It was a good day.

Today was a good day. Not because of the cool temperatures or good, hot chili on a cold day, but because I realized that my baby Justin finally seems happy. He laughs, he smiles, he makes jokes, he seems comfortable in his own skin. He is coming out of his shell and thriving.

As many of you know, Justin will be starting Kindergarten at the end of the month. I have personally been very nervous about this although I have tried very hard to not let him see. While his diabetes is managed well, I always have him with me, so to go from having him with me all day to being at school from 8am-2:30pm will be an adjustment for both of us. I have been wanting to get him a medic alert identification, but had serious doubts about his willingness to wear something. However, I told him that we were going to pick out a cool bracelet for him to wear and that he could choose any one he wanted, and you know what? He was actually excited. Of course, it took him all of two seconds to pick out the one he wanted - an orange nylon sport band. OK, but Mommy can't find an orange one in your size, would you like a different color? Nope, just orange. So the search continues. I WILL find him an orange one no matter what it takes!

Another time that made me see how he was growing, was while we were eating dinner. He has yet to show any type of positive emotion about going to school. Tom and I were discussing with him how his diabetes would be managed and who would do what. When I told him that the nurse would most likely be the one to give him a shot if needed, he got a very serious look on his face and shook his head no. Sensing a relapse, I quickly told him that I was sure the nurse would let him do it if he wanted to (we have been working with him on this) and he quickly perked up and said, "I will do it." This made me very happy not only because it was about the first time he didn't say anything negative about going to school, but mostly because he is showing his independence and responsibility for his diabetes. While it may seem like a young age to began this, those of you that know him well, knows that he is very bright and VERY determined. He has made his mind up now, so there is no telling what he can accomplish!