Weekend Wrap-Up

Another Mother's Day is in the books, and once again I am reminded how lucky I am. I have two beautiful daughters, and although I may want for more at times, I really can't ask for much more.

Mother's Day weekend started out with hot yoga with my girls at Drishti Power Yoga in Sea Girt. It was our first time at the studio, and we couldn't have been happier with the class. It was a family yoga class where the focus was on the moms, of course. I loved how the instructor Maura emphasized the importance of kindness to everyone not just our mothers. At the end of the class, the moms completely relaxed during the cool down with cucumbers on our eyes and hand massages performed by our children. It was really very lovely, and I can't wait to check the studio out on my own in the upcoming weeks.

The three of us worked up quite an appetite during our class so we decided on a light lunch afterwards. We headed down the street to Turning Point where we munched on Caesar salad wraps, black bean soup, and Caprese sandwiches.

We spent the rest of the day totally chilling at home. I started reading The Santangelos by Jackie Collins, and just a few pages in, I am hooked. I received an advanced copy of the book for an event that I am attending next month where we will have a book discussion with the fabulous author herself!!! You can pre-order the book via the link above, if you are interested.

On Sunday, I enjoyed a relaxing morning. The girls slept in, and I made my morning cup of tea and headed out to the deck while the Hubs ran errands for me. He did the grocery shopping and picked up a few hanging baskets for the porch and deck. It was SOOOO nice to enjoy some quiet time by myself.

Later in the morning, the girls and I leisurely made our way to Starbucks where we sat outside for almost 2 hours after we ordered our drinks. A very sweet man offered to take our picture. I gladly accepted, and as soon as I handed him my phone, Harper copped an attitude and refused to get in the picture.

Great spot for people watching!

Once we got home, we settled down to dinner and afterwards, we took a walk. I loved not having concrete plans so that we could take it easy and play it by ear. It was definitely a fabulous Mother's Day. Hope you had a great one too! xx

0

One Year With Type 1 Diabetes

Meeting major milestones is a rite of passage for childhood. We look forward to a first smile, a first tooth, a first step, and so many more. We blissfully record them in a baby book and look forward to the day we share those memories with our children.

It was one year ago today that Harper was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Not exactly your typical childhood milestone, but it is one never the less. It's a day that I'll never forget.

There isn't one detail about that day that doesn't still hold a vivid place in my memory. From the slight appearance of Harper's malnourished body that morning to the hesitation in the pediatrician's voice when she gave us the news to the hope in the endocrinologist's voice when we arrived at the hospital.

The wave of emotions I felt from the beginning of the day to the day's end are coming crashing back at me today as I recall the events of the day. From sadness to nervousness to anxiousness to fright to eventual relief, it was, to say the least, a roller coaster kind of day.

Today, we celebrate. Yes, I use the word celebrate because it is cause for celebration. Diabetes is not an easy disease to manage. It requires constant attention and a daily, hour by hour commitment, sometimes minute by minute.

Over the past year, Harper has attended countless birthday parties, two sleepovers, played sports, gone to amusement parks, celebrated Easter and Halloween all while successfully managing her diabetes.

I'm not going to lie. It hasn't always been a picnic. There have been days when both she and I were burned out. The finger pricking, carb counting, and insulin injections can get really old really fast. But for as many bad days, there are even more good ones where her blood sugar levels are almost too good to be true. There are days when she wakes up and happily takes her blood sugar without my having to nag ask.

There are days where the stars align and numbers fall into place. There are also days where I am pulling my hair out in frustration because we can't seem to get her numbers into her target range. It's not black and white. Diabetes is filled with gray areas. What may work one day may not the next. It's very challenging.

I've gone to bed in tears some evenings wondering why this has happened to Harper. As much as I try not to ask myself that question, it's hard not to think about it from time to time. But I have to believe that she is destined to do great things because of her diabetes. Whether she becomes an advocate for research or becomes a health care provider, I know she'll use her diabetes to help others.

And so, today, we will celebrate with cake (and a few extra units of insulin!) and hugs, and a wish for another successful year with diabetes. And of course, we will celebrate the support of our family and friends who have been by our side as we navigate the ever-changing path that is type 1 diabetes.

xx

0

Life Lately: The Winter Blues, The Flu, and a Birthday

The shortest but longest month of the year has descended upon us. February. It's the month that keeps on going, and going, and going.

Every year around this time, the winter blues set in and I find it hard to get motivated to do much of anything that requires me to step outdoors. I despise the cold weather. My dislike for snow runs deep. My general disdain for winter clothes makes me not want to get dressed in anything other than yoga pants and hoodies.

I spend most of the month in a foul mood, relying on Starbucks and comfort food to keep my spirits up. Before Harper was born, Emma and I would spend the entire month of February in Florida with my sister. It was glorious. I managed to avoid this dreadful month for several years. But that's not an option any longer.

But there is an upside. This month Harper celebrates a birthday and the anniversary of her diagnosis with type 1 diabetes. Both of which are worthy of celebrating. I'm so proud of how she has taken ownership of this disease and hasn't let it stop her.

To top off this fabulous winter weather we are having, we had a case of the flu in our house two weeks ago. It hit Emma hard, and she was down for 6 days. She had a strain that is covered by the vaccine, but of course, she refused to get the vaccine when I had mine. I had to keep her quarantined for 4 days. Quite frankly, she couldn't do much more than sleep, so being stuck in her bedroom wasn't all that bad.

We knew she was feeling better when she started arguing with her sister. My few days of peace and quiet were short-lived, but it was good to have our Emma back.

Harper and I are knee deep in birthday party planning. She loves to help, and I am grateful for her input and impressed by her decision-making abilities. As the youngest child, it's surprising that she has those qualities. She's super excited, primarily because we had to cancel her party last year because she had just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

On that note, I'm off to binge watch Gossip Girl on Netflix. It's my latest Netflix guilty pleasure!

Do you have a TV or Netflix obsession? Do share!

0

Farewell to the Bravermans

Tonight marks the series finale of "Parenthood", the NBC drama that amassed quite a cult following in its six seasons on the air.

I admit, I was a late comer to the "Parenthood" party, having only started watching in November 2014. My introduction came via a flight from Miami to Newark where "Parenthood" was part of American Airlines' in-flight entertainment. The episode was the season 5 finale. I didn't know who anyone was and what the relationships between the characters were, but the acting and plot lines were so riveting that I was hooked after that one episode.

photo credit

When I stepped off the plane in Newark, I was like a junkie looking for a fix. I needed more Bravermans, and I could hardly wait. The ride home from the airport was spent plotting how I would effectively utilize Netflix to catch up to the current season of "Parenthood". I had to get through close to six full seasons.

It didn't take long. No big surprise there. Every spare moment I had was spent with the Bravermans. I saw them weather life-threatening illnesses, divorce, Asperger's, a same-sex relationship, adoption, new births, and more.


What sets "Parenthood" apart is the realness of the show and its characters. I can envision any one of these characters in my life. Zeek could easily be my dad or my uncle. Adam could be my brother, husband, or boss. Haddie could be my babysitter. Sarah could and should be my best friend, even my sister. And Kristina. Well, Kristina could be I.

"Parenthood" does life in such a way that you easily forget that you are watching TV. You think, and hope for just a moment, that you are watching home videos. The ensemble casts from veteran actors to those plucked out of obscurity is

I've laughed. I've cried (a lot). And tonight will be no exception. I've got my tissues ready as I ever so reluctantly bid a very fond farewell to my favorite TV family.

You will be missed, Bravermans.

0

Life Lately: Pennsylvania Farm Show, a Wrestling Tournament, Coffee with a Friend

I am waking up early this Sunday morning in central Pennsylvania. We are here for the weekend visiting my sister and her family. It's been a jam-packed weekend so far, and we still have a full day today. Tomorrow we'll be heading back to New Jersey.

On Friday night, we headed to the Pennsylvania Farm Show, an annual event held in Harrisburg and the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the nation, with nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibits. It had been almost 20 years since my last visit to the PA Farm Show.

I know what you're thinking...what's a beach girl who loves fashion and beauty doing at a farm show? Well, I won't lie...I was kind of there for the food. I was also there to see the cute animals, like bunnies and goats. Oh, and there was wine tasting from local wineries, too.

I was completely impressed by the Land O Lakes butter sculpture.

At first glance, we thought these kids were puppies tagging along with the mama goat.

For us beach dwellers, a chance to pet a horse is a big deal.

Yesterday, my nephew was in a wrestling tournament. It was our first chance to see him in action on the mat.

He placed 2nd!

This morning I am meeting a bestie from high school and college for a coffee date. I'm excited to catch up with her. We haven't seen each other since July, and she's recently graduated from nursing school. We are due for a little celebration at Starbucks.

What have you been up to this weekend? School activities? Kids' sports? Or maybe you've been lucky enough to spend the weekend kicking back and relaxing. However you spent it, I hope it was a good one! xx

0

My Picks For Best Dressed at the 2015 Golden Globes

Last night's Golden Globe Awards kicked off the 2015 award season. The Golden Globes are less formal than the Oscars. The bubbly flows freely and the dress is less conservative. The Hollywood starlets were out in full force last night. The Red Carpet was ablaze with the good and the bad.

I'm sticking with the good today and highlighting my favorite looks from the 2015 Golden Globe Awards.

Naomi Watts nearly always makes it to my best dressed list. Last night's lemon yellow sorbet dress was a home run. Although jewelry wasn't a standout item on the red carpet, Watts' choice of an eye-catching necklace was spectacular.

Sienna Miller rocked a gorgeous embellished, bone-colored dress. Her textured bob paired nicely with the dress by playing off its formality.

Kate Hudson was jaw-droppingly beautiful in a white Versace gown. The way this gown hugs her curves...stunning.

Quvenzhane Wallis was charming in lavender. I love that this dress is completely age-appropriate. She's a winner in my book.

Allison Williams was reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour with subtly wavy hair and a multi-tiered red dress.

One of my favorite over 40 funny gals rocked it, as always, last night. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is smashing in white.

And ladies, let us not forget about the men. Paul Rudd and Adam Levine were looking mighty dapper last night.

Photo credits: E! Online

0

Hello, 2015!

I love the first day of the new year. Clean slate. New start. Tear the rearview mirror off, and never look back.

The new year brings endless possibilities for each of us, and we are only limited by those boundaries we place on ourselves.

This year, rather than having a word of the year or a list of goals, I am focusing on investing more time in the things that are fulfilling and less time in those that are not. This includes my personal and professional lives. Everything from personal relationships to professional opportunities, I will pour more time and effort into those that are bringing me value.

This little ole blog has grown leaps and bounds over the past year. I've stuck to a consistent publishing schedule, and I've learned what my audience likes and doesn't always like. I've gained more exposure among PR companies and brands, and I am ready to take the next steps necessary to continue to grow Pieces of a Mom.

I've pulled back from opportunities because I am afraid to fail. I've hesitated when sending or accepting pitches because I've worried that I am not a "big enough" blogger. I've allowed my fear to stand between me and success, and I'm finished allowing that to happen. I know my value and I am ready to make things happen!

Are you with me? Let's do this, 2015!

0

Life Lately: Why, Hello Captiva. You're Looking Lovely

We made it to Captiva, and of course, it is as gorgeous as ever here. Today, however, it's cloudy and chilly, but that's ok because the next 7 days are predicted to be beautiful.

We left New Jersey on Thursday, and our travel was uneventful. I'm always happy for that. There was some complaining from my oldest because we didn't have a direct flight from Newark to Fort Myers. We had a connection in Charlotte, and she was not thrilled about it. Oh well. I tried telling her that she should deal with it since she will be on vacation for 10 days, but she was having none of it.

Twelve is proving to be a very tricky age. Lots of emotions and sass going on at all times. On the plus side, she seems to be much better now that we are here and settled in.

We come to Captiva every November. My husband bought a timeshare back in the nineties before we even met. I was skeptical at first. I mean, could I really spend a vacation going to the same place every year? But it has turned out to be a great investment, and we love it. The resort is phenomenal and very family friendly (more about that in a post to come).

Yesterday, Harper and I woke early and took a walk around the resort to see a few of our favorites. We headed straight to the marina in search of manatees. There were about 6 of them swimming around.

The sun was rising over palm trees.

It didn't take long for the girls to hit the pool once we checked in. South Seas boasts several pools including one with slides for the adventure seekers.

Today, we will probably do some shopping since the weather is less than ideal. Even a cloudy day in southwest Florida is a good day. Right now, I am in desperate need of some Starbucks, so I'm signing off to go get some. Yes, there is a Starbucks here on Captiva Island!!!!

0

Life Lately: Halloween, Mom Mixer, NJ Women's Expo

It was a crazy busy weekend that started with my daughter's Halloween party and parade to follow. Frankly, I am glad Halloween is over. It's not one of my favorite holidays, and this year it was especially tough since it was Harper's first Halloween since being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

But at the end of the day, I love seeing the kids dressed up and excited about all the candy, even if they can't devour all of it.

This year, we had a little zombie among us.

On Saturday, we attended the Mom Mixer hosted by Colleen and Whitney. My girls were thrilled with all the toys that were showcased. And of course, it doesn't hurt to rub elbows with Elmo.

The Surprise Kitty was a HUGE hit!

On Sunday, we walked in the Meridian Momtourage fashion show at the New Jersey Women's Expo. This was our third year participating in the fashion show, and it's always a fun time. I have to say, my girls love being in the spotlight. I swear, they were made for modeling.

Tonight, I sit here writing this post when I should be packing for our vacation. We are leaving tomorrow for 10 days in Florida. I am looking forward to some time off and some unplugged time with my family.

I've got my stack of magazines ready for the beach and the pool. The girls and I had manis and pedis tonight, so we are beach and pool ready.

Bring on the vacation!

0

Life Lately: JDRF Walk To Cure Diabetes ~ 2014

Yesterday was the 2014 Jersey Shore JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes in Avon-By-The-Sea, New Jersey. I was a little late getting on board since this was our first year participating in the walk, but I pulled off putting a team together.

And...the best part is our team, Harper's Heroes, raised $1,620 towards finding a cure for type 1 diabetes! THANK YOU if you donated, if you walked, if you sent an encouraging message.

Thank you. Thank you!

I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of how crowded the walk would be. This is the first year that the walk was combined to include 2 counties. Once we arrived and navigated the crowd to find the registration tent, things went smoothly. We checked our team in and grabbed a few t-shirts.

It was crowded, but the crowd was so excited. Everyone was so pumped and thrilled to be part of such a worthy cause. And when you see the type 1 diabetics walking around proudly wearing their blue ribbons, you can't help but to feel empowered. Empowered to help change the future landscape of juvenile diabetes.

My little hero wearing her blue ribbon

We had an awesome team comprised of friends and family. Here's a shot of everyone huddled together to stay warm at the starting line.

Harper's Heroes 2014

The walk was 2.32 miles and took place on the boardwalk or beach, where the kids preferred to walk. The energy was infectious. I loved seeing all the creative team t-shirts. We've already starting planning our tee for next year's walk.

Type 1 diabetes is a disease that requires the support of everyone around you, and it was definitely obvious at this walk that there is plenty of support and commitment in the community. I feel fortunate to have a fantastic team of people supporting Harper and our family.

Harper after crossing the finish line

A finish line celebration

Official team photo (minus a few members)

For more information about JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) or to donate or find a walk near you, click here.

0

Let's Chat: Surviving a Sleepover With Diabetes

I am sitting here alone in the dark in the wee hours of the morning. It's been a long time since I've
been awake this early. Many people like this time of the day, but on this particular day, the house is eerily quiet and dark.

I spent most of the night tossing and turning, constantly distracted. You see, last night was my daughter's very first sleep over since having been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last February. Since her diagnosis, we haven't spent one night apart. I haven't been ready to relinquish control, and she hasn't been ready to take on the responsibility of managing her diabetes, even if for only a 15 hour period.

Diabetes doesn't take a break for sleepovers or for playdates. It's one of the most difficult chronic medical conditions to manage. And when you are asking an 8 year old to assume full responsibility of her diabetes management while you are apart is a slippery slope. Pizza, snacks, cake, candy, cookies...oh, the possibilities.

I had visions in my head of what could happen, and they weren't of sugarplums dancing. While I conjured up all the worst scenarios, she was eagerly anticipating her first sleepover in almost a year. We had a long chat an hour before I was to drop her off. We discussed the "rules", the best practices for parties. All this party protocol has become old hat to us. We've been through it so many times in almost 8 months that we no longer need books for finding carb counts or calculators to compute insulin dosages. But this time was different. I wouldn't be there to help her.

I took a deep breath and dropped her off. I couldn't get the image of a mama bird pushing her baby bird out of the nest for its first flight. Off she went.

I spent the next few hours staring at the clock, watching the seconds tick by. Finally at midnight, she called to tell me that she was going to sleep. She'd give herself her long-acting insulin shot for the night, and she'd call me in the morning.

Now the real worrying began. The nights can be brutal when you are the parent of a type 1 diabetic. If their blood sugar drops to an unsafe level, they aren't awake to recognize the symptoms and recover quickly from low blood sugar. I frequently check her blood sugar randomly during her sleeping hours. At sleepovers that is not a possibility.

At bedtime her blood sugar was 239. Although she was well above her target of 150, she was not at an unsafe high. I felt that her blood sugar would be OK over night. It wouldn't fall into an unsafe low, causing her to pass out.

I tried to sleep. I did manage a few restless hours. I was anxious for this morning to come. And now. Here I sit playing the waiting game. Waiting for her to wake up. Waiting for her to call me.

Waiting for her to come home and tell me about all the fun she had at her first sleep over since becoming a type 1 diabetic.

0

Let's Chat: I Want To Be In 7th Grade Again

I attended Emma's back to school night last week. I always find BTS nights informative especially at the middle school level. The night started out in her homeroom where parents receive copies of the children's schedules and then they make their way, in much the way the kids do, from class to class starting at period 1 and ending at period 10.

I like how we experienced a typical day (although on a time constrained schedule) of our child. We spent 10 minutes in each elective class, and 20 minutes for double period classes. Anyway....

Her classes this year sound so interesting. I want to be in 7th grade again! She's taking Italian. It's an introductory class, but there's nothing like learning a new language to give you a little freedom and insight into the world.

In Science, they'll be exploring genetics and doing several dissections. In Social Studies, they will be learning all about ancient cultures and how we've evolved into the society we are today.

In Language Arts, they will read 4 novels, and they'll be doing lots of different types of writing. I've already looked into the 4 novels, and they sound wonderful. I can't wait to read along with her.

And in Math, well, math is math. I'm not a math person. So, excuse me for not getting all excited over number crunching. But Emma loves math. All those fractions, integers, whole numbers, and word problems truly excite her. I can't even.

I wish I had the thirst for knowledge when I was in 7th grade that I now have. I wish I had looked forward to reading the novels as much as I do now. I dreaded science class and was always wondering why I needed to know how to dissect an earthworm. Today, I find it intriguing and interesting.  If only I could go back to 7th grade.

Well, I plan to. I am going to follow along with Emma this year. I'll read her science materials and history book. I've already downloaded her 4 assigned novels to the Kindle. As for math, well, she's on her own there. I'm up for a challenge, but that's not one I can muster the strength to deal with.

I've got to go. I have some science reading to do.

0

Let's Chat :: The Importance of Family Vacations

This morning I am waking up in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. I'll be spending the next week here with my sisters and their families. It's an annual family tradition that started in 2007 when we returned to the place where we spent many, many family vacations as children.

Now, seven years later, we all look forward to this sort of family reunion. It's a week of beaching it, eating at our favorite boardwalk joints, card games, bingo games, morning walks, and lots of laughs.

I love that year after year, we make this trip a priority. After the deaths of both of our parents in 2007 and 2008 respectively, we knew just how important this vacation would be. It's a time to honor our parents. It's a time to remember the times that we had been here as kids and a time to make new memories with our own children.

At the heart of it, Rehoboth Beach, to us, means family. It's a place to celebrate who we are and what we have become. It's our second home, in a sense, and the place that signifies the importance of spending time together.

Whether we are all together or we split up and go our separate ways at times during this week, we are always somehow connected. And that's one of the things I love most about this vacation. We don't have to spend every moment of every day together to know how much each of us loves being together.

At the end of the day, I can't imagine a summer that doesn't include this family vacation to Rehoboth Beach. Not only is it a chance to refresh and recharge, but it's our time to reminisce and reconnect.

0

A Big Ol' Thank You

When I started this blog at the end of 2008, I never imagined the friends I would make, the people I would meet, and the opportunities it would bring me.

Pieces of a Mom started out as an outlet for sharing daily adventures with faraway family and friends. Over the years this space has evolved. As my daughters have grown over the past six years, I have shied away from sharing personal anecdotes about them and their trials and tribulations. Trust me, their have been plenty of them, but it's been more difficult for me to make the decision to share a piece of their very personal lives.

As a result, the direction of Pieces of a Mom has veered a little more towards me in the past year or so and the things that I love. I've shared more of my favorite recipes. I've talked more about fashion than I had done before. I've delved into a favorite topic: beauty. I've shared my tips and ideas for entertaining. These are the things that I love. After my family, these things bring me the most joy and pleasure.

And so, in light of that, Pieces of a Mom will be experiencing a few changes in the fall. Just a bit of rebranding. The blog name will change. The look of the site will be updated and will be easier to navigate. The content will stay that same as it has been over the course of the past six months since I've slowly been transitioning to new content and features.

Rest assured, I will still talk about my beloved daughters. It's what I live, so how can I not?

Lastly, I leave you with a heartfelt thank you. From the bottom of my heart, it is you, dear readers, that keep me going everyday. The encouraging emails and blog comments. And yes, even the occasional mean-spirited comment has been welcomed from time to time. It is, after all, the constructive criticism that helps us to improve.

I am grateful for your support...every ounce of it. The likes on the Facebook posts and the retweets on Twitter never go unnoticed. All the virtual hugs I received when Harper was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes were some of the best hugs I have ever received. The blogging community, whether you are a reader or a fellow blogger, is one of the strongest communities to which I have ever belonged.

So, tonight, I raise a glass to you and say a big ol' thank you to everyone who is reading this.

0

Let's Chat

I'm up bright and early this Sunday morning. I'm sitting at my desk listening to the rain lightly fall outside. It certainly doesn't look like a beach day today. That's a good thing because we are headed to the Liberty Science Center for a blogging event today.

We will be touring a few exhibits at the facility including the new Rubik's Cube exhibit. I can't wait for that. I was a huge Rubik's Cube fan as a kid. I never could figure out how to solve the puzzle, but I sure spent hours trying. After our tour, we will be on our own to enjoy the Liberty Science Center. We've been there many times before, but the exhibits are constantly changing and evolving to make each visit seem like your very first one.

Follow along on Twitter and Instagram by following the hashtag #ScienceSummerFun.

Moving on... Yesterday I woke up with a urinary tract infection. If you've ever had one, you know that they are the equivalent of having sewing needles stuck in your eyes. I wasted no time in calling my primary care physician for an appointment. By 12:15 I was out of his office and on my way to recovering. I spent the afternoon having a pity party for myself in the form of a movie marathon. I watched 3 of my favorites: You've Got Mail, Clockwatchers, and Return To Me. It was just want I needed.

Later in the afternoon, I had a surprise visit from my sister Brenda and her best friend who had been in Philly all week for the USPS convention. I hadn't seen her since Mother's Day and won't see her again until the end of August, so it was a nice surprise for her drop by before she returns to Florida today.

Summer seems to be flying by. Emma is in drama camp, and Harper is taking tennis lessons this summer. We've spent lazy afternoons at the pool, and of course, our visits to Jenkinson's Boardwalk have certainly been a highlight of our summer. We've started preliminary planning for our annual vacation in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware with my sisters and their families at the end of August. We started the tradition in August 2007, and it has really become a sort of family reunion. We rent the same house year after year, and we've had that squared away since October. We are starting the countdown and getting super excited.

While I was visiting my sister last weekend in central Pennsylvania, I woke early and walked around her neighborhood. She has a great neighborhood for getting exercise, lots of hills to get your heart rate pumping. But here's what I realized: I am terribly out of shape. I really fell of the exercise bandwagon back in February when Harper became sick, and I've had a tough time getting motivated since then. But those morning walks sure proved to me that I need to do something. So, this week I'm going to buy a Fitbit and really get serious about incorporating exercise in my life on a CONSISTENT basis. I am such a yo-yo exerciser. At 46, I need some sort of regular exercise routine. If you have any tips for how you've kept up your motivation, I'm all ears.

Also while out in PA, we visited Knoebels Amusement Park. It was great fun, and I'll be sharing a few of my must-dos this week. I'm lucky in that my girls are pure thrill seekers. They go on all the big rides and roller coasters. We really had a blast.

Time to sign off. Stay tuned. This week I'll be sharing the details of today's visit to the Liberty Science Center with you and giving away 4 tickets to the LSC for one lucky winner. Hope it's you!

0

Yes. Type 1 Diabetics Can Attend Birthday Parties

What? My daughter isn't invited to the party because she can't have sugar?

And you know this...how???

There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to diabetes. One of the most common is that diabetics are not permitted to have sugar. While diabetics do need to closely monitor their sugar intake and be aware of what foods cause a rise in blood sugar, they do not have to forego sugar altogether.

My daughter was recently excluded from a birthday party for having diabetes. At least that's my assumption. I can think of no other logical reason since most of her other female classmates were included.

While I don't expect everyone who comes in contact with my daughter to know or understand the ins and outs of dealing with this complex medical condition, I do expect everyone to have some compassion. We try very hard as a family to keep life as normal as we possibly can for Harper. Whenever possible we allow her the same freedoms that any other child has. She goes to playdates, participates in sports, enjoys ice cream on a hot day, eats cupcakes and other treats when celebrating a friend's birthday. The only difference is that she does it all with the help of insulin injections.

Children with type 1 diabetes are painfully aware of how different they are from their peers. The constant monitoring of their blood sugar and the trips to the nurses office throughout the day for carb counting and insulin injections make it difficult to forget that you are not like the others.

So, when my husband and daughter and I strive to create normalcy for Harper and in a matter of moments another parent rips that normalcy away and reminds my child that she is indeed not in the majority, I take offense to that kind of treatment. It's unnecessary, and it's irresponsible.

A child with a medical condition whether it's an allergy, diabetes, or some other handicap, should be treated just as any other child. Invite everyone to the party, and allow the parents to make the final call on whether the child will attend.

If you are in doubt, contact the parents. I can tell you that a phone call from a concerned or inquiring parent is a touching gesture. It shows me that you care enough about my child to reach out to me.

It's the responsible thing to do. It's the kind thing to do.

0

Great Expectations {Random Ramblings}

From the moment we become parents, we have great expectations for ourselves. We want to be all and everything for our children. But sometimes that isn't always feasible. And yet, we still set the bar high for ourselves.

Yesterday was the first day since 2007 that I missed an event at my daughter's elementary school.

It wasn't really a major event such as a classroom party or a show. It was the Scholastic Book Fair for which I have volunteered every spring and fall since my oldest daughter Emma entered kindergarten in September 2007.

Yesterday my youngest daughter Harper's class attended the book fair first thing in the morning, and I was unable to make it due to work commitments.

I was crushed. But I couldn't make it work. Harper was out sick Monday, and Emma was out sick Tuesday. I had to shift my schedule both of those days to accommodate doctor's appointments, make trips to the pharmacy, and to traipse up and down the stairs taking temperatures and administering medications.

Harper hopped on the bus that morning and mouthed "book fair" out the bus window, and that image of her
was stuck in my head all day. For hours later, I couldn't shake the mom guilt. I dwelled on it. I tried to distract myself with my work, but I kept coming back to it.

When she came off the bus, I thought she'd be upset that I wasn't there. I expected puddles on the floor. Surprisingly, she didn't make a mention of it. I asked her how the book fair was, and she excitedly showed me the items that she bought.

I am not going to beat myself up over missing the book fair. I do a lot more for my kids than many parents aren't able to do. I've been a class parent two years in a row. I volunteer for all field trips, and now, with Harper's diabetes, I may be required to attend field trips. Up until now I've made it to every event and often volunteer to help at the events.

I know these things happen, and I also know how lucky I am to work at home and have the chance to attend most of her school events.

Rather than focus negative energy on where I couldn't be and why I couldn't be there, I want to focus my energy on being there when I can and being in the moment while I am there. I want the times that we are together to be so much more memorable than the times we are not.

0

Let's Chat {Random Ramblings}

Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, tea, whatever you fancy, and let's catch up.

It's been a trying few weeks here, but I feel as if the fog is lifting.

Most of you know, but in case you haven't stopped by in a while, my youngest daughter Harper who is 8 was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes almost 3 weeks ago. You can read about how we found out and what we learned from her diagnosis.

We are slowly easing into new routines and all that comes with a life with diabetes. In fact, just the other day, Emma said she forgets life pre-diabetes and that it seems as if we have always been giving Harper her insulin injections. Of course, easy for her to say. She's not the one meticulously counting carbs and administering the shots.

But, it's true. Sometimes when you are forced into a new life, you quickly forget about the old one. You have no choice but to abandon the old one and make room for the new one.

Now that the dust has started to settle, I am going to reach out to other type 1 parents who friends have recommended. I'm excited to make some connections and talk to others in the trenches.

I'm also hoping to get back to a normal blogging schedule. I miss blogging on a daily basis. I've been taking some time off from blogging so that I can research type 1 diabetes. There is so much to learn and to know, and most days it seems as if I'll never have a handle on all this knowledge. But each day, I block out some time to either do some online research or to read one of the books we were given in the hospital.

Today she has a stomach virus. Diabetes is even more difficult to manage when you are ill. So, we are challenged with closely monitoring her blood glucose numbers and her insulin intake since she's hardly eating. We had plans to go to north Jersey for a St. Patrick's Day parade and join some best friends for dinner afterwards, but we had to cancel.

So, our friends offered to bring the corned beef and cabbage to us today. How sweet is that? Totally grateful for good friends.

And then there's everyday life. This year's big event is Harper's first Holy Communion, which is coming up on May 3rd. She's excited to take "snack time" at mass. Not gonna lie...that's what she calls it. Hopefully, through her religious education over the next few weeks, she'll understand that Communion symbolizes so much more than that.

Let's chat about Lent. Did you give up anything? I gave up Starbucks, and honestly, the first 2 days were the worst. Now, I don't even think about it. Will power is a very powerful thing. Now, if I could just pull myself away from the Girl Scout cookies. I think I'll give those up for the remainder of Lent. Those things are delicious but evil on your hips.

And...the big news this week is that I started oil pulling. Do you do this? I've read so much about oil pulling that I just had to try it. I never thought I'd be able to swish coconut oil in my mouth for a full 20 minutes, but some things surprise you. I am anxious to see if there are long term dental health benefits. I always have plaque build-up at my 6-month visits. I'm hoping oil pulling will change that, if nothing else.

Has anyone read any good books lately? Seen any good movies? I haven't been able to get into any of the books I've started reading, and I'm in the mood for a really good one. Let me know if you have a recommendation.

I think that's about it for now. Leave a comment and let me know what you've been up to!

0

Celebrating Birthdays, Growing Older ... And Being OK With Both

Yesterday on Instagram, I shared a photo of myself. I don't do this very often...share photos of myself. I'm not a "selfie" kind of gal.

But a few days ago, Emma snapped a picture of me and when I looked at the picture, I found myself all of a sudden studying the photo. Like really, really examining it.

Something funny happened in those moments that I looked at my picture. I began to really see myself. See myself for who I am and what I have become.

At 46, I am finally at ease with myself. Finally comfortable in my own skin.

This famous quote (which, by the way, is often incorrectly attributed to Dr. Seuss) pretty much sums up how I feel right now in my life.

“Those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” — Bernard Baruch

It took me a long time to get to this point. I spent years worrying about pleasing everyone, those who matter the most and those who matter the least. I worried about what people thought of my hair, my clothes, etc. 

I spent years nurturing friendships and relationships that were going no where.

With age and experience comes wisdom. The wisdom to know what you want and what you like. The wisdom to set yourself free of all that has weighed you down in the past.

Now, if I like it, it doesn't matter what others think.

I have friends who aren't judgmental. I have friends who are real. No pretenses. They tell it like it is, and I know I can do the same. The same goes for my husband and my sisters.

With age comes a knowledge that I am not perfect and that no one is. With age comes an acceptance that I am not perfect and no one is. And I'm perfectly OK with that.

At 46, I am perfectly OK with me.

0

Random Ramblings: An Update on the Broken Arm and More!

It's been almost 4 weeks since Harper broke her arm. Looking back, the time has gone fast, but at the time, it seemed to move at a snail's pace.

She has adjusted well over the past month. She's been flexible despite the fact that she hasn't had mobility in her left arm. She hasn't missed a beat, and she's counting the days until she returns to gymnastics in January.

We've traveled to Maine and attended a wedding. Of course, the dress HAD to match the cast!

Today, the original cast came off and was replaced with a short cast. We weren't sure exactly what was going to happen at today's visit with the orthopedic surgeon.

She had the cast removed.

Someone was happy to let her arm breathe! That was short-lived.

And then x-rays were taken to determine if her new cast would be a short one (below the elbow) or a cast like the above one.

Annnnnd..... we got the good news! Harper's new cast would be a short one!! She is healing very well. New bone is forming and fusing together the broken fragments. In another 4 weeks, the short cast will be off, and she'll be in removable brace.

It was a happy day!

0