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I promise to share that delish BBQ recipe, but life keeps getting in the way. : P
I didn't get to share the entire story yesterday, and it wasn't appropriate then. Mary Claire has been pretty high (220+) but we are only keeping it there with lots of insulin. (at least 165% basal all-the-time) Anyway, she got her site (and reservoir and tubing and insulin) changed on Monday after running high (over 240). We don't pull any punches, we change it all, and start fresh. Yesterday, same story. We were headed to the Evans for dinner, and at the last minute after not having come down enough to eat (under 240, ketone level), we changed it all again (new site, insulin, everything!). (and we were late) She only dropped to 180, but I was happy. Then, high again. And today..high.
We've also had this strange frequent beeping that we've totally disregarded. Until Now. All of a sudden, I am thinking the two are related. It's the low beep-high beep-low beep alarm (low battery, low reservoir, backing out of a bolus, accidental button pushing, etc.) The two are just too coincidental. She PROMISES she isn't pushing buttons, or leaning on it, anything. As I hear it, I ask if she pushed anything, and she swears she didn't (we've been doing this for 6.8 years, so she knows exactly what I'm talking about). I've checked Alarm History-nothing.
So, I call Medtronic (and it always makes me super-emotional..why can't I keep it in check? Seriously? It's been years, and it still comes to the surface.). They are their usual nice, "I understand how frustrating this can be", explain the situation, trouble-shoot, then she gives me two options: keep using the pump and just monitor it, or have a new (albeit refurbished) pump tomorrow morning. I've done this before. We've done it at least 6 or 7 times. They look the same, they feel the same, work the same, (still pink), but it's not like having a new one, that you t-r-u-s-t.
So, I mulled it over (cried silently till I could pull it together under the guise of "thinking"), and decided to take the refurbished pump (after she told me they go through rigorous testing-more than new pumps) (is that possible?) since we are going on vacation next week, and getting one overnighted to your destination (yes, done that too..to Disney) is much scarier.
We just wait now. And I'm cleaning exploded potato out of my oven in the Waiting. I could not make this stuff up if I tried. I have this great baked potato recipe:
1.) Wash potatoes, and poke on all sides with a fork (can't emphasis this one enough!)
2.) Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
3.) Place potatoes on rack (not baking sheet) and bake for 45 minutes for small 6 oz. potatoes, and 1.5 hours for big bakers. *When the yummy smell fills your house, they are ready.
4.) Cut an "X" on the top, and squoosh from the bottom to make the potato kinda pop out.
So...when they smelled all yummy, I went into the kitchen to get them out. When I walked around the corner, I heard a loud "boom". I've heard this boom before. (It was a potato exploding in my microwave.) Lotsa fun, peeps. So, I opened the door and there is the evidence all over the wall, top, and bottom of my oven. I turned off the heat and left the door open (so it wouldn't continue to bake to the walls..I don't love to clean dried potato). Goodness knows it just wasn't hot enough in my kitchen in July.
Anyway, it's fine. The oven is three-quarters clean, I'm thankful for the foresight to make six potatoes tonight, and I'm thankful for Medtronic being nice to me. I can't complain.
What's worse than a bowl of Cap'n Crunch Berries? When you give your daughter insulin for them, and she doesn't eat them.
What's worse than her not eating them? Her not answering when you're yelling for her, then whimpering a reply. Yikes!
What's worse than dry Cap'n Crunch Berries? Getting-soggy Cap'n Crunch Berries.
What's worse than convincing a child that the milk smells fine? Pleading with her to just taste it.
So..she was having an unhealthy bedtime snack (well, it's corn and oats and..there's..Milk!), and disappeared into her room while I was reading bedtime stories to Ethan. She was oddly quiet-and it was at least 10 minutes post-insulin. Umm..where was she and why was she not eating? She thought the milk was bad, so she refused. Sweet daughter? ..That's NOT okay!
So..I'm teaching her she has to eat her junk food. Bad. But it was just sitting there, the perfect carb count for her insulin. Next time, I'll make a new bowl with new milk. Or give her alternatives. Or start pushing juice. Or freak out (in front of her) less.
More crafts! Actually, I cleaned the kids' bathrooms today, and decided they needed some updating! : ) I really cleaned (not just the sink-heehee). I trashed their rugs, scrubbed the floors (and behind the toilet, baseboards-etc.), then started over. I almost painted, but that'd have been a week-long project!
I made a list, got some stuff done at the school, then went shopping. I got the kids new rugs, some towels, then went to Hobby Lobby. I got four canvases, some 3D stickers, and some big letters. By the time the kids came home, we were ready to start.
Here's our mess (I always paint in my bathroom floor-hmm..I guess it's out-of-the-way, and easy-to-clean):
Clay really wanted to paint a canvas himself, so I let him. I had plans for two for his bathroom, but I can't say no. He wanted to paint the Titanic (?), so he started right in. I tried to persuade him to use his room colors: tan, blue, navy, green, chocolate, etc. (he argued that the Titanic was black and white. Hmm.) He's doing well, but didn't get it finished-he had baseball practice!
Here's the one I did for him:
I started with a 12x12 canvas, painted the edges brown, then Mod-Podged the harlequin-patterned paper over the front. Then I painted the edges some more, smeared the Mod Podge, and sealed down the bubbles. Can you see the "C" shape under the polka-dot paper? I stuck it to the C, let it dry, then cut and sanded the edges. I like it kinda rough-not perfect. Then I stuck on all my 3D embellishments:
This is Ethan's: he painted it for me, and I'll have to finish it tomorrow!
Next was Mary Claire's canvas. I had a great plan to print pictures, and scrapbook a canvas for her, but she was impatient. I didn't even have 3D stickers for her! Here's the beginning:
I painted the background hot pink, and she painted the M. Then we sat and cut out phrases and letters from magazines. I Mod Podged some scrapbook paper strips (that I tore) on and then added the words. Next, were the stickers, then a bow on the M, and stuck it on with pop-up stickers. : ) It's not dry, but you get the idea:
So...since I busied myself on the kids' bedrooms/bathrooms/beds, I didn't get anything else done. No groceries, no cleaning downstairs, no laundry. Yes, my house suffers-but not my creative side! : ) Guess there's always a trade-off. Tomorrow, pictures to print..and some LaUnDrY! : )
Mary Claire got up this morning, High (248) and had a loose site. I changed her site, even though she had a field trip today. I set her at 85% for the day, and prayed for the best. I don't try to go on all the field trips anymore. I don't think they really want me to go-there's no request, and for the plays, it's kinda inconvenient for them to request extra tickets. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure they'd let me, but I think they do fine. In the younger grades, they'd offer for us to go, but anymore..well, the kids are just older.
Anyway, she called at 9:40 (right on time!), and she was only 81. I had her eat two peanut butter crackers that I'd sent, and she was fine. At lunch, she was 89, so at least we averted disaster (and avoided a Low!).
This afternoon, I ran by Colliers to get her new insulin pens. The new prescription is only for 40 units a day instead of 60 (I fill her pump's reservoir with 180 units every three days), so they only gave me one box of insulin pens (5), and I got worried. That wouldn't get us through the month, so I had to call Children's Hospital. It's tough-Dr. Lee moved to Louisiana, and we are switching to Dr. Maass in Rogers...so technically, we are between doctors. They helped me, since I saw them last, but scary! I thought I had all my ducks in a row, but AAhhhhh!!! The nurse said she'd call Colliers, but I'll have to check on it again tomorrow (and hopefully get my other box of pens!).
Oh, and it was Monday Folder night! It freaks us out-so much paper work, so many checks to write..party money for both kids, book order, lunch, etc. I can see another reason for home schooling! : )
I just realized I didn't blog yesterday! It wasn't exactly a day of rest. Mary Claire had had a friend spend the night, and she had to leave for church a teeny bit earlier than the kids, so we had breakfast early, then got the kids ready for PRE. Then I got a shower, and we went to church. We ate lunch out, then went by Mom's to return the tent from last weekend, and home. I quickly changed Mary Claire's brownie troop numbers on her vest (to her new troop number!), and I took her to Brownies in Fayetteville. I ran to the mall, found some cute fall clothes for the kids (since it turned cool here overnight!), then back to get her. She had BSI with a friend, so I took her to their church, then Ches and I had a date (: ) !), so we made it back home, and left. We had dinner out (and saw Sandra-it was her birthday!), then went to see You Again (3.5 out of 5). Fun, long day, and apparently I didn't even think about writing my craziness down! : ) Sometimes I am just too busy living in the moment. And that's a Good Thing. : )
We love getting ready for a party-so much fun! Mary Claire had a sleepover at a friend's house last night, and we used a couple days to get ready. We spent yesterday wrapping the gift (zebra bag, hot pink tulle bow, homemade card-wish I had a picture!-and tied it on with black gingham ribbon), and we got the new Go Phone working-and practiced! I had her call me a couple times, call her daddy-just to make sure she could use it. In the phone calls, I was coaching her. I wanted her to know she had to call me every time she was about to put food in her mouth. She had to check her own blood, and give herself boluses. I figured it was a tiny reward (to go to a party/sleepover), since she's learned to check herself and use her pump (with me talking her through it). It's still progress for a sweet eight-year-old.
Last night Ches and I had plans to go out, so Mary (our amazing babysitter!) took her to the party. We had all her stuff out and ready, but it didn't start till after we were leaving. Mary took her, and Mary Claire got nervous. She was nervous with me yesterday afternoon, and she got nervous again with Mary. Then she forgot everything I told her in our repeated conversations (about check your blood, call me lots, call me when you are going to eat, check yourself last thing before you go to sleep, brush your teeth, etc.), and looked at Mary at her friend's house like she didn't have a clue that she even had diabetes!
She did fine. She called me before our movie was starting, and she was having pizza. Her blood sugar was 79, so she was fine. I talked her through a bolus for the food, and went back to the movie. Then, she called halfway through the movie, and they were having cake. Her blood sugar was only 59! so I told her to eat all the cake/frosting, and to give herself a .6 (6/10 a unit of insulin) and I thought she'd go sky high, truthfully! Well, on our way home, I called her thinking she might be on her way to bed. She was 59 again! I could not believe it. I had her eat two sugar tablets (8 grams) and a teaspoon of peanut butter, and helped her set a temporary basal to 85% for eight hours.
Her friend's mom texted that they were fine, and I asked if she was still up in an hour (which would be midnight...), to wake up Mary Claire and have her check herself. Well, she was, and Mary Claire was 159-good. I can't sleep with her low-our doctor in Rogers said the only way you can die (quickly) is low. (A patient of his-who was trying to tightly control his blood sugar-went to bed at 59, he didn't eat anything, and he didn't wake up the next morning-yep, that's my fear.)
So, I could finally sleep and stop worrying! Mary Claire called me this morning, and she was 299-ok, a little high, but I'm sure it was my overprotective eight hours at 85%. I just like her to make it! She's having doughnuts this morning, and I told her to call me back when she gets ready to eat.
My baby made it through the night, and she is growing up! I think the experience is as good for me as it is for her. : )
I just threw up in my throat. Again! It has to stop. I have run out of my Protonix (remember my reflux problem that was causing my sore throat and missing voice?), and my problem seems to have intensified. It burns and really aggravates me! I have eaten three Tums-maybe it'll tone down my acid? I know. A call to my doctor is the only solution. : )
The reason I didn't blog on Thursday (and maybe Friday...) was because of Mary Claire's endocrinology appointment at Children's Hospital. It was an emotional visit, which I didn't expect, and one for which I wasn't prepared.
We made the long drive Thursday morning (which took me longer than I'd allowed!), and had a great lunch with our friends Junko and Emily. It was a wonderful visit-the girls just played and we got to talk diabetes. I don't have that many friends who have kids with diabetes, and we can always learn something from one another (and I think the girls do too!).
We went into the doctor, and everything was going well. But then it all came crashing down. Dr. Morales has insisted that Mary Claire use alternate pump sites (the location where her pump tubing clicks into a site/port that goes under her skin and gets changed every three days). Anyway, we've had some high blood sugars, and she thinks our sites might be part of the problem. After you've used the same location(s) over and over and over (five years to be exact), you build up scar tissue. Her doctors have been telling us this for years. She needed to try other site locations: tummy, back of her arm, front of her thigh, etc. She wouldn't hear of it, and I just blindy believed that if we kept the sites healthy, changed, moved them around, that she'd be okay. I didn't think she'd build up scar tissue. I just didn't. It was my baby, and I wanted to do whatever would make her most comfortable (second in line after not having it at all). So, now she actually has scar tissue. That's why we've seen some highs in the last couple of weeks.
Long(er) story short, I changed her site this morning (after another high), and she was still 246 this morning! I tried her tummy for a site after much bribing (two new outfits from Gymboree-watermelons and cakes/dots), dinner out, time with Gigi, etc.). She cried the entire time, wanted medicine, needed loving and hugs, and was generally pathetic. Now I'm the Bad Guy. I hate that. I don't have a choice. I have to do what works to keep her alive, and moving her sites around is that option. If she goes back to shots (uh, no thanks!), she could give her bottom a rest, but that's not really an option either. I'm between a rock and a hard place here. So, give me a break, say some prayers, and give me some suggestions?
The other thing that the doctor said we had to do was drop two snack times and add more protein to her meals. That is tough since MY BABY LOVES HER FOOD! Especially her snacks. It's about the only joy she gets right now. So, this week as school gets ready to start (another even crashing into our schedule!), we are having to wean her rather quickly. She's going to drop her morning snack, and her 1:30 school snack. She's used to having them (especially all summer!), but they have to go. Her doctor said, and I quote, "She isn't a baby, and she has to stop eating like one! She is a big girl, and doesn't need all those snacks!" This comes after they (Arkansas Children's Hospital) taught me to care for her, set up our meal plan, and I dutifully obeyed. Well. Now the dietician (precious Lisa who helped us at diagnosis five years ago), says they don't teach all the snacks and frequent eating to maintain blood sugars anymore. They've had tons of kids have real trouble breaking the habit, so they've ceased the teachings. Fine time to tell me.
At first it was mucho difficulto. It has gotten easier, as she's eating larger meals. Like breakfast today was oatmeal (33 grams), scrambled eggs (good protein, no carbs), and two slices of toast (24 grams), and fit right into her 40-60 gram breakfast recommended by Lisa. She used to just eat one thing, but we are having to play with protein (such fun!). She can also combine yogurt, but no bread then. It's working, but requiring me to CoOk in the morning hours! : O Can I keep it up? and for how long?
So call me the Emotional Bad Guy (Girl?) who gets to take it from both sides. It's never easy being a parent. And where's that manual I requested?
Any good suggestions for breakfasts or lunches with protein? (that are not loaded down with fat?)
Redundancy is not cool. Redundancy is not cool. (just had to, sorry!) I mean, everyday I feel like saying, "Today was so busy!"
Let's see. Bible study, laundry (between errands), made lunch for the kids, Ches came home, I ran to get Mom for the Friend Lunch Wednesday (her car is on the fritz, and she doesn't trust it), then lunch till 2:30, two quick errands and some ice cream, I ran her home, we took Italian Reading Room pix, called Ches to see if he could make it alone for dinner/evening, and we took off again. Sam's for groceries, shopping for lamps (entry way-to match the table we put together Monday afternoon!) and great greeting cards (I bought way too many-they were all so great), then WM for more stuff and groceries, then took Mom home, unloaded, set up lamps, then back home. : ) And here I am to greet you, sweet reader. : )
I was supposed to make some sippy cups, but alas, it's too late now. I have to get to bed so I can rest up for tomorrow's excitement! Tomorrow is library and story time for Ethan, (monogram sippys maybe?), pick up the order (that I was suppose to get today..), call Medtronic to argue about our latest bill. (insert much throat-clearing here)
How did our expected copay of just jump up over $500? Don't think so. We got the new pump (remember our fun Disney/Florida/tragedy-turned-relief shipment?), returned the loaner plus our old one, but I think they failed to give us the $500 credit for returning the old one. I'll get to the bottom of it tomorrow while I multitask: make dinner, talk on the phone (uh-I mean, stand on hold), hold a waking-up toddler, empty his potty-chair, demand the kids turn down the tv and put away their laundry, and possibly empty the dishwasher.
Ok, did I mention the FaNcY new pan I got today? It's a fabulous new saute pan with handles on both sides, and a glass lid. It's 5 quarts, which I can't even imagine! I could feed, like 3 more kids or something! Wow. I even bought a Hamburger Helper mix to try it out. I couldn't think of anything else to put in it besides stir-fry, and Mom kept naming fried things: pork chops, eggs, etc. I was thinking veggies, kinda like Chinese or even bell peppers for fajitas. So, I compromised, and I'll fill our guts with meat and noodles tomorrow (while I'm on hold!). Anyway, I shoud tell you why I got it. I had this shower last month (well, a had a few, but it was a wedding shower), and the bride got all these fancy new things that I'd never even thought about. I seriously take pans for granted. I've had the saute pan I use the most since before I was married, and never even think twice about it! But this one (I think) is magical! It'll make me a better cook! It'll be easier to wash! It'll last twenty years! It parted me with my money, didn't it? Sometimes you don't even know you need something till you take five minutes to think about it. I've been looking at them for a while, but today, I commited (it totally helped that it was on sale)! I'll let you know how well it performs. I shall go before you into Saute Pan World, and send word.
In other boring news, my baby peepee'd twice in the toilet while I was at Bible Study! Yay! I didn't take the potty chair with us, so that alone was big. I was so proud of him! I also checked out pull-up vs. diaper prices for our continued nap/nighttimes. If you would like the info, Sam's diapers (size 4) were 22 cents each, and their pullups (size 2T-3T) were 32 cents each. At WM, the diapers were 24.5 cents each, and their pullups were 35 cents each. I think I'll keep him in diapers for sleepy times for a while longer. Not a big price difference, but over the next 6 months, it'd be a $36 difference (two pullups a day x 6 months). I'm strange that way. I can blow $600 on shopping, and not blink an eye, but other things I totally evaluate. Must be my emotional connection at a clothing store. (and no attachment whatsoever to pullups)
ps-my fave button on my keyboard is the delete-x which deletes from the right. Super cool, and I miss it on my laptop. Useless info, but all in the name of knowledge. It's power, right!?
Love you! and I wish you happy shopping days, full-moon evenings with chocolate, sweet husbands who allow you to run wild, and people who care about your pullup prices! (maybe)
