Just Breathe

::BREATHE::
 

I have to keep reminding myself to do just that. Yesterday was the first day of Kindergarten for Jaxson. 

New school. New teachers. New nurse. Newly pumping.

It can't get any newer than this.
 

::BREATHE::
 

I feel like I'm walking a tightrope. The panic I feel in my chest just won't subside. I feel like I'm being rushed... forced to conform... 

I'M NOT READY!!! 

::BREATHE:: 

The new teacher is scared... perhaps annoyed that I've requested her check Jaxson's blood sugar when she suspects he may be low. 

Her eyes widened at the very thought.. I may have even detected a bit of disgust in her wrinkled nose.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE!??! My son is NOT a DISEASE!!

::BREATHE::

I would give anything to have Jaxson back at his old school.

Where I didn't have to worry about how well he was being taken care of.

I've taken much for granted... didn't realize how good we really had it.

But here we are.

New home. New city. New schools. New surroundings. New people.

Our old way of life is a thing of the past.

::BREATHE::

Give me patience.

Give me compassion.

Give me understanding.

Give me wisdom.

Give me peace of mind.

and remember...

::BREATHE::

Mile Marker - 1 Year

Amidst the impending Missouri River flooding, relocating, and draining our bank account we have not forgotten where we were 1 year ago today. It's hard to gather my thoughts about this milestone with all the chaos that we are surrounded with. I'm at a real loss as to how one should celebrate a diaversary and not sure how to mark the occasion. 

We could mark it with our house waiting to be devoured by flood waters.

We could mark it by having the Animas Ping sitting here on my desk waiting for a quieter time to start our 5 day training so Jaxson can start pumping.

We could mark it by having moved to a place that is so opposite of what we are accustomed to.

But I think I will reflect and be thankful for finding the DOC all the good that has come from his diagnosis.

Dam Water Problems | A Satirical Take on the Missouri River Flooding.

Dam Water Problems | A Satirical Take on the Missouri River Flooding.

Mighty Mo Taking Center Stage

I know I've been terrible about updating, but I kid you not... in my life, when it rains, it pours!

Inundation map pointing out Missouri Valley, IA.

My thoughts are scattered tonight as I attempt to reach out to my DOC for their thoughts and prayers. We are being forced out of our homes because of an impending flood headed our way early next week. Our home is estimated to be sitting in 6-8 feet of water by Wednesday. We have been packing up everything we own and have accumulated over the past 17 years for the last 3 days. Rounding up boxes, storage units and people with trucks, trailers and muscle. A home for our Sheltie. Doesn't sound too complicated, except the majority of our city is trying to do the same thing. Consider yourself one of the lucky ones if you were able to secure a U-Haul or storage facility. I've never seen this town so busy, but officials are calling this flood "historical".

Key to Inundation map

I don't anticipate we will be back. We're being told that once the flood waters are here, they won't be receding until late this year.

To distract Jaxson, I've told him we're going on an adventure after he inquired about all the packing and moving going on. He's asked me for 3 days straight now if we can leave for our adventure yet.

No Jaxson, but soon. We have to get all our stuff out of here first and put it somewhere safe.

I just remembered that Jaxson's 1 year Diaversary is on the 15th. His pump was approved by insurance and we were suppose to pick it up this week and start our training, but now just doesn't seem like a good time... I mean, with the Missouri River flooding and all, ya know?

My girls are sad to leave their childhood home. We've had a few moments where we've just cried together. We don't know where we're going to go yet, so that's a little scary too.

But I'm grateful.

Grateful for the angels who came to help and took over when I was just too overwhelmed to direct traffic and give instructions.

Grateful that we have time to prepare for impending doom and gather precious family photos and mementos that may otherwise be lost forever.

Grateful for the good in people that disaster brings out.

I know at some point I will have to unplug my computer, so I don't know when I'll be back to update. I do have a smartphone, so if I can find a way to update with that I will.

Until then, I'm grateful for your thoughts, well wishes and prayers.

Pumping Soon and Some Other Stuff

Events in my life seem to happen faster than I can get a chance to blog about them. Now.. where to start??

CAMP
We made it to camp last weekend. Jaxson had a blast. He rode a horse for the first time in his life (and I'm sad because I didn't get to witness it or get pictures), did some artsy/crafty kind of stuff and made some new friends. I, on the other hand, didn't have that much fun. The speakers were great, but for me it was information that I already knew and sitting for 2 1/2 hours at a time was agony. It's a beautiful camp, well-staffed and organized and Jaxson will surely be attending in the future when he is old enough. I'm thankful the for the opportunity to experience Camp Hertko Hollow.

PUMP CLASS
We had our first pump class on Wednesday night. I've been pretty excited about pumping and I was happy to see Jaxson so enthusiastic about putting in an inset. And as the other kids around the room shared how they hated needles, Jaxson proclaims how much he likes them! Umm.. okay?? Personally, I think he was just excited and loves to talk if anyone will hear him. He has however, always been compliant about needles and injections with little to no complaining, so... YAY! My son likes needles... I guess?

So first thing this morning I was on the phone with our insurance company to check on coverage and also called the Animas Rep to schedule a visit and get our paperwork started. He's coming tomorrow evening.

Is it weird that I'm so excited about this?

And yes, after much studying and comparison, we have decided to go with Animas. I've been trolling blogs in the DOC for weeks and I appreciate you all for taking the time to share your pump experience.

GRADUATION PREPARATION
So in the midst of all this, we still have a graduation party to plan for. We've rented a cabin at a lake and we're planning on having a wiener roast and all the stuff that goes along with it. Invitations must go out early next week as graduation is May 15th. I don't even think it's set in yet that I'm about to have another one finished with school and going to college in the Fall.

That's a wrap for now. Goodnight DOC and sweet dreams <3