Since her diagnosis, Lilly has been fully aware of what is going on and involved in her care. Just days after we got home from the hospital she was wanting to test herself (she does it all herself now), and has asked about giving her own shots. She had done it a few times, but holding the syringe and injecting it without wiggling around was hard for her to do, so up until a few weeks ago we did most of them for her.

When we met with Lilly’s endocrinologist at the beginning of the month we got an Inject-Ease, which makes it MUCH easier for her to do her own shots, so now she does them entirely on her own.

Keep in mind she is only 5 years old (6 in May). I sometimes forget that it’s not normal for a 5 year old to be so in control and on top of things, and I really take for granted that we don’t have to struggle with her (at least now) to do any of the things required of her with her diabetes. She wants to be involved, making decisions, helping out, and learning.

She has asked about drawing up her own insulin but I told her that I didn’t think she could do it, since it requires a bit of dexterity on pulling the syringe to the small amounts she takes (usually 1/2 to 4 units or so). She kept asking, so I figured it wouldn’t hurt to let her try. Low and behold, after a few bent syringes and a bit of help, she is now successfully drawing up her own insulin! We of course have to supervise and check the dose, but she does an amazing job, even holding the insulin bottle still so that the needle doesn’t bend.

I’ve given her the job of doing her Lantus shot (morning and evening, long acting insulin), and we do the Novalog (short acting, taken after eating), but we’ll see how long that lasts, as she asks at every shot to draw up the insulin.

For breakfast on Tuesday she was proud of herself, and I wanted to snap some shots to show how amazing she is.

Inserting the syringe…

Checking the dose and looking for air bubbles…

(see the Inject Ease).. Pinch and press the button…

Inject…

And Eat! Cinnamon Toast Crunch.. Yum

Proud Girl.. Love the morning hair

After talking to her endocrinologist and discussing the options we have decided to get Lilly on the pump in a few months. She’s excited, her only requirement is that it is Pink!

I had most spots filled by those on the waiting list, but I do have 2 spots left in the next U (Starting 3/30). If you’re interested you just need to go HERE to sign up!

I thought it would be cool to show a few Before/Afters from someone who is actually a STUDENT in the U right Now! We’re up to the last week, but these are from past weeks where we were working on Color Correction and Color Enhancement. These are just a small sampling of the great work coming out of this group of students.

(the Befores are on the Left, After on the Right)

After just 5 weeks of lessons and practice students are able to tackle exposure issues, color correction, color enhancement and black and whites.  I’m so proud of this group of students, they’re doing amazing and it’s so much fun to see them progress and do beautiful edits like these!

If you’re READY to take your PS editing to the next level and actually UNDERSTAND what you’re doing, then hop on over and sign up for the U.. you wont be sorry!

GO HERE TO SIGN UP!!!!!