Finally, an update!

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!

Hank

So, like a bad dream, Randy and I found ourselves driving up to Primary Children's hospital yesterday afternoon with Hank.  Last week I noticed some different behavior from Hank and as much as I didn't want it to be true, all signs pointed to diabetes.  I had all weekend to worry and cry about his upcoming diagnosis.  How was it possible we were headed up to the hospital again, only 6 months later?  Monday morning, my stomach in knots, I called my pediatrician and made an appointment to get him checked.  After a simple urine test found he had sugar in his urine, we were sent to the hospital for another blood test.  We took Hank to chick-fil-a for his last meal he would ever have without mention of poking his finger or giving him insulin.  Dr. Weipert called me soon after and said his blood sugar was at 600 so we needed to get to Primary's as soon as we could.  Hank officially has type 1 diabetes.

You can imagine Hank's reaction to finding out he was headed back to the hospital.  He got it together quick, as only Hank can, and he hasn't cried since.  He is such an amazing kid.  It makes me cry just thinking about it.  After being admitted and talking to various doctors and nurses I realized how important it was that we caught this early.  They were all amazed at how well he was doing.  He recognized every floor and remembered everything that happened last time.  You could say he pretty much rules the hospital. 

He patiently waited while they figured out his insulin dosage, even though he was starving and thirsty.  He endured the first of many finger pokes and insulin shots like a champ and was able to have pizza and even ice cream so he was feeling pretty good about life.  It doesn't hurt that we bought him a new playstation game he is obsessed with.  His spirits are much higher than mine, that is for sure.

There is so much information to learn and that is why we will be here for at least 2 more days.  I am overwhelmed and emotional but I am getting my strength from Hank.  I know it should probably be the other way around.  I am trying my hardest to be strong for Hank but also this little baby I'm carrying.  Randy and I couldn't do this without all the support from our amazing families and friends.  Your phone calls, texts, e-mail, and visits are giving me more positivity than you know.  We all love Hank and I know as a family we will figure this out for him and make his life as normal as we can.  I don't expect that I will have much time to blog, e-mail, or talk on the phone today so I wanted to let everyone know what was going on. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for you love and concern.  Hank is such a special little boy and if anyone can get through this it will be him.

Exciting News on the Homefront

My amazing little Mino-man has accomplished something short of a miracle.  Since he was a baby he has been an avid finger sucker.  He has the overbite to prove it.  See the following examples:

Max may or may not be wearing pants in this picture!

 

 You get the idea.  Since it is a finger and not a pacifier it's a little harder to break this particular habit.  At his last dentist appointment it became clear that his soothing fingers needed to be out of his mouth stat.  Our options were either duct tape a glove to his hand or put hot sauce on his fingers.  Randy had just the idea.  He told Max that only babies suck their fingers and since Max wants nothing more than to be a big boy, he stopped, cold turkey!  I didn't believe it at first.  Each morning when he woke up with dry, untouched fingers I shook my head in amazement.  Only Max could stop a life-long habit over night.  I'm a little sad though.  It was the last thing Max did to remind me of him as a baby.  He is officially a big boy now!

His new trademark is his buck-tooth beaver smile!

The only thing giving me comfort with Max's big boy-ness is the fact that a new little life will join our family in September.  Thanks to the all day nausea, expanding belly, and aversion to cooking anything, I am always aware that my journey with a baby is going to happen all over again.  I couldn't be more thrilled about it.  I just need to get through the next 6 months!  Since this is the last time I will be pregnant and the first time I've blogged about it, I thought I would list some pregnancy facts thus far.

I found out I was pregnant on Randy's birthday (new years eve) and wrapped up the positive test and gave it to him with the rest of his gifts.

Like clock-work I started puking at exactly 6 weeks along and immediately began taking Zofran. (a godsend)

Hank was the first person I told, besides Randy, and he promised to keep it a secret.  Not 5 minutes later he told his buddy Jimmy and his kindergarten teacher.  He was so excited!

Disneyland and my first trimester of pregnancy wasn't a great idea.

The baby hates most foods but especially pizza, eggs, meat, chocolate, cookies, and cottage cheese.

The baby tolerates baked potatoes, apples, oatmeal, salmon tacos, spinach dip, blow pops, and nerds.

In true Annie form, I look about 6 months pregnant when I'm just over 3.  It could be thanks to my carb only diet the baby has me on.

The kids are so excited and are hoping for another brother.  I'm have a feeling they won't be disappointed.

I have felt more sick, tired, and just plain miserable than I did with my previous pregnancies.  Randy thinks it's because I'm older.  Thanks Randy.

So, if you wonder why I'm a little green, slightly fluffy, and still in my pajamas at 4 in the afternoon, you know why!  The world definitely needs another Griffin child in it and I have no choice but to make that happen.

Hank Jr. Jazz 2011

 Hank's first experience with Jr. Jazz can be summed up by one word...INTENSE.  This kid played with so much intensity he would've made any coach proud.  He was focused on one thing and that was where the ball was at all times.  He was the first one to rebound the ball and couldn't dribble fast enough to get in scoring position.   Scoring was his ultimate goal so he didn't hesitate to put up a shot every time he held the ball.

Here are some pictures that capture his intensity....

 If you had the pleasure of witnessing one of these games you know what I mean.  He had so many fans come to his games.  Grandma Jackie and Grandpa Curt, Grandma Jeri and Scott, Grandpa Griff, Kunz, Colby, Dyson, Jack, Sarah, Lucy, Grandma Yvonna and Grandpa Sherm, and even his Kindergarten teacher came to cheer him on.   He is so lucky to have so much love and support in his life.  Not to mention his incredibly supportive dad/coach who gave 110% to every game and made sure every kid on the team had a great experience.

They had such a good little team.  By the end of the season, they really learned to play well together.  Hank is still working on sharing the ball.  Let's just say he is more of a Kobe Bryant than a John Stockton.

Of course his #1 fan, Mino was always there cheering on his big brother.  It was so fun to watch Hank get into basketball this season.  He comes home from school, throws his backpack down, and heads outside to shoot some hoops.  There is no doubt he is competitive.  I guess he gets that from both sides.  I'm so happy his first experience with basketball was such a great one.  It won't be his last season, that is for sure. 

Happy Birthday Hank! Oh and Disneyland Trip Round 5...finally!

 Hank woke up on his birthday to a big hug from Max and another day of fun ahead at Disneyland.  He opened the present Max bought him, star wars action figures, and a Patrick Willis jersey from Randy and I.  Unfortunately the rest of my family had to go home that day so we headed to Denny's for a farewell breakfast.

 My mom and dad gave Hank some awesome Nightmare Before Christmas garb.

 It was so sad to see them head to the airport as we crossed the street to Disneyland.  Next trip, we are all staying the same amount of time.  Our final day at Disneyland was 100% dedicated to Hank and what he wanted to do on his birthday.

 The first stop was Disneyland City Hall to get his birthday badge.  All the employees at Disneyland wished Hank a happy birthday every time they saw him.  He thought it was pretty cool.

 The Mad Hatter gave his birthday wishes.

 Hank got some money for his birthday so he was anxious to create his own lightsaber.

After that, we had to ride the Buzz Lightyear ride since it was a favorite of both Hank and Max.  Throughout the entire trip there was some serious competition between Brett, Randy, and my dad for the highest score on the ride.  Randy found out a secret tip, thanks to google, and as fate would have it, our little space car stopped right at the sweet spot for about 10 minutes so Randy could blast away.

 Feast your eyes upon Randy's crowning achievement in life!  His picture was on the big screen as Top Ranger for all to see and I don't think he has ever been more proud of himself.  He was more than anxious to get Brett and my dad on the phone to brag about his score but no one answered!  Don't worry, he will be talking about this for years.

 Here they are, Top Space Ranger and co-pilot Max

 Max and I opted for the teacup that didn't spin while Randy and Hank did the real ride a few times.

 Grizzly Run was on the top of Hank's list of rides to go on.  It was the chilliest day of all the days we were there but Hank didn't care.  He wanted to get soaked...and he did.  Too bad Randy got it worse.

 Max decided to take a 2 hour nap in the stroller so we enjoyed a great birthday lunch with all our attention on Hank.

 Hank and Frozone looking tough.

 When Max finally woke up, Randy and Hank were busy riding the river again so we opted for an ice cream break in a warm shop.

 Randy and Hank soon returned completely soaked.  We brought a change of clothes for Hank but poor Randy had soggy clothes to walk around in the rest of the night.  I told you Hank called the shots!

Max had to get a lightsaber as well.  They had a battle in the middle of the street.  Max was Darth Maul and Hank was Darth Vader.  My kids love the dark side, what do you do?

Next stop was Monster's Inc. and since there was no line we just kept riding it over and over.   Hank and Max let Randy and I sit in the back seat, totally romantic.

Hank's final request as we left Disneyland was to ride Space Mountain a few more times.  Max and I kept each other entertained.

I think it was the happiest Max was the entire trip...10 minutes before we left!  Max wasn't really a fan of the big rides like I thought he would be but it gave us some bonding time.  He usually ignores me completely when Randy is around.  I am always so sad to leave the Happiest Place on Earth.  It holds so many memories for me as a child with my family and now I am creating those memories with my own children.  It's pretty cool!  Can't wait to go back.  Oh yes, and Hank's final words as he went to sleep were, "that was the best birthday ever".  Mission accomplished.

We spent the following day traveling to Mesquite and eating with all the seniors in the casino.  The Eureka Hotel wasn't too impressive and by that point of the trip we were ready to head home.  Hank really wanted a party with all the family for his birthday (as if we hadn't celebrated all week).  So I got a cake and everyone came to finish off Hank's 6th Birthday extravaganza.

Hank loves his cousins, Dyson and Isabel love Hank too.

Grandma Jeri and Scott gave him this sweet Adrian Peterson jersey.

Sorry Grandma, she didn't want me to take a picture of her bad eye but I had to document that she came.

Grandma Jackie

Tender moment with Grandma Yvonna

Grandpa Sherm

Sarah gave him this Kobe Bryant shirt much to my dismay.  He loved it!

The Ross family didn't disappoint with a classic WWE battle ring.

Hank is a bit obsessed with sports this year, as you can see, so of course he had to have a football themed birthday cake.  He had the same cake last year...oops!  I guess that's what happens when your birthday falls right next to the Super Bowl.

Isabel and Grandma were in deep conversation about our trip to Disneyland.

Grandpa Curt and Hank (Grandpa Griff was there as well but he missed out on a picture.)

These three amigos are inseparable.  When the party was over they pleaded for a sleepover.  Of course we said yes, I can't break these boys up!  So, there you have it.  My trip recap is officially done.  I think I can rest easy now.  Happy Birthday to my sweet little 6 year old.  Hank, I am so proud of you buddy.  You are amazing in every way.  I am so grateful to be your mom.  I love you so very much.