Thank you, Honey!

We read this atleast 4 times this afternoon. Lydia was locked into every page. She is like that with a lot of books, but I really think she was relating to this one. Thank you, Honey!

Overall, today has been a pretty, good day! And tomorrow is Friday. Yeah!

SGI Bound- NOT!

We so wish we could be there for 3 full days of fun, but duty calls. Have fun and catch some fish! Love y'all!

Afternoon Fun!

Outside fun. (see that notepad and ink pen-Lydia is checking blood sugars) :-)

New coloring supplies all the way from VA today! Thanks Bill.

Owen is on the far right and I know you've all heard Lydia talk about her!

Owen and her big sister, Anna Clare say, "peace out"!

Hump Day

Check out L's new snazzy bag!

It's hump day and we are still battling the insulin war. We were having a really good morning yesterday and then her BS was off-the-meter high at 5:30p. We called the doctor and they instructed we give her insulin prior to dinner, so we did. She ate, then we checked her BS again a couple of hours later. It was still 500 plus, so we continued to sweat. Around 9:30, we checked it again and it had dropped into the 400 range, so we gave her insulin and prayed that it would keep going down. Slowly, but surely it did. At 2am it was 164. (which is good, but we were concerned it would continue to drop fast in her sleep) It did. This morning I woke her up and it was 71. So, as you can see we're on a roller coaster ride. The good news, God is with us on this ride.

Wahoo!

Tiny D is going to Little Lambs this morning.

Lydia and I are going shopping for a cute emergency kit and a bag for her supplies. We are all ready to get back in a routine and hope to return to CBS tomorrow. She had a good night. "Wahoo!"

It went DOWN...

LOW! And we had to use this.

I checked on Lydia at 2am and her BS was low, but not extremely. This has only happened one other time in the hospital, so we didn't really act fast. At 3am, we checked it again and it was extremely low. I cut open the Decorating Gel and immediately started squeezing it into those little cheeks, while Will dialed the Dr. So, after a tube of Decorating Gel and 4 vanilla wafers w/ peanut butter, her BS was back up and it was safe for her to go back to sleep.

She's still snoozing this morning and I'm enjoying some one on one time with D. She's actually helping me with this post.

Happy Monday!

Love,

Kristee and Dantz

Team Work

Our first, full-day at home went pretty well until dinnertime. Lydia didn't want to eat her food and we both freaked out. Dantz decided to cry too! We've got to get a grip and learn to walk away or outside, until we can get it together. This is not an option. We are both on edge with this new "lifestyle" and with each other. We both know we need to do a lot better with our feelings and emotions because they trickle down to her. We can't expect her to be calm, if we're not calm. So, we made a pinkie swear that we are a team and will act like one. (Dad, sorry you saw all of this first-hand.)

Tomorrow is a brand new day! Bring it on!
Night.

Home Sweet Home!

We made it home late yesterday afternoon and we were welcomed by Dantz, Grandmother and Rob. We had a lot of anxiety about the return, but last night and this morning have gone well! We performed and prepared all of our nursing tasks and meals with out any problems. Lydia will tell you what finger she wants you to prick and where she wants her shot(s). It is truly amazing and such a wonderful blessing!!

We know a lot of you want to visit our little princess! She(us) are ready to see you too! We are just asking that you please call first, especially until we get the hang of all of this. (and we hope it won't take too long)

Love and hugs,

Kristee

Princess Express leaving the hospital!

Packing UP!

The doctor just left the room and we are going home after lunch. Lydia will eat here and get her shots before we hit the road. We aren't feeling awesome enough to perform our skills on the side of the road, yet. They just changed her insulin dosage again, so we will communicate her BS levels over-the-phone for the next few days. This place is truly amazing! The nurses, doctors and staff are top-notch.

Thanks to each and everyone of you for being with us on this journey. We can definitely feel all of the love and prayers! We are looking forward to home sweet home.

Love ya bunches!
Kristee (Will ad Lydia too!)

Nurse Pinkalicious!

Discouraged....

Beware, I'm about to pour my heart out on this computer screen. Lydia's past 3 blood sugar readings have been over 500 plus. We are at a loss and I'm trying really, really hard not to worry and to leave it to the professionals. The anxiety that I'm feeling is almost more than I can bear. The thought of going home and her BS still remaining high on a consistent basis, just confuses the mess out of me. I know we are right where we need to be and that they deal with this every single day. I'm just so scared and sad. I never knew so much was involved in taking care of a diabetic or what they have to do to survive, every single day. That is a huge responsibility for me and Will. I know we can do it, but I'm speaking for both of us when I say we lack the confidence. We have studied, listened and learned a lot in a couple of days and it is so overwhelming. Her BS dipped extremely low yesterday morning and it was medically necessary for her to drink 4oz of OJ. Do y'all know how hard it is to make a 3 year old (she's almost 3) drink something she does not want? It was horrible. I was in tears and the OJ ended up down the front of her pajamas. Now, the thought of that entire scenario being at home completely freaks me out.
Okay... I've put it all out there. Sorry, but I'm just keepin' it real.
Night.

Dr. Mom

Overall, it has been a good day for Lydia. Her BS have been up really high the last two checks, so those shots of insulin have been a lot larger, than we like to give. She will actually tell you what finger she wants you to prick and gets excited when she sees the blood. She's not completely down with the shots yet, but she's not screaming either. I hope and PRAY she keeps this attitude once we get home. They seem to think we'll get to go home tomrrow and that all the changes and tweaking of insulin dosages can be done over-the-phone. We are ready to get home, but extremely nervous too. We have appreciated all of the prayers through this life changing event, but we are asking for more prayers, especially once we get home. It. is. scary. Thanks so much for being with us during this journey. Lots of love, Dr. Mom

Here's some pics from the day-

kicked back and going for a wagon ride....
"Hey Mom, I listen to your heart, okay?"

lots and lots of sugar free popsicles...

and lots of sugar free jello too!

Enjoying her yellow stethoscope that she gets to take home. Thanks Nurse Crystal!

more yummy jello...

" get me down, daddy!"

"I want to go outside"

Cool Cow with Colors...

And one last pic! We miss Tiny D SO much!! See you real soon!

Mid-Day Friday

Real quick before the bell rings and I have to report back to class...It's easier and faster for me to post on this then try to answer all the texts and emails; however, keep them coming bc I deeply appreciate all of them. It's so nice to glance at my phone during class and see a bible verse that someone sent in a text or a hang in there message. Thanks to everyone!

We will be here another night or so. They are still tweaking Lydia's insulin and trying to control her blood sugar(BS). Every BS check is different- BS could be right on target at one check and then 3 hrs later it'll be 500 plus. I never knew there was so much involved in being a diabetic. My apologies to everyone that has it because I just thought you took insulin and then went on about your business. Boy, oh boy was I WRONG! I feel like I'm studying to get into Med School or something. It is a lot, but it's making more and more sense. We have been in class since 8:30 this morning and just broke for lunch. We are so glad Grandmother is here to stay with Lydia while we are getting educated.

Lydia's spirits are still high. She hasn't felt as good this morning, but continues to be a good sport about all of the pricks and shots. We are officially administering all of these to her.

Gotta run but will be back later... Love y'all!!

Information Overload

Will and I have been in classes all day! It is so overwhelming and there is so much we have to know. We each pricked a finger and gave her a shot today. Wow- is all I can say about it. I know it'll get easier and easier for us. Grandmother kept Lydia company while we were away.

Lydia had a good day today. She slept fairly well last night and took a nap today too. Her blood sugar is still all over the place, but they are doing a lot of tweaking with the insulin to find what is the right amount for her little body.

I can feel all the love and prayers from every single one of you. I'm speaking for myself and Will when I say we appreciate all of the phone calls, texts, emails, prayers and messages!

Here's a few pics from today... Our sweet girl is gradually getting her spunk back. Hooray!

We're Here!

(thank you owen for pinkalicious....i love her)

We made it and Lydia did super on the way up in the ambulance. Will rode with her and I drove up alone, so I could breathe, pray and think about all of this. It has set in and it's ugly. I'm just being honest. I'm so sad for my sweet little girl. I am thankful that it is treatable and I do know that it's all going to be okay, AND THAT IT COULD BE WORSE, but I can still not be happy about it. Right?

Anyway, enough about that bc I'm tired. I wanted to give a quick update on this sweet angel. She is still being a trooper, even though they are out of fingers to prick and when they come in the room she says, "no blood, please." She is still in the running for the best, almost, 3 year old patient in the world...

A lot of you wanted to know why we were sent to Birmingham. Short version: Dothan does not have a pediatric endocrinologist and Birmingham does... Dothan was having a hard time figuring out an insulin dosage for her because of her age and weight. The staff and doctors were doing all they could with the knowledge and resources they have, but were honest that they couldn't give us the treatment she needs.... So, they called in the big boys and we couldn't be more relieved! , We're here at Children's Hospital and it is ON. They have charts taped on the wall, and the education began when we checked in. I'm certain that we are right where we are suppose to be, for now.

I'm ending this never ending post with a pic of "The Dantz Machine"! We are all missing her so much! Glad you made it to CBS today to pray for your big sister. Thank you Bea!!

We're off!

We're heading to Children's Hospital in Birmingham. I don't have any details bc it has been a whirlwind. Will update when I can! Thanks for all the prayers...keep 'em coming!

Diabetes 101

Well, we had our first class in Diabetes 101 tonight with the doctor. Lydia's glucose levels came back 800 plus. (if you are like me, and you don't know what is normal- try 80- 150) So, we are so happy that we're here and she's getting the treatment that she needs. She had her first dose of insulin about 45 minutes ago and we'll see in a couple of hours, if they need to increase or lower the dosage. They are going to check her every 2 hours tonight. She is being a complete trooper! She only seems concerned about her hospital bracelet. :) Thanks for all of your prayers!

Brave Little Girl!

We are at SAMC waiting on the Doctor to come see us! Lydia is doing great and is in good spirits. They are definitely thinking diabetes. Will update as I know more. Keep the prayers coming.

Skinny-Mini

This little skinny-mini hasn't been herself lately! We're taking her to the DR this afternoon for a check-up. Will definitely give you an update. Please pray that all is well.

Only the beginning....

My girls have started pushing each other down and snatching toys. It makes my heart ache to see them fighting at such an early age. It also reminds me so much of my love/hate relationship with Brandy growing up. We fought a lot, but it actually didn't mean a thing. We were super close. I have to remind myself of this when I see my girls on the outs. And it's only the beginning...

Tickets are booked....

Off to see Grandmother and Rob next month.........

Lydia and I are super excited about our getaway!

(American Girl here we come)

Thanks Sissy!

I don't even know what to say about this except I'm running and running is last. (Which means it'll feel like 100 degrees by the time I get passed the baton.) I predict another flaming red face in my near future. Stay tuned..... or not.

Weekend Recap!

Where do the weekends go?

Friday night we started off the weekend at Grant's birthday party! He had a large time and my girls did too. I only took one pic with my camera phone... Weak, I know.



Saturday morning I decided to run a 5k downtown. Yes, I literally decided at 6:45am on Saturday that I would lace up and pound the streets. I survived, barely! Did I mention that it felt like 100 degrees at 8am too!

I took Lydia to Dothan Nurseries afterwards and I really think everybody there was wondering if the tall red head was about to fall out. My face was RED! It was no big deal though bc it always looks like that when I exceed my physical ability.
Point is, if you haven't visited the Market on Saturday mornings, you should.
Lots of local produce, casseroles, honey, breads, etc.



Saturday afternoon we got a sitter and headed out to a friends house to watch football. I wasn't really game in paying a sitter, so I could watch football; however, I was game in leaving this house. :)

Sunday, Was a day of church and rest.It was good. No dusting, no laundry, notta thang!! Just taking it easy.

Btw, these bad boys arrived on Friday. Aren't they sassy?

CBS!!

Community Bible Study has really changed my life. (Thanks Bea!) There is something to be said about a large room full of women that are all there for the same reason... not to impress each other, talk kids, schools, designer jeans or weekend plans. Nope, we are all there to learn about God's word- together! It is wonderful! Come join us, if you will. http://www.communitybiblestudy.org/

Now, I'm off to do my lesson....

Labor Day Weekend 2010!

Made it to Grandmother's Condo for a getaway!
Little Monkies!

Past our bedtime and ready to rest up for the beach on Saturday!




Perfect Day...

Picnic time..

"I'm just going to take a break, okay?"

"I love the beach!"

Pee-Pie!

"Come on- let's swim"

Oh my, Daddy is snoring!

Too much Sun 'n Fun!

Duckie had to come to the beach too!

Dantz thinking she's a big girl at The Boatyard.

"Where's Ariel?"

On the way home on Sunday. Worn out!

Watching Cinderella with Honey on Sunday afternoon!

Family Time!

Adult time...

Thanks Weezer.... big hit!

Sweet sisters dancing together in their stilettos!

What a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!!