Mexico

Right before we found out Jessica had diabetes we were in Mexico visiting my dad and Pam. We had such a great time!! We snorkled, swam in cenotes (underground fresh water caves), climed ruins and Peter even fell into quicksand. Jessica got the opportunity to swim with dolphins, something she has always wanted to do. We stayed at my dad and Pam's wonderful home in the jungle. They had bunkbeds made out of branches in the jungle room. It was so fun. We were however worried about Jess. She had lost lots of weight, had low energy and was constantly drinking and going to the bathroom. The trip really made her symptons stand out, because we were having more sugar then normal (mostly from sodas and ice cream).

Getting used to it all

It feels like things are starting to calm down. Right after the diagnosis was so overwelming. I was expected to be a nutritionist, give shots, determine the amount of insulin based on blood sugar levels and what she was going to eat. Try to not let her blood sugar get too high or too low. I was sent home with injections, a meter, glucose strips, a whole drawer of medical supplies and was trained how to use this in just a couple of days.
Jessica is getting back to herself, she sings in the shower, runs around at recess, laughs and of course bosses her brothers and parents around. She is so on top of everything. The other night I went into give her, her bedtime injection. This is a long lasting insulin that she takes once a day. I almost gave her, her meal time injection which could have been very dangerous. It scared me so bad, that we don't even bring her daytime insulin in her room and I have put big lables on the insulin pens saying daytime or night. Jessica's friends and teachers have been so kind and helpful. They are all so interested and want to help. We have also made new friends, friends who also have type one diabetes. I can't even begin to express how much this has helped. They really understand and have gone out of there way to help us and answer questions.

Our new normal

On Feb. 22, 2012 our lives changed. Our little Jessica was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It was a time filled with fear, guilt, sadness along with a grateful heart that this is something we can manage. Jess spent 4 days in the hospital. The doctors and nurses just loved her, she was so positive and always had a smile. Since we have been home, things are really starting to sink in. She worries about going to friends, because the carb counting thing is too overwelming. I agree :). She wants to skip meals so she can skip her shots, I don't blame her. It is a new normal, but it sure does not feel normal yet. Despite the chalenges we are all dedicated to make this work and help Jessica live a long and healthy life. (the photo is of Jessica in Mexico. She had been tiered for a couple of months and not quite herself, but Mexico is when we realized something was wrong.)