Joshua was very excited about going. He and a brother or two were going to see a movie they had picked out. We felt the timing was good and safe. Just as we were talking about details, he got sick again. He wondered if he could still go. He was so dejected when I said no. This has just been a hard couple of weeks for him. Going to try to find something fun for him. Thanks for praying!
Love
Leslie
Thank you friends for your prayers and encouragment. Thank you for your sweet comments and your help for my family.
I'll try to write more later. Today, I want to have fun with my kids and maybe even do a little school planning or scrapbooking. :-) We'll see.
Hope you have a great Saturday!
****UPDATE**** I guess I spoke too soon. Joshua is sick again. (Not throwing up) Wondering if some of this is related to his diabetes? Diet? Still the virus/sickness? *sigh*
We had planned an outing today to go see a movie. Joshua was very excited about going. He and a brother or two were going to see a movie they had picked out. We felt the timing was good and safe. Just as we were talking about details, he got sick again. He wondered if he could still go. He was so dejected when I said no. This has just been a hard couple of weeks for him. Going to try to find something fun for him. Thanks for praying!
Love
Leslie
Friday, July 10, 2009
Photo Tag
This was something I wrote a while back and just never got around to posting. Not sure why. Things have been crazy and I thought a little something light would be nice. Also, this picture is of Daniel, who is still sick. It's been 4 consecutive days of stomach/GI issues - and this is his second round of it. Would you pray for healing for our family? I'm really ready for this to be gone!
I first saw this photo tag on my friend Heather's blog . I thought it would be a fun thing to do.
If you want to do it this is what you should do:
1. Go to Your Pictures on your computer
2. Go to the 8th folder
3. Go to the 8th picture
4. Post that picture on your blog and the story behind it
Have fun!!!
The 8th folder for me was just in December and this is a photo I've already shared, but here goes. This is Daniel with his ornament. We give the children an ornament each Christmas - my mom did this for us and I love the tradition. I try to choose something that either reminds me of the child, their character or something that they have enjoyed or experienced that year.
Daniel's ornament is a little drummer boy - made of candy. Daniel loves candy! It reminds me of his sweetness. This little drummer plays music and beats his sticks in time to the rhythm. He loves this and played with it over and over again.
Can't you just see the delight in his cute little face? I love this picture of him.
If you decide to post a pic to do this tag- I'd love to hear about it.
Blessings,
Leslie
I first saw this photo tag on my friend Heather's blog . I thought it would be a fun thing to do.
If you want to do it this is what you should do:
1. Go to Your Pictures on your computer
2. Go to the 8th folder
3. Go to the 8th picture
4. Post that picture on your blog and the story behind it
Have fun!!!
The 8th folder for me was just in December and this is a photo I've already shared, but here goes. This is Daniel with his ornament. We give the children an ornament each Christmas - my mom did this for us and I love the tradition. I try to choose something that either reminds me of the child, their character or something that they have enjoyed or experienced that year.
Daniel's ornament is a little drummer boy - made of candy. Daniel loves candy! It reminds me of his sweetness. This little drummer plays music and beats his sticks in time to the rhythm. He loves this and played with it over and over again.
Can't you just see the delight in his cute little face? I love this picture of him.
If you decide to post a pic to do this tag- I'd love to hear about it.
Blessings,
Leslie
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Inadequate
Do you ever just feel so inadequate for the job you are called to do? I've heard people say that God equips you for all that he has called you to do - and I do believe that. Is handling difficulty a calling though? I don't think so. I do know that God is there and will carry you through a difficulty, but that doesn't mean that it isn't without pain, suffering and anguish.
When Joshua wanted me to come up with him to sleep, I could tell something was on his mind. He told me his head hurt. Then he just started to cry.
"I don't want to have diabetes."
"I want to go back to the way it was before."
"I don't want to have so many shots every day."
"I want to be able to eat whatI want and when I am hungry and not on a schedule."
Does imagining hearing a little 9yo boy say all of this tug at your heart? It's a lot for a little boy to handle. To add to all of this that he has been sick for 11 days, well, it's no wonder his heart was heavy. I know it could be worse. It still doesn't make this easy though.
I just held him and cried with him. I don't want him to have diabetes either. If I could take it instead of him, I would in a heartbeat. I know it's hard. It's alright to cry. I told him all of that and then just prayed. I asked God to heal his body. I asked him to pour His peace on Joshua. I asked Him to carry my sweet boy.
Yet, as I did all of this and was praying myself for words to comfort, words to help. I felt so inadequate. I remember so well feeling all of these same emotions after Eliana was born. I remember people telling me that I would find a new normal and that things would get better. Even though true, it didn't always make me feel better then.
I had to find the truth for myself. I had to learn that God is good and faithful even when times are hard. I had to learn that I needed God so very much just to have the strength to make it through the day. I had to learn how weak that I was so that God's strength would show. I had so much to learn and God was so faithful to teach me. So many of those things people told me ended up being true, but I had to learn it for myself. I learned about priorities and what was really important. I learned about suffering and lots of medical stuff that I never wanted to know. I learned about God's faithfulness and love. I had to live it to learn it though.
I so wish that Joshua didn't have to go through all of this. Nobody wants their child to suffer, to have to deal with a medical issue that will always follow them. He can't forget about it for even a day - or even a couple of hours. There is always that next poke and shot waiting.
I do know that God is faithful and will be there for Joshua. I know that God will hold him and teach him and that He loves him so very much. I know that Joshua will become a stronger young man for having to deal with this. I still wish he didn't have to do it. I wish he could have had more of his childhood to just be a child - carefree and without the burden of diabetes. Again, I know it could be worse, but this is still a lot to handle.
I tried to share a little of this and told him that I wasn't sure if would help at all. Parenting can be so hard sometimes (though I wouldn't trade it for any other job in the world!). I just wanted to be able to kiss him and make things better, but this is too big for that. It's going to take time ... and trusting ... and learning.
Thank you God for always being there for us. Thank you that you are faithful, true and loving. Please guide us as we learn to walk this path. Please strengthen us to the task that is before us. Please shape us to look more like you.
Blessings
Leslie
When Joshua wanted me to come up with him to sleep, I could tell something was on his mind. He told me his head hurt. Then he just started to cry.
"I don't want to have diabetes."
"I want to go back to the way it was before."
"I don't want to have so many shots every day."
"I want to be able to eat whatI want and when I am hungry and not on a schedule."
Does imagining hearing a little 9yo boy say all of this tug at your heart? It's a lot for a little boy to handle. To add to all of this that he has been sick for 11 days, well, it's no wonder his heart was heavy. I know it could be worse. It still doesn't make this easy though.
I just held him and cried with him. I don't want him to have diabetes either. If I could take it instead of him, I would in a heartbeat. I know it's hard. It's alright to cry. I told him all of that and then just prayed. I asked God to heal his body. I asked him to pour His peace on Joshua. I asked Him to carry my sweet boy.
Yet, as I did all of this and was praying myself for words to comfort, words to help. I felt so inadequate. I remember so well feeling all of these same emotions after Eliana was born. I remember people telling me that I would find a new normal and that things would get better. Even though true, it didn't always make me feel better then.
I had to find the truth for myself. I had to learn that God is good and faithful even when times are hard. I had to learn that I needed God so very much just to have the strength to make it through the day. I had to learn how weak that I was so that God's strength would show. I had so much to learn and God was so faithful to teach me. So many of those things people told me ended up being true, but I had to learn it for myself. I learned about priorities and what was really important. I learned about suffering and lots of medical stuff that I never wanted to know. I learned about God's faithfulness and love. I had to live it to learn it though.
I so wish that Joshua didn't have to go through all of this. Nobody wants their child to suffer, to have to deal with a medical issue that will always follow them. He can't forget about it for even a day - or even a couple of hours. There is always that next poke and shot waiting.
I do know that God is faithful and will be there for Joshua. I know that God will hold him and teach him and that He loves him so very much. I know that Joshua will become a stronger young man for having to deal with this. I still wish he didn't have to do it. I wish he could have had more of his childhood to just be a child - carefree and without the burden of diabetes. Again, I know it could be worse, but this is still a lot to handle.
I tried to share a little of this and told him that I wasn't sure if would help at all. Parenting can be so hard sometimes (though I wouldn't trade it for any other job in the world!). I just wanted to be able to kiss him and make things better, but this is too big for that. It's going to take time ... and trusting ... and learning.
Thank you God for always being there for us. Thank you that you are faithful, true and loving. Please guide us as we learn to walk this path. Please strengthen us to the task that is before us. Please shape us to look more like you.
Blessings
Leslie
Still sick
Poor little Daniel has the worst of it now. He has been sick for several days now and today was a rough one for him. I'm hoping that tonight will be a turning point for him. He felt well enough to play a couple of games of Candyland with me - and beat me both times. He has been able to eat some, but not keeping much in. We are all ready for this bug to be gone!
Thankfully everyone else is feeling well. The other kids and I just did a lot of reading and some cleaning. We are reading a really good book right now. It's entitled The Mysterious Benedict Society. It's a mystery involving children and a plot to change the world. I love that it is engaging for my children from 7 to 16! I'm really enjoying it too!
Joshua walked in and said he feels funny - his head and his stomach. Wants his blood sugar checked. He is really good about asking for this when he isn't feeling well. He, unfortunately, has had too much practice between the sickness and the many lows.
I had told him that he would be fine as he just had a snack recently and a shot of insulin. I don't mind checking though whenever he feels it is needed (or wanted). This is a lot for him to learn. Being attentive to his body and the changes it is going through. He is doing such a good job of it all too.
His blood sugars are fine, but he wants me to go up with him. More tomorrow.
Thank you for your prayers.
Love
Leslie
Thankfully everyone else is feeling well. The other kids and I just did a lot of reading and some cleaning. We are reading a really good book right now. It's entitled The Mysterious Benedict Society. It's a mystery involving children and a plot to change the world. I love that it is engaging for my children from 7 to 16! I'm really enjoying it too!
Joshua walked in and said he feels funny - his head and his stomach. Wants his blood sugar checked. He is really good about asking for this when he isn't feeling well. He, unfortunately, has had too much practice between the sickness and the many lows.
I had told him that he would be fine as he just had a snack recently and a shot of insulin. I don't mind checking though whenever he feels it is needed (or wanted). This is a lot for him to learn. Being attentive to his body and the changes it is going through. He is doing such a good job of it all too.
His blood sugars are fine, but he wants me to go up with him. More tomorrow.
Thank you for your prayers.
Love
Leslie
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
CT Scan
Sorry for the late update.
I took Joshua in this morning for his CT (CAT) Scan. They told us just to walk in. We went and waited for about 30 minutes. During this time, we realized that I had forgotten his "poker". I packed it, but forgot to slip it in my tote. Thankfully, we weren't far from home and we were in a medical facitilty. I did bring snacks so he was able to keep his blood sugars up. We read aloud in a book (Hatchet - thanks Laura!) and played some games.
When it was time to go in and he saw the machine, I could see that he was visibly scared. The technician that worked with us was wonderful!!! She explained everything and answered his questions (he always has questions). He happened to have on an outfit with no metal so that he didn't have to change into a gown. This was probably the only pair of shorts that would have worked like this too! She did a trial run of him laying on the bed, being lifted and then into the machine so he could see what it would be like.
The test itself went pretty quickly. Then I chatted with Joshua while she checked to make sure they had all the images that were needed. I had watched with her as the scan was going on and thought it was neat to see the images of his bones and thought Joshua would like that too.
I asked if she would mind him seeing that picture when it was completed. She did so much more than just show him that one neat picture. She scrolled through all the pictures and pointed out his organs, bones, spinal cord and more. When she got to his stomach she said it looked like he had eaten cereal for breakfast - and he had! She also showed him his muscles and his skin and commented that he had NO fat. This is true. :-)
As we were leaving, she told me that she would be sending the results to our ped office right away. She also said that if we hadn't heard anything by this afternoon, we could call and ask. Again, very nice!
We then went home. I forgot to mention we had one sick today - Daniel. Sick again in the middle of the night. Thankfully everyone else is feeling better. I sure hope it ends soon!
Our ped called this afternoon to share the results. His kidneys looked good - no obstructions or other problems. She did say that his left kidney is "puffy" in the collection area and is something that she will want to keep an eye on. She doesn't know what caused it, but it doesn't seem to be due to any problems in his body right now. His other organs looked good too! Also, one of the cultures came back - negative for E. coli. Thank you! She is still waiting on some other cultures. I told her that I knew it wasn't salmonella - that one was very wicked and much, much worse than this has been. It was horrible!
She mentioned that this might be rotavirus. She asked if I'd extended nursed my children and I said yes. She thought this probably protected them while they were young. Eliana had the shot for this and that may be why she hasn't gotten sick. We won't know for sure though as this one wasn't cultured - just the "big boys" as she said. I think it must be something we picked up from the hospital. Who knows. It doesn't really matter. I just hope it is done!
Joshua's numbers are doing good again today. No lows! The new med seems to be working well in helping to keep him balanced. I'm thankful for that. I also talked with his endo dr who called to check on him. Isn't that wonderful to have doctors that care so much to keep such close tabs on their patient?! I'm very thankful for these great doctors and their willingness to go above and beyond when it really is important.
I'm hoping that by tomorrow, I can post some pictures, maybe share some other things that have been going on. I"m hoping that we are at the end of the sickness path and then can just walk the new path of dealing with diabetes. I'm thankful for many things and appreciate your prayers.
Love
Leslie
I took Joshua in this morning for his CT (CAT) Scan. They told us just to walk in. We went and waited for about 30 minutes. During this time, we realized that I had forgotten his "poker". I packed it, but forgot to slip it in my tote. Thankfully, we weren't far from home and we were in a medical facitilty. I did bring snacks so he was able to keep his blood sugars up. We read aloud in a book (Hatchet - thanks Laura!) and played some games.
When it was time to go in and he saw the machine, I could see that he was visibly scared. The technician that worked with us was wonderful!!! She explained everything and answered his questions (he always has questions). He happened to have on an outfit with no metal so that he didn't have to change into a gown. This was probably the only pair of shorts that would have worked like this too! She did a trial run of him laying on the bed, being lifted and then into the machine so he could see what it would be like.
The test itself went pretty quickly. Then I chatted with Joshua while she checked to make sure they had all the images that were needed. I had watched with her as the scan was going on and thought it was neat to see the images of his bones and thought Joshua would like that too.
I asked if she would mind him seeing that picture when it was completed. She did so much more than just show him that one neat picture. She scrolled through all the pictures and pointed out his organs, bones, spinal cord and more. When she got to his stomach she said it looked like he had eaten cereal for breakfast - and he had! She also showed him his muscles and his skin and commented that he had NO fat. This is true. :-)
As we were leaving, she told me that she would be sending the results to our ped office right away. She also said that if we hadn't heard anything by this afternoon, we could call and ask. Again, very nice!
We then went home. I forgot to mention we had one sick today - Daniel. Sick again in the middle of the night. Thankfully everyone else is feeling better. I sure hope it ends soon!
Our ped called this afternoon to share the results. His kidneys looked good - no obstructions or other problems. She did say that his left kidney is "puffy" in the collection area and is something that she will want to keep an eye on. She doesn't know what caused it, but it doesn't seem to be due to any problems in his body right now. His other organs looked good too! Also, one of the cultures came back - negative for E. coli. Thank you! She is still waiting on some other cultures. I told her that I knew it wasn't salmonella - that one was very wicked and much, much worse than this has been. It was horrible!
She mentioned that this might be rotavirus. She asked if I'd extended nursed my children and I said yes. She thought this probably protected them while they were young. Eliana had the shot for this and that may be why she hasn't gotten sick. We won't know for sure though as this one wasn't cultured - just the "big boys" as she said. I think it must be something we picked up from the hospital. Who knows. It doesn't really matter. I just hope it is done!
Joshua's numbers are doing good again today. No lows! The new med seems to be working well in helping to keep him balanced. I'm thankful for that. I also talked with his endo dr who called to check on him. Isn't that wonderful to have doctors that care so much to keep such close tabs on their patient?! I'm very thankful for these great doctors and their willingness to go above and beyond when it really is important.
I'm hoping that by tomorrow, I can post some pictures, maybe share some other things that have been going on. I"m hoping that we are at the end of the sickness path and then can just walk the new path of dealing with diabetes. I'm thankful for many things and appreciate your prayers.
Love
Leslie
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