Sunday, February 23, 2014

a bit of reality


I have had he most stressful 5 days of my life ever!  And if you know ANYTHING about my life you know I have had some stress.

Stress 1: Daugther, who I adopted, who my deceased sister left me in charge with now has a autoimmunie lifetime disease that needs daily treatment and monitoring for survival

Stress 2: While in the hospital 5 month old baby at home does not want to drink from the bottle, and is therefore not eating.  5 month old baby is not aloud in the Picu, because no one under 13 is allowed in the Picu

Stress 3: 2 year old who has recently been potty trained is having diarrhea attacks while staying with Papa, who has never watched my children and is now he is cleaning up crap all day (seriously Papa you were the biggest hero of our hospital days!!)

Stress 4: First night of Norah's hospital stay I must leave, and allow my husband to stay with her, because baby who is not drinking from bottle needs to eat.

Stress 5: When leaving the hospital a blizzard simultanelosy starts, of course, why not? we all know that driving in the snow gives me MORE anxiety than anything else!

Yeah, sleep didn't happen
and you better believe that I have a cold sore

oh and by the way, don't forget when you leave the hospital you have to check Norah's Blood sugar not just before every meal time, or anytime she looks remotely sick or acts weird, you also must check it at 2am every night for the rest of her life for all eternity while she lives with you to make sure she doesn't die in the middle of the night.

And don't forget the mathematical insulin injections you must give 4 times a day.  You must count EVERY carbohydrate in Norahs food (and that's not just bread people, it's strawberries, carrots, milk, almost every food unless it's meat or butter) in order to give her the right amount of insulin, oh and wait the equation will change when she does physical activity or her blood sugar is high, and I'm pretty sure a train is coming at any point now too!  And if you calculate it wrong Norah will end up back here, in the hospital.

But don't worry, every time you give her a shot or a finger prick she will cry and say over and over " I don't want to do it mommy, I don't want to do it, no mommy no!  And it's not you the nurse or Dr. inflicting this pain, it is me, her mom!

Stress, survival, your prayers and the Lords grace are the only way I have made it through. And my mom, the saint, who has yet again made a huge sacrifice and come out to be with us to help me.

Oh, and just to throw in the mix.  Brett has his first major CPA exam on tuesday.  All of us are sick, like yucky fever, cough sick.  Levi is no exception and his sickness even includes throwing up and a rash.

Can someone just come to our house and pray?

12 comments:

  1. I'm praying Jenni and will continue to pray. Every day. May I put this on some prayer chains? I'm so sorry so much is going on, around Norah's new diagnosis. I don't know why God has allowed you to endure SO much; but I DO know that our God is sovereign and never, never makes any mistakes. You were chosen to be her mom, and I know God will give you the strength to endure. I will be praying. You have my word on that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Diane, it truly means so much to me, and yes you can put us on a prayer chain!

      Delete
  2. My sister, Hope, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was 5 years old. It turned our household upside down. I won't lie...it's a very hard adjustment to make. But it will NOT be debilitating. PLEASE BE ENCOURAGED. It truly does get better. Hope is now a vibrant 17 year old who lives a completely normal life. Unless you asked her, you would never know she was diabetic. There are so many wonderful groups out there for support, great meals options, and amazing new scientific advances. Hope has been on an insulin pump for several years now and it is life changing. I hope Norah can get one as soon as she's old enough. I know it's very hard, but soon it will just seem "normal" and will be much easier manage. Please be encouraged and know that many people are praying for you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I would be there if I could, but I'm praying from here. Jenny, my family has a history of Type 1 diabetes. I've watched my family navigate the difficulties of this disease some better than others. And most in the post WWII times when we just didn't know as much....My memories with my cousins with the condition are all happy....all the fun, goofy things cousins do together. Norah will have those memories, too. I've taught many students with diabetes, even pre-schoolers, who amazed me and were less concerned than me about the finger-pricks. It'll come for Norah. I'm praying for health and rest for you and Brett. Health for all the children and miraculous (and we do serve a God of miracles) child-like faith for Norah- whose name according to my sources means shining with honor. Father God will equip you to raise up this mighty daughter who will have the faith Jesus acclaimed and exhibit brilliant honor. It is done! Kathy M.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh love your alls hearts! Praying for peace and healing to cover your home... or wherever your family may be!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh man! Reading this was like looking in the mirror. We also have 4 kids, one with many medical issues and it is usually CRAZY around here on a normal day. Hospital stays take me to the limit! All I can say is it's good for you to share. Never hesitate to let people know when you need help. Praying for you and your beautiful family!

    ReplyDelete
  6. :-( I will be praying for you...you are a wonderful mom...God only gives what we can handle...

    ReplyDelete
  7. As someone who has been a primary caregiver to someone who has Type 1, I just want to tell you that it DOES GET EASIER.

    Routine and meal planning is going to save your sanity. You're going to have to plan out every meal/snack in advance- which will become routine. You'll figure out your portion sizes and after a few months you'll have a much better handle on how many carbs are going to be in each meal and snack. If at all possible, put the other kids on the same foods so she doesn't feel singled out.

    There are tons of resources available! Lots of children's books, magazines, and guides for parents. A huge network. You guys will get through this!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am a regular reader of your blog, but have never commented before. Just wanted to say that your family is in my prayers during this difficult, stressful time.

    Also wanted to share a song a friend of mine wrote {Song of Hope}, hope it will bless you.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSekr7gegw4
    God Bless!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Amy, what a sweet gift that song was for our family!

      Delete
  9. Prayers coming your way from Beverly, MA!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Lauren. It means so much we have prayers coming from across the country!

      Delete

I love hearing from you, it always makes my day!