Sunday, July 25, 2010

Highs and Lows of Travel

We've always traveled a certain amount with the Allergy Babe. As she gets older, it becomes more challenging. She's curious, and loves to run. This does not make for a fun time in an airport when there are so many places to explore with food. We wait for our flights watching those around us innocently snacking on foods that could in moments send us to an ER. Once on the plane, I wipe the seat and snack tray down, and we're off for an adventure.

In May we went to Las Vegas for a family trip. We stayed in a time share property just off the strip that had a full kitchen. We tried to stay as close to her schedule as possible, and I continued to cook her every meal. While I wasn't so thrilled to start my trip re-washing a full kitchen's supply of cookware and dishes, the rest of the trip went fairly smooth. By remaining flexible, and not having any major expectations of the trip other than to relax, we had a good time.

Our next trip was a weekend get-away with friends to St. Louis. It was the Babe's first visit to a zoo, and she loved it. She either rode in her stroller or walked/ran through the park. She was oblivious to food around us, only fascinated by the animals. At our hotel we had a small kitchen with only a stove top, no oven. For the first time I made a stove top brisket, and it was excellent. Despite the limited working conditions, it was easy to make, and a new favorite cooking method.

Our last trip didn't go as well. We had not one, but two, ER visits. We needed childcare for a few days. The facility we went to is well respected, and I can only say positive things about it, despite the Babe's reaction. Prior to our arrival we had conversations with the director, discussed needs and issues, and their policies and procedures. When we arrived, it was evident that they took great care of the facility and children. The Babe attended two days, but on the third day we got the call. She had started to rub her left eye, it swelled shut, and she had hives around it. We've never seen this before, so a dose of Benadryl, and we were off to the ER. After a round of steroids, she was fine. A few days later though she developed a virus with bronchial cough. When the inhaler didn't kick in fast enough, and she was clearly having trouble breathing, we were off again to the ER. Now we believe she also has asthma, which is common in children with multiple food allergies and eczema.

If anything, we know we can travel, with limitations. We have moments that are unpleasant or scary, but thankfully keep going.