Growing up too fast

It all started just after Lucas was born.  I was upstairs, nursing.  All my post-baby-being-born help had left and I was trying to figure out how I was going to get my two other kids dressed and ready to be out the door in the 20 minutes that were left before pre-school started for the day.

From my rocking chair upstairs I could hear their sweet voices as they chatted over breakfast.  Then, Elise's voice floated upwards, "okay Mattias... put your dishes in the sink.  I'm going to change your diaper and get you ready to go to school."

She then proceeded  to change said diaper, get him dressed, put his shoes and socks on, and help him brush his teeth; all while getting herself ready too.  

She was 5 years and 4 months old.

For the next 4 months, she would help me get Mattias ready, doing all of the aforementioned things, as well as getting their bags into the van and strapping Mattias into his car seat.

Since then, when Fred is out of town, Elise has taken charge of the bedtime routine (during which I am also usually nursing).  She runs Mattias's bath, washes his hair, gets him into his diaper and pyjamas, helps him brush his teeth, and reads him a story.  She did this all on her own, telling me, "don't worry Mom... I've got this."  I never once asked for her help.

All this before her 6th birthday.  

And almost 5 years into her diabetes journey.

Two days ago, Elise turned 6.  Today her diabetes turns 5.  

Sometimes I wonder if that short 12 months between birth and diagnosis ever existed at all. 

She is growing up at lightning speed before my eyes.  Too fast.  Part of me blames diabetes for her uber-maturity-on-steroids.  Don't get me wrong, I love that she helps.  That she wants to help.  And does it with joy and good cheer. But I also want her to be a kid, and enjoy her care-free(ish) life while it lasts.  

I want her to just be a kid.

Happy D-day, Elise... you are simply amazing.

just before dx

today