2010, what I have learned this year...

As I look back at 2010, the day that stands out most to me is not my baby boy's first birthday (Feb 13) but March 8 (for those of you who have not read Bekah's dx story)

What I learned in 2010:

I learned what it feels like to be scared for you child's life knowing that she might not make it out of PICU

I learned what the term DKA means and that I never want to hear it again

I learned just how complicated and scary diabetes is especially when it is your child

I learned that when it comes to my kids, I can conquer fears that I never though I would (I had a huge fear of needles prior to 3/8)

I learned how to dose insulin and what insulin to carb ratios are and how they change quickly

I learned that the word honeymoon is not always a good thing

I learned what it is like to hold your screaming child as you give her a shot that you know will save her life

I learned what it feels like to have a child with a chronic illness

I learned how difficult it is to sleep when you know that illness could steal her away in her sleep with out any warning

I learned that I can function on very little sleep (albeit not great but I can still walk and talk)

I learned how to take care of a T1D when they are sick

I learned how to test for ketones and just how dangerous they can be

I learned how to organize drawers full of medical supplies

I learned to ALWAYS trust my mommy instincts

I learned how to program an insulin pump and what a basal rate is

I learned how to insert an inset and what it feels like (I started with myself)

I learned that pumping insulin is hard work but worth it for my baby girl

I learned that diabetes is a very expensive disease to manage


I learned what a 504 plan is, how to write one and advocate for my daughter

I learned that I love Juicy Juice and it's power to bring up a BG in the middle of the night

I learned how proud I could be as I watched my daughter give herself her first shot and then inserted insets on her own


I learned that I can raise money for a cause when it is close to my heart and even lead a team to win an award

I learned how amazing this thing called the DOC is and when 2010 began, I didn't know any of them.  As 2010 is coming to a close I know I wouldn't have been able to make it this far with out them.  Thank-you for your friendship and support!  I hope 2011 blesses your socks off!