A Visit from the Tooth Fairy

MJ has been dying to lose a tooth for over a year now.  About a month ago he noticed he had a loose tooth which I was able to confirm for the first time (he had “made up” loose teeth before this one).  Every day he made either Steve or me wiggle the tooth to determine if it was ready to come out.  Last Saturday I had a girls day/night planned with some of my college girl friends- we couldn’t believe we found a date where everyone was in town and available - and before I left I wiggled his tooth to make sure it wasn’t going to come out the one night I would be away from him.  After confirming that I thought there was another week left before it would come out, I left for the hotel.  Less than an hour later I got a face time call from Colleen and MJ appeared with one less tooth!  AAAHHHH!  Apparently he bit into a chicken nugget and it came right out.  The tooth fairy came that night and left $2 for MJ which he couldn’t wait to show me upon my return.  YAY MJ!

(bottom middle right)

 

And don’t worry, the girls and I had a blast!!!!  We hung out by the pool all day, went to get our hair done and then had dinner and drinks at a cool restaurant in midtown.  We even stayed up passed 1:00 (which frankly none of us moms thought we could do any more)!  It was so fun.

Here we are at the hair place (she made my hair a little poofy for my taste, but at least it was different than my normal straight hair!).





And here are a few from Empire State South:

MJ’s First Day of Kindergarten!

MJ started school last week- it’s hard for me to grasp that my “baby” boy is actually a Kindergartner!

On Monday we had orientation at the school – he was a little tearful when we were going through all of the activities in the gym but once we got inside his classroom he was fine.  He was able to see a lot of his old friends and meet some of the new kids in his class.  We also had a meeting with all of the kindergarten teachers, the administration and the school nurses regarding his diabetes action plan.

On Tuesday he had an assessment where the teachers got to spend 30 minutes with each child to determine their needs, see where they are in terms of comprehension and communication, etc.  MJ had a great time at the assessment and told me that he loves his new teachers.

Thursday was his first full day of school.  MJ woke up in a great mood and any nerves he had earlier in the week had completely disappeared.  He was even excited to pose for the pictures!!



And yes, the bookbag is almost as big as he is!  We had to get the larger size to fit his lunch box, uniform sweatshirt, books, etc.  I gave him the Pottery Barn catalog a few weeks ago and let him pick out which pattern he wanted- I swear he picked the ugliest one out of the whole group!  But he loves animals, so tigers it is. 

I love this picture of Daddy with his biggest boy…



And MJ was sure to give Mommy some extra hugs and kisses that morning (I know he sensed I was emotional):





Proud parents:


And off we went.  Once we pulled up to carpool I could feel the tears starting rise but MJ gave me a big hug before getting out the car.  “It’s ok mommy,  I’m going to have a great day and I’ll see you when you get home.”   He jumped out and started running toward the gym, his backpack bouncing up and down, and suddenly dropped his lunch box.  I watched as he ran back to get it and looked up at me – when our eyes met he blew me a huge kiss, letting me know he was going to be ok before disappearing through the doors. 

There goes my Kindergartner.

Destin Trip

We went down to Destin for one last vacation before MJ starts Kindergarten!  It was so nice - just our family of 5 - hanging out at the beach and enjoying the ocean (and the pool)!  The water was perfect as there was very little undertow and the waves weren't too rough.  All of the kids just loved it.  I didn't get too many pictures since Steve and I were in the water with them the majority of the time, but here are a few...

 

 

We even made it to the Donut Hole for the first time at MJ's request.  He definitely needed a little extra insulin after that breakfast!  It was delicious.  :)

Two years ago Steve started the tradition of taking MJ to Fat Daddy's Pizza one afternoon during our stay.  This year Ty joined them (I was at the condo while Catelin napped) and of course they had a ball!  MJ came back with a stuffed animal seal (what a surprise) while Ty won a long snake- just what we needed.  :)

The last night I was able to talk everyone into going down to the beach for some pictures...

 

No Cavities!

Catelin had her first trip to the dentist a couple of weeks ago and she did great!  The boys were going for their regular check-ups and I decided to go ahead and book an appointment for her so she can get used to the routine.  I was a little worried that she wasn't going to cooperate but she was perfect.  She did exactly as she was told and didn't even fuss when they looked in her mouth.  Go little miss!

The dentist did mention trying to wean her from the pacifier in the next few months- which we plan to do but keep putting it off!  CL really loves that paci. :)  I'm thinking maybe after she starts school next month.

Ty and MJ loved the office- they had an arcade, cool stickers and toys!  I didn't think I was going to get them out of there!  haha

 

 

MJ's 100th day of Diabetes

Almost 4 months have passed since MJ was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.  We decided to celebrate his 100th day since he has faced his new reality with such a positive, inspiring attitude.  He never ceases to amaze us.

July 19th was day 100...unfortunately we couldn't go to the pool due to rain so we had a play date with his best friend Chase and then went as a family to see How to Train Your Dragon 2.  It was a great day celebrating and praising our biggest boy.

 

There are days it is hard for him - and for us - and I'm sure there always will be.  When we were in the hospital and they confirmed his diagnosis, I started sobbing...not the silent kind you try to hide, but the loud, can't- breathe-type sobbing.  I knew what that meant for the rest of his life -- not a day will go by where he is free from this.  He will never be able to run to the pantry, grab a juice box and a fruit snack and eat it without getting a shot of insulin.  No play date, field trip, or sleepover will be safe unless someone who has diabetes training is with him.  At most birthday parties he will be the only one who will have his blood sugar checked and the slice of cake cut just the right size before he eats it (and gets an insulin shot).  From now on, every carb will be counted, every activity closely watched.  It is not easy...

And yet it is manageable.  We have learned how to make it part of our routine...He wakes up, gets dressed, checks his blood sugar, eats breakfast, gets a shot of insulin, brushes his teeth and so on.  It's a new normal. 

 

 

MJ has asked a lot of thought-provoking questions since his diagnosis...

MJ: Mommy, why did God give me diabetes?  Why did he choose me?
Me: That's a good question honey.  I can't say for sure but I think it's because he knows you're so brave.  Not everyone would be able to handle what your going through but you are so positive and brave that you've done incredible and accepted it with grace.
MJ: Hmmm...I think you're right.  God gave me diabetes but he also made me brave.
Me: You got it.

MJ (the day he went back to school after his diagnosis): Mommy, can I give my friends diabetes?
Me: Oh no, honey.  This is not something you can give someone else.  You were born with it.
MJ: No I wasn't, I didn't have diabetes when I was four or three or two or one.  But I have it now that I'm five.
Me: Ok you're right- when you were born there was a part of you called a gene that made it more likely for you to get diabetes and it wasn't activated until now.
MJ: Did that gene make me sick?
Me: No, honey.  Please always remember that you are NOT sick.  You have a condition (I don't like to call it a disease in front of him) that makes you special.  Sometimes if your blood sugar is too high or too low then you can get sick so we just have to watch you closely to make sure it is under control.
MJ: I think we are all doing a good job at that
Me: Me too.

MJ (on his 100th day of diabetes): Mommy, sometimes I wish I was the old MJ.  You know, the one without diabetes.
Me (my heart breaking - holding back tears): I know honey.  Some days it's going to be hard.  But you know, this new MJ is pretty special.  I just can't believe how brave and amazing you are.  I'm so proud of you.
MJ: Thanks mommy.  I love you so much -  to infinity and beyond.
Me: I love you too baby- to infinity and beyond.


We had a check up at the end of last month and his diabetes is under excellent control so far.  We are blessed. 

Dear MJ,

The night of April 10th, the day you were diagnosed, I read my devotional before going to bed and it said, "we all bear crosses we didn't plan to carry."  I knew then that this was your cross to bear.  Every day I wish I could take it off of your back and carry it for you, but that is not what's meant to be.  I pray you know I'm always there beside you trying to lift this cross so the weight is lighter for you...and I won't let you fall.   

Happy 100th day of diabetes, MJ!

XOXOXOXOXO

Love,
Mommy