On Her Own: First Steps Toward Freedom

Last weekend we had a big FIRST in terms of diabetes.

Last weekend Sweets went to a birthday party BY HERSELF.

No mom hanging out.  No adult there who knew how to count carbs and bolus. 

Just Sweets, her kit, and our Nightscout. 

This was big.  I mean BIG. 

Just last week I wrote about how Sweets was nervous to go to a party without me there.  But she's growing up...  And she's getting more and more comfortable and confident. 

It may not seem like a big deal to some.  In fact, an 8 year going to a birthday party alone for the first time probably seems downright odd.  But for those of us who "know"...  It's a big step.

It all started at gymnastics when she ran into a friend from her class last year.  Her friend invited her to the party.  And Sweets really wanted to go.  Which was a little surprising to me!  Not that she wouldn't want to go to the party - but that she was so willing to go on her own. 

I've met the mom before.  This little has been to our house for playdates and came to Sweet's party last year.  So we chatted about it and I just asked her, "So tell me, honestly, are you comfortable having her with her diabetes?"

"Of course!"  she said.  "Just tell me what to do!  You can even write out detailed instructions.  I don't mind!"

Well... ok!

I asked Sweets about it later.  Asked her if she wanted to go.  And if she wanted to go knowing that I would not be there. 

Her answer was an immediate YES!

I told her that we could have the Nightscout up and running so we could be keeping an eye on her.  And she could take one of our phones with her.  And call us or text us if she needed us or when it was time to eat. 

She was 100% on board with this.  In her very grown up way she said, "I think this would be a good first step for me."

I thought so, too! 

So, we made a plan.  She would keep her rig in a her purse that we had originally bought for her kit.  She would also keep one of our phones in the bag.  And she would wear her other Dexcom.  Her kit would be left with birthday girl's mom.

So... how did it go?

It went great! 

Were there issues?  Yes.  Was it perfect?  No. 

Was it worth it?  Without a doubt!

Even though we told her that she needed to be close to the rig the entire time, she ended up going out of range a few times.  We also realized that they live in a little valley where our phone signal wasn't the best.  So there was an issue with the phones and with the rig being able to get a signal.

But... it was still a success! 

Sweets sent us texts of what she was eating...

She was on the low side so that cookie came at a perfect time! 







And being able to monitor just by looking at my wrist was incredible! 

(To read about the Nightscout/CGM in the Cloud.... what that this on my wrist is, click here and here)

But by far, the best part was that she had a great time!  I think that's pretty obvious in this picture!

 

And felt so proud of herself that she was able to do it on her own! 

And we're pretty proud, too! 

(btw - she's already planning her next outing... without us!)