Gavin's reaction to Mommy's insulin pump

This morning, Gavin saw me changing out my insulin pump cartridge and we had this conversation:

Gavin: Mommy!!!! I don't want that medicine.
Me: It's not for you, baby.  It's for me, don't worry.
Gavin: Why are you taking that?
Me: Well, Mommy has to have her insulin for her diabetes or else she would die.
Gavin: And then when you get better you can stop?
Me: No, diabetes doesn't go away. I have to take it forever or else I would die. Cousin Sydney has to take insulin like Mommy too.
Gavin: But why did God make you have it?
Me: I don't know but I'm sure he has his reasons.
Gavin: God!!! Why did you make Mommy have this????
Me: Gavin, don't be mad at God.  I know he has his reasons.
Gavin: Mommy, it's okay to be mad about it.

Later he told me that only girls get diabetes (because he recognized a pattern that Mommy and Sydney are girls).  He also got worried about catching it.  Thanks to help from my mom, he felt better when I explained that some people develop diabetes like some people have to have glasses.  It's not something you can catch from someone.

I had pretty much sheltered him from my diabetes but perhaps now is the time to involve him more so he can  understand.  I pray everyday that neither of my children develop diabetes.  I don't wish the this on anyone.  Not that it's a bad thing to live with--I don't remember not having diabetes--but I pray my kids have healthy, blessed lives.  There certainly are worse things to live with.

The things kids learn from each other...

I am sure Gavin has taught his friends good and bad things but it always amuses me when he picks up things from others.  I recognize the things we say of course, but always ask where he learned something that I know we don't really say.

Today after school I heard him saying "Holy Guacamole."  I asked him where he got that saying and he said his friend Ethan said it first.  I think he was worried he'd get in trouble for saying it (already at 4, he is VERY aware that there are good words and bad words).  I thought it was adorable and now will try to say that instead of my usual "Holy crap." (or worse).

After this conversation he said, "Do you want to know what word we learned today at school?  Oooh-la-la!"  He was so proud to tell me.  I'm not too sure how glad Daddy is that he likes to say that, but I think it's pretty darn cute.  See, Mom, I'm working on my language too :).

Christmas 2010!

So I realized I haven't had time to share our Christmas experience...  Well, it was a busy one!  Brady had to work Christmas Eve (hence all the photos I took while waiting for him to arrive at my parents).  The highlight of the presents for Kailee was a pink shopping cart (which both kids now fight over).  For Gavin, I don't even remember what was his big present of the evening.  For me, it was a Barnes & Noble Nook!  I was SHOCKED!  I had told my mom months ago that I did not want one (because I read using the Barnes & Noble App on my iPhone).  Recently though, I had been thinking I kinda wanted one but had not said anything to my mom.  Apparently, Dean really pushed for her to get it for me and I'm so glad he did!  I also got a lot of B&N gift cards to download lots of books!  So fun!  I've already read a book and will likely finish another before going back to work on Monday.  Here's a pic from Christmas Eve:

After celebrating at my mom's, we went home to "wait/prepare" for Santa's visit to our house.   Look at what a nice job Santa did:

Christmas morning was fun of course!  Here are the kids with their gifts:

After celebrating at our house, my parents and Gran went home to get ready for Aunt Ann and Uncle Lloyd's celebration.  We were able to stop by and at least see everyone on our way to Brandy, Brady's sister's house.  At our final celebration, we played a fun pass the present game and I luckily ended up with a $50 Starbucks Gift Card (Thanks, Brandy!!!!) which I've already begun to enjoy! :)  Before leaving for the night, we did capture one decent family pic on Christmas (Thanks Lithia for taking a bunch despite Gavin's lack of enthusiasm for it).  This year I'll be more diligent about getting pics of our little family unit!  Here's the one we got:

10 things about 2010 (okay really 11)

1. I discovered Jillian Michaels and lost 25 pounds thanks to her workouts.
2. Gavin turned 4 and has become more and more of a little person than a toddler.  He's a little boy, not a toddler.  I am always impressed with things he says.  I just love him!
3. Brady's daughter Charlotte finally came to Texas to see all of her wonderful family here.
4. We had a great vacation at Lost Pines Resort in Bastrop, TX.  Unfortunately, I did break my big toe in the lazy river and it's still stiff at times.
5. I re-learned that sometimes people you think are your true friends really aren't and had to accept that someone I loved and trusted may not actually be worth my time.  The silver lining is that I then put forth more effort to reconnect with people I know are my true friends.  I love you guys--hopefully you know who you are!  (You better, because I have told you!!!!)
6. I got to see Kailee learn to sit-up, crawl, walk, run, and begin to speak.  What an eventful year it has been for my little girl!  I love my little diva!
7. I began communicating with my father despite our 5 year estrangement.  Babysteps...
8.  I lost my wonderful great-grandmother Michie who has already visited me in a dream to let me know she's all right.
9. My dear friend Jennifer and my wonderful cousin Leslie got engaged.  I am so happy I got to be there to 10. And to end with something trivial... I FINALLY got Ugg boots (Thanks, GJ) and got a Nook--thanks Mom and Dean!

Oh and I guess I gotta add #11:
I had an AWESOME time connecting with people on Facebook who I might not have connected with at all without that awesome social network.  I love my Facebook people!

Merry Christmas Eve!

While awaiting Brady's return from work, I have had much fun posting Christmas carol lyrics on facebook and taking picures/videos of my kids. Here are some highlights:















Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Christmas Card and Sad Day :(

Here's our 2010 Christmas Card.

On a sadder note, my great grandmother Michie passed away yesterday of stomach cancer.  We found out in November (I believe) that she had 2 tumors and that the cancer had already spread to her lymph nodes.  The doctors gave her 6 months and she seemed pretty good for awhile.  Last week Gavin told me, "God told me Michie's gonna die soon."  I thought he had just been hearing us talking, so I responded, "No, not that soon." 

Fast forward to this past Monday.  We found out that the tumors were possibly eating through her stomach lining.  Thus she began getting morphine round the clock to keep her comfortable.  Gavin told me, "God told me Michie's gonna die on Thursday."  He also told me not to worry that the angels would take Michie up to heaven and that God would make her alive in heaven.  He kept saying it all week.  Yesterday morning on Thursday, December 16, 2010, Michie went to heaven.

Scary Allergic Reaction!

Scary scary night. I stupidly gave Kailee 2 bites of peanut butter. About a minute later, she began throwing up and could not stop until her stomach was empty. Then she started rubbing her eyes maniacally and seemed to be unable to stop. Her face broke out in hives and turned red and puffy. We gave her benadryl and had to wait for it to kick in. It was so sad to watch her rubbing her face on my comforter to scratch the itchiness. Thankfully she passed out and as I type this, I'm enjoying her snuggled up against me.



So I started researching medic alert options and found temporary tattoos. Here's a link: