Help us find a cure for Diabetes!

Dear Friends,

On May 11, 2010 our little four year old, Molly Strawberry, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Unfortunately for Molly and many other children who have Diabetes, there was nothing that could have prevented it, but we can be part of finding the cure. Prior to Molly being diagnosed we knew little about Diabetes. Like many people, we have friends who have it but we never realized the extent to which it changes your life. Molly endures finger pokes up to seven times a day and insulin shots every morning and before every meal. She is an inspiration to all who meet her, especially her family.

Our journey began when we noticed Molly was drinking a lot more water than usual and taking more and more trips to the bathroom, sometimes not making it there in time. While out on a hike Molly complained of being tired, which is unusual for her because she loves hiking and has tons of energy. Mother's Day night was the day that we decided something was seriously wrong. Molly went to the bathroom four times in one hour and still work up at midnight to go again. We called her pediatrician, who told us to bring her in as soon as possible. He felt that he knew what was wrong, but wanted to do a blood glucose test to make sure. Upon receiving the blood glucose test results he sent us immediately to the Emergency Room at Primary Children's Medical Center. After a few hours of more tests we were informed that Molly indeed had Juvenile Diabetes. We spent the next three days in the hospital learning how to count carbohydrates, poke fingers for a blood sample, inject insulin, and how to take care of high and low blood sugar. In the short time since Molly was diagnosed we have been looking for ways to become more involved.

We are writing this letter to inform all of our friends and family that we have created a team for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk to Cure Diabetes. We are hoping to raise $500.00 to help find the cure for Diabetes. You can make a donation or join our team and walk with us Saturday, August 21 at Wheeler Farm by visiting http://walk.jdrf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=extranet.personalpage&confirmID=87706545. Please help us be a part of finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

Thank you for your support,

Team Molly Strawberry

Kindergarten!

Seriously? SERIOUSLY?? Yep, Molly's first day of Kindergarten was today. Hooray! She was so excited. After some tears and a little shyness, she had a lot of fun. We are so excited for school. But it's only July, the summer's just getting started. Did you always hate the traditional first day of school picture your Mom made you take?

Diabetes Update

I don't know how many people read my blog that I don't actually talk to on the phone or see in person each week, but just in case there are some souls out there who want to know- here's an update on Miss Molly Strawberry Bybee. Marc and I talk about how we love Molly's middle name and that no one will ever know it because, let's be honest, how often do you use someone's middle name? Well, apparently the medical field does. Everywhere we turn, Molly is Molly Strawberry Bybee. On all her prescriptions, all her records, everything. Everyone we talk to is always commenting on this little kid's middle name. So much for no one ever knowing it I guess.

Molly is doing well. She doesn't fight to have her finger poked at least 5 times a day. She asks me how many carbs everything has. She'll bring me her blood glucose meter and say, "Mom, I want an airhead, am I low?" She is a rock star. And we are rockin' this Diabetes. Right now she is on minimal insulin because her body started creating it by itself again. When kids under 7 get diabetes they sometimes go through a "Honeymoon" period where their pancreas creates insulin again. This can last anywhere from two weeks to a year. So, we don't have to give her any insulin for the carbs she eats, and she's on a very minimal dose of basal insulin. We are even lowering that dose every few days trying to keep her blood sugar where it needs to be.


We are adjusting to this lifestyle just fine. I feel like poor Ruby gets forgotten with all the finger poking and carb counting that's going on, but she's a champ, too. She told me she was low the other day and that she needed an airhead. Silly. Sometimes I forget Rub just turned two a few months ago. She talks like a six year old. She loves taking care of Molly and even checked Molly's blood the other day, almost all by herself. She wouldn't let me help. But I had to step in or we would have had a blood bath on our hands.


Once again, we'd like to thank all our family, friends, and neighbors who have ridiculously stepped up and given us everything we need. We still have a freezer full of food. It's awesome. And it's giving us a little carb counting practice.


I'm horrible at taking pictures, but here's some we've snapped over the last few weeks.
Ruby trying to talk me into letting her take a nap on her changing table. "Look Mom, I fit."

I cut all my hair off. I have a 13 inch ponytail to donate to Locks of Love. Marc and Molly stained the deck on Memorial Day. Molly was painting and singing Lady Gaga all day. Nice. I'm your biggest fan. . . na na na. . . till you love me, Papa Paparazzi.

D is for Diabetes

Molly has been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. She is insulin dependent, and we are trying out our best carb counting methods. We were admitted to Primary Children's on Tuesday after having her blood drawn at our pediatrician's office. At the time of admission her blood glucose levels were at 691. Her's are supposed to be between 100-200. We were in shock when they told us the diagnosis. I'm still having trouble wrapping my head around it. I kind of feel like she's sick for a minute, but she'll get better. But no, this is now our new life. She is amazing. She has been so brave through all the finger poking and shots. She recieves shots of insulin at least four times a day, and has her finger poked at least five.

She tells her fingers to be brave. That's the worst part. The insulin shots aren't too bad, but getting her finger poked and then the blood squeezed out is really not her favorite thing. We stayed in the hospital for three days, and are so happy to be home. We still report her blood glucose levels to her endocrinologist every night to see if we need to make adjustments, but her little body is coping pretty well.

On Tuesday night Molly fell asleep while Ruby and my parents were visiting us at the hospital. Ruby was tickling Molly's back saying, "I'm here, Molly, I'm here." Little Ruby is only two, but she could tell her sister was sick. It was the sweetest thing ever. She laid next to her in the hospital bed saying little soothing things.

Marc, Molly, Ruby, and I would like to say thanks to everyone who brought us dinner, brought Molly and Ruby presents, called us, prayed for us, and even cleaned our house. We feel like we have been able to make this horrible situation a little bit better because of the support of our family and friends. Thank you everyone.

Here's Molly teaching Ruby (A.K.A. Sleeping Beauty) how to give their toys shots.

Ruby Turns 2!

Ruby turned 2 last week. She had a Storybook party and received tons of fun books from her family. She had so much fun at her party and was showing off like crazy with all her friends around. Here's her cake. Ruby is so silly. She loves dressing up, reading books, doing anything her sister does, and sleeping in her big girl bed.

Height 35 in 80%

Weight 27 lbs 55%

Ruby's Big Girl Bed

Last night we turned Ruby's crib into a big girl bed.

This is what I found when I checked on them later that night.

Apparently she doesn't like her big girl bed.

The Happiest Place On Earth

Hello. Long time, no see. Back in October we went to Disneyland. Words do not express how much fun Disneyland is. The girls loved it, Marc and I loved it, so fun. Here are some pictures of our trip. We spent some time at Huntington Beach. Had ice cream at Ruby's Diner on the pier, played in the water, and built sand castles. I love the beach.
Molly loved the ocean. We didn't bring our swimming suits because I'm a moron, but we got a little wet anyway.

Ruby giving me a big cheese.

The Haunted Mansion was all Nighmare Before Christmased out. It was pretty cool.

One of the many, many, Carousel rides we took.

Disneyland!

The kids and some of their cousins. We went to Disneyland with Marc's family. Everyone was there. It was so fun.

One morning we went to Goofy's Kitchen for a Character Breakfast. This is where Molly spent most of the time. She hid under the table whenever anyone came around. She was scared to death of all the characters. The only one she wanted to see was Cinderella.

And this is how Ruby spent the Character Breakfast. She kept saying, "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!" So funny.


And finally, the moment arrived. Cinderella!!! I don't think anyone will think this video is as cute as I do. It was done on Marc's cell phone and it was pretty noisy, but I love how cute Cinderella was. She was perfect. Molly was showing her her own Cinderella dress, twirling, totally made paying for the Character Breakfast worth it, even if she did spend the rest of the morning under a table.

The kiddos at California Adventure

We stayed in the "castle" hotel. Molly loved this lion.

The kids and some of their cousins.

Classic.

Molly and Ruby NOT enjoying their visit with Tinkerbell. Although, after we left they were obsessed with her for the rest of the day.

Ruby's favorite ride, Dumbo.

Another carousel ride.

Our hotel room.

And that's it. I want to go back. . . now.