Holy Cow

Here's Leah learning the sounds animals make, well, at least one animal.

And here is Chase at his Sunday school Christmas pagent...

A Mother's Revenge

My folks were in town this week. They watched Chase and Leah a couple of days for me while I was at work. Apparently, Leah gave them a run for their money. They say that my little Leah is their revenge for my antics as a child. Highly doubtful, but I agree - she's a spitfire.



Here's a little more about Leah:

She loves her friend Aubrey. Here she is with Aubrey at day care. She will chant "Aubrey, Aubrey, Aubrey..." (more like Aubee) all the way to Sue's house.

She is a really great napper. Here her dad made the sacrifice to take a nap with her. I tend to move like crazy when she is down for a nap, because when she is awake, I'm usually following in her wake of destructiveness.

And, even though she can be a stinker at times - she won't sit in shopping carts, strollers or high chairs, she doesn't like the word no, you break a sweat when trying to dress her...all she needs to do is flash that toothy smile and she's an angel.

5 years ago today...

Chase's birthday is tomorrow, but 5 years ago today the labor pains started. They lasted only 23 hours. I consider it a fair trade for the little boy that has graced my life since then:

Happy birthday, Chase. :-)

The rantings of a happy mother

After some contemplation, I've decided that I am going to blog on the election. I've voted in every national election since I was able to and I have never felt the way I did on November 4th.

During the primary, Gary encouraged me to do my research on all the candidates. I did my research and had my mind set going into the primary. He was still undecided until I sent him a link regarding stem cell research and the candidates. That's all it took.

As I drove to the polls that Tuesday morning, I felt an overwhelming sense of hope. As I filled in the circle for my choice, my hand literally shook. After watching history being made that night, Gary and I decided to call it a night. We found Chase curled up in the middle of our bed. I decided to test Chase's blood - 49 - time for some fruit snacks. It was the only night in nearly 3 years that I went to bed knowing that there was hope in this damn battle with diabetes.

Sometimes the battle with the diabetes is easier than the battle with those that don't understand type 1 diabetes. No, he didn't develop diabetes from being overweight - it's an auto immune disorder. No, he can't take a pill for it and it he will not outgrow it. Yes he has an insulin pump - no it's not "automatic". We still test those tiny fingers and toes 5-6 times a day. How many other parents make their kids bleed everyday? Just watch what he eats and everything will be okay, right? Sure, but don't forget to take into account the days he's sick and won't eat, or the times when he's growing and there's no controlling those numbers. Or, the days, when despite your best efforts, the numbers are too high or too low.

Then, there is our insurance company. North Dakota's sister states, Minnesota and South Dakota, offer coverage for continuous glucose monitors. Maybe next year they say - check back. Sure, he can't tell when he's too high or low, but hey, keep using that mother's intuition because his eyes, kidneys, and legs are fine. Why should they pay for such a device? We've managed to keep him out the emergency room so far.

And then, there's school next year. There is that "little" problem that it's going to be nearly impossible to find a teacher to give him insulin. No one wants the liability. Too bad he doesn't have ADD, because I'm sure some teachers would gladly give him a pill instead of his life sustaining insulin.

A couple of days ago, I picked Leah up out of her crib. My heart sank as I saw she had soaked through her diaper. I took Chase's lancet, poked her little toe and held my breath. 68. Phew! Fortunately or unfortunately, she's become a pro a having her blood tested.

I'm excited to see what the future holds for my children. Things are looking up. I like to have the audacity to hope.

Halloween

I've taken a little break from the blog due to our move. We closed on the sale of our house on Friday. I feel pretty lucky that we were able to sell our house as soon as we did. The market is really starting to slow down here. We are currently living with Gary's mom until our house is built. Chase and Leah have adapted well to the move. They like having a grandparent readily at their disposal (someone to give them sympathy when I won't).

We will have a couple weeks to relax before we take over the finish work inside the house.

Lions and tigers and kids, oh my!

Okay, our zoo doesn't have lions, but they did just receive 3 tigers! They seem to like people, too.

Pumpkin Patch

She loves her brother, really.

Helping Grandma with her pumpkin pie.

Which one of these characters turned 64 on Sunday?

We made it out to the Pumpkin Patch on Sunday. This time my folks were able to join us for their first visit to the patch. Gary's folks joined us last year for their very first trip. I wish they would have been able to join us this year.

Gary's dad, Al, is suffering from congestive heart failure. He will be going into hospice care tomorrow. It's a tough time right now. He's a sweetheart of a man and he's raised 3 great sons, too. I've been so impressed with the way Rod, Gary, and Brad have been their for their dad and mom this last week. Please keep Al in your thoughts and prayers.

South for the summer

Now that the weather is turning cold (51 degrees currently), I may just get back into this blogging business.

We decided to take advantage of Gary's birthday and Labor Day weekend by heading to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Gary and I hadn't been to the Black Hills since we were children, so it was fun for us to relive some childhood memories. Here are some photos from our trip.

Hair raising weekend

We took a trip to Devils Lake this past weekend. My folks couldn't seem to get over how much hair Leah has grown since the last time they saw her?

One!

Here are the little toddler's 1 year photos. She was much more interested in what was going on in the photo studio next to ours so these are, in a sense, action shots.

Chase whispered to me during this shot, "That's not how you spell Leah."

Smirking......

Smiling...

Not how you spell Leah...

Taking a break from continually walking out of the room....

Pooping? (Sorry, Leah, I saw Chase do this a lot as a toddler with a diaper change resulting shortly there after)...

My favorite...

Bear hug!

Sassy 6th

We celebrated our 6 year anniversary on the 27th.

This is why we "work"...

Susan to Gary: "Why do we have a dishwasher if you just put your dirty dishes on the counter above the empty dishwasher?"

Gary to Susan: "Why do we have a stove?"

Susan: "Ouch. Good one!"

Advocacy (and a 7.3!)

Chase had his 3 month A1C yesterday. 7.3! He's right where they want him.

Leah had a blood draw as well. She had her iron levels tested as well as a test to check for lead (our home was built in the 50's, so it was just a precautionary test). The poor little girl has inherited her dad's veins. They had to try 3 times to find a vein. The whole time she was screaming, "Done!!!". Chase, luckily, has inherited my veins and he is a total pro at the whole process. It doesn't get any easier for me, though - I want a cure!!!

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is sponsoring an advocacy competition called "Spread the Word." Please help us spread the word! It's quick and easy to become an advocate.

Extra Crispy

We spent the weekend in Iowa to helping Brianna celebrate her voyage into the teen years. It's hard to believe, but that little girl is now a teenager. Happy Birthday, Brianna! You will forever be my favorite niece.

It was Gary (and Leah's) first trip to Kathryn and John's house, too. John took us out on his boat and managed to get rid of our pesky farmer's tans. Unfortunately, Gary and I are now red instead of white (the kids are okay). Chase even shocked us by riding on the inter tube all by himself.

These kids grow up way too fast!

Creative kid

Chase took a pottery painting class last week at Creative Clay. It is a new store in town where go in, pick out a piece of pottery, paint it and then, in a week, you get a shinny work of art.

It is an addicting place. So far, Chase has painted me a coffee mug, my mom a plate, and my dad a bowl. Last week was his turn to create some things for himself.

Birthday Princess

Happy 1st Birthday, Leah!!!

We love you so much. You ARE a princess - even when it's not your birthday.

Hugs, kisses, and headbutts - Mom & Dad

Walking!

Leah started walking a week ago today! I've been trying to get her on video ever since. I was finally able to catch her yesterday while we were at the park.

Chase walked a week after his first birthday. Leah has beat him by two weeks! Our little lady turns 1 tomorrow!! There may be some resentment on Chase's part - check out what he does at the end of the video.

4th of July

Happy Independence Day!

Our weekend in photos:

Thursday night, arrive in DL. Celebrate Brianna and Leah's July birthdays!

Play with Grandpa's new "toy".

July 4th - attend a parade and spend time out at Wood Lake with the family. Susan and Gary are still recovering from inter tubing and water skiing (thanks, John).

July 5th - work on Grandma's stepping stones.

Leah doesn't enjoy decorating the stepping stones. She much rather would enjoy a ride on the cement sweeper.

Take Grandpa's boat out for it's yearly dip in the water.

Learn that gulls like reduced fat Cheese Nips (which is good, because we don't). They also like: cupcakes, watermelon, and pretzels.

Exhausting, yet fun, weekend!

Jubilee

Gary's aunt, Sister Eleanor, celebrated her 50th anniversary of her monastic profession on June 28th.

Congratulations, Sister Eleanor!

Summer!!!!!

Ahhhh. Summer has officially arrived in the state at long last.

It's been a while since my last update. Here's what we've been up to lately:

A couple weeks ago, the kids and I tagged along with Gary while he helped out with Boy's State in Wahpeton (it was an excuse to go swimming). The weather cooperated rather nicely. During the full day that we were at the hotel it rained all day - so we swam all day. The next day the weather couldn't have been nicer, so we took advantage of the local zoo and 1926 Spillman carousel.

Last week, Chase wrapped up a week of vacation Bible school. It was a little much in the beginning for Chase. It went from 6-8:30 every night. After about the 3rd day, though, he was really getting into it. I think the art projects and snacks were his favorite activities.

Then, last weekend, we celebrated the first day of summer by camping out. Leah seemed to enjoy it the most since she is already a lover of nature. Tree is a word already in her vocabulary (I hope to have her doing basic algebra by the end of the summer...or at least see if she can put the tent together faster than we can).

Look, no hands!

The Celebration

Wow! What a weekend! My family gathered in Detroit Lakes for the weekend to help my folks celebrate their 4oth anniversary. It was fun - boating, smores, catching up, smores, relaxing, smores.

Here are a few more photos from the weekend...

Mom and Dad's 40th

Congrats, Ma and Pa. We love ya!

Happy 40th Anniversary!!!

Congrats, Mom and Dad! You two make me smile. Looking forward to helping you celebrate!

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

I don't remember Chase being as precocious as Leah. Good thing he was the first born! She is very coordinated for someone so little.