Its been a while since I've posted anything, but so much has been going on that I don't know if I can narrow this down. First and foremost, the Babe turned three. She is now a big girl...well, to her she is a big girl, to me she's not a toddler anymore. We're distancing ourselves from two- you know, the terrible two's. Not that she doesn't have her moments: to test me, exhaust me, or just plain make me a bit crazy, but that is to be expected.
For a few months now the Babe has been excited about her birthday. In particular, her birthday party. She knew she wanted balloons, cake, candles, and decorations. When anyone asked her what she wanted for her birthday, as in a gift, she would start off by telling them purple. What else, they'd ask? Blue, orange, yellow, indigo, violet. Hmmm, apparently she wanted a colorful birthday.
While we've been invited to a few children's birthday parties, since the Babe's allergies, we haven't attended any. So, the Babe does not know what a children's birthday party is really like. In fact, the first thing everyone noticed at her birthday party was the noise. Our house isn't small, but it suddenly shrunk when you threw in some of her friends, their parents, and our relatives. And the Babe initially didn't like that, but grew to ignore the volume as she ran all over the place with the kids.
There were balloons, some minor decorations, cake and cupcakes, cookies, chips and dip, and fruit. After blowing out her candles and eating cake, I had an activity planned in our basement that was suitable for all ages. I was very proud of it too. The Babe likes to do projects using foam stickies, so I bought colored foam frames, a bunch of various foam stickies (dinosaurs, flower, planes and cars, ladybugs, etc.), and magnetic tape. This is where I was proud of my creativity. The kids could decorate a frame, I'd cut two strips of magnetic tape to apply to the frame's back, and then once they got them home their parents could just tape a picture to the frame, and voila- refrigerator art/picture frame.
Some kids were entertained by the project, others just wanted to play with her toys. So for a while the chaos remained in our basement, while others got to talk in more quieter surroundings upstairs. And then came gift opening time. Up to that point, everything was going along great. But alas, we can never have perfection. The Babe started coughing, and my husband and I warily watched with bated breath, not sure if she was having an allergic reaction to something, or if her asthma was kicking in. We stopped the gift opening, took her away, gave her the inhaler, and waited a few more minutes. We didn't give her Benadryl, but watched her, and let her resume gift opening. After a while she seemed ok, but that meant my husband and I were on allergy watch from that point forward.
She had a fabulous time at her party, and would like another one sometime soon. I am very happy she could enjoy her party, and have some normalcy. However, it was exhausting! I baked, I cleaned, I picked up. I can wait another year to do this again.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Lentil Soup
My husband has been enjoying the lentil soup I made a few weeks back. It made so much that I was able to freeze several portions. My in-laws are visiting, so for today I made a fresh batch for lunch. Now that I've made it a second time, I think it will be added to my repertoire. Its hearty because of the lentils and stew meat, although can be made vegan without the meat. If you make it meatless, it is a very inexpensive meal, with the addition of a fresh loaf of bread.
Lentil Soup
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1-2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1-1.5 lbs stew meat, cut up into thin pieces/slivers
1 tsp garlic powder
1 bay leaf
2 tsp ground ginger
1 Tbsp curry powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 package dried lentils
1 package washed spinach (6-9 oz)
9 1/2 cups water
Salt
1. Saute onions and carrots in oil until softened, about 10 minutes.
2. Add in stew meat, brown.
3. Add garlic, bay leaf, ginger, curry powder, and cumin. Stir. Add water and lentils. Stir.
4. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes.
5. Add in spinach, and gently stir as spinach wilts. Add in salt (about 1-2 tsp). Cook for another 30-45 minutes. Towards end of cooking, taste soup and add salt if necessary. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Lentil Soup
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1-2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1-1.5 lbs stew meat, cut up into thin pieces/slivers
1 tsp garlic powder
1 bay leaf
2 tsp ground ginger
1 Tbsp curry powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 package dried lentils
1 package washed spinach (6-9 oz)
9 1/2 cups water
Salt
1. Saute onions and carrots in oil until softened, about 10 minutes.
2. Add in stew meat, brown.
3. Add garlic, bay leaf, ginger, curry powder, and cumin. Stir. Add water and lentils. Stir.
4. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes.
5. Add in spinach, and gently stir as spinach wilts. Add in salt (about 1-2 tsp). Cook for another 30-45 minutes. Towards end of cooking, taste soup and add salt if necessary. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Black Gold (aka Coffee)
We finally returned to the gym this past week after not going all summer because the childcare program closed for the summer. Its great because the Babe gets to burn off some energy while being around someone other than me all day. I can workout or just sit and read a book. Don't worry, I worked out despite my desire not to. Hopefully this return to exercising will give me a much-needed boost of energy.
Many mornings I drink coffee just to start my day. Most of the time I use the same coffee maker, which uses coffee pods. There isn't much umph to that coffee despite being caffeinated. So, if I'm very tired, I may bring out a different coffee pot. Somehow we have acquired 3 functioning coffee makers, and each serves a different purpose. Our go-to, everyday coffee maker is the single cup maker that uses coffee pods. It taste great, is quick to make, but somehow doesn't have much kick. So when I need a little more umph (aka not much sleep the night before), I go to our other single cup maker that requires a filter and ground coffee. Only that one takes forever to brew a cup, and sometimes you get coffee grinds in your cup. And lastly, coffee maker number three is a more traditional, multi-cup maker that my husband bought a few years ago while out shopping by himself (please note, all coffee makers have been bought by or for my husband...see a trend?). Anyhow, yesterday afternoon I hit an energy slump and decided I needed to bring out the big guns. Out came coffee maker number three, and for 12 oz of coffee that I brewed, I was still alert late into the evening. We had company today so it made sense to keep out the bigger coffee pot. I suspect it may find a long-term home on my counter. So, exercise or caffeine, I should be hopping about here.
Many mornings I drink coffee just to start my day. Most of the time I use the same coffee maker, which uses coffee pods. There isn't much umph to that coffee despite being caffeinated. So, if I'm very tired, I may bring out a different coffee pot. Somehow we have acquired 3 functioning coffee makers, and each serves a different purpose. Our go-to, everyday coffee maker is the single cup maker that uses coffee pods. It taste great, is quick to make, but somehow doesn't have much kick. So when I need a little more umph (aka not much sleep the night before), I go to our other single cup maker that requires a filter and ground coffee. Only that one takes forever to brew a cup, and sometimes you get coffee grinds in your cup. And lastly, coffee maker number three is a more traditional, multi-cup maker that my husband bought a few years ago while out shopping by himself (please note, all coffee makers have been bought by or for my husband...see a trend?). Anyhow, yesterday afternoon I hit an energy slump and decided I needed to bring out the big guns. Out came coffee maker number three, and for 12 oz of coffee that I brewed, I was still alert late into the evening. We had company today so it made sense to keep out the bigger coffee pot. I suspect it may find a long-term home on my counter. So, exercise or caffeine, I should be hopping about here.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Good Morning!
In case you were worried after yesterday's post, I do not need this cup of coffee I'm drinking right now, other than for its warmth. Granted, its early in the day yet, but I got a good night's sleep. It helped that when the Babe woke at 3 a.m., my husband got her from her bed, changed her, and took her into our bed. He's been gone most of the week so wasn't any help with that, but the week prior he didn't get up for her either. So, while I knew what he was doing last night, I was able to just turn over and go back to sleep.
I also just came to the conclusion that the glass of water I keep next to my bed at night is an indicator of how well I sleep. If its fairly full in the morning, it was a good night (like last night). If its mostly empty, that means I had reason to wake frequently and drink from it. Brilliant epiphany, right?
I also just came to the conclusion that the glass of water I keep next to my bed at night is an indicator of how well I sleep. If its fairly full in the morning, it was a good night (like last night). If its mostly empty, that means I had reason to wake frequently and drink from it. Brilliant epiphany, right?
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Counting Down
Less than a week until my in-laws visit. I can't wait. No, that is not sarcasm. Can you hear my sigh of relief? I have had a week of incomplete, unsatisfactory sleep. I feel like I haven't slept in days. My parents dropped by yesterday and even offered to watch the Babe while I napped. Unfortunately, despite being extremely tired, I couldn't sleep. A missed opportunity, although I did try to take advantage of it.
It also didn't help that just before falling asleep last night (eyes shut, almost dreaming), the Babe announced she had to go potty. When it was time to put the diaper back on, she was goofing around, I told her to stand up, and instead of just standing up, she vaulted upright into my lower jaw, forcing lower teeth into upper teeth with my tongue in the middle, resulting in blood and pain on my part. Once we all finally got to sleep, I transferred her to her own bed, only to have her wake at 4 a.m. I went into her bed for 30-45 minutes, then returned to mine, and was out until I blearily noticed my husband getting ready for work this morning. I then set my alarm for an hour later since we had some service people coming. Approximately five minutes later (and after my husband had already left) the doorbell rang. One of the guys was told to come at 7:15 a.m. by his company instead of 9 a.m. So, I am sleep deprived, verging on cranky or angry depending on the moment you catch me. Hence, I cannot wait for my in-laws to visit.
When Papa and Gram come to visit, they usually spend a good chunk of their time on the floor playing with the Babe. I sit back, and enjoy watching them (or wander off to play on the computer or bake something uninterrupted or read a magazine, etc.). While they offer help in many ways, the best is their entertaining the Babe (and vice versa). Generally I try to get up before or at the same time as them to make sure they don't need anything (despite them being perfectly capable of fending for themselves). As of this moment, when all I want to do is sleep, I'm already thinking ahead to sleeping in in a few more days...if I can hold out that long.
It also didn't help that just before falling asleep last night (eyes shut, almost dreaming), the Babe announced she had to go potty. When it was time to put the diaper back on, she was goofing around, I told her to stand up, and instead of just standing up, she vaulted upright into my lower jaw, forcing lower teeth into upper teeth with my tongue in the middle, resulting in blood and pain on my part. Once we all finally got to sleep, I transferred her to her own bed, only to have her wake at 4 a.m. I went into her bed for 30-45 minutes, then returned to mine, and was out until I blearily noticed my husband getting ready for work this morning. I then set my alarm for an hour later since we had some service people coming. Approximately five minutes later (and after my husband had already left) the doorbell rang. One of the guys was told to come at 7:15 a.m. by his company instead of 9 a.m. So, I am sleep deprived, verging on cranky or angry depending on the moment you catch me. Hence, I cannot wait for my in-laws to visit.
When Papa and Gram come to visit, they usually spend a good chunk of their time on the floor playing with the Babe. I sit back, and enjoy watching them (or wander off to play on the computer or bake something uninterrupted or read a magazine, etc.). While they offer help in many ways, the best is their entertaining the Babe (and vice versa). Generally I try to get up before or at the same time as them to make sure they don't need anything (despite them being perfectly capable of fending for themselves). As of this moment, when all I want to do is sleep, I'm already thinking ahead to sleeping in in a few more days...if I can hold out that long.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Another Resource
Last night I went out all by myself. No, not a date or a girls night out. I attended a meeting of MOCHA, which is Mothers of Children Having Allergies. Its an Illinois based group, and I found out about it while looking some other stuff up last week. Its a great resource, and they meet every other month. Last night they had two physicians from Children's Memorial Hospital of Chicago present the latest in food allergy research.
Due to traffic, I got there just before the meeting started. I didn't have enough time to look at all the resources they had out, but they had a ton of informative flyers from other organizations, as well as a sampling of books related to living with allergies, cooking, and children's books. I sat next to a very nice man (the only one there initially), and we compared notes about our allergic children. There were probably at least thirty others there, including a few who work in the allergy clinic at Childrens.
The lecture itself was informative. They elaborated on a few studies regarding heated egg and milk studies, as well as some oral nut desensitization studies. While the studies were based on small test groups (not addressed during the lecture), there is some positive research in this growing field. It also sounds like there is a much larger study in progress regarding a Chinese herbal formula that may have some positive medicinal results. Unfortunately though any drug application would probably be in the distant future.
The meeting was valuable both on a social and educational level. While I was aware of some of these studies' results, it was good to be able to get more detailed answers on some of the findings and what went into the research. As for the group itself, its a place where I can meet other parents with similar experiences, as well as a group with extensive knowledge and resources pertaining to food allergies. This is what I've been looking for, and happy to have found it.
Due to traffic, I got there just before the meeting started. I didn't have enough time to look at all the resources they had out, but they had a ton of informative flyers from other organizations, as well as a sampling of books related to living with allergies, cooking, and children's books. I sat next to a very nice man (the only one there initially), and we compared notes about our allergic children. There were probably at least thirty others there, including a few who work in the allergy clinic at Childrens.
The lecture itself was informative. They elaborated on a few studies regarding heated egg and milk studies, as well as some oral nut desensitization studies. While the studies were based on small test groups (not addressed during the lecture), there is some positive research in this growing field. It also sounds like there is a much larger study in progress regarding a Chinese herbal formula that may have some positive medicinal results. Unfortunately though any drug application would probably be in the distant future.
The meeting was valuable both on a social and educational level. While I was aware of some of these studies' results, it was good to be able to get more detailed answers on some of the findings and what went into the research. As for the group itself, its a place where I can meet other parents with similar experiences, as well as a group with extensive knowledge and resources pertaining to food allergies. This is what I've been looking for, and happy to have found it.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Pizza Night
I definitely have been baking more lately. This week I made faux peanut butter cookies, wheat-free chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chip muffins (this morning), and a loaf of bread in my bread machine (yesterday). So today my husband asked if we could try making pizza. As soon as the Babe heard that, she was on board. She's been asking for pizza every so often. Since I had fake mozzarella cheese in my fridge and a pizza dough crust mix in my pantry, how could I say no? Well, when I finally realized I wanted to say no, it was too late, so I went ahead with it.
The pizza crust mix is by Bob's Red Mill. I used ground flax seed instead of eggs, but otherwise followed the instructions. Once it came time to spreading it out on the baking sheet, it had a kind of funny texture, not a tight dough. I had to wet my hands frequently to spread it across, but got it to fill the sheet. On top, I added jarred marinara, some fresh basil from my sister's garden, and topped it with Teese Vegan Mozzarella Cheese. The Babe was very excited and wanted it right away. Of course, the cheese trapped in heat, so we tried to get her to wait a bit, but she still ate it when it was hot. Overall, not bad. Granted, I wouldn't serve it to company, but we'll probably do it again. It was definitely better than my prior attempt with Bisquick and Daiya, and this fake cheese has not caused me any stomach pains. Next time I'll add some Italian seasoning to the dough, but otherwise I think we have a new treat. The Babe definitely enjoyed it. It was great to see her enjoy her mini pieces of pizza, especially as she's not a big sauce person. She kept asking for more cheese too. I'm hoping one day I can fulfill that request with the real thing, but in the meantime, we've got a nice alternative.
The pizza crust mix is by Bob's Red Mill. I used ground flax seed instead of eggs, but otherwise followed the instructions. Once it came time to spreading it out on the baking sheet, it had a kind of funny texture, not a tight dough. I had to wet my hands frequently to spread it across, but got it to fill the sheet. On top, I added jarred marinara, some fresh basil from my sister's garden, and topped it with Teese Vegan Mozzarella Cheese. The Babe was very excited and wanted it right away. Of course, the cheese trapped in heat, so we tried to get her to wait a bit, but she still ate it when it was hot. Overall, not bad. Granted, I wouldn't serve it to company, but we'll probably do it again. It was definitely better than my prior attempt with Bisquick and Daiya, and this fake cheese has not caused me any stomach pains. Next time I'll add some Italian seasoning to the dough, but otherwise I think we have a new treat. The Babe definitely enjoyed it. It was great to see her enjoy her mini pieces of pizza, especially as she's not a big sauce person. She kept asking for more cheese too. I'm hoping one day I can fulfill that request with the real thing, but in the meantime, we've got a nice alternative.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Reasons to Stay Vigilant
I've posted before about how we have to read labels on everything to make sure none of the Babe's allergens are in food or home products. Well here are two prime examples of why we need to remain vigilant.
The Babe has beautiful curls halfway down her back. Well, some are halfway, and some are tightly kinked up in one big knot at the back of her head. She doesn't like her hair combed or brushed, and won't let me try to use a detangler (although I'm afraid to try any new chemical). Well a friend who is a former hair stylist suggested applying some hair conditioner, and letting it sit, then try to pick out the tangles. Here's the reason we need to stay vigilant. I found a children's hair care brand online sold at a major beauty retailer. I emailed the company, listed the Babe's allergens, and asked if the detangler or conditioner had it in them. I'm not seeking any trade secrets, so figured its better to tell them the ingredients and let them say yes or no. Well, they were very nice in their reply, but their products contain wheat and gluten. Hence, we won't be using their product. She said to check back in a year, because they are looking into changing their ingredients due to allergies. As I said, very nice company, just sorry we can't use their product.
Here's the worst example of the two. This information was posted on a few sites, include the Facebook page, "Kids With Food Allergies". Apparently one major store's house brand children's ibuprofen has listed on its label that its gluten free. That's great. What's not great is that on the list of actual drug ingredients, the very last ingredient is whey protein concentrate. Whey is a milk derivative. Milk is a potentially lethal ingredient for my child. Hence, if I didn't read labels or became aware of labels like this, we'd be in the ER for simply treating a fever with a reputable pharmaceutical. So, if you think I'm crazy because I worry about wearing hand lotion or what might be in a children's vitamin, I hope you realize I'm really not.
The Babe has beautiful curls halfway down her back. Well, some are halfway, and some are tightly kinked up in one big knot at the back of her head. She doesn't like her hair combed or brushed, and won't let me try to use a detangler (although I'm afraid to try any new chemical). Well a friend who is a former hair stylist suggested applying some hair conditioner, and letting it sit, then try to pick out the tangles. Here's the reason we need to stay vigilant. I found a children's hair care brand online sold at a major beauty retailer. I emailed the company, listed the Babe's allergens, and asked if the detangler or conditioner had it in them. I'm not seeking any trade secrets, so figured its better to tell them the ingredients and let them say yes or no. Well, they were very nice in their reply, but their products contain wheat and gluten. Hence, we won't be using their product. She said to check back in a year, because they are looking into changing their ingredients due to allergies. As I said, very nice company, just sorry we can't use their product.
Here's the worst example of the two. This information was posted on a few sites, include the Facebook page, "Kids With Food Allergies". Apparently one major store's house brand children's ibuprofen has listed on its label that its gluten free. That's great. What's not great is that on the list of actual drug ingredients, the very last ingredient is whey protein concentrate. Whey is a milk derivative. Milk is a potentially lethal ingredient for my child. Hence, if I didn't read labels or became aware of labels like this, we'd be in the ER for simply treating a fever with a reputable pharmaceutical. So, if you think I'm crazy because I worry about wearing hand lotion or what might be in a children's vitamin, I hope you realize I'm really not.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Ode to a Kitchen Appliance
Woe is me! I had to throw out an appliance. That was after I had to throw out an entire pot of soup that I was really looking forward to. I've been recollecting a wonderful soup I had years ago while having lunch out with my mother. It was some kind of creamy pea soup. Trying to find a recipe for it online, it may have be an English Pea Soup. It was green, creamy, flavorful, and probably one of the best things I've had in a restaurant. So I decided to attempt something of the sort tonight. I sauteed leeks and onions, threw in chicken stock, frozen green peas, and some diced potato. It was coming along, and just needed to be pureed. I didn't know why I kept hearing some crunching noises. The potatoes should have been cooked through. I sampled, and it needed to be creamed some more. More crunching noises. Alas, the plastic petals surrounding the blade on my immersion blender had somehow cracked, and one was gone and another half off. As I was not making puree of plastic soup for dinner, bye-bye to the pot of green soup that resembled baby food. I don't think my husband is too upset at this loss (other than the waste of time and money). Fear not, for I shall replace the stick blender very soon and will attempt this once more.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Use the Other One
Lately the Babe has had some funny or surprising comments that have required immediate phone calls to my husband at work or her grandparents because they must be shared as soon as possible. This morning has already required such a call.
She was watching an episode of Phineas and Ferb, and saying her leg was broken (She likes to jump heartily to the opening title sequence). So after a while, we were ready to move to the kitchen table for something to eat. Since her leg was bothering her, I gave her a piggy back ride to the table. Once there, she again repeated her tale of woe, that her leg was broken. I sympathetically told her that I guess we couldn't play any soccer later. She immediately replied, "Well, I can kick the ball with my other leg." Great problem solving!
She was watching an episode of Phineas and Ferb, and saying her leg was broken (She likes to jump heartily to the opening title sequence). So after a while, we were ready to move to the kitchen table for something to eat. Since her leg was bothering her, I gave her a piggy back ride to the table. Once there, she again repeated her tale of woe, that her leg was broken. I sympathetically told her that I guess we couldn't play any soccer later. She immediately replied, "Well, I can kick the ball with my other leg." Great problem solving!
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