Two weekends ago, Londo and I took the kids on an overnight camping trip. That's right, this Family That Travels went to the woods! And stayed in a tent!
I may not seem to be a camping or outdoorsy type of gal, but I actually love the outdoors and really have enjoyed camping. I have very fond memories of camping with my family, and I had a great time going with Londo and friends when we were in grad school. The trips haven't always been perfect, but that's part of the point. It's not just that I like the idea of camping, it's that I'm willing to accept that "roughing it" may be rough at time!
On the flip side, Londo has been camping regularly his whole life. He has all this knowledge about living in the outdoors, and he gets more enjoyment from nature (especially woods and mountains) than anyone else I know. He has all the gear and then some.
We've been wanting to take the kids for a few years, but Londo was concerned that the kids were too young. This year, we decided that they were probably old enough for us to try it. We decided we would go this year, this fall. Just an overnight at a nearby campgrounds to try it out. And that's what we did last weekend.
You know how you can like the idea of something but in reality it doesn't live up to your idea? Well, I'm happy to say that didn't happen! And it really was because of Londo. He made sure that things went smoothly, that there was enough to entertain the children, that we had everything we needed and that we were all set up.
It also went so well because we went with my brother, his wife, their teenager and their 5 year old twins. My brother and SIL were campers before having kids, their teenager is awesome, and the twins are fun and play really well with my kids. It was a smart plan to go in a big, fun group.
For this first trip, we rented a camping site at a state park about an hour from our house. My brother's family got the spot directly across from us. It was one of those spots that you pull the car up to and lay out your tent on a flattened, gravel surface. It had a metal, circular area for the camp fire, including a grill top for it. It also had a picnic table, an electrical outlet and was right near the bathrooms.
What can I say. We weren't going to rough it too hard for our first trip with a four year old and two year old!
The first unexpected issue we ran into was one I never suspected we'd have to worry about. Londo had laid out the tarp along the gravel and was just getting the tent ready to put up, when I realized that there were peanut shells EVERYWHERE. This was not some case of a few shells left behind and easy to clean up. They were all over every part of the gravel.
Okay, people. The first rule of camping is leave the area as you found. I don't care if peanut shells are biodegradable. They are litter when left behind all over the place. Not only that, but they are a serious health and safety hazard for my daughter who has a peanut allergy!
This campgrounds are specifically aimed at camping with families. And with peanut allergies on the rise, I find it irresponsible for people to leave behind peanut shells literally covering the ground. There were so many that Londo quickly abandoned the idea of sweeping them away. We ended up switching campsites with my brother's family, and then we all mostly hung out at our peanut shell-free campsite.
I know most people don't have to worry about a peanut allergy, and peanut shells are biodegradable, so I couldn't get too mad about it. It's just that we always have to be so aware of the peanut allergy. We can't leave it home even when we're camping in the woods. And that's why we bring the EpiPen everywhere.
Back to camping. It was my job to keep the kids occupied while Londo set up our tent and campsite. We started off looking at cool mushrooms, moss and bugs (that I didn't even flinch at, for the record). But after a while, they were starting to get interested in what Londo was doing.
So I came up with a game: Nature Scavenger Hunt! I gave them five things to look for (a red leaf, an acorn, a brown leaf, a gray rock and a white flower) and told them the boundries around the campsite where they could look. I helped them find the items and put them in their own piles on the picnic table.
One of the cutest things a kid said during the trip was my nephew who was looking for one of the items and having trouble. This adorable 5 year old says, "Oh who am I kidding. I'm never going to find it!" It was really hard not to laugh at that. Of course I helped him out a bit with that item, and then he ended up winning the Nature Scavenger Hunt!
After that, Londo and my brother taught my teenage neice how to build a fire, while the younger kids ran around inside our big, 6-person tent.
Food was a major source of entertainment. Londo cooked hamburgers and hotdogs for dinner, and we all sat at the picnic table enjoying the meal. Londo also brought a pan of popcorn to put over the fire, and my brother and SIL brought the makings for smores!
Londo also brought each of the kids a glow stick, which of course was a hit! Now there were two problems with those. 1. My kids did not want to put them down to go to sleep because they were so awesome, especially the Pookie who didn't understand why he couldn't keep it and stare at it instead of going to sleep. 2. There wasn't one for me. Hehe.
By bedtime, the kids were totally worn out and went to bed pretty easily--once I seperated them and put Pookie to bed first and then the Pumpkin, like I do at the beach house. When we try to put them to bed at the same time, they just feed off each other and go crazy and don't settle down at all. But Pookie first, then the Pumpkin works well.
Once asleep, the adults all hung out by the campfire, talking and laughing. My kids slept through it. My SIL went to hang out with her teenager for a while, and my brother, Londo and I stayed up a little later until I couldn't keep my eyes open any more. I crawled into the tent, snuggled up to the Pookie and fell asleep to the sound of crickets and two of my favorite guys talking about football.
You may be wondering how we all slept, four of us in a tent, including my not-so-great-sleeper daughter and my very-used-to-his-crib son. And the answer is: crappy--just as we expected. But because we expected crappy sleep, it did not ruin the trip or even really cause concern or dissappointment or frustration. We simply did not expect to sleep well, so when we didn't, it wasn't a problem.
The Pookie woke up crying and trying to get comfortable within 10 minutes of my falling asleep. I finally got him back to sleep by singing Hush Little Baby while jiggling him a little against me. He spent most of the night tossing and turning, sleeping on me more than not. Londo slept on the other side of the tent, next to the Pumpkin, and he said she helicoptered all night. So crappy sleep, but definitely some sleep. And we made it to morning!
One of my favorite parts about camping is waking up in the morning to the sounds of nature, remembering where I am and crawling out of the tent to see what the day is like. And it was a lovely morning.
We had eggs and bacon cooked on the campfire for breakfast. Then, my SIL and I took the kids on a hike through some trails, while the guys took down the tents and packed up the cars. The nature walk was awesome. We saw so many cool-looking mushrooms and moss, a catapiller, falling trees to climb over and even a white-tailed deer that ran right across our path only a few feet from us! We did take a slight wrong turn, so the hike ended up being longer than we'd planned, but no matter! There were piggyback rides and shoulder rides to help the kids along, stops for snacks and cool things to look at all along the way.
The trail ended at the lake, when Londo and my brother came walking up to us and finish the walk around the lake to where they parked the cars, with a brief stop at the lake's empty beach to play in the sand for a couple minutes.
The kids had an awesome time, as did the adults. Even the teenager admitted it was fun. My daughter even declared it the best time ever! In fact, everyone wants to go again as soon as possible! Because, you know, we're a Family That Camps!
Showing posts with label allergies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label allergies. Show all posts
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Question of the Week - Car Games
The weekend before the sickness struck down my house like the plague, the Pumpkin and I had a special weekend together with my parents.
My parents just bought a house at the beach about 2.5 hours away. That weekend was my first chance to see it since they got it in November. January in Maryland is too cold to go to the actual beach, but I wanted to see the house and spend a weekend with my girl. So the Pumpkin and I took a little road trip!
We had a great weekend together and with my parents. The house is beautiful and very comfortable. It's a 5-10 minute drive from the beach. There are three guest rooms, each with two twin beds, plus a pull-out couch in the living room. They are making it kid friendly, with a big room they are calling The Rumpus Room.
Best of all? They have agreed that it will be a peanut-free house! As soon as I brought up the issue with my mom, she quickly assured me that it would have to be a peanut-free house so that we could relax there and bring the Pumpkin without worrying constantly for her safety. What a relief!
I am planning many many MANY trips out there this spring and summer! I'm planning to go as a family, bring one or both kids myself, go by myself, and spend a lot of time with my parents, sister's family and brother's family. Plus whichever friends of our families can go. I think the only person more excited about the beach house is my parents!
But this means a lot of 2.5-3.5 hour car trips coming up. That's not too long, but just long enough to start needing some entertaining car games. My favorite car game from growing up, which I still play with Londo or even by myself, is The Alphabet Game. That's when you look out the window of the car and get each letter from A to Z. The first one to find them all wins.
The Question of the Week is:
What car games do you and your kids like to play?
My daughter is too young for the alphabet game, so I started making up some others on our way back from the beach. We looked for colors outside, calling out where we see the color (green sign!), and we looked for shapes. We also guessed the animal by the animal noise we made.
But my favorite to play with her, and I'm pretty sure he favorite also, was Name That Song! I would whistle a song, and she would call out what it was. Then she would hum one, and I would call out the name. It turns out that my girl is REALLY good at guessing the songs! We've been playing this on other car rides since then, or at other times during the day.
What about you and your family? What did you play in the car growing up? What do you play with your kids on car trips now? What games are you waiting on until they are old enough to play with you? Or do you just sing along with the radio?
My parents just bought a house at the beach about 2.5 hours away. That weekend was my first chance to see it since they got it in November. January in Maryland is too cold to go to the actual beach, but I wanted to see the house and spend a weekend with my girl. So the Pumpkin and I took a little road trip!
We had a great weekend together and with my parents. The house is beautiful and very comfortable. It's a 5-10 minute drive from the beach. There are three guest rooms, each with two twin beds, plus a pull-out couch in the living room. They are making it kid friendly, with a big room they are calling The Rumpus Room.
Best of all? They have agreed that it will be a peanut-free house! As soon as I brought up the issue with my mom, she quickly assured me that it would have to be a peanut-free house so that we could relax there and bring the Pumpkin without worrying constantly for her safety. What a relief!
I am planning many many MANY trips out there this spring and summer! I'm planning to go as a family, bring one or both kids myself, go by myself, and spend a lot of time with my parents, sister's family and brother's family. Plus whichever friends of our families can go. I think the only person more excited about the beach house is my parents!
But this means a lot of 2.5-3.5 hour car trips coming up. That's not too long, but just long enough to start needing some entertaining car games. My favorite car game from growing up, which I still play with Londo or even by myself, is The Alphabet Game. That's when you look out the window of the car and get each letter from A to Z. The first one to find them all wins.
The Question of the Week is:
What car games do you and your kids like to play?
My daughter is too young for the alphabet game, so I started making up some others on our way back from the beach. We looked for colors outside, calling out where we see the color (green sign!), and we looked for shapes. We also guessed the animal by the animal noise we made.
But my favorite to play with her, and I'm pretty sure he favorite also, was Name That Song! I would whistle a song, and she would call out what it was. Then she would hum one, and I would call out the name. It turns out that my girl is REALLY good at guessing the songs! We've been playing this on other car rides since then, or at other times during the day.
What about you and your family? What did you play in the car growing up? What do you play with your kids on car trips now? What games are you waiting on until they are old enough to play with you? Or do you just sing along with the radio?
Friday, November 5, 2010
Halloween with Peanut Allergies Wrap-Up
We had a wonderful Halloween at Casa Di caramama! The neighborhood party had pizza and juice, and the trick-or-treating was great fun afterwards. Though we carried the epipen around, we didn't need to use it!
I even dressed up at a fairy to go with my daughter's unicorn costume and my son's dragon (/dinosaur) costume, although I put a jacket and pants on, with the wings on the outside of the jacket. It got pretty cold that night.
At first, I brought the Pookie up to the houses with the Pumpkin, but after a half dozen houses, the Pookie sat in the wagon while Londo pulled him around. He was very happy just watching all that was going on. Such is his personality. At 7:00, Londo took him home and put him to bed while I continued around with the Pumpkin.
She had a blast! She loved going up to houses and saying trick-or-treat. She loved the decorations and the costumes and talking with the kids and adults at each house. We held hands between just about every house, and I went up to every door with her.
At first, she would say, "Trick or treat!" and I would then pipe up with, "Something without peanuts, please." But I quickly realized that the people opening the doors were focused on the kids, so it took them a minute to process what I was saying. I also realized that my daughter is really fantastic about her allergy, and she could just ask them herself. So she amended what she was saying to:
"Trick or treat! No peanuts, please!"
I still smile when I think of her saying that. It was truly adorable, in addition to easing my worries and making me proud! And it really made each adult and/or kid handing out candy pay attention and think about what they had in their buckets.
There were only 2 or 3 houses that didn't have any candy without peanuts, and one of those houses gave her a juice box instead. The Pumpkin was fine even at those houses. We said, "That's okay. Thanks anyway!" And at least one said that they hadn't thought about peanut allergies and would be sure to get some peanut-free candy next year. Look at that! We educated others while having fun!
We let the Pumpkin take candy that didn't have peanuts in it, even if they were made in a facility that also has peanuts. (And yes, at this point we know where they are manufactured and how safe pretty much all of the candies are.) She isn't eating those candies, but she's trading them in for the safe candy I already bought.
She and I stayed out pretty late for her, walking all around the neighborhood. We got home just after her lights-out time, quickly got her ready for bed, let her watch 10 minutes of TV to unwind (and it's part of her normal bedtime routine), and when I took her to her bed, she fell asleep within 2 minutes! A personal best record, for her.
So Halloween was a success on many levels. The most important being that the kids were safe and had a lot of fun! I hope everyone out there had as much fun as we did!
I even dressed up at a fairy to go with my daughter's unicorn costume and my son's dragon (/dinosaur) costume, although I put a jacket and pants on, with the wings on the outside of the jacket. It got pretty cold that night.
At first, I brought the Pookie up to the houses with the Pumpkin, but after a half dozen houses, the Pookie sat in the wagon while Londo pulled him around. He was very happy just watching all that was going on. Such is his personality. At 7:00, Londo took him home and put him to bed while I continued around with the Pumpkin.
She had a blast! She loved going up to houses and saying trick-or-treat. She loved the decorations and the costumes and talking with the kids and adults at each house. We held hands between just about every house, and I went up to every door with her.
At first, she would say, "Trick or treat!" and I would then pipe up with, "Something without peanuts, please." But I quickly realized that the people opening the doors were focused on the kids, so it took them a minute to process what I was saying. I also realized that my daughter is really fantastic about her allergy, and she could just ask them herself. So she amended what she was saying to:
"Trick or treat! No peanuts, please!"
I still smile when I think of her saying that. It was truly adorable, in addition to easing my worries and making me proud! And it really made each adult and/or kid handing out candy pay attention and think about what they had in their buckets.
There were only 2 or 3 houses that didn't have any candy without peanuts, and one of those houses gave her a juice box instead. The Pumpkin was fine even at those houses. We said, "That's okay. Thanks anyway!" And at least one said that they hadn't thought about peanut allergies and would be sure to get some peanut-free candy next year. Look at that! We educated others while having fun!
We let the Pumpkin take candy that didn't have peanuts in it, even if they were made in a facility that also has peanuts. (And yes, at this point we know where they are manufactured and how safe pretty much all of the candies are.) She isn't eating those candies, but she's trading them in for the safe candy I already bought.
She and I stayed out pretty late for her, walking all around the neighborhood. We got home just after her lights-out time, quickly got her ready for bed, let her watch 10 minutes of TV to unwind (and it's part of her normal bedtime routine), and when I took her to her bed, she fell asleep within 2 minutes! A personal best record, for her.
So Halloween was a success on many levels. The most important being that the kids were safe and had a lot of fun! I hope everyone out there had as much fun as we did!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Starting School with a Peanut Allergy
Yesterday, I ordered my daughter's medical alert ID bracelet. I ordered her name engraved on the front of the ID part of the bracelet, and on the back, I ordered the following:
Peanut Allergy
Use EpiPen
Call 911 then
Call Dad: (Londo's cell)
I let her pick out the one she wanted, emphasizing the fact that this was a special bracelet which she would wear to school every day. She picked the one with pink hearts and white beads. It's very pretty, and she says she'll wear it and seems excited about it. But it's also so scary to me.
The Pumpkin will be starting at the Montessori school on August 31st. I am excited about this pre-school for so many reasons. I really think the Montessori method will be a good fit for the Pumpkin, and this school really impressed me with their facilities, their program, their teachers and staff, and well everything.
The only real concern I have, and it is a major one, is that the school is not a nut-free school. The Pumpkin will be in a nut-free room, but kids--those young, messy beasts who don't remember to wash their hands or be careful with things--will be bringing their lunches to school. The kids in classrooms that aren't nut free will be bringing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, granola bars with peanuts, trail mix with peanuts, peanut butter to dip veggies in, peanut butter cookies, and all sorts of things processed in facilities that also have peanuts. These items will be in the school, on other children's hands, on the playground, on the handles of doors, possibly in the rooms for shared activities.
I. Am. Terrified.
I'm trying not to dwell on it, cause it could paralyze me with fear if I let it. I'm trying to acknowledge it and plan for it. So I ordered her medical alert bracelet. We have up-to-date doses of the EpiPen for her school. And I'm going to order a few more things, including these fantastic labels for her lunchbox and bags that will make sure everyone knows that she has a peanut allergy (I found those through the Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide 2010, which has some other really awesome things! You should check it out!).
However, the biggest thing I've been doing is trying to is teach my daughter the words she needs to ensure her own safety. Part of that is making sure she understands that she is allergic to peanuts, that peanuts can make her really sick, that she needs to ask if there are peanuts in food that people offer her or ask if the food was made in a place that also has peanuts. I've been telling her about it in normal conversation. I've been making special points of it when we are out and about, such as a recent stop at a bakery where we asked careful questions to ensure there were no peanuts there at all so she could have a special baked treat. And I've been using play to mimic what I do and she should do, such as when we were playing with dolls and she had her doll offer my doll some cake and I had my doll ask if it had peanuts or was made in a place that has peanuts (thankfully, it didn't, so my doll could have some apple cake!). I'm doing these things over and over again to drill it into her head.
I know this time of year is tough on all parents. We are all scrambling to get the gear our kids need, help our kids understand the transition to school, getting all the paperwork in, prepare to pack lunches, set up areas of the house for school work and notices, and all those millions of other things we do to get ready for school. And that doesn't even touch on the emotional prep we need to do for ourselves (my baby girl is going to a real pre-school, not just a daycare/pre-school!) and our kids.
I just never thought about all the added worry, prep and gear I would need with an allergic kid. I never considered that sending my child to school could be sending her into a danger zone that could have such severe health consequences. I never knew that I would be fighting back panic attacks at the thought of most kids' favorite lunch sandwich. Oh God. I'm having trouble breathing. That's probably irony.
Peanut Allergy
Use EpiPen
Call 911 then
Call Dad: (Londo's cell)
I let her pick out the one she wanted, emphasizing the fact that this was a special bracelet which she would wear to school every day. She picked the one with pink hearts and white beads. It's very pretty, and she says she'll wear it and seems excited about it. But it's also so scary to me.
The Pumpkin will be starting at the Montessori school on August 31st. I am excited about this pre-school for so many reasons. I really think the Montessori method will be a good fit for the Pumpkin, and this school really impressed me with their facilities, their program, their teachers and staff, and well everything.
The only real concern I have, and it is a major one, is that the school is not a nut-free school. The Pumpkin will be in a nut-free room, but kids--those young, messy beasts who don't remember to wash their hands or be careful with things--will be bringing their lunches to school. The kids in classrooms that aren't nut free will be bringing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, granola bars with peanuts, trail mix with peanuts, peanut butter to dip veggies in, peanut butter cookies, and all sorts of things processed in facilities that also have peanuts. These items will be in the school, on other children's hands, on the playground, on the handles of doors, possibly in the rooms for shared activities.
I. Am. Terrified.
I'm trying not to dwell on it, cause it could paralyze me with fear if I let it. I'm trying to acknowledge it and plan for it. So I ordered her medical alert bracelet. We have up-to-date doses of the EpiPen for her school. And I'm going to order a few more things, including these fantastic labels for her lunchbox and bags that will make sure everyone knows that she has a peanut allergy (I found those through the Cool Mom Picks Back to School Guide 2010, which has some other really awesome things! You should check it out!).
However, the biggest thing I've been doing is trying to is teach my daughter the words she needs to ensure her own safety. Part of that is making sure she understands that she is allergic to peanuts, that peanuts can make her really sick, that she needs to ask if there are peanuts in food that people offer her or ask if the food was made in a place that also has peanuts. I've been telling her about it in normal conversation. I've been making special points of it when we are out and about, such as a recent stop at a bakery where we asked careful questions to ensure there were no peanuts there at all so she could have a special baked treat. And I've been using play to mimic what I do and she should do, such as when we were playing with dolls and she had her doll offer my doll some cake and I had my doll ask if it had peanuts or was made in a place that has peanuts (thankfully, it didn't, so my doll could have some apple cake!). I'm doing these things over and over again to drill it into her head.
I know this time of year is tough on all parents. We are all scrambling to get the gear our kids need, help our kids understand the transition to school, getting all the paperwork in, prepare to pack lunches, set up areas of the house for school work and notices, and all those millions of other things we do to get ready for school. And that doesn't even touch on the emotional prep we need to do for ourselves (my baby girl is going to a real pre-school, not just a daycare/pre-school!) and our kids.
I just never thought about all the added worry, prep and gear I would need with an allergic kid. I never considered that sending my child to school could be sending her into a danger zone that could have such severe health consequences. I never knew that I would be fighting back panic attacks at the thought of most kids' favorite lunch sandwich. Oh God. I'm having trouble breathing. That's probably irony.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Confirmed: Peanut Allergy
I find it very fitting that this week is Food Allergy Awareness Week, since our follow-up appointment with the allergist was yesterday. This was to be the appointment at which we'd find out for sure if the Pumpkin was allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. And the verdict is indeed in: She is allergic to peanuts, but does not appear to be allergic to any tree nuts.
A year ago when the Pumpkin had just turned two (and had enough verbal skills to tell us if something was feeling funny), we let the Pumpkin try her first bit of peanut butter on a cracker. Although Londo and I had some difference of opinion on whether or not there even was a reaction, we figured better safe than sorry. We reported a possible reaction to our pediatrician's office, got a referral to see an allergist, and made an appointment with the allergist. Although the nurse and the appointment were very frustrating, I did like the doctor and appreciated what he had to say.
He recommended that we get the Pumpkin a blood test to check for allergies to peanuts and tree nuts. Although he noted that the blood test wasn't as accurate as the skin test, the skin test would require that the Pumpkin lie on her stomach for at least 15 minutes. Holding still for 15 minutes even in front of movie or show? Impossible for my 2 year old! Thus the blood draw and negative results that the doctor said could likely be a false negative. He recommended coming back into the office after she turned 3 and could possibly hold still for the skin test.
So yesterday morning, we went in for the skin test. We prepped her as best as we could. I was ready for a long wait, considering how long the previous visits took us (over an hour one time and about 2 hours another time). We brought toys and movies, plus special prizes if she held still and did what the doctor asked*. Even though our appointment was at 9:15 and the office opened at 9, we still waited an hour to see the doctor. After a brief refresher with the doctor, including giving him the spoonful of peanut butter we brought in with us, we had the Pumpkin take off her shirt and lie down across Londo's lap. The nurses put extracts and even a bit of real peanut butter on her back to see if there was a reaction.
Sounds fine, right? WRONG!
Forget about what the reaction was on her back for a moment. Instead, let me explain to you the reaction of my highly sensitive, active, emotional and spirited girl was. Do I need to even explain? I think this says it all: She freaked the EFF OUT! For the entire 15 minutes we forced her to lie as still as possible!
The first 5 minutes of that was wailing and shrieking such that she was unable to even realize what was going on. Londo had to hold her down across his lap, and I had to crouch by her face and hold her arms/hands to keep her from reaching her back while trying to soothe and distract her. Although the sobbing and wailing continued, we were able to distract a little with Cinderella on the TV and her new book I put under her nose.
So that sucked. It also sucked to watch the red marks appear and the two welts for the peanut extract and peanut butter grow. And then? The nurse had to outline the marks with a marker on her back. Her sensitive, itchy, don't-touch-it! back. Sigh. But that was over relatively quickly.
But it was worth it. We now know as sure as we can know that she is allergic to peanuts. She does not appear to be allergic to tree nuts, but we will be careful introducing them. The doctor said that we should still just tell people that she is allergic to nuts, because it's easier for people to just remove nuts and keep all nuts away from her. Also, I know that many nuts are processed and packaged in the same facility as peanuts. The doctor said there is a 10% contamination rate in facilities that also have peanuts and peanut products, so we still have to check every label for that as well as the ingredients. But we don't have to be quite as careful as we've been over the past year, now that she is very likely fine with other nuts. We do know that the allergy test could appear negative and she still could have a reaction (even a severe one) to any nuts, so we will be watchful and careful with all of them. The doctor also said that she has a 20% chance of outgrowing the allergy, so we will retest her when she's 6 and have annual checkups with him until then.
I've spent time over the last year reading blogs by parents who have kids with food allergies. I've found lists of "safe" foods and "safe" manufacturers**. We've been reading packages carefully, on everything since it can surprisingly be in things you don't expect or processed in the same facility or even on the same machine! I've found websites that sell candies and foods made in nut-free facilities, where I ordered the Pumpkin chocolates from a couple places for Christmas and Easter, as well as a cake mix for her birthday and chocolate chips for us to make cookies. I plan to list links to these things in another blog post, both for those who are interested and to make it easy for me to find all the information I have gathered at a glance. We don't bring her to Five Guys or Chick-Fil-A (two of my fav restaurants!) because they cook in peanut oil. We are figuring out other restaurants and places to avoid as well.
We have learned how to use the epi-pen, and we have a box at our house and one at school. Londo has been great about bringing one shot with us when we go out places (something I am working on remembering). I'm now looking into medical alert bracelets. The Pumpkin's current pre-school is a nut-free school, and as we look into new schools and daycares, we will be sure to find one that is nut free.
At this age, she still doesn't truly get why she can't have something that other kids/people have. So it will continue to be important to not have anything with peanuts around her at all. That means continuing to ask friends and family not to have or even offer their own kids PB&J sandwiches, because she inevitably says, "I want peanut butter!" She just does not understand the consequences at this age.
Our lives are not going to be exactly as we envisioned, with PB&J sandwiches at the beach (one of my fav beach eats) or sharing my love of Tagalongs with her. But it also shouldn't be as hard as this past year was, considering we can loosen restrictions about the tree nuts and considering that she will understand more and more as she gets older. This is just something else to live with, figuring it out as we go along.
But boy, I'm exhausted just writing about it all, let alone living it! Let the constant vigilance continue!
*When I told her about the special prize I had for her, she said, "I don't want a special prize! I want a book!" Ah, the contrariness of Three. BUT! I said to her, "Well, guess what your special prize is?" She looked at me and said questioningly, "A book?" And I responded, "YES! It's a book!" Her face lit up, and we laughed! I also added, "You can even get two books if you hold still the WHOLE time they are doing the test!" I doubted that would truly happen, but was totally planning to give her both books anyway.
**Did you know that not all manufacturers will include that the food is processed in a facility that also processes nuts? I find that highly irresponsible in this day and age!
A year ago when the Pumpkin had just turned two (and had enough verbal skills to tell us if something was feeling funny), we let the Pumpkin try her first bit of peanut butter on a cracker. Although Londo and I had some difference of opinion on whether or not there even was a reaction, we figured better safe than sorry. We reported a possible reaction to our pediatrician's office, got a referral to see an allergist, and made an appointment with the allergist. Although the nurse and the appointment were very frustrating, I did like the doctor and appreciated what he had to say.
He recommended that we get the Pumpkin a blood test to check for allergies to peanuts and tree nuts. Although he noted that the blood test wasn't as accurate as the skin test, the skin test would require that the Pumpkin lie on her stomach for at least 15 minutes. Holding still for 15 minutes even in front of movie or show? Impossible for my 2 year old! Thus the blood draw and negative results that the doctor said could likely be a false negative. He recommended coming back into the office after she turned 3 and could possibly hold still for the skin test.
So yesterday morning, we went in for the skin test. We prepped her as best as we could. I was ready for a long wait, considering how long the previous visits took us (over an hour one time and about 2 hours another time). We brought toys and movies, plus special prizes if she held still and did what the doctor asked*. Even though our appointment was at 9:15 and the office opened at 9, we still waited an hour to see the doctor. After a brief refresher with the doctor, including giving him the spoonful of peanut butter we brought in with us, we had the Pumpkin take off her shirt and lie down across Londo's lap. The nurses put extracts and even a bit of real peanut butter on her back to see if there was a reaction.
Sounds fine, right? WRONG!
Forget about what the reaction was on her back for a moment. Instead, let me explain to you the reaction of my highly sensitive, active, emotional and spirited girl was. Do I need to even explain? I think this says it all: She freaked the EFF OUT! For the entire 15 minutes we forced her to lie as still as possible!
The first 5 minutes of that was wailing and shrieking such that she was unable to even realize what was going on. Londo had to hold her down across his lap, and I had to crouch by her face and hold her arms/hands to keep her from reaching her back while trying to soothe and distract her. Although the sobbing and wailing continued, we were able to distract a little with Cinderella on the TV and her new book I put under her nose.
So that sucked. It also sucked to watch the red marks appear and the two welts for the peanut extract and peanut butter grow. And then? The nurse had to outline the marks with a marker on her back. Her sensitive, itchy, don't-touch-it! back. Sigh. But that was over relatively quickly.
But it was worth it. We now know as sure as we can know that she is allergic to peanuts. She does not appear to be allergic to tree nuts, but we will be careful introducing them. The doctor said that we should still just tell people that she is allergic to nuts, because it's easier for people to just remove nuts and keep all nuts away from her. Also, I know that many nuts are processed and packaged in the same facility as peanuts. The doctor said there is a 10% contamination rate in facilities that also have peanuts and peanut products, so we still have to check every label for that as well as the ingredients. But we don't have to be quite as careful as we've been over the past year, now that she is very likely fine with other nuts. We do know that the allergy test could appear negative and she still could have a reaction (even a severe one) to any nuts, so we will be watchful and careful with all of them. The doctor also said that she has a 20% chance of outgrowing the allergy, so we will retest her when she's 6 and have annual checkups with him until then.
I've spent time over the last year reading blogs by parents who have kids with food allergies. I've found lists of "safe" foods and "safe" manufacturers**. We've been reading packages carefully, on everything since it can surprisingly be in things you don't expect or processed in the same facility or even on the same machine! I've found websites that sell candies and foods made in nut-free facilities, where I ordered the Pumpkin chocolates from a couple places for Christmas and Easter, as well as a cake mix for her birthday and chocolate chips for us to make cookies. I plan to list links to these things in another blog post, both for those who are interested and to make it easy for me to find all the information I have gathered at a glance. We don't bring her to Five Guys or Chick-Fil-A (two of my fav restaurants!) because they cook in peanut oil. We are figuring out other restaurants and places to avoid as well.
We have learned how to use the epi-pen, and we have a box at our house and one at school. Londo has been great about bringing one shot with us when we go out places (something I am working on remembering). I'm now looking into medical alert bracelets. The Pumpkin's current pre-school is a nut-free school, and as we look into new schools and daycares, we will be sure to find one that is nut free.
At this age, she still doesn't truly get why she can't have something that other kids/people have. So it will continue to be important to not have anything with peanuts around her at all. That means continuing to ask friends and family not to have or even offer their own kids PB&J sandwiches, because she inevitably says, "I want peanut butter!" She just does not understand the consequences at this age.
Our lives are not going to be exactly as we envisioned, with PB&J sandwiches at the beach (one of my fav beach eats) or sharing my love of Tagalongs with her. But it also shouldn't be as hard as this past year was, considering we can loosen restrictions about the tree nuts and considering that she will understand more and more as she gets older. This is just something else to live with, figuring it out as we go along.
But boy, I'm exhausted just writing about it all, let alone living it! Let the constant vigilance continue!
*When I told her about the special prize I had for her, she said, "I don't want a special prize! I want a book!" Ah, the contrariness of Three. BUT! I said to her, "Well, guess what your special prize is?" She looked at me and said questioningly, "A book?" And I responded, "YES! It's a book!" Her face lit up, and we laughed! I also added, "You can even get two books if you hold still the WHOLE time they are doing the test!" I doubted that would truly happen, but was totally planning to give her both books anyway.
**Did you know that not all manufacturers will include that the food is processed in a facility that also processes nuts? I find that highly irresponsible in this day and age!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The Girls Go Trick-or-Treating
The rain doesn't bother me. I hardely ever even use an umbrella. I rarely do anything with my hair, and I have plenty of hoods and hats that work to keep the rain off my face. I don't mind getting a little wet, especially when I'm dressed in casual clothes.
I think this is a hold over from my childhood, because I've found that usually uninfluenced kids aren't bothered by the rain. Of course, I'm sure that's not true for every kid, and how often are kids uninfluenced by mom and dad who don't want to get wet. But my girl? She does not seem to mind the rain, especially a light drizzle. She has no issues (at least right now) wearing a coat and hood, and she loves to hold her umbrella (it's Winnie the Pooh and super cute).
On Halloween, it rained. Luckily, it started raining after our neighborhood's pre-trick-or-treating block party. We met up with the Pumpkin's two friends she used to play with every day when she was home with the nanny. She hadn't seen them since she started pre-school, so it was really great to get together with them. As coincidence would have it, one of her friends dressed up as Snow White and the other as Sleeping Beauty. The Pumpkin was Belle*, so we had three very adorable princess! We took lots of pictures.
The Pumpkin and her friends ate pizza standing in the street with the other families, as the sun was setting. The Pookie and Snow White's baby sister hung out in their strollers. The adults chatted and corralled the 2.5 year olds. As the party was winding down, we headed off to trick-or-treat together.
The Pumpkin thought the whole thing was pretty neat. She loved to look at all the other kids in their costumes. She enjoyed dressing up and telling people that she was "bee-ale" (how she pronounces Belle). She was so happy to see and spend time with her friends. And she was really thrilled with knocking on people's doors and getting candy!
She's at a good stage for repeating what I tell her to say, so she would say "trick or treat" and "thank you" and "happy Halloween" every time I'd prompt her. She was great about picking out one piece of candy. Knowing we would go through her candy once we got home and that we'd keep a close eye on her before then, I let her pick out any candy from the bowls--even those with peanuts and other nuts.
We got to about five or six houses with the girls when the drizzling rain started. Londo had the baby in the stroller covered with a sweater and the canopy over him, but we were both a bit worried about him because he's had a cold over the last week. Londo has also been sick, so even though he had a rain coat, he didn't want to stay out in the rain. Londo and the Pookie went back home to hand out candy.
The Pumpkin and I put on our rain coats and were ready to continue begging for handouts. Our friends, however, were not as prepared or not as comfortable with the rain. They all headed back to their houses. I looked at my girl and asked if she wanted to keep trick-or-treating. The answer was an emphatic yes!
The Pumpkin and I walked, hand in hand, through the rain. Just us two girls. It was dark now, but warm outside. There were others around, going door to door as we were. We admired the spooky decorations. We said hi to the other kids and parents. We collected her loot with good manners. We laughed and talked.
The rain lightened and even stopped, but we had made it back to our house. We waved to Daddy on the porch and got candy from him, too. We smiled at the Pookie in the swing just inside the glass storm door. We told them both about how we went trick-or-treating.
I love Halloween. I always have. But now, with kids? I love it even more. Rain or no rain, I will go out with the kids and enjoy every second of it for as long as they will let me.
*I didn't buy any accessories. I figured she could just wear the tiara I had from my wedding day (why yes, I was a princess on my wedding day). She wouldn't wear it, though, so I put it on my head and wore it around all night. I'm glad I didn't spend money on a crown she wouldn't wear or other accessories she would have taken off and lost.
I think this is a hold over from my childhood, because I've found that usually uninfluenced kids aren't bothered by the rain. Of course, I'm sure that's not true for every kid, and how often are kids uninfluenced by mom and dad who don't want to get wet. But my girl? She does not seem to mind the rain, especially a light drizzle. She has no issues (at least right now) wearing a coat and hood, and she loves to hold her umbrella (it's Winnie the Pooh and super cute).
On Halloween, it rained. Luckily, it started raining after our neighborhood's pre-trick-or-treating block party. We met up with the Pumpkin's two friends she used to play with every day when she was home with the nanny. She hadn't seen them since she started pre-school, so it was really great to get together with them. As coincidence would have it, one of her friends dressed up as Snow White and the other as Sleeping Beauty. The Pumpkin was Belle*, so we had three very adorable princess! We took lots of pictures.
The Pumpkin and her friends ate pizza standing in the street with the other families, as the sun was setting. The Pookie and Snow White's baby sister hung out in their strollers. The adults chatted and corralled the 2.5 year olds. As the party was winding down, we headed off to trick-or-treat together.
The Pumpkin thought the whole thing was pretty neat. She loved to look at all the other kids in their costumes. She enjoyed dressing up and telling people that she was "bee-ale" (how she pronounces Belle). She was so happy to see and spend time with her friends. And she was really thrilled with knocking on people's doors and getting candy!
She's at a good stage for repeating what I tell her to say, so she would say "trick or treat" and "thank you" and "happy Halloween" every time I'd prompt her. She was great about picking out one piece of candy. Knowing we would go through her candy once we got home and that we'd keep a close eye on her before then, I let her pick out any candy from the bowls--even those with peanuts and other nuts.
We got to about five or six houses with the girls when the drizzling rain started. Londo had the baby in the stroller covered with a sweater and the canopy over him, but we were both a bit worried about him because he's had a cold over the last week. Londo has also been sick, so even though he had a rain coat, he didn't want to stay out in the rain. Londo and the Pookie went back home to hand out candy.
The Pumpkin and I put on our rain coats and were ready to continue begging for handouts. Our friends, however, were not as prepared or not as comfortable with the rain. They all headed back to their houses. I looked at my girl and asked if she wanted to keep trick-or-treating. The answer was an emphatic yes!
The Pumpkin and I walked, hand in hand, through the rain. Just us two girls. It was dark now, but warm outside. There were others around, going door to door as we were. We admired the spooky decorations. We said hi to the other kids and parents. We collected her loot with good manners. We laughed and talked.
The rain lightened and even stopped, but we had made it back to our house. We waved to Daddy on the porch and got candy from him, too. We smiled at the Pookie in the swing just inside the glass storm door. We told them both about how we went trick-or-treating.
I love Halloween. I always have. But now, with kids? I love it even more. Rain or no rain, I will go out with the kids and enjoy every second of it for as long as they will let me.
*I didn't buy any accessories. I figured she could just wear the tiara I had from my wedding day (why yes, I was a princess on my wedding day). She wouldn't wear it, though, so I put it on my head and wore it around all night. I'm glad I didn't spend money on a crown she wouldn't wear or other accessories she would have taken off and lost.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
I Wanted to Smack the Nurse
Yesterday was the Pumpkin's appointment with the allergist (because of her reaction to peanut butter). We don't know anything for sure at this point, but we are treating her as if she has a peanut allergy. It turns out that Londo's perception of the Pumpkin's reaction to peanut butter was different from my perception. He did not see the red blotches I noticed, and he thought it faded more quickly than I did. In order to get a more accurate diagnosis of her allergens, the allergist wants her to get blood work done to test for peanuts and other tree nuts. I will bring her to the lab (separate office) for the blood test tomorrow or the next day, and we'll get the results a week or so after.
So that's the big news.
(This was also the first time I have gone somewhere without the Pookie. I had pumped 3 ounces of milk a few days ago, and I left the Pookie with the nanny and the pumped milk. They did great. He turned 6 weeks on Sunday. I can't believe people go back to work at this point. I really feel for them. I had trouble being away the 2.5 hours we were gone. Luckily, I have over another month before I go back. But I do hope to get more little breaks as I continue pumping in the next few weeks.)
The appointment itself was very frustrating. And now I'm going to vent.
Being so lively and full of energy, the Pumpkin does not sit still in waiting rooms. We, her parents, know this full well. We also knew that we'd be in a general allergist's office, not one geared toward children. So we let her run around outside the office in the building's hallways, where no one was and she could go up and down stairs to her heart's content. This was all expected, so this was not too frustrating for us. The waiting for over 30 minutes was frustrating, especially considering the appointment was at 9:30 in the morning when I had assumed they wouldn't be too backed up being so early.
Eventually, the nurse called us back to a room. She said our room wasn't ready, but she was bringing us back to another room until our room was ready. So she called us back because... We were uncomfortable in the waiting room? She was happily running around outside the waiting room. We were going to be seen shortly? We waited in the two different rooms for at least another 30 minutes. But whatever.
The nurse took us back to the room. The Pumpkin came back fine and was looking around, taking it all in. She was doing fine. And then, the nurse said, out of nowhere, "Nothing we are doing in this room will hurt."
WHAT? What the heck did she say that for? My daughter has no problems with doctors. She has no problems with new places. She does not anticipate needles or un-comfort with doctors at this point.
Londo and I tried to cover it up by talking quickly about other things and distracting her. However, this nurse said it again! I'm guessing she was trying to be reassuring, but she. was. not.
The Pumpkin started becoming apprehensive. She started getting this nervous look on her face. It didn't take long for her to start crying and needing to be held. Sure enough, the Pumpkin said, "It's gonna hurt!" She said it a few times.
While she was getting pretty upset, we moved on to answer the nurses questions. She kept trying to ask the Pumpkin and engage her, like about how old she is and what our dog's name is. It wasn't helping. We got the nurses questions answered and at the end of that portion, the Pumpkin again said it was going to hurt. And the nurse said (I kid you not), "I wonder why she thinks that!" I. Was. Livid. (On the inside.)
So we waited in this first room for a little while until the same nurse took us to our room, which was now ready. She weighed her and measured her height. The Pumpkin was upset during this, but we got it done. Then the nurse left the room, but left the door open. Let's see, we have a very upset toddler who thinks she's going to get hurt in a room she was just moved to... and the nurse leaves the door open. Um, hello?
Our pediatrician referred us to this place, so I thought they would have an inkling of how to work with kids. The doctor wasn't bad, once he finally saw us. He apologized for the wait, saying that it wasn't usual to have a wait like that, especially on a Monday morning. We had the Pumpkin mostly calm by the time he came in, thanks mostly to a pen and paper and the Pumpkin's love of drawing. She was still apprehensive with him and a bit fussy, but mostly she was sick of being cooped up in a room. We were able to answer the doctor's questions and hear what he had to say while bouncing her in our laps or holding her in our arms... but just barely.
They didn't do the scratch or prick test on her, which was good because she never would have sat still for that. We brought our portable DVD player and some DVDs for her in case she did have to have that (Stacy, thanks for that suggestion). Even though we didn't do the test, we put on a show for her while the nurse showed us how to use the EpiPen and we watched a video about living with allergies. It mostly held her attention until we got all the paperwork and information we needed and packed up. Oh, and the nurse did come in and out of the room with paper and other things, and she kept leaving the door open. Drove. Me. Crazy.
I think it would have gone much better if that stupid nurse had any idea of how to deal with a toddler. I seriously could not believe what she said and how she tried to interact with the Pumpkin. This woman was clueless. I'm guessing she either never had kids or had them a long time ago and forgot how to deal with them.
Not only was Londo totally pissed off at that nurse, but he was not that thrilled with the doctor. As I understand it, he was frustrated that the doctor seemed to have his mind made up that she had the peanut allergy without really seeming to investigate whether or not she had it. But as Londo and I discussed after the fact, it was probably because most people who come in already have seen a reaction, so he can start from that point. The reaction I described fit in with an allergic reaction, so he jumped right to that. However, when I realized that Londo and I had different perceptions of what happened, I made sure Londo also described his perception to the doctor. At that point, the doctor did say that instead of just being okay with having the blood test done, he really wanted it to be done to see what it would tell us.
So now I have to go get the Pumpkin's blood taken at some lab. That should be fun. And I'll have to do it by myself because Londo can't take more time off work right now. I will have to leave the Pookie again, which I can't do until I pump more milk. Hopefully I'll be able to pump soon and take her in the next day or two. We really want to know what it will tell us. Even if we get a false positive, it will be something more to go on besides one reaction that we parents perceive differently.
So that's the big news.
(This was also the first time I have gone somewhere without the Pookie. I had pumped 3 ounces of milk a few days ago, and I left the Pookie with the nanny and the pumped milk. They did great. He turned 6 weeks on Sunday. I can't believe people go back to work at this point. I really feel for them. I had trouble being away the 2.5 hours we were gone. Luckily, I have over another month before I go back. But I do hope to get more little breaks as I continue pumping in the next few weeks.)
The appointment itself was very frustrating. And now I'm going to vent.
Being so lively and full of energy, the Pumpkin does not sit still in waiting rooms. We, her parents, know this full well. We also knew that we'd be in a general allergist's office, not one geared toward children. So we let her run around outside the office in the building's hallways, where no one was and she could go up and down stairs to her heart's content. This was all expected, so this was not too frustrating for us. The waiting for over 30 minutes was frustrating, especially considering the appointment was at 9:30 in the morning when I had assumed they wouldn't be too backed up being so early.
Eventually, the nurse called us back to a room. She said our room wasn't ready, but she was bringing us back to another room until our room was ready. So she called us back because... We were uncomfortable in the waiting room? She was happily running around outside the waiting room. We were going to be seen shortly? We waited in the two different rooms for at least another 30 minutes. But whatever.
The nurse took us back to the room. The Pumpkin came back fine and was looking around, taking it all in. She was doing fine. And then, the nurse said, out of nowhere, "Nothing we are doing in this room will hurt."
WHAT? What the heck did she say that for? My daughter has no problems with doctors. She has no problems with new places. She does not anticipate needles or un-comfort with doctors at this point.
Londo and I tried to cover it up by talking quickly about other things and distracting her. However, this nurse said it again! I'm guessing she was trying to be reassuring, but she. was. not.
The Pumpkin started becoming apprehensive. She started getting this nervous look on her face. It didn't take long for her to start crying and needing to be held. Sure enough, the Pumpkin said, "It's gonna hurt!" She said it a few times.
While she was getting pretty upset, we moved on to answer the nurses questions. She kept trying to ask the Pumpkin and engage her, like about how old she is and what our dog's name is. It wasn't helping. We got the nurses questions answered and at the end of that portion, the Pumpkin again said it was going to hurt. And the nurse said (I kid you not), "I wonder why she thinks that!" I. Was. Livid. (On the inside.)
So we waited in this first room for a little while until the same nurse took us to our room, which was now ready. She weighed her and measured her height. The Pumpkin was upset during this, but we got it done. Then the nurse left the room, but left the door open. Let's see, we have a very upset toddler who thinks she's going to get hurt in a room she was just moved to... and the nurse leaves the door open. Um, hello?
Our pediatrician referred us to this place, so I thought they would have an inkling of how to work with kids. The doctor wasn't bad, once he finally saw us. He apologized for the wait, saying that it wasn't usual to have a wait like that, especially on a Monday morning. We had the Pumpkin mostly calm by the time he came in, thanks mostly to a pen and paper and the Pumpkin's love of drawing. She was still apprehensive with him and a bit fussy, but mostly she was sick of being cooped up in a room. We were able to answer the doctor's questions and hear what he had to say while bouncing her in our laps or holding her in our arms... but just barely.
They didn't do the scratch or prick test on her, which was good because she never would have sat still for that. We brought our portable DVD player and some DVDs for her in case she did have to have that (Stacy, thanks for that suggestion). Even though we didn't do the test, we put on a show for her while the nurse showed us how to use the EpiPen and we watched a video about living with allergies. It mostly held her attention until we got all the paperwork and information we needed and packed up. Oh, and the nurse did come in and out of the room with paper and other things, and she kept leaving the door open. Drove. Me. Crazy.
I think it would have gone much better if that stupid nurse had any idea of how to deal with a toddler. I seriously could not believe what she said and how she tried to interact with the Pumpkin. This woman was clueless. I'm guessing she either never had kids or had them a long time ago and forgot how to deal with them.
Not only was Londo totally pissed off at that nurse, but he was not that thrilled with the doctor. As I understand it, he was frustrated that the doctor seemed to have his mind made up that she had the peanut allergy without really seeming to investigate whether or not she had it. But as Londo and I discussed after the fact, it was probably because most people who come in already have seen a reaction, so he can start from that point. The reaction I described fit in with an allergic reaction, so he jumped right to that. However, when I realized that Londo and I had different perceptions of what happened, I made sure Londo also described his perception to the doctor. At that point, the doctor did say that instead of just being okay with having the blood test done, he really wanted it to be done to see what it would tell us.
So now I have to go get the Pumpkin's blood taken at some lab. That should be fun. And I'll have to do it by myself because Londo can't take more time off work right now. I will have to leave the Pookie again, which I can't do until I pump more milk. Hopefully I'll be able to pump soon and take her in the next day or two. We really want to know what it will tell us. Even if we get a false positive, it will be something more to go on besides one reaction that we parents perceive differently.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Allergies, Cops and DC Area Meet Up (Oh, My!)
Because I'm even more oblivious to things than normal, I found out only yesterday that this week is both Food Allergy Awareness Week and National Police Week. These are two topics that mean a lot to me, so I'm going to talk about them a little before I get to the post about the DC Area Meet Up (which looks like it will be 5/23!).
----------------------------
Since it looks like the Pumpkin is allergic to peanuts, awareness of food allergies has become especially important to me. I highly suggest everyone learn at least a little about food allergies, because even if your kids don't have an allergy, one of their friends or familily members might. It's important to understand how to be respectful, informed and considerate of those with food allergies.
I have always thought, what if it was my child who could literally die if she was exposed to ______? Wouldn't I want understanding from others, not just eye rolling and frustration from another parent who can't pack a lunch with, say, peanut butter? Now that it might be (probably is) my child, I really hope that others try to learn a bit about how serious these allergies can be and want to learn to create environments that are safe for ALL children.
I don't yet know much about the food allergy world, but there are other bloggers who do. Please check out some of these other bloggers who know more about this stuff and have links to resources with even more information:
From the Desk of Mama
The Nut-Free Mom Blog
No Whey, Mama
----------------------------
A family member of mine was a police officer in DC for more years than I want to count right now. While I've always been extremely proud of this person and what he has done, it is not easy having a police officer as a family member. (Nor is it easy have a member of the family in the armed services, fire and rescue or so many other dangerous professions that many people just take for granted, but today I'm going to focus on the police force).
You never know when the call might come. If that call comes, you never know how serious it might be. Police officers put their lives on the line every single day. They run into danger while most everyone else is running out. They protect others even if it may cost them their own life. They bring criminals to justice. They search for the truth. They put the wellfare of others and the community in front of their own. Without the police, thing truly would fall into disorder and chaos.
This honorable job with honorable men and women can come at a truly high price. When a police officer falls in the line of duty, the police force and the community they serve suffer. But even more is the family and friends they leave behind.
I have to stop writing about this now, because I'm too emotional to write what should come next. I'll just leave you all with this: If you see a police officer, thank him/her for their service. If you are in the DC Area, there are plenty of police men and women from across the country here this week remembering those who have fallen. Let them know that you appreciate them.
----------------------------
Okay, let's move on to some fun stuff. Crazy, emotional, hormonal pregnant woman needs to not dwell on sad things like children who could die from an allergy or police who have died.
The poll clearly shows that May 23rd is the winning date for a DC Area Get Together. It turns out that weekend is Memorial Day weekend! But since it's a Saturday, I'm guessing the BBQs and other get togethers won't interfer too much with a play group.
Many people have requested an indoor place in case of rain. I agree that this is a good idea, however I am concerned about the crowds on Memorial Day weekend, especially if it is raining. Perhaps if we get to the At Play Cafe early enough we could claim a good spot. I think early is also important for those of us with kids who need an afternoon nap (not that mine will actually nap for me, but I've got to keep trying her). The Play Cafe opens at 9:30 on Saturday, and I believe I could be there then.
Another suggestion a few people had is the National Building Museum (which was also a contender for the last meet up). I know nothing about this place, but it sounds good! It opens at 10 on Saturdays and has free admission. (Don't you love the price of museums in DC?)
I'm also totally game for planning the get together at a park/playground (Stacy suggested a few) and having a back-up rain plan. I'm willing to make the call a day or two prior, but I'm not sure if you all need more specific plans in advance.
So if you are planning or hoping to come, please leave a comment with the following:
1. The fact that you are planning/hoping to come
2. Your name or alias so I can keep track
3. How many kids and adults would come with you (everyone is welcome!)
4. Your location preference
5. If you are okay with meeting in the morning
6. Your feelings on last minute rain decisions
7. Howcrazy awesome I am for attempting this when I'll be in my 9th month of pregnancy
That's all I've got for now, that I know of. I do currently have the memory of a goldfish, and I've always got the tendency to ramble on and on. So there might be something I forgot and lots of things I said that couldn't have been edited. Either way, I'm going to hit Publish Post now!
----------------------------
Since it looks like the Pumpkin is allergic to peanuts, awareness of food allergies has become especially important to me. I highly suggest everyone learn at least a little about food allergies, because even if your kids don't have an allergy, one of their friends or familily members might. It's important to understand how to be respectful, informed and considerate of those with food allergies.
I have always thought, what if it was my child who could literally die if she was exposed to ______? Wouldn't I want understanding from others, not just eye rolling and frustration from another parent who can't pack a lunch with, say, peanut butter? Now that it might be (probably is) my child, I really hope that others try to learn a bit about how serious these allergies can be and want to learn to create environments that are safe for ALL children.
I don't yet know much about the food allergy world, but there are other bloggers who do. Please check out some of these other bloggers who know more about this stuff and have links to resources with even more information:
From the Desk of Mama
The Nut-Free Mom Blog
No Whey, Mama
----------------------------
A family member of mine was a police officer in DC for more years than I want to count right now. While I've always been extremely proud of this person and what he has done, it is not easy having a police officer as a family member. (Nor is it easy have a member of the family in the armed services, fire and rescue or so many other dangerous professions that many people just take for granted, but today I'm going to focus on the police force).
You never know when the call might come. If that call comes, you never know how serious it might be. Police officers put their lives on the line every single day. They run into danger while most everyone else is running out. They protect others even if it may cost them their own life. They bring criminals to justice. They search for the truth. They put the wellfare of others and the community in front of their own. Without the police, thing truly would fall into disorder and chaos.
This honorable job with honorable men and women can come at a truly high price. When a police officer falls in the line of duty, the police force and the community they serve suffer. But even more is the family and friends they leave behind.
I have to stop writing about this now, because I'm too emotional to write what should come next. I'll just leave you all with this: If you see a police officer, thank him/her for their service. If you are in the DC Area, there are plenty of police men and women from across the country here this week remembering those who have fallen. Let them know that you appreciate them.
----------------------------
Okay, let's move on to some fun stuff. Crazy, emotional, hormonal pregnant woman needs to not dwell on sad things like children who could die from an allergy or police who have died.
The poll clearly shows that May 23rd is the winning date for a DC Area Get Together. It turns out that weekend is Memorial Day weekend! But since it's a Saturday, I'm guessing the BBQs and other get togethers won't interfer too much with a play group.
Many people have requested an indoor place in case of rain. I agree that this is a good idea, however I am concerned about the crowds on Memorial Day weekend, especially if it is raining. Perhaps if we get to the At Play Cafe early enough we could claim a good spot. I think early is also important for those of us with kids who need an afternoon nap (not that mine will actually nap for me, but I've got to keep trying her). The Play Cafe opens at 9:30 on Saturday, and I believe I could be there then.
Another suggestion a few people had is the National Building Museum (which was also a contender for the last meet up). I know nothing about this place, but it sounds good! It opens at 10 on Saturdays and has free admission. (Don't you love the price of museums in DC?)
I'm also totally game for planning the get together at a park/playground (Stacy suggested a few) and having a back-up rain plan. I'm willing to make the call a day or two prior, but I'm not sure if you all need more specific plans in advance.
So if you are planning or hoping to come, please leave a comment with the following:
1. The fact that you are planning/hoping to come
2. Your name or alias so I can keep track
3. How many kids and adults would come with you (everyone is welcome!)
4. Your location preference
5. If you are okay with meeting in the morning
6. Your feelings on last minute rain decisions
7. How
That's all I've got for now, that I know of. I do currently have the memory of a goldfish, and I've always got the tendency to ramble on and on. So there might be something I forgot and lots of things I said that couldn't have been edited. Either way, I'm going to hit Publish Post now!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
No Fresh, Hot Peanuts Here
On Sunday, Londo and I decided to try the Pumpkin with a tiny bit of peanut butter to see how she did. We have not exposed her to any nuts since we wanted to wait until we felt she could communicate if there was a problem. She is definitely verbally advanced enough now to communicate issues with us, so we thought we'd go ahead and try her on a weekend afternoon when we would both be there in case things did not go well.
I pulled out some crackers, organic peanut butter and some jelly to fix PBJ crackers for me and told the Pumpkin that I had a snack. She loves the crackers, so she climbed up into her booster seat and asked for some crackers. I gave her some and offered her a little bit of peanut butter on a spoon. She didn't want to try it, so we didn't push. But she always wants to try what I'm eating, so I made myself some PBJ crackers.
She eyed me a little, while eating her crackers. Then she held out her cracker and basically asked to try some peanut butter. So I put just a bit on the cracker. Probably not even a 1/4 of a teaspoon. She had a few bits, then put that cracker down and went back to her regular crackers.
Londo and I watched carefully.
Within a few minutes, she started getting red, splotchy marks at the sides of her mouth. They spread a little. Then another mark appears above her lip. She had stopped eating the crackers, but was chatting away (my little chatter box!) and drinking her water.
I looked at Londo, and he looked at me. We agreed that it appeared she was having a reaction to the peanut butter. Londo thought that the first red splotchy mark was getting a little white in the middle. I cleaned up the snack as thoroughly as possible, especially wiping down all areas that touched peanut butter. Londo asked if I was ready to jump in the car and get to the hospital if we needed. I said I was, but should probably put another shirt on. I waddled up stairs, changed shirts, waddled back down and checked her mouth again.
Still, she seemed fine other than the splotches. I sat next to her at the table, and we colored with crayons. I checked her mouth a few more times, and the splotches were clearing up. Within the hour, they were completely gone.
But they were there. It was definitely a reaction, and the only thing new she tried was the little bit of peanut butter.
The next morning, I called the advice nurse at the pediatricians. She agreed that it sounded like a rash and told me to call and allergist. She said that often the first reaction is mild, but that we shouldn't try her again with peanuts or any nuts because the next reaction would likely not be as mild. Instead, she said to avoid all nuts and nut products (including things cooked in peanut oil and such) until we saw the allergist and got further diagnosis and information.
I'll share my appointment making with the allergist with you, because I thought it was a bit funny. I called one of the numbers the nurse gave me, and the allergist was booked until June. No problem, I said, we can just avoid peanuts and nuts until June. We've already avoided them for two years. So I agreed to an appointment on June 29th.
Then I realized that I was going to have a baby about a week prior to that. There was no way I could make that appointment! I made the appointment for late July instead.
How could I have forgotten that little issue? Ha! All I can say is that I am pretty concerned about this allergy. The Pumpkin has shown no allergies to anything else, and there is not much in the way of food allergies in our families. So this has thrown me for a loop.
Luckily the pre-school we just signed the Pumpkin up for is a nut-free facility and they stressed how they dealt with food allergies. So we can continue our plan to have her start there in the fall.
But I'm sad that it looks like I won't get to share my love of PBJ sandwiches and crackers with her. I'm sad that I just decided that the boy's blog name would be the Peanut, and now I can't in good conscience call him that when it appears the Pumpkin is allergic to peanuts! And most of all, I'm sad that the Pumpkin will have to limit her choices of foods, restaurants, ball parsk and who knows what else because of an allergy. I know it's just an adjustment we'll make, and it's a pretty common allergy so people understand. I just wish she could have and do anything in the world, and is a limitation that I wish she didn't have.
I pulled out some crackers, organic peanut butter and some jelly to fix PBJ crackers for me and told the Pumpkin that I had a snack. She loves the crackers, so she climbed up into her booster seat and asked for some crackers. I gave her some and offered her a little bit of peanut butter on a spoon. She didn't want to try it, so we didn't push. But she always wants to try what I'm eating, so I made myself some PBJ crackers.
She eyed me a little, while eating her crackers. Then she held out her cracker and basically asked to try some peanut butter. So I put just a bit on the cracker. Probably not even a 1/4 of a teaspoon. She had a few bits, then put that cracker down and went back to her regular crackers.
Londo and I watched carefully.
Within a few minutes, she started getting red, splotchy marks at the sides of her mouth. They spread a little. Then another mark appears above her lip. She had stopped eating the crackers, but was chatting away (my little chatter box!) and drinking her water.
I looked at Londo, and he looked at me. We agreed that it appeared she was having a reaction to the peanut butter. Londo thought that the first red splotchy mark was getting a little white in the middle. I cleaned up the snack as thoroughly as possible, especially wiping down all areas that touched peanut butter. Londo asked if I was ready to jump in the car and get to the hospital if we needed. I said I was, but should probably put another shirt on. I waddled up stairs, changed shirts, waddled back down and checked her mouth again.
Still, she seemed fine other than the splotches. I sat next to her at the table, and we colored with crayons. I checked her mouth a few more times, and the splotches were clearing up. Within the hour, they were completely gone.
But they were there. It was definitely a reaction, and the only thing new she tried was the little bit of peanut butter.
The next morning, I called the advice nurse at the pediatricians. She agreed that it sounded like a rash and told me to call and allergist. She said that often the first reaction is mild, but that we shouldn't try her again with peanuts or any nuts because the next reaction would likely not be as mild. Instead, she said to avoid all nuts and nut products (including things cooked in peanut oil and such) until we saw the allergist and got further diagnosis and information.
I'll share my appointment making with the allergist with you, because I thought it was a bit funny. I called one of the numbers the nurse gave me, and the allergist was booked until June. No problem, I said, we can just avoid peanuts and nuts until June. We've already avoided them for two years. So I agreed to an appointment on June 29th.
Then I realized that I was going to have a baby about a week prior to that. There was no way I could make that appointment! I made the appointment for late July instead.
How could I have forgotten that little issue? Ha! All I can say is that I am pretty concerned about this allergy. The Pumpkin has shown no allergies to anything else, and there is not much in the way of food allergies in our families. So this has thrown me for a loop.
Luckily the pre-school we just signed the Pumpkin up for is a nut-free facility and they stressed how they dealt with food allergies. So we can continue our plan to have her start there in the fall.
But I'm sad that it looks like I won't get to share my love of PBJ sandwiches and crackers with her. I'm sad that I just decided that the boy's blog name would be the Peanut, and now I can't in good conscience call him that when it appears the Pumpkin is allergic to peanuts! And most of all, I'm sad that the Pumpkin will have to limit her choices of foods, restaurants, ball parsk and who knows what else because of an allergy. I know it's just an adjustment we'll make, and it's a pretty common allergy so people understand. I just wish she could have and do anything in the world, and is a limitation that I wish she didn't have.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)