a new type 1 diabetic in the family

The Asays have another type 1 diabetic in the family! Kendall was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes this past week and spent three days at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia ER (CHOP) learning all the ins and outs of her new diagnosis.

It all started on our last camping trip... Kendall woke me up three or four times in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, which is not like her. After a bit of questioning, I learned that this had been happening at home the past week or two. I told Ryan we needed to test her blood sugar levels as soon as we got home. Of course, we both forgot until this past Sunday night when I mentioned to Ryan how moody Kendall had been that day (more than usual). He tested her blood twice thinking there was no way it could be so high. The third time it was over 500. (The average persons is below 100). Ryan knew what that number meant right away... I was hoping for another possible reason!

The next morning Kendall's pediatrician was able to get her in right away. Ryan, luckily, had the day off, so took her to her appointment. The doctor ran some tests and told Ryan to rush her to CHOP ER immediately. They swung by the house to grab the bags I'd packed and headed straight to Philly where they were admitted right away.

Kendall was in the hospital for three days. She learned all about type 1 diabetes and how to take care of herself. We spent those three days in classes learning how to test her blood, give herself insulin, how to calculate carbs, what to do in case of an emergency, etc. It was a lot of information and I was SO grateful to have Ryan there as a type 1 expert to help Kendall and me get through it all.

The most shocking thing about it all is that Kendall is taking the news really really well. Not only that, but she's testing her blood all day long, giving herself her shots, and managing everything else like a pro. It's honestly so amazing. For my little "Carbivore," as we call Kendall, this is truly a miracle and a huge blessing. We are so proud of her! 

One of the most unfortunate things about her new diagnosis is that she is still quite moody!

Kendall is crying on the way to the ER - not because she has type 1 diabetes for the rest of her life now - but because she won't get to have a playdate with her bestie Victoria tomorrow because she'll be in the hospital...


Checking into CHOP ER and feeling better already...

Meeting the first two of many nurses...

It's 8pm and Kendall is finally seeing her first meal of the day. Nothing like starting your life as a diabetic with chicken fingers and French fries...

The best part about being in the hospital were the two craft kits Kendall got from the nurses and room service!...

Kendall's favorite meal at the hospital was her breakfast bagel, egg and turkey sausage sandwich and star-shaped tater tots...

And it's lights out, but very little sleep for this girl. Nurses were in and out all night poking and prodding...

The welcome home committee did their part to make Kendall feel special and LOVED!...

And so she begins her life as a type 1 diabetic...

This transition into needles and insulins is a little smoother when neighbors, family and friends send notes and gifts of love and encouragement, like this cute COURAGE dish from the Snyders across the street...

And this unicorn plushie with Legos from the Murraycanes...