We've Got Amazing Friends....

So this has been a trying week for Izabelle. She's had to listen to us say NO way more times than I can count. She's had multiple meltdowns due to being frustrated with mommy and daddy. She's doing as best as she can for a 3 year old. I still get cuddles and kisses and she's starting to understand that sugar hurts her tummy. She'll even tell you she can't have sugar now. Her diet has gone from restricted to impossible. At least she loves what we do give her. She's living on hot dogs, cracker, cherrios and sugar free lemonaide. But yesterday she got an amazing present. One of our friends dropped of a gift for Belle. When we went to open it we found that inside the bag was an air popper for popcorn and a fun bucket and gourmet popcorn. Immediately belle wanted to make her own popcorn and watch a movie. How could a mommy say no to that. We brought up her stool and she helped me pour in the kernals. We watched the popcorn pop and she even shared it with Jamison. It's such a simple present but it totally made her day. She got to enjoy a treat w/o having to worry about feeling sick. Today I'll be popping some popcorn as our treat for the park. All will enjoy and she won't feel left out.

Thank God For Insurance

Today we received Belle's enzymes in the mail. Included was the invoice. Sticker shock is an understatment. For just a months supply it cost 5661.89....I had to pick my jaw up off the ground. After the shock I thanked God that I actually have insurance. I'm thankful that Derrick has a steady job and a steady paycheck. And yes we have to sacrafice having him around for months at a time but if that is the sacrafice that is needed to keep Belle happy then we'll do it. The kids may not understand the whys to why daddy has to go away but to able to keep all our children cared for it's a small price to pay.

Today was yet another day of tantrums and meltdowns. All Izabelle wanted was some tomatoes and her "special" milk. I had to keep saying no. Even offering alternatives didn't work today. I'm so worn out from all the "fighting". It breaks my heart that I can't give her what she wants. All these healthy things that we have been encouraging for her to eat over the past few years are now in a way poision. I'm praying that the addition of this enzyme will help ease the problem. I pray that she can enjoy some of what she used to. Eating out it no longer an option. At least not right now. Which is probably better for our wallets anyway. Taking her to birthday parties and events just got 10 times more challanging. I want Belle to be "normal" but now i know that will not be the case for her.I just pray God provides the guidence derrick and I will need through these beginning phases so that we can give belle the best possible childhood and start to life.

A Challenging Day

So today is our first day of no sugar for belle. It was a day full of tantrums and tears. The frist melt down happened when I could only give belle 1/2 a box of her milk (per doc bc there is still some sugar). She wanted the whole box and no sippy cup, thus when told "no" her tantrum ensued. When that foot stomping was done she asked for a banana. I tried to offer an alternative but alas I was met by the tears and screaming again. After dropping daddy off at work mommy needed coffee. When I asked belle if she would like a water she was adament with saying no so I did not get her one. When we drove away from Starbucks she started screaming for water. More tears and screaming. By mid morning it was time for our playdate...Wonderful I thought. She'll be with other kids and it'll keep her mind off of the new "diet". It worked for a while but then it was lunch time and I foudn hotdogs (her fav) w/o sugar. But it wasn't good enough. She wanted popcorn (flavored like the other kids) and pretzels. Again told no and yet another tantrum. But my wonderful friend who was hosting the playdate got out her airpopper and made belle some fresh popcorn. This made belle happy and content for the time. And before we left I had to say no again to watermellon.

It's been a rough day. I feel like a failing mother because I can't give my child what she wants or needs. No has been the word of the day and I feel horrible. I want my child to have what she wants. I want her to eat fruits and veggies. I want her to feel included with her friends. I know we'll get the hang of this diet. I know we'll overcome it. And I know in the future she will be able to handle small amounts of sugar. But at the starting line it always feels like it's going to be an uphill battle. So today I ask God for patience, understanding, and peace.

An Overwhelming Morning...

So this morning we had Belle's nutrition appointment. We were explained her deficency and given a list of what she can eat...It all fits on 1 page...For the first 2-3 weeks we have to do complete elimination of glucose and fructose aund sucrose. So tomorrow we are starting her diet so that derrick and I can go through what we have in our cupboards and figure out what she can have and then go to the store for other needed items. So basically the run down of this disorder is that there are 2 molocules in sucrose and when it reaches the intestines the enzyme breaks it into 2 seperate molocules and sends it to the parts of the body that needs the energy. Well in Belles case the molocule never splits and then the body gets confused as to what it is and eliminates it....It causes her tummy to hurt and have tummy troubles. So the game plan for now is to completely elminate sugar from her diet. It's to help her body heal and to give us a fresh baseline. When the baseline is reached (about 2-3 weeks) we'll start to slowly introduce sugar back in. We'll first try something like a few grapes and watch how her body responds. She will have to take a replacement enzyme to help with the digestion. She will always have a limit though to how much she can handle...The oral replacement is by no means a cure. She has a 50/50 shot of growing out of it. But no one sounds to hopeful about that :-( On a good note though we may be able to reintroduce milk/soy. it is a possiblity that this deficency was masked by the milk and soy. So we will challenge her sometime later this year if we can get her enzymes under control.

So please continue to pray for guidence from the doctors. And that the feeling of being overwhelmed that I am feeling will be calmed. Please pray that belle does out grow this. Please pray that those around us will understand and help us through this journey.

Memorial Day Weekend

This weekend was fun filled for the Furr Family. Friday was errand day for us and we actually got our grocery shopping done. Thank God for the Eagles Nest because then Derrick and I can have a meal before shopping and then tackle the list. My kids love being in the Eagles Nest so they feel like it's a treat to go. Jamison likes the free time of playing Wii since at home it's only used as a treat and he has to share with belle. Belle loves the crafts so she keeps her hands busy and stays out of trouble.

Satrday was our typical Saturday filled with gymnastics and tball. Saturday's are usually our busiest and by the end of the day it doesn't feel like any rest was accomplished.

Sunday we had an AMAZING day...We took our kids to Idlewild park and Soak Zone for the day. It was a wonderful experience and time for family. Jamison is my cautious non risk taker. So getting him on rides was like pulling teeth. He refused the rollar coaster and other rides. So derrick put his foot down and told him he had to ride something if he wanted to play a game at the end of the night. He surprised everyone and picked the Spider... This ride makes me sick just watching it. It was Derrick's turn to ride and by the end he felt like he wanted to hurl. Jamison said it was scary and never wanted to ride again. When he did play his game he picked the baseball throw and surprisingly he won. Neither derrick or I thought he would throw hard enough but of course he proved his parents wrong and knocked down the silly cats. I must have a pitcher on my hands. Izabelle on the other hand wanted more. She is our little dare devil. If it's fast and spins she's all about it. I know as soon as she can she'll be up on a 10 meter jumping off like I did as a kid. Easton got his first taste of pool water and he was not a happy baby at the temperature..But he enjoyed the day outside and was so tuckered out he actually slept the whole night (8-6) this made for some VERY happy parents.

Today (Memorial Day) was spent having fun and remembering those who have served. Jamison walked in his first parade and had a blast. I was so proud of my little boy. Derrick participated in a local memorial service and honored those that served before him. It was a touching service and it made me stop and think about those who have lost our lives fighting for freedom. Those men and women gave the ultimate price. Their blank check was cashed in by this country. The least we can do is honor them and remember. They are never forgotten. Thank you to all my friends and friends husbands who serve. We all have our roles in this military life and each one is just as important.

Welcome To Choas

So my life is in constant choas. If the navy isn't handing us a hurdle something else always seems to come up. I will try to update this blog frequently. Especially as we jump over the new hurdle God has handed to us. The saying is that God will not give you more than you can handle. But at the onset of hard news the hurdle seems to be enourmous and too hard to leap over. I know that over time God will give us the tools to build steps so that we can get over but when we're at the bottom I always feel overwhelmed. For those that are starting this blogging journey you may or may not know that my daughter Izabelle was just diagnosed with a rare enzyme disorder. the disorder is the inablity to digest sucrose aka sugar. Her GI specialest has suggested a suppliment before meals and to talk to a nutritionest. We go to her nutritionest on Tuesday and for me it can't come soon enough. I feel like I've been handed a puzzle with only 85% of the pieces. The feeling of not being able to control the situation is a horrible feeling. I know Izabelle will grow up healthy and secure i just morn for the "fun" treats she won't be able to partake in with friends. She'll never know her mommy's coffee latte obsession bc she won't be able to drink one. So this new hurdle is high and the road is going to be long but I know God will comfort us and provide us with the people we need to climb it.

The navy also handed us a hurdle. Poor Derrick did not advance. Granted out of almost 1200 people 76 passed but to see that you missed it by less than 2.5 points is discouraging especially since you know that past commands didn't do what they were supposed to do to help in your career progression (USS TARAWA).....Yes I'm bitter about his last command but it is for MANY reasons not just them sitting on paper works of an award until after derrick left. So once again we'll have to go through cycle in Sept. The ups and downs of promotions are stressful.

This all has made such a stressful week. I'm looking for my sanity and praying God grants me peace. Hopefully our fun filled weekend will provide the stress relief I need.