Dear 2011

Dear 2011,

It was a mixed bag.  Manly was on blood thinners for half the year.  We didn't find out that the blood clot had cleared until September.  Finding out that he no longer had the blood clot was the biggest surprise blessing of the year.  The doctors told us he would probably have it for life.  We are so grateful this is over.  The silver lining in this is that it made us truly appreciate our health and each other.

We also found out that all three of the boys and I have a weird type of diabetes called MODY2.  Nothing to do for it but watchful waiting and limiting simple carbohydrates in our diet.   My doctor does not feel that my blood sugar levels are high enough, at this point, to prescribe medication.  There is no approved medication for children.  Although this is not good news, it did cause me to make some major changes in my own life.  On April Fool's Day, I changed my diet.  I now eat mostly lean protein, dairy and vegetables. This keeps my blood sugar in a healthy range.  Over the last nine months, I have lost 33 lbs.  This is a very very good thing. This fall I also began jog/walking or wogging ;) and yoga. 

The horrible drought took all the pleasure out of my summer and fall garden this year.  We have had rain recently, so I am enjoying my winter garden.  Here is hoping that this next year the drought breaks completely.
 
I want to focus on the good and not the bad.  May 2012 bring more blessings and fewer stressful situations. I am going to forge ahead into the new year with focus and intent to parent my best,  show gratitude for the love and support of a good man and create the best life I can for all of us.

Goodbye, 2011.

Aunt Debbi

Oh, and I intend to get my sense of humor back here on this silly little blog :)