Hank is approaching week 3 of his new life with diabetes and it has been quite a roller coaster of emotions. I uploaded some old pictures before his diagnosis and it seems like a life time ago. I never could have expected what was to come in these pictures but I suppose that is life. You just never know what challenge is going to be throw at you and when it's going to happen.
This picture was taken about a month ago at the Taekwondo tournament from hell. We started the day off with good spirits, nervous stomachs, and excitement. But after nearly 7 hours of waiting around for the most disorganized event I've ever been to, this is how we all felt...
Hank wins the prize for the most patient 6 year old ever. Our family takes a close 2nd. He participated in two events. He did his pomsae first and didn't make one mistake. He was in a really competitive division and got 4th place.
He has nerves of steel, unlike his mother. The pressure didn't get to him one bit.
Next was his board breaking event. He broke 4 boards with ease, even though he had to wait 2 hours to do it. A third place trophy was his reward and he was less than thrilled. He really loves to win. I wonder where he gets that from?
He had numerous supporters throughout the day. Kunz, Colby, Dyson, Sarah, Jack, Grandpa Griff, Karen, these lovely ladies, and of course his #1 fan Max.
Only a short week after this picture was taken we were given the diabetes diagnosis. After our 3 day stay at Primary Children's Hospital, Randy and I were on our own. Hank has been such a good sport through all of this. He had to come to grips with the fact that the shots continued after the hospital. My heart just breaks for him. Most of the time he just rolls with the punches but he has moments of feeling like this is extremely unfair, which it is. We've had to make a few changes to the way we eat around here but they are much healthier changes and will benefit us all. One day at a time is my motto. I can't think any further ahead than that. Max is probably having the hardest time adjusting to all of this.
This picture captures his mood perfectly. He has been a bit more challenging than usual. Hank is getting most of Randy and my attention and poor Mino is feeling pretty left out. I am really struggling to find balance in my life. Everything seems extremely chaotic and emotional. Being 5 months pregnant on top of it all certainly doesn't help. I've also taken a temporary leave from my job which in all reality will become a permanent thing. I am feeling a bit sad about having to quit my job so abruptly but my family needs me home more than ever right now. It really wasn't a hard decision to make but I will certainly miss it.
Max really loves his brother though, and Hank always requests to hold his hand when he gets his shots.
We've really tried hard to keep things as normal as possible for Hank. He wanted to go to school the day after we got home from the hospital. His class was very concerned and interested in what was going on with their buddy Hank. I did a small presentation for the class, describing what diabetes is and Hank really wanted to show everyone how he checks his blood sugar. He participated in their class talent show and everyone was impressed as he shattered 3 boards with no problem. He played in his soccer game with the same energy and intensity as ever, and was totally happy to get his blood checked anytime I asked.
He almost made a goal from mid-field!
We spent the day with Grandma Jackie on her birthday and Hank loved showing the entire family how brave he is when he gets his shots.
He has some amazing little cousins who absolutely adore him and look out for him always. Four of them attend his same elementary school so that is comforting to me. Things are easier this week than they were last week and I know it will continue to be that way for us. Hank has inspired our entire family with the way he is handling all of this. I am more certain than ever that with my amazing family behind me, I can handle anything. We are so lucky to have so much support. I find so much strength from all of you.
In other news, the little baby I'm carrying is getting bigger and bigger. Finally my sickness is easing up and I am starting to get some energy back. I am feeling him move now and we are all getting so excited for a new little one to join our crazy family. We find out for sure the sex next week but the doctor and I are fairly confident another boy is on the way!
3 comments:
I'm glad you are all starting to figure this out. It will take time but you will get it down. You have always been so good with nutrition, Hank is so lucky to have you to guide him through this. It's great to see him back to his normal activities, nothing will stop him! I hope you can rest and have a fun summer before another cute little boy comes your way.
Wonder if you've taken a break from Angry Birds or talking to me to even read my comment...hmmm...
What a perfect update! Let me just say...it's like something has just come over you...helping you all deal with this...but, you've more than stepped up to the plate, sis. You have been amazing, and strong, and so perfect for Hank. And...little Mino man adores you and gets more love from you than most kids. You somehow still find enough love to give to Jack, too...and he's not even yours!
Hank is by far the coolest, strongest, sweetest 6 year old I've ever met! I absolutely love watching him do all of his tai-kwon-do-ing and soccer playing...and would literally drive over EVERY day to hold his hand if he asked me to.
Oh...and remember how I have Bell's Palsey in that picture? That tourney treated my migraine niiiice!
It sounds like things are starting to fall into place. I will more than miss you at work. We need to plan a standing play date so we are forced to make time to see each other. And all I have to say is BOYS RULE! Good luck at the doctor! For your sake I hope his wiener falls off before your next appt. :)
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