12/31/09 - 4 weeks?

I am 33 and have had Type 1 Diabetes since my freshman year of college. I should start by saying that no one in my immediate family is diabetic and when I was diagnosed, I had no clue about the disease. I went through all the stages: denial, using oral medications, switching to insulin, not doing what I was supposed to, getting sick and finally getting an insulin pump which saved my life.

When I got married, I desperately wanted to start a family. You always hear the horror stories of Steel Magnolias and the common misconception that diabetes and pregnancy aren't a good mix. I was determined to prove that to be a myth. I wish that I had written diaries about my first pregnancy because it was about as perfect as it could be for someone with diabetes. Unfortunately, I didn't but swore that if/when I got pregnant again, I'd definately write/blog about my experience and journey so that other women knew how things went and that it is possible to have a healthy baby and healthy pregnancy. I only hope that time 2 turns out as well as time 1.

So, here goes. I've had diabetes now for about 14 years and have been on an insulin pump for about 13 years. I am still pretty healthy, no neuropathy, eye damage or kidney damage as a result of the disease. However, I do try to take care of myself but saying that, I still live a normal life. I eat what I want, I do what I want but I check my blood sugar regularly and see my doctor regularly.

My first pregnancy was very planned. I worked tirelessly with my endo and OB to make sure that my A1C was perfect before getting off my birth control pills. I had a perfect little girl 11 days early via C Section. She wasn't a big baby like you hear about from other diabetic moms weighing at 7 lbs, 11 oz.

She's now 4 and my husband and I have been thinking about having another baby for some time but working to get my A1C down as it's been running near 7.0. My endo wanted me to wait until after the New Year but I did get the "OK" from my OBGYN. So, I didn't get my pills refilled and what do you know, 2 pink lines and we really weren't trying yet.......of course, my mom did say that our side of the family was very fertile.

So, I figure I am about 4 weeks and have my first OB appt in a couple of weeks. I feel fine and my blood sugars are running very low, below 100 most of the time. I did see my endo yesterday and awaiting my A1C results. Let's keep our fingers crossed as he didn't seem to pleased that I didn't wait until he gave me his permission but he did say this was a great way to start the New Year.

My version of New Year's Eve doesn't include any parties unless you include a tea party with my daughter and her build a bear friends. My biggest challenge at this point is weaning off the diet dr. pepper and getting the courage to try caffeine free diet coke, yuck! More to come....Happy New Year and party safe. Any drinking margaritas, please have one for me!