Yes, you're getting two posts in one night. This one is more about food. We had a lovely visit with my in-laws, who for some reason after ten days at our house actually wanted to go home. Could it be the exhaustion caused by a demanding three-year-old, or the lack of eggs and bread? Nah, they just wanted to get back to some things at home.
When they come to visit, I try to plan out meals and/or snacks since there are many staples in their diets they can't have in our house due to the Babe's allergies, and the fact that I keep kosher. Granted, they do get out on their own when they visit, and can eat out as often as they want. However, they spend most of the time with us. We arranged two nights to have our sitter come so the four of us could enjoy a meal out, and they got out for a lunch or two. Otherwise, they ate at home.
Mornings are probably the biggest challenge. My in-laws aren't the biggest of breakfast eaters, and when they do have breakfast at home, its usually eggs. When they're here, I try to make pancakes at least a few of the mornings. Before the Babe outgrew her rice allergy, I made GF pancakes from scratch. Now, I usually make it using GF Bisquick mix. I personally like the mix flavor over the other recipe I used. However, this morning I was running short on Bisquick, and a new recipe was born. I think I have a good substitute for the GF Bisquick now.
Gluten-Free Pancakes
1 1/2 C Brown Rice Flour
1/2 C Potato Starch
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp xanthan gum
1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 stick Earth Balance Buttery Spread
1 Tbsp ground flax seed meal
1 1/2 C Enriched Vanilla Soymilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Additional margarine for cooking.
1. Combine rice flour, potato starch, baking powder, xanthan gum, salt, and sugar.
2. Blend in the margarine with a fork (crumbling the dry ingredients).
3. In a separate bowl, combine 1 tbsp flax seed meal with 3 tbsp water. Let sit for 3-5 minutes.
4. To the dry ingredient mix, add the soymilk, flax seed, and vanilla. Mix well. It may have small lumps from the margarine.
5. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat, melt some margarine. Make the pancakes by the tablespoon full (or however you like to cook your pancakes). Enjoy!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Agenda
This month has flown by. A lot has actually happened in a short time. My in-laws came for a visit last week Tuesday, and just left today. They came with an agenda. Well, they came to spend quality time with the Babe and us. But they also came with a plan. Their goal was to fix a few things, such as the remaining hurdle for potty training, as well as the fact that the Babe was sleeping most nights in bed with me, forcing my husband out of our bed. Well, the potty training issue actually solved itself. As I previously mentioned, all it took was a little quiet time with our sitter, and voila! That issue seems to be taken care of.
The other issue really just took some consistency and a schedule. Bedtime prior to my in-laws visits involved her watching t.v. in our room, falling asleep way too late, then either sleeping the rest of the night in our bed, or being moved to hers, then her somehow finding her way into our room in the middle of the night.
Two things curbed the bedtime problem. First was getting the Babe to actually stay in her bed all night long. My child who doesn't seem to bend to bribing has suddenly found an interest in coins and her piggy bank. I told her one night that if she stayed in her bed all night while Papa and Gram were here, she'd get a quarter in the morning. That first morning she woke up, and barely awake announced that she'd slept in her bed all night and wanted money for her piggy bank. Well, she's getting rich, but its worth it. The second element of improving bedtime involved getting her to bed at a more reasonable time. My in-laws offered to watch the Babe while we got away for two nights. During that time, they got the Babe to bed at the same time each night. We are continuing what they started. Its great that she's staying in her bed all night long. The only negative is when she wakes in the middle of the night she wants to snuggle in her bed with me. It was easier when I didn't have to get out of bed, but eventually this to shall pass.
The other issue really just took some consistency and a schedule. Bedtime prior to my in-laws visits involved her watching t.v. in our room, falling asleep way too late, then either sleeping the rest of the night in our bed, or being moved to hers, then her somehow finding her way into our room in the middle of the night.
Two things curbed the bedtime problem. First was getting the Babe to actually stay in her bed all night long. My child who doesn't seem to bend to bribing has suddenly found an interest in coins and her piggy bank. I told her one night that if she stayed in her bed all night while Papa and Gram were here, she'd get a quarter in the morning. That first morning she woke up, and barely awake announced that she'd slept in her bed all night and wanted money for her piggy bank. Well, she's getting rich, but its worth it. The second element of improving bedtime involved getting her to bed at a more reasonable time. My in-laws offered to watch the Babe while we got away for two nights. During that time, they got the Babe to bed at the same time each night. We are continuing what they started. Its great that she's staying in her bed all night long. The only negative is when she wakes in the middle of the night she wants to snuggle in her bed with me. It was easier when I didn't have to get out of bed, but eventually this to shall pass.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Success
My little one is advanced in many areas. Somehow though she refuses to poop on the potty. As previously mentioned, there have been numerous attempts at bribes, but she hasn't taken the bait. I don't want to cause irreparable harm or emotional distress, so I haven't tried to force her. When asked why she won't try, she says she'll do it when she's older, when she's 5. Ahem- NO! However, she's only three so for now I'm not yet doing anything other then repeatedly offering the option to her (asking, begging, not quite yet pleading). However, with my in-laws coming to visit, she was repeatedly told that when Papa came she'd have to do it.
Well, they arrived Tuesday and there was no need to go, so no problem. However, yesterday the need arose and she refused. Papa let her know she broke her promise, but she still wanted a diaper. Later the four adults went out to dinner while our regular sitter watched the Babe. The Babe had fallen asleep just before we left, so I let the sitter know to give her an hour and then wake her. When we arrived home there was big news. The Babe did it! It didn't take bribes or any other manipulation other than all the adults to leave the house. Ok, the sitter is an adult, but she's also a playmate in the Babe's perspective. I'm guessing the Babe felt less threatened when her sitter gently pushed her to use the potty (with diaper in hand).
So, we'll see how the next few days go. She's already received a reward for what she did. She knows another promised reward is coming. Hopefully, the only thing left to do is cut out liquids before bedtime and then we're done with diapers.
Well, they arrived Tuesday and there was no need to go, so no problem. However, yesterday the need arose and she refused. Papa let her know she broke her promise, but she still wanted a diaper. Later the four adults went out to dinner while our regular sitter watched the Babe. The Babe had fallen asleep just before we left, so I let the sitter know to give her an hour and then wake her. When we arrived home there was big news. The Babe did it! It didn't take bribes or any other manipulation other than all the adults to leave the house. Ok, the sitter is an adult, but she's also a playmate in the Babe's perspective. I'm guessing the Babe felt less threatened when her sitter gently pushed her to use the potty (with diaper in hand).
So, we'll see how the next few days go. She's already received a reward for what she did. She knows another promised reward is coming. Hopefully, the only thing left to do is cut out liquids before bedtime and then we're done with diapers.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Really Demanding
I'm often amazed by the things the Babe says. Sometimes just because of how she might repeat a very grown up phrase in (or out of) context, other times just by her analytical skills. Here are two examples.
The other day I took her to the grocery store. I have been riding the fence as to whether to take her into one anymore. Its very stressful lately, and she doesn't follow directions all the time. So, we went to the store, I tried to stay calm, and she did really well. She stayed with me, didn't touch the conveyor belt checking out, and overall cooperated. So when we got to the car, I told her how she was such a good girl. Her response? "Mommy, you're really demanding!" No idea why she said it or where she heard that phrase. I laughed and asked where she got that from. "Auntie Melissa!" Hmmm...no, my sister did not tell her that. Considering any phone call the Babe has is on speaker phone, I think I would have remembered that too. Anyhow, she repeated it at least six more times during our five minute ride home, laughing each time.
Her other comment that impressed me for a different reason arose out of her desire to play outside. It was a bright, sunny day with frigid temperatures and biting wind. After earlier telling her it was too cold to play outside, she casually asked what games we were going to play outside now (as if we were about to wander out). I told her again why we couldn't, but she really wanted to. So I told her if the temperature was under 32 degrees, it would be too cold to play outside. I pulled out my Ipod, looked up the current temperature on the Weather Station, and told her it was 30 degrees out so we couldn't go outside. Her response? "Its 36 degrees, so we can go outside". Why did this impress me? Because she understood the concept of greater or less than= if the temperature was less than 32 she couldn't have something, but if it was greater than 32 she could. She also has been counting up to 30, so the fact that she figured out the numbers for this little math challenge was also impressive to me.
The other day I took her to the grocery store. I have been riding the fence as to whether to take her into one anymore. Its very stressful lately, and she doesn't follow directions all the time. So, we went to the store, I tried to stay calm, and she did really well. She stayed with me, didn't touch the conveyor belt checking out, and overall cooperated. So when we got to the car, I told her how she was such a good girl. Her response? "Mommy, you're really demanding!" No idea why she said it or where she heard that phrase. I laughed and asked where she got that from. "Auntie Melissa!" Hmmm...no, my sister did not tell her that. Considering any phone call the Babe has is on speaker phone, I think I would have remembered that too. Anyhow, she repeated it at least six more times during our five minute ride home, laughing each time.
Her other comment that impressed me for a different reason arose out of her desire to play outside. It was a bright, sunny day with frigid temperatures and biting wind. After earlier telling her it was too cold to play outside, she casually asked what games we were going to play outside now (as if we were about to wander out). I told her again why we couldn't, but she really wanted to. So I told her if the temperature was under 32 degrees, it would be too cold to play outside. I pulled out my Ipod, looked up the current temperature on the Weather Station, and told her it was 30 degrees out so we couldn't go outside. Her response? "Its 36 degrees, so we can go outside". Why did this impress me? Because she understood the concept of greater or less than= if the temperature was less than 32 she couldn't have something, but if it was greater than 32 she could. She also has been counting up to 30, so the fact that she figured out the numbers for this little math challenge was also impressive to me.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Drip Drop
It has become a challenge to take a shower daily. No, I'm not becoming one of the unwashed. However, once upon a time I enjoyed and preferred to take a hot shower every day. Now, courtesy of the Babe, I squeeze one in every other day, and am only super lucky if its two days in a row. Oh, what I wouldn't give for a long, hot shower without interruption. That luxury can only occur during the weekends.
The shower is only part of the luxury, its the without interruption part that I would like. I generally will put on the television in my bedroom, and the Babe lounges in my bed while I take a shower. I leave the master bathroom door open so I can hear her while I try to get in a five-minute-or-less shower. Although her favorite show might be on, generally I hear her calling for me. This requires turning off the water, and opening the door to find out if something is wrong. Nope, generally something is so funny or so urgent that she has to share the latest on t.v. On occasion, she will even go so far as to walk into the bathroom to get my attention, only to tell me Caillou or Elmo did something silly.
Today she was playing with blocks in my room. She didn't ask for t.v., and I figured I might have a shot at that shower. Got in, and within a minute (after being totally submerged), she cried out that the t.v. wasn't on. That required me to get out of my hot steamy shower to go turn on the t.v. dripping wet. After returning to my shower, she kept calling out laughing, requiring at least one additional time turning off of the water.
When she was an infant, I had no problem getting in a daily shower. I couldn't understand why my other friends who were new mothers had trouble. Until she started climbing, I could put her in her bassinet or bouncy seat, and know she was both content and safe. Our last home had a shower with clear glass walls, so that also made it easier. Now she's mobile and demanding, always wanting to share everything with me. I love that she wants me, but sometimes I could use a few minutes alone.
The shower is only part of the luxury, its the without interruption part that I would like. I generally will put on the television in my bedroom, and the Babe lounges in my bed while I take a shower. I leave the master bathroom door open so I can hear her while I try to get in a five-minute-or-less shower. Although her favorite show might be on, generally I hear her calling for me. This requires turning off the water, and opening the door to find out if something is wrong. Nope, generally something is so funny or so urgent that she has to share the latest on t.v. On occasion, she will even go so far as to walk into the bathroom to get my attention, only to tell me Caillou or Elmo did something silly.
Today she was playing with blocks in my room. She didn't ask for t.v., and I figured I might have a shot at that shower. Got in, and within a minute (after being totally submerged), she cried out that the t.v. wasn't on. That required me to get out of my hot steamy shower to go turn on the t.v. dripping wet. After returning to my shower, she kept calling out laughing, requiring at least one additional time turning off of the water.
When she was an infant, I had no problem getting in a daily shower. I couldn't understand why my other friends who were new mothers had trouble. Until she started climbing, I could put her in her bassinet or bouncy seat, and know she was both content and safe. Our last home had a shower with clear glass walls, so that also made it easier. Now she's mobile and demanding, always wanting to share everything with me. I love that she wants me, but sometimes I could use a few minutes alone.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Whooosh!
Whoosh and a jump about 3 feet high. What would that be? The automatic toilet flushing in a public restroom and my startled little one.
Let me back up a bit. We're still working on potty training. We have reached the point where diapers are not needed when we go out (only for bedtime, and to do something she still refuses to do on the toilet), and the Babe has used a public restroom. She was very excited by that, so now whenever we go out she tells us how she's going to use that store's bathroom when we go (whatever store we might be going to). Her first experience was at a Kohl's a few weeks back, second time last week at Target. She makes sure to tell everyone that she just went pee pee. Most people get a laugh at it.
Last night we went to visit my parents, who are about an hour drive from our home. En route she announced she needed to use the bathroom. Uh oh. We had options of places to stop, but she wanted to go potty at Grandma and Grandpa's. She actually was able to wait over a half hour after her announcement (we kept asking if she wanted us to stop). So, of course on the way home she made the same announcement, except she couldn't wait. We stopped a little over mid-way home at a hotel. As I held her while she sat on the toilet, I looked straight into the mechanical eye of the automatic flush and realized, oops, I should have covered that with some paper. I then warned the Babe that the toilet might flush on its own. That warning had no meaning, as seconds later it went off, and the Babe shot up. Its hard to hold a child dangling over a toilet while laughing, but it can be done. Anyhow, we finished up, and she made sure she announced to the young guy standing outside the restroom of her success.
No harm done. She's already announced that she's going to use the potty at the store later today. I just wish this wasn't part of the entertainment.
Let me back up a bit. We're still working on potty training. We have reached the point where diapers are not needed when we go out (only for bedtime, and to do something she still refuses to do on the toilet), and the Babe has used a public restroom. She was very excited by that, so now whenever we go out she tells us how she's going to use that store's bathroom when we go (whatever store we might be going to). Her first experience was at a Kohl's a few weeks back, second time last week at Target. She makes sure to tell everyone that she just went pee pee. Most people get a laugh at it.
Last night we went to visit my parents, who are about an hour drive from our home. En route she announced she needed to use the bathroom. Uh oh. We had options of places to stop, but she wanted to go potty at Grandma and Grandpa's. She actually was able to wait over a half hour after her announcement (we kept asking if she wanted us to stop). So, of course on the way home she made the same announcement, except she couldn't wait. We stopped a little over mid-way home at a hotel. As I held her while she sat on the toilet, I looked straight into the mechanical eye of the automatic flush and realized, oops, I should have covered that with some paper. I then warned the Babe that the toilet might flush on its own. That warning had no meaning, as seconds later it went off, and the Babe shot up. Its hard to hold a child dangling over a toilet while laughing, but it can be done. Anyhow, we finished up, and she made sure she announced to the young guy standing outside the restroom of her success.
No harm done. She's already announced that she's going to use the potty at the store later today. I just wish this wasn't part of the entertainment.
Friday, December 9, 2011
The Art of a Joke
Recently the Babe learned the art of telling knock-knock jokes. Ok, its a work in progress, but she's highly amused by them (especially the one's that make absolutely no sense). Tonight, she has been enjoying telling this one:
"Knock-Knock.
Who's there?
Don't you have a doorbell?"
Hahahaha!
"Knock-Knock.
Who's there?
Don't you have a doorbell?"
Hahahaha!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Sweet Treat
I know we went to the dentist yesterday, but today I had to make a treat. It had to be simple and sweet. So I made these faux peanut butter crispy things. Its doubtful the Babe will eat any (she somehow doesn't have much of a sweet tooth), but I certainly will. I cannot take credit for the recipe, but have no idea of its source as my Mother passed it on to me, origin unknown to her as well. The first time I made them, it kind of reminded me of those old Whatchamacallit candy bars (I think that was the name). Anyhow, they're so tasty, I'll share the recipe.
Peanutty Crispy Treats
1 C sugar
1/2 C corn syrup
2 C sunflower seed butter or peanut butter
4 C GF Rice Krispies
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and corn syrup until boiling. Remove from heat, stir in the sunflower seed butter. Then stir in the cereal. Poor in a large, wax paper lined casserole dish or baking dish. Refrigerate 15-30 minutes, then cut into bars. Return to refrigerate to cool.
*Eat whenever you want, but usually tastes even better on the second day.
**I suspect my mother would be upset with me if I did not to suggest to drizzle some melted chocolate on top. But shh, I didn't do it with today's batch.
Peanutty Crispy Treats
1 C sugar
1/2 C corn syrup
2 C sunflower seed butter or peanut butter
4 C GF Rice Krispies
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and corn syrup until boiling. Remove from heat, stir in the sunflower seed butter. Then stir in the cereal. Poor in a large, wax paper lined casserole dish or baking dish. Refrigerate 15-30 minutes, then cut into bars. Return to refrigerate to cool.
*Eat whenever you want, but usually tastes even better on the second day.
**I suspect my mother would be upset with me if I did not to suggest to drizzle some melted chocolate on top. But shh, I didn't do it with today's batch.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Dental Visit
The Babe had her very first dental visit today. We saw a pediatric dentist our pediatrician recommended. I informed them ahead of time about the Babe's allergies, and reminded them once in the office. For me, the stressful part of the visit was how the Babe would handle any of the cleaners, not the actual procedure. While crying and screaming may be embarrassing, I can live with that.
Anyhow, the Babe wanted to play with the toys in the office. Since I doubt most people eat in a dentist's office, I wasn't concerned about that. However, once in the exam room, that's all she wanted to do was play. She then was afraid of the chair and the tools. Easing her into it wasn't working. So, I was given an option- hold her tight or they could use a papoose. Thinking it was a simple cloth thing, I o.k.'d the papoose. Turns out its a back board with soft sides that cross over. I held her hands, but she was restrained. That made me feel bad, however, it had to be done. She cried and screamed, but the dentist got her teeth cleaned. It didn't seem to phase the dentist or tech (which is why I was happy to see a pediatric dentist rather than a regular one). The dentist said it was great that the Babe is strong-willed, and will serve her well later in life. The front desk person and tech also commented on the same. Gee, that makes me feel great when she's fighting us on routine things, but glad her stubbornness will pay off later. Actually, glad they could find the positive in it, too.
After she was all done, the Babe got two toothbrushes and picked a toy ring as her prize. The dentist asked for a hug, which was nice, until we got to the front of the office. That's when the Babe had some hives pop out on the upper part of both cheeks. Either the scrub top irritated her face, or something on it caused a contact reaction. I washed her cheeks off, watched for a bit, and the hives eventually went away. Go figure that it wasn't the pumice paste used to clean her teeth but a simple hug that triggered the reaction. Life with an allergic child requires constant watching. Nothing can be simple, not even a hug.
Anyhow, the Babe wanted to play with the toys in the office. Since I doubt most people eat in a dentist's office, I wasn't concerned about that. However, once in the exam room, that's all she wanted to do was play. She then was afraid of the chair and the tools. Easing her into it wasn't working. So, I was given an option- hold her tight or they could use a papoose. Thinking it was a simple cloth thing, I o.k.'d the papoose. Turns out its a back board with soft sides that cross over. I held her hands, but she was restrained. That made me feel bad, however, it had to be done. She cried and screamed, but the dentist got her teeth cleaned. It didn't seem to phase the dentist or tech (which is why I was happy to see a pediatric dentist rather than a regular one). The dentist said it was great that the Babe is strong-willed, and will serve her well later in life. The front desk person and tech also commented on the same. Gee, that makes me feel great when she's fighting us on routine things, but glad her stubbornness will pay off later. Actually, glad they could find the positive in it, too.
After she was all done, the Babe got two toothbrushes and picked a toy ring as her prize. The dentist asked for a hug, which was nice, until we got to the front of the office. That's when the Babe had some hives pop out on the upper part of both cheeks. Either the scrub top irritated her face, or something on it caused a contact reaction. I washed her cheeks off, watched for a bit, and the hives eventually went away. Go figure that it wasn't the pumice paste used to clean her teeth but a simple hug that triggered the reaction. Life with an allergic child requires constant watching. Nothing can be simple, not even a hug.
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