Things diabetes taught me this month... December edition

Every time I sit down to write one of these, I kick myself for not making notations of the things I want to include in the post because my poor brain cannot remember much of anything past my name, my children's names, where I live, and the fact that it is imperative that I put pants on in the morning before I greet the world. So here is my December "Things"... at least, the parts I can remember.

-I never used to do this with the 7, but when I was talking to a CSR at Dexcom while troubleshooting an issue with the G4, she recommended to wipe the bottom of the transmitter with an alcohol wipe every time you change the sensor. Makes sense; you want the contact points to be as clean as possible to make sure it's reading properly.  I love little tips like these!

-It is so important to find out what your insurance company allows wen it comes to reordering supplies.  In the back of my mind I know this, but most days it's pretty low on the priority list.  It seems keeping three children alive consumes most of my energy.  For example, I had called up my Dexcom about our receiver acting wonky.  When I asked if it was still in warranty, the CSR said no, but most insurance companies allow you to reorder a new receiver every year.  It turned out that my reorder time was the end of November and because we met the deductible eons ago, there was no cost to me!  In the end, our old receiver smartened up and is still usable, but it's nice to know I have a replacement tucked away in the cupboard for when we need it.

-I love having friends from fun and cool far-off places, but MAN... swagging their foods can be HARD!  We had a family from South Africa over for dinner during the holidays and they brought a dessert.  I'm not even sure what it was called, but it had whipped cream, sweetened caramelized condensed milk, biscuits, and a bunch of chopped up chocolate bars that were from their home country.  It was every bit as good as it sounds, and shot Elise's BG into the stratosphere for most of the overnight; coming down only after multiple corrections and temp basals.  Worth it?  If you ask her, she'd say yes!

Two more things that have nothing to do with this post, but noteworthy nonetheless:

1. This post won for Best Advocacy in the Best of the 'Betes Blogs 2013. *sob*... there are so many people to thank!  Seriously though, I should write all my posts in 10 minutes while waiting at the gate to board my flight!  Thank you to Sara, and everyone who voted! Now go check out the rest of the winners!

2. I didn't get to do it earlier, but wanted to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  Here's to an awesome 2014!

At the very same tree farm I was at a year ago when I
went into labour with Lucas.  

P.S. The reason I'm posting a picture of just me and the kids is because we have zero pictures as a family. One of us is always taking the picture.  If I had awesome super-imposing skills, I'd photoshop Fred in there.