Diabetes Education

As part of the education we received in the hospital, we have continual classes at the diabetes center as Kade gets older. It gave us more information and was very useful. It was fun to spend the morning with just Kade and Mom and Dad. Afterwards we went to lunch at subway.

Kade and The D word

Over three weeks ago, I took Kade to the doctor (ours was out on medical leave but her temporary replacement seemed good). Kade had been complaining for a while that his legs were hurting. We thought it was just growing pains but I had a feeling something was wrong. The doctor agreed with me, did a full checkup including getting some blood work done. Later that day, he called me telling me his blood sugars were high (in the 300s) but they thought the machine might be broken. I wasn't too concerned but agreed to have Kade fast and retake it the next morning. We had to wait 30 minutes longer than we thought but it was very quick. The hardest thing was Kade is always starving in the mornings and did NOT like having to wait to eat. Later that day, another doctor with their practice called me telling me it was on the high end of normal, 113. We didn't think he had any other diabetes symptoms or so we thought. She did not seemed concerned and told me our doctor would call to come up with a plan to keep an eye on it. We played phone tag a few times but with family in town, I didn't think too much of it all and didn't push it.

A week later, Kade (and all the kids) caught a virus and felt miserable. It seemed to linger for a long time. He still had diarrhea at our Bear Lake vacation. By the end of the trip he seemed ok. He wasn't his normal perky self and we noticed he seemed skinnier. Monday after (July 7th) we went to the movies, ate a baggie of junk food, then we went to Red Robin where he drank three chocolate milks (he couldn't get enough). Then didn't want to eat any of his food. I thought he just had overdone it on the junk. He kept saying he felt like he was going to throw up and would go to the restroom. Right as we were leaving, he threw up everywhere and it was ALOT. We thought it was the junk. He seemed okay afterwards. That week he didn't want to do much and was grumpy/snappy, not at all like himself. He was sleepwalking and wetting the bed. Friday, we went swimming and during the 2 hours he had to use the restroom twice. At first he had fun (didn't smile his normal smile though) then towards the end seemed worn out. We went home, then needed to go to the store to get some food for the father sons campout that night. Kade threw up in the garage. I KNEW something was wrong and I knew it was bad. He wanted drinks and seemed okay.  Paul was running late and they rushed to the campout. I mentioned to Paul my feelings. At the campout, he didn't want to play with friends and was being standoffish (not like him at all). He wanted to drink a lot and during the night had to pee three times. The next mronign they came home, then headed out to a soccer game. It poured rain then was miserably hot. Paul thought Kade had gotten a nasty sunburn (he was so red even with a hat) and had bought him a drink which he downed. That night Paul and I talked about it and I told him I was taking Kade to the doctor no matter what on Monday and if I couldn't get him in we'd go to instacare. He agreed. 

The next morning (Sunday) we went to church. I left early with a headache. Paul came home and suggested we get a blood sugar kit and just check his sugars. I think he was getting the same promptings I was. His blood sugars were 592. We honestly thought it was broken but wanted to get him checked out just in case. I called instacare to get an appointment. They told us to go straight to the ER as there was nothing they could do if he was diabetic. We decided to go to Primary Childrens. Paul took him while I stayed with the other kids. Shortly after he was admitted to the ER, Paul called me telling me it was type 1 diabetes and he was being admitted for 48 hours and they wanted both of us there the whole time. I needed to get the kids taken care of and pack him a bag. Luckily Paul's brother's wife was able to take them with no questions asked. They were a huge blessing! Scott, came over, got the three others and took them back to their house. I was pretty emotional but I made it to the hospital and stayed with Kade. Kade slowly started to act like himself again which was good. He was finally starting to smile again.

The first night we were there... he's starting to perk up.

 The next day, Paul and I met with a dietitian, JDRF, the nurses, etc and learned a ton about diabetes and what we need to do to keep Kade healthy.  We started doing his glucose testing and injections. It was an overwhelming day but good. Kade loved going down to the play center and doing crafts. He went home with a portfolio.

He still gets to eat like he did before (the dietician encouraged it so its not so much change) Type 1 diabetes is so much different than type 2. Type 2 CAN be controled with diet and exercise, Type 1 CANNOT. We want him to eat healthy but he can still have any food he wants, it just has to be balanced out with insulin.

He got lots of visitors and presents in the hospital. He's one lucky little guy. The social worker came and talked to him about how he was feeling about it all and gave him a "hospital buddy" who he can practice shots on and can draw on it. It came with his own medical bag. He thought it was awesome. He even got to take some home for his brother and sisters to help explain diabetes to them.

Things will most definitely be different. I have to keep these things with me at all times now plus a glucogun (in case of emergency). But I'm sure we will get used to it and it will become our new normal. 

Kade sleep walks

Kade has been sleep walking lately. We keep finding him in funny places...

Kades first talk

Today, Kade gave a talk during sacrament (not primary) in front of our whole ward. They typically do not ask kids under twelve so we were surprised he was asked but he did awesome. I don't even think he was nervous; he just had the biggest smile on his face the whole time. His topic was "I Hope They Call Me on a Mission". We're so proud of you Kaden.

The talk

Today I'm going to talk about "I hope they call me on a mission." I was very nervous to talk to all of you. My dad said just to picture everyone was in their underwear so I wouldn't be nervous. But I think thats gross, so I guess l'll just be nervous. I want to serve a mission because I want to teach other people about jesus and the holy ghost. I know that my Heavenly Father wants me to. I can start doing things right now like reading my scriptures every day so i know them really good. Writing my testimony in book of Mormon and giving them to people, inviting my friends to church and do everything my parents tell me to learn to be obedient (I didn't write that part) I know that if I start doing that kind of stuff now that when its time for me to go on a mission that I will be ready.

Kade and his WOW/MOM

Kade was quite proud of spelling "mom" then even more thrilled when it also spelt wow. He kept telling me to take a picture so I'd remember it.

Kade's soccer (first few weeks)

Every Tuesday for 10 weeks, Kade goes to soccer practice. He's loving it and it seems to be his favorite. His friend James from church is also on his team and James' mom is their coach. Ms. Yorke, who is his kindergarten teacher is the assistant coach. He's having a blast so far (its definitely better than last season/fall).

Every Saturday, Kade has a soccer game.

The first few games and practices were freezing (May is not supposed to be this cold) The first game I froze. The second I was prepared with my snow jacket #sooverthiscoldnonsense

Class of 2025

Kade came home from school today wearing this... Class of 2025. I totally remember when I realized I'd be the class of 99. I'm getting old and its completely unreal to think of any of my kids graduating school. BTW the girls graduate in 2022 and Jaxon in 2027. 

Silly Putty+Kade=Disaster

I love technology especially on days like today when Kade got silly putty in his hair and eyebrows. How does that even happen? I don't even think he knows. Obviously this has happened to other people (glad we're not the only ones) and we now know the answer to getting it out is nail polish remover. Poor Kade, he thought he was going to be in big trouble, hence the sad face.

Mr. Potato Head

Today we went to McDonalds for lunch. The happy meals were buckets with halloween stickers to decorate like Mr. Potato head. Kade decided to decorate his own face instead. Such a funny boy.

Crazy hair day

This morning we did our crazy hairstyles for this year's red ribbon Crazy Hair Day. Kylie did a redo o last year and bailey and I came up with this new one with regular aluminum foil. Kade didn't have many options (just spray painted it) but was excited to participate for the first time. Dressing up is so fun!

After School...

Kade's Soccer

Kades first soccer game (and prob last, they don't have enough players). He loved it and is pretty good at it. Next year we will have to try a better league. Go Kade!

Building a Windmill with Dad

Kade is way into building stuff. He got a book on making windmills (yes really) and was dying to make one with wood. Paul and Kade spent the afternoon building this. Kade was beyond thrilled and they had a fun time building together.

Kade Starts Kindergarten

Kade has been dying to start kindergarten and go to school. He can't wait to read and write and learn math. He has the same teacher Kylie and Bailey had and so far he's loving it!

After I took Kade to kindergarten, Jaxon had his preschool orientation. I think he's going to love it. His teachers seem very nice and like perfect preschool teachers. Its going to be a good year.

After both, Jaxon and I went out to lunch to drown my sorrows ( I can't believe all of my babies are going to school now).  He tried to cheer me up and make me laugh by putting foil on his head. It completely worked, such a silly little boy!

Happy 6th Birthday Kaden!

This was Kade's first year he got to have a birthday party with friends. He decided he wanted a pirate party and invited some friends from the neighborhood. 

We had a scavenger hunt where the kids got a piece of their "pirate" attire. Made an under the sea bottle. They played, ate and opened presents. Kade had a great time. 

On his actual birthday, we had a little family party with cake and ice cream.

A little about Kade on his 6th Birthday

Kade
Favorite Color: Green
Best Friend: Dannon 
Favorite Animal: Monkey
What do you want to be when you grow up: Paleontologist 
Favorite Movie: Ice Age 3
Favorite Book: Big Egg
What makes you happy: When I get ice cream
What makes you sad: When something I really wants I never ever ever get
Favorite Food: Tacos
Favorite Song to Sing: I am a child of God
Games you like to play: Fish Game 
Favorite Memory this year:  Going to the Monster Truck Rally with Daddy

Kade always has a smile on his face, he loves his family and friends dearly. He's a great little boy

Kade's new haircut

Kade has been dying to buzz his hair and finally got his wish...

♥ Doesn't he look handsome?

Kade Learns to Shoot

One day, Paul wanted to take Kade when he went shooting. He told me Kade would only be shooting a  BB gun. A BB gun was purchased but instead Kade got to shoot "real" guns that belonged to Uncle Scott. Kade loved it and can't wait to go again. Paul sent me this picture while they were gone... I think this was the mildest gun. Yikes.

Kade's Preschool Graduation

After three years in preschool (we kept him back since his birthday was so close to the deadline last fall), Kade is officially a preschool graduate. Right after the graduation, he asked me " now is it time to go to kindergarten?" He's loved his teachers and his class but he's so ready for the next step (not sure I am though). His preschool graduation was simple. The kids sang songs in their caps (so cute) and posed for pictures. We've loved the preschool and his teachers, Katie and Jolene, who are mother and daughter (Pictures of him hugging them). He's so excited for the future but will miss all his friends and teacher. These last three years, he learned all his letters, numbers to 20, to read short words (mom, dad, cat, etc) and to write his name. He's got a great jump start for kindergarten.

Congratulations Kade!

Kade's Kindergarten Orientation

The elementary school does a cute little program for incoming kindergartners. The current class sings songs then takes them back to the classrooms. They learn a new "kindergarten" song, perform it with the current kindergartners and get super excited for next year. While they are doing that, parents learn all the rules and expectations of next year. Kade is even more excited than he was before!

The singing...

Kade's Christmas Program

After Kade's Basketball game, we ran upstairs to his last preschool program. He sang, played instruments (the kazoo, bells, maracas, etc) and had a great time.

Kade with his fantastic teachers.

This is with his best bud Dannon.

Grandma and Grandpa Chalmers were able to come too...

 

and we had so much fun watching Kade. 

Kade's Playing Basketball

This fall, Kade decided he wanted to try basketball. He loves it and is already getting much better. He made a basket in each of his first two games. He's dribbling on his own. He's loving it!

 During the games Jaxon gets restless, so while Kade is taking a break, Jaxon and I play with the camera on my phone. This was my favorite.