Expect the Unexpected

When I wrote earlier today about the Babe's "Allerversary", I knew I was setting my self up for trouble.  Can we say glass half full?  Anyhow, we were finally going to friends' house today.  It has been over a year since the Babe has had a playdate or visit to anyone's house other than family.  We are not intentionally isolating her from the world, its just working out that way.  And today just re-confirmed that for us. 

Our friends live about an hour and half from us, and have been great driving to us when we get together.  In part, they were still settling into their home and concerned about having it safe for the Babe.  We finally were able to pick a date, and off we went.  Ahead of time our friends inquired about safe foods, what to have, and read labels to me.  I was comfortable with the menu, and was not concerned about that aspect of our visit.  However, two separate aspects came into play.  One, they lead a normal life and eat normal food.  They are neat people, but with a young child, you never know what goes where.  That was actually not my greater concern.  They have a cat.  I'm allergic to cats, and we don't know yet about the Babe.  When we got to their house, all seemed fine.  The Babe was having fun with her little friend, the adults got time to visit, and we were going along well. 

The kids ate first, then the adults.  While we ate, the kids sat in an adjacent room, and were bouncing on some upholstered furniture.  All was fine, until it was time to get ready to play outside.  I went to get the Babe's sunscreen from my bag, and when she turned to me, I saw it.  Lots of bright red spots all around her mouth.  Not just one or two.  Immediately got the Benadryl, a wet paper towel, and hustled her outside.  Got her hands and face wiped off, and worked on getting her to take the Benadryl.  Thankfully that was what it took.  After a little bit, the hives eventually went away.  We changed her clothes, let her have a few more minutes of outdoor play, and off we went home. 

Here's the funny, or not-so-funny, part of this.  We all expected this.  No, we didn't intentionally expose her to something hazardous.  We just suspected that no matter the effort, she was bound to react to something.  Unfortunately, she did.  We actually got to spend an entire two hours with them before this occurred.  That was great.  The sad part is we probably won't go back, but happily they will still come to us.  So, if we get to know you, please don't take offense if we don't come to visit.  We are happy to entertain here.