Craig and Madi are siblings who both have Type 1 diabetes. They were both diagnosed in 2012 and with in 4 months of each other. Craig (16) and Madi (7) are awesome kids and here you will see the everyday things that come with Type 1. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes. Thank you so much for reading!!
Leave a comment, we would love to hear from you!!!
If you would like to send an email to Madi or Craig, you can do so here: teriprice05@hotmail.com

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Day 138

It is definitely busy season.. Busy with work, sports, holidays. and life in general...

Its been harder to blog daily!

SInce I am back to work, its really hard to leave Madi with anyone.

I have trained 2 people, but its still hard to leave her with anyone other than my husband.

Its not a trust thing..really....its more of a "but do they have the experience, or what would they do if.."

 Type 1 is such a complicated disease.. but its also simple..

Most of it is about numbers..but what do you do with those numbers? thats the complicated part..
And I have a hard time leaving that to anyone but myself...


Monday, November 26, 2012

Day 137

Well...its official..We are doing the Tour de Cure. 64 miles of biking.. I believe we are indeed crazy and stupid! lol. I am excited and scared at the same time!!! https://donations.diabetes.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=TC_Tour2012_PC2_A

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Day 136

Here is Craig at the assembly, he also spoke in 4 classrooms, where he warmed up alot more and because much more comfortable. So proud of you Craig!!


Then here he is in one of the classrooms:)

Monday, November 19, 2012

Day 135

Today Craig went to the elementary school and spoke at an assembly for 3rd graders and then spoke in 4 different 5th grade classes.  He did awesome!
I tared up a few times..It was really hard hearing him express his feelings about his diagnosis and his experience with his first shot..

The first assembly he was pretty nervous..He had a speech prepared and pretty much read it.. But when he went in the classes and got more practice, he more engaged the audience and had more fun.

It was such a great experience for him and for me as well.  I am SO glad he got the opportunity to do this!
I feel so blessed that he is able to talk about it and speak to others so openly about it and not be embarrassed.  In fact when I asked him if he wanted to be involved in this and speak, he asked "Do I get to miss school?"
To which I said yes, then he said "ok!"

Ha.. This morning he mad this...It is the amount of shots he gets in 1 month. He had 2 volunteers come up and hold it out so everyone could see .  When they did this the kids all went "oh! and awe!"
After his speech he allowed kids to ask questions.. During this I overheard many kids in each class say things like  "diabetes sucks!" "that sucks" , "oh my gosh!"


It made me sad in a way that this thing that "sucks" is my childs disease..but also made me proud that he can share this with people and help others learn about this disease. He is such a strong boy and I am so proud of him!
As we left the school he said "thanks for setting this up mom"
I was so thankful that it was a great experience for him.

Hopefully by tomorrow I can get the video up on the blog!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Day 134

My thoughts on diabetes today.....

Sometimes we just go day to day and dont think much about "it'
And other days we kind of hate "it"

When Madi sets up her little tea party and its ready to go, stuffed animals and all..but she cant start yet because she has to get insulin for her 2 small cookies she has included in the tea party..it makes me sad....sad that she cant just be a normal 4 year old who is having a lovely tea party...but that she has to worry about finger pricks and insulin shots all...the...time.Those moments make me hate "it"

When we can share our story and help others understand what Type 1 is, is makes me thankful that we have the opportunity to do so.... And it makes me so thankful for strong kids who want to share their story..

Often times I think about how blessed we are that our kids can still do what they want in life..They can run and play..they can go to Boy Scouts and hike and rock climb..they can have parties and go to parties..they can jump and do cartwheels, sing and dance, play baseball and do well...Although these things take more preparation and shots and carb counting, they can still do them.. That is a huge blessing...


Sometimes diabetes is very hard..when kids are sick, or ketones show up, or when your child has had enough shots and wants no more, but you know they need it to stay alive and healthy...When its late and they need to go to bed but they are low and HAVE to stay up and eat...When they want to swim or play, but they have to sit out because they are low...Or when they are high and cant get it down..Those times are hard..Its hard to see your child in pain or sad because of this disease...

So, there are always 2 sides to how I feel about diabetes.. We are blessed to live in a day that they can have the supplies they need and that insulin is easily accessible, but it stinks to have to NEED it:)

Friday, November 16, 2012

Day 133

This week has been super crazy busy!!
I am not sure I could fit anything else into it!
I subbed just 1 day, 6 photo shoots, planning a diabetes awareness day for Monday at the kids elementary school at which Craig will be speaking at (super excited for that!), baseball practice, scouts, Twilight movie:), cooking and cleaning never end either..I swear Ill never  catch up on Landry too! aahh.. anyway ....

I cant wait to post about the Diabetes Awareness Day at the kids school. It will be this Monday.  The school had too many things going on this month to plan a school wide day, so we are going into 2 grades to speak and teach about Type 1 diabetes.
We have a JDRF rep as well coming to help.  After she speaks, then Craig will speak about his experience with Type 1 and his daily routine..Then he will answer any questions the kids might have.
I think its a great opportunity for Craig as well to speak and be an advocate and teach about this disease..
I am so proud of my boy!

Other exciting news, The Phoenix Childrens hospital has invited Craig and Madi to do a photo shoot in which they will use the images for 2013 marketing.  I am so excited for that!!
Cant wait to share that too!!

Monday, November 12, 2012

Day 132

ha, that last post I hadnt realized I already updated on Madis last dr appointment.. Ya, life is a whirlwind and I cant remember what Ive posted and what I havent...
 Today we spent all day at a tournament for Craig. It is always great to see him play! We had the most perfect weather as well.. So after my long weekend, Ill just post some pictures from the tournament!




 We just had Craig and Madi with us because the other boys were at a bday party:)




 safe!!







 I love that baseball brings him so much joy!




 We got the win!!!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Day 131

Well Madi had an appointment a few days ago. She gained 3 pounds1 and her A1C was down to 7.4. (from 7.7 at her last appointment 3 months ago) yay!

She wanted to ask a few questions about a pump.. She has been asking for a pump for a month now..
Randomly she will ask me a few questions so she finally got to ask the doctor..

Before now, Craig has made it very clear that he is not interested in a pump and that he is never getting a pump..  ever!

Well after Madi's appointment she cam e home and told Craig about it...
Now he wants a pump! I couldnt believe it!

Who knew a 4 year old could inspire a 13 year old?!

So now we have to make an appointment for both of the kiddos to go and meet with a pump specialist..



“As we pass through the trials of life, let us keep an eternal perspective, let us not complain, let us become even more prayerful, let us serve others, and let us forgive one another. As we do this, ‘all things [will] work together for good to [us] that love God.’ ”
James B. Martino


"Each of us will face trials and tests, and . . . it is how we react to those difficulties that will determine our success and happiness. Each of us will face adversity no matter where we are. We will each face times of difficulty, and the question is not when we will face them but how we face them."
James B. Martino

Friday, November 9, 2012

Day 130...A post from Craig

A post from Craig:

     Diabetes has changed my life and it has given me another obstacle to hurdle...

     On January 19th I went to the doctor because I was not feeling well.  The doctor said I had diabetes, but I didn't know what that meant.  I was just confused because I had no idea what diabetes was.  At that point I wasn't scared or worried because I just didn't know what it meant.  They sent me home and told me to get some blood work done the next morning.  
     On January 20th, 2012 everything changed.  That day I was sent to the hospital after seeing a 407 blood sugar reading.  I remember feeling terrified.  I didn't know what would be in store for me.
      I remember that my first finger poke was scary.  I was unsure what to expect.  We went to a friend's house who had a meter so I could see what my glucose was.  When I pricked my finger I felt very sick, like I was going to throw up.  Our friend saw the number 407  and said we should go to the hospital. Those words made me almost in tears.  I didn't want to go to the hospital. I thought it would be embarrassing and I didn't know what would happen..
     When we went to the hospital I was scared because we went to the E.R.  When we got there, we sat down and the nurses had to draw blood.  She tried and something happened.  The blood got everywhere and that worried me even more. I thought "Do they even know what they are doing?" . Soon I had to get my first shot.  That moment was unforgettable.  I was just so scared.
       Now I deal with diabetes every day.  I have to deal with daily highs and lows constantly.  If  I don't take care of myself, then I could face worse issues and it is not safe.  When I am high, I feel  kind of light headed and dehydrated.  When I am low, it makes me feel  shaky and sweaty.   It makes me feel like I am very hungry.
     On a daily basis, I have to deal with finger pricks and shots.  This is one thing that I will have to deal with for my entire life. It will not go away. 
     Occasionally I get sad because of diabetes.  Sometimes it is very hard.  These things are hard to deal with and take a while to get used to.  When my sister Madi was diagnosed it felt like my diabetes was a blessing because I could help her.   Overall, this has been a strengthening experience.  It has taught me to no take things for granted and reminds me how lucky I was before my pancreas stopped working.   Although it has been hard, it has also been a blessing.

day 129

 Today we had a few doctors appointments... First Craig had a quick appointment then  Madi had her 6 month check up (endocrinologist every 3 months).. Her A1C went down to 7.4 and she gained 3 pounds! Yay Madi!
Since Madi has been asking me about the pump and even one day demanding to get it, I told her she needed to have questions to ask the doctor today.  Yesterday she thought about it and talked with Craig about it..
So today she asked the Endocrinologist a few questions.. like:
What does the pump look like?
How big is it?
 Do I have to get shots still?
Do I have to have Lantus if I get the pump?
and how big is the needle?

The doctor was surprised at her asking about it. She said she has never had a 4 year old ask about the pump..I just told her that Madi has a hard time with the constant shots and that she was curious about the pump..

Well now we go to meet with a pump specialist and ask more questions, see the pumps and try an infusion set for a day or so.. Thats the next step.  They are supposed to call me today to make the appointment.. Ha, the doctor told Madi to have Craig come along too.. Craig has NO interest in a pump, but it might be good for him to be there too I guess..


And here is what Diabetes looked like for Craig last night after baseball practice..

Right when he finished practice and we walked to the car I noticed he started to lose the color in his face..He was looking really pale so he did a check and he was 130 which is a good number, but I could tell that all of the physical activity was draining him and he was dropping quick..
He felt ill and very weak all of the sudden... He wouldnt eat or drink anything... He thought he was going to puke..
When we got home he just lay there until I finally insisted he eat something.. He felt so sick that he didnt have an appetite... I dont like seeing him like that..because mostly I feel so sad for him and there is nothing I can do to make it better... Thats hard..

So many times i wish he could be just a kid... A full of energy, worry about nothing, eat what you want, when you want kind of kid...but he cant...

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Day 128

Today Marks 6 Months since Madi's diagnosis...
Sometimes it feels like its been longer...but sometimes it feels like just yesterday..
Aw...my sweet girl..
She is so brave and so strong!
SHe has been throughs o much and goes through it like a trooper..
She does have a hard time with all of it once in a while and she hopes it will go away... Often she will say I wish I never had diabetes....
Or what if our whole family had diabetes...
Her mind is always going..she thinks a lot and has a lot of questions:)
Thats one of the reasons I love my sweet girl!!
Her 5th birthday is coming up too I just cant believe it!


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Day 127

Here is apage that explains what Type 1 is and has a quick video.... It is designed for kids, so its very easy to understand.  Remember November is Diabetes Awareness month.. Please enjoy and share:
http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/growth/type1.html

"
In type 1 diabetes (which used to be called insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes), the pancreas can't make insulin.
That's because — for reasons doctors don't completely understand — the body's immune system attacked the pancreas and destroyed the cells that make insulin.

When a person has type 1 diabetes, the body is still able to get glucose from food, but the lack of insulin means that glucose can't get into the cells where it's needed. So the glucose stays in the blood. This makes the blood sugar level very high and causes health problems.

Once a person has type 1 diabetes, the pancreas can't ever make insulin again. To fix this problem, someone who has type 1 diabetes needs to take insulin through regular shots or an insulin pump."

Monday, November 5, 2012

Day 126

Madi likes these.. They are convenient too.. Small and dont spoil in the hot Arizona heat!!

Yesterday she comes running down the stairs yelling
"Mommy Im low!! Pixie Stik Low!!"

I checked her and yes she was... low enough for a quick stick! haha I thought it was funny that she rated her low as a "pixie stick low"

silly girl.

SO thankful she is recognizing her lows...

Also I have had the hardest time getting really good medical bracelets..
We got a few different ones and they are certainly not cheap.  Then I saw these and we got one for Craig.  They are made from para-cord and super cool.  The label has not scratched at all yet and Craig likes the look  of it.  These para-cord bracelets are really popular right now.  I ordered it from survival straps.

Now my kids are obsessed with making para-cord items! ha

And here is a quick conversation the we had with Madi tonight at dinner time... It kinda broke my heart,,,


Tonight at dinner Madi asked "dad, when will my diabetes go away?"
My heart sank...
Hain: it will never go away Madi
Madi: like when Im bigger I mean!?
Hain: no, you will have it forever
Madi: until I die?
Hain: yes Madi, there is no cure, thats why we walked saturday, so they can find a cure, but right now, there is no cure
Madi: awe...
as she leans over and buriess her face in my shoulder...
I held her and felt sad with her for a few moments.....
 
These moments are just hard....we all want diabetes to go away!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Day 124


What an amazing experience today was.. Out of all of the preparation and planning for today, it was SO worth it.. I had such a great time..It was just so awesome..
No problems..only 1 low between the 2 kids, and it took my mind off of all of my recent worries..... We had 40 people walk in our team and I am so thankful for everyone who donated to our team, helped in any way, and who walked with us.. Thank you Thank YOU THANK YOU!!!
Our shirts from the front...
 

 3 teachers from Craig school!! so awesome of them to come out!


 My sister who volunteered for the morning for JDRF.
 Madi's sweet friend Emma who she barely knew before they signed up for the walk.. Her and her mom heard we were walking and they signed up right away.. What a sweet friend.


 Here's part of the group!
 My brother in law and nephew:)
 A few of Craigs friends from school


 Craig and the girls!! hahahahah love this one.. 13 year old boy getting picked up by some girls!

 A few boys from Craigs Baseball team came as well!!

 Madi and the girls.. ha, Madi thinks all of Craigs friends are hers..not his!
 My cute family:)


 Signing Craigs shirt..Since our shirts said "we walk for Craig & Madi" on the back, I had his and Madis blank on the back so everyone could sign them...

 Our whole group!!
 Finally starting the walk~!!!





 Craig and his friends werent too far in front of us the whole time..I could see them the whole time.. but he did finish before of obviously..I thought it was so sweet that he waited for Madi at the finish line and gave her a big hug!!


There were moments where I teared up..this was one of them... It was almost overhelming seeing so many people who knew or were related to someone with type 1... This year has been crazy, and Im so glad we could all come together and do this walk.. Craig had some great friends come and support him and I was SO happy that he has such a great support system.. We are very blessed.