I must have looked like a crazy, obsessive person to the casual observer. No one probably even noticed. I'm the lady who wiped down the playground equipment with a wet wipe. That's right, I did it! And no, it wasn't the minute we got to the park.
We went to a local playground around 10:30 a.m., and someone was already set up at a set of tables across the park for a kids' party. I hoped it was too early for anyone to eat, because I knew there was no way the Babe would be willing to leave as soon as she saw the slide. There were two sets of equipment, one clearly for older kids, so again I had hope. The Babe had the little kid set to herself off and on, as the party goers ran around like a wild mob hopping on and off all the equipment. Another toddler with his mother (his older brother was attending the party) joined us after a while. All was fine, until he ambled over to the distant tables for a snack. Ahh, he only came back with some tortilla chips, which should have been fine. I wasn't so lucky the next time he went when I could see something orange grasped in one hand. Clearly it was a chip or cracker with some cheesy flavoring. Alas, time to go. But the Babe didn't sense the dire urgency or me telling her time to go. Bribes weren't working. I had hoped to have a normal outing, but had to tell the other mother why out of the blue I was trying to flee the scene. She apologized (not her fault), and she tried to brush her son's hands off. Well, that won't work. Only washing will remove the problem. However, in light of not getting my child out of there peacefully, I wiped everything down. Not the perfect solution, but I hovered and things worked out.
Now I know, if we ever go back to the playground it will have to be super early. The reason I don't want to return was more due to her resistance to leave (45 minutes in the car before in her carseat) than the hazards of the playground.
The key though is to come prepared. I always have wipes and her meds on me. I also happened to have packed some freshly baked cookies in case we ran into some friends, which we did. This averted anyone eating a snack they may have brought that wasn't safe for us to be around. Having a food allergic child may remove any spontaneity, but at least we can still try to have fun (with lots of hovering!).
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Millet Salad
Millet is a non-glutinous grain that I haven't cooked in a long while. Granted, its not like the Babe will even eat it. However, my pantry is overflowing with pasta and other grains, so time to use what I've got.
Millet is a small grain that becomes sticky like rice or can be made into cereal. It has a slightly nutty flavor, and has some protein in it, not quite as much as quinoa. Yesterday I made a new side dish with it that could also be made into a main dish if you add a protein to it (like chicken, chickpeas, whatever). I suggest making the millet and the green beans in advance since it takes a long time for millet to cool.
And as for the Babe, when she saw me taste test it, she immediately said she liked it and wanted to try some too. I gave her a pinch of it. She immediately turned up her nose and began spitting, requesting water. Well, guess the positive side is she at least tried it.
Millet Salad
1 Cup uncooked millet
Green beans (cooked comes to about 1+ cup)
Grape tomatoes (about 12 cut in half)
1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
2 Tbsp White Wine Vinegar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried thyme
1/3 cup olive or vegetable oil
zest of 1 lemon (optional)
1. Cook millet according to package directions. Generally, rinse 1 cup in cold water, add to 3 cups cold water. Bring water to a boil, lower heat and cover. Cook for 30 minutes. Then remove from pan and cool.
2. Wash and prepare green beans, cut into 1- 1 1/2 inch pieces, cook.
3. Combine mustard, vinegar, salt and thyme. If using lemon zest, add now. Then stream in oil while whisking or rapidly stirring with a fork. Continue to whisk/stir together until fully blended.
4. Combine cooled millet, green beans and tomatoes. Then add dressing and serve.
* The millet will absorb a lot of the dressing. You may want to make extra dressing if its too mild.
Millet is a small grain that becomes sticky like rice or can be made into cereal. It has a slightly nutty flavor, and has some protein in it, not quite as much as quinoa. Yesterday I made a new side dish with it that could also be made into a main dish if you add a protein to it (like chicken, chickpeas, whatever). I suggest making the millet and the green beans in advance since it takes a long time for millet to cool.
And as for the Babe, when she saw me taste test it, she immediately said she liked it and wanted to try some too. I gave her a pinch of it. She immediately turned up her nose and began spitting, requesting water. Well, guess the positive side is she at least tried it.
Millet Salad
1 Cup uncooked millet
Green beans (cooked comes to about 1+ cup)
Grape tomatoes (about 12 cut in half)
1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
2 Tbsp White Wine Vinegar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried thyme
1/3 cup olive or vegetable oil
zest of 1 lemon (optional)
1. Cook millet according to package directions. Generally, rinse 1 cup in cold water, add to 3 cups cold water. Bring water to a boil, lower heat and cover. Cook for 30 minutes. Then remove from pan and cool.
2. Wash and prepare green beans, cut into 1- 1 1/2 inch pieces, cook.
3. Combine mustard, vinegar, salt and thyme. If using lemon zest, add now. Then stream in oil while whisking or rapidly stirring with a fork. Continue to whisk/stir together until fully blended.
4. Combine cooled millet, green beans and tomatoes. Then add dressing and serve.
* The millet will absorb a lot of the dressing. You may want to make extra dressing if its too mild.
Laundry Day
With a load of sheets in my arms, the Babe and I started down the stairs so I could go throw them in the washing machine. I told her what I was going to do, and she asked me, "Did I pee on them?" No. "Did you pee on them?" No. "Daddy?" No. They just need to be washed. Guess she doesn't realize that things get laundered around here without her assistance.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Paranoia
I got my haircut yesterday. When I came home, my husband didn't have a clue. I repeatedly told him, showed him the layers I had added, and he still didn't believe me. Not sure whether I should find that funny or be annoyed. Obviously it couldn't have been a bad haircut, because he would have definitely noticed that.
Anyhow, that's not the point here. I didn't plan to get this done, but got tired of looking so blah. When the stylist started, she opted to cut my hair dry, but added some kind of hair product before she began her work. I had a passing thought about it, but didn't pay much attention. However, when I got home, I couldn't stop thinking about it, wondering what was in the product. It was clear, probably mostly made of alcohol, but without reading labels I couldn't be sure if there was an allergen in it. The Babe kept grabbing my hair, and I kept backing away, so clearly I needed to wash my hair. So while I usually like to keep a new hairstyle untouched for 24 hours to enjoy the "just styled" look, I hopped in the shower 20 minutes after getting home.
Hand lotions, creams, cosmetics, and soaps do not have to have the same warning labels as food required by the FDA. So while there are many different ingredients with 20+ letter chemical names, without calling the manufacturer, I can never be 100% sure what is in those products. I don't have the time, energy, or care to find out, so I opt not to use those questionable products. I also am cautious about wearing make-up that is apparently "safe" around the Babe, just in case. Between lack of sleep and lack of make-up, I'm tempted to sign up for a make-over show. In the meantime, I continue to read labels, avoid lipstick and hand cream around the Babe (reasons why my hands will show my age before any other part of my body), and try not to be overly paranoid about something rubbing off on the Babe. However, the paranoia cannot be avoided. Once that thought that there might be an allergen around, its hard to shut it off. And listen to those warnings, because they mean something. Hence, when in doubt, wash it out!
Anyhow, that's not the point here. I didn't plan to get this done, but got tired of looking so blah. When the stylist started, she opted to cut my hair dry, but added some kind of hair product before she began her work. I had a passing thought about it, but didn't pay much attention. However, when I got home, I couldn't stop thinking about it, wondering what was in the product. It was clear, probably mostly made of alcohol, but without reading labels I couldn't be sure if there was an allergen in it. The Babe kept grabbing my hair, and I kept backing away, so clearly I needed to wash my hair. So while I usually like to keep a new hairstyle untouched for 24 hours to enjoy the "just styled" look, I hopped in the shower 20 minutes after getting home.
Hand lotions, creams, cosmetics, and soaps do not have to have the same warning labels as food required by the FDA. So while there are many different ingredients with 20+ letter chemical names, without calling the manufacturer, I can never be 100% sure what is in those products. I don't have the time, energy, or care to find out, so I opt not to use those questionable products. I also am cautious about wearing make-up that is apparently "safe" around the Babe, just in case. Between lack of sleep and lack of make-up, I'm tempted to sign up for a make-over show. In the meantime, I continue to read labels, avoid lipstick and hand cream around the Babe (reasons why my hands will show my age before any other part of my body), and try not to be overly paranoid about something rubbing off on the Babe. However, the paranoia cannot be avoided. Once that thought that there might be an allergen around, its hard to shut it off. And listen to those warnings, because they mean something. Hence, when in doubt, wash it out!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Bad Rumor
Pretty soon the Babe will begin thinking her other name is Miss Independent. Ok, I only call her that in my head. Her latest trick is wanting to climb into the car by herself, and then her carseat. That's great, except I drive a SUV. I stand behind her to make sure she doesn't fall backwards, and give her the gentle nudge to boost her. But don't even think of picking her up, cause then you have to take her out so she can do it all over again.
I'm hearing disturbing rumors. Say it isn't so- the Terrible Two's don't end at two. Oh no! I was holding out hope, but apparently a switch doesn't flip when she turns three. However, I do hear it gets better. I'll take that and go with it. I still have some time till three, so we'll work on it. However, the pouty, foot stomping has increased in the past few days probably due to needing naps. We haven't had many in the past few weeks, and by late afternoon there is a clear change in personality. So today she is napping. I think its time for me to have one too.
I'm hearing disturbing rumors. Say it isn't so- the Terrible Two's don't end at two. Oh no! I was holding out hope, but apparently a switch doesn't flip when she turns three. However, I do hear it gets better. I'll take that and go with it. I still have some time till three, so we'll work on it. However, the pouty, foot stomping has increased in the past few days probably due to needing naps. We haven't had many in the past few weeks, and by late afternoon there is a clear change in personality. So today she is napping. I think its time for me to have one too.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sandwich on a Stick
Getting the Babe to eat new foods is a big challenge. She's also not big on breakfast; she'd rather have a few juice boxes instead. So this morning when I offered her toast, she jumped on the idea. Then she asked if she could have a sandwich, with turkey, pickles and cheese on it. Well, I don't have pickles (and doubt she'd like them even if I could get them gluten free). And I certainly don't have cheese. But I do have turkey. So she had bread with margarine, and a slice or two of turkey in the middle...making her a turkey sandwich. And she ate it- I have the pictures to prove it. Well, she ate it as a sandwich to start. Then she took one piece of bread off, stabbed the other piece of bread with turkey, and basically had a sandwich on a stick. Doesn't matter, because she ate.
Monday, June 20, 2011
You Stink!
Most children learn by mirroring or mimicking what is around them. That's how babies learn to smile back at adults, because we generally spend a lot of time smiling at them. The same goes for aspects of language. Hence, have to remember when there are little ears nearby.
When the Babe has a dirty diaper, we may laughingly tell her she stinks. So she in turn thinks its hilarious to make the same comment if there are certain odors in the air, not that that happens in our house! Anyhow, while waiting in line to board the plane today, certain odors were emanating nearby (source unknown). As soon as the Babe noticed it, she immediately looked at me and said, "You stink!" I quickly responded that it was not me, but someone else. Believe me, it wasn't me. There is no way I would repeat this story otherwise, as I would have been mortified. Instead, I tried to make it clear that it was not me, and tried to get her to stop saying that. Thankfully the line started moving, and we were able to board the plane.
And now we are home! For those with their own allergy-babes, flying is a bit of roulette. The Babe has flown often, and thankfully we have had no incidents. I wipe everything off around us with wipes. I have learned to wipe the seatbelt and the armrest, especially after one flight when she decided to taste them. While that is beyond disgusting to someone without food allergies, multiply the experience when you have to worry what food microbes might be lingering. I tell the flight crew when we board a plane that we have a child with food allergies and we carry an epi-pen. Most take it seriously and are solicitous, some just stare at us blankly. Today I had great service both at the gate when I tried to move our seats so no one would be adjacent to us (from a 3 seat side to 2 seat), as well as the stewardesses on board who were happy to note as we left that there were no problems. So today's travel experience was a plus, and the only thing that stank about it, well, it wasn't us!
When the Babe has a dirty diaper, we may laughingly tell her she stinks. So she in turn thinks its hilarious to make the same comment if there are certain odors in the air, not that that happens in our house! Anyhow, while waiting in line to board the plane today, certain odors were emanating nearby (source unknown). As soon as the Babe noticed it, she immediately looked at me and said, "You stink!" I quickly responded that it was not me, but someone else. Believe me, it wasn't me. There is no way I would repeat this story otherwise, as I would have been mortified. Instead, I tried to make it clear that it was not me, and tried to get her to stop saying that. Thankfully the line started moving, and we were able to board the plane.
And now we are home! For those with their own allergy-babes, flying is a bit of roulette. The Babe has flown often, and thankfully we have had no incidents. I wipe everything off around us with wipes. I have learned to wipe the seatbelt and the armrest, especially after one flight when she decided to taste them. While that is beyond disgusting to someone without food allergies, multiply the experience when you have to worry what food microbes might be lingering. I tell the flight crew when we board a plane that we have a child with food allergies and we carry an epi-pen. Most take it seriously and are solicitous, some just stare at us blankly. Today I had great service both at the gate when I tried to move our seats so no one would be adjacent to us (from a 3 seat side to 2 seat), as well as the stewardesses on board who were happy to note as we left that there were no problems. So today's travel experience was a plus, and the only thing that stank about it, well, it wasn't us!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Thirsty Girl
The Peeing Bandit strikes again. We had almost made it through this trip without any leaking diapers. 14 days, one to go, and voila. Naptime did it. Now the sheets and mattress pad are in the wash.
In other news, I asked the Babe earlier what was one of the first things she wanted to when we get home. No hesitation on her part, she responded, "I'm going to build a tower, watch my shows, have a sippy, have a big bird (juice box), and have a glass of water." She must be very thirsty to need all those beverages! In addition, she can have and do all those things in our current location. But I guess there's just no place like home.
In other news, I asked the Babe earlier what was one of the first things she wanted to when we get home. No hesitation on her part, she responded, "I'm going to build a tower, watch my shows, have a sippy, have a big bird (juice box), and have a glass of water." She must be very thirsty to need all those beverages! In addition, she can have and do all those things in our current location. But I guess there's just no place like home.
Packing
We will be heading home soon, but for now are still with my in-laws. The trip that was to last 9 days turned into 2 weeks due to the Babe getting sick. During the course of this trip we have dealt with a wound that has taken too long to heal, minor skin irritations, and of course, asthmatic bronchitis. We have found out the Babe is not allergic to Hydrogen Peroxide, Neosporin, or Neutrogena Baby sunscreen. We have reconfirmed that she hates Prednisolone, an oral steroid. Despite all this, the Babe has gotten to enjoy time with her grandparents, and playing in the pool.
This is why when I pack for a trip, I need to plan for what if. What if we get delayed, and what if she gets sick. This is the first trip that I can recall that I did not travel with a thermometer. Looks like I learned my lesson! At least I had everything else I needed (Tylenol, inhaler, Neosporin, etc.). I wanted to pack one more item, but opted not to. I wanted to take a couple teaspoons of xanthan gum in my suitcase. You're wondering what that is and why would I need it? Xanthan gum is a key ingredient to gluten free baking, a necessity for textural reasons. I figured if I did any baking I'd need it. Its sold in a large bag, costs about $10, and you only need about a teaspoon at a time. Rather than buy it for nominal baking, I figured I could pack some away. But I didn't know what TSA would think if they found a little ziplock baggie in my luggage with a white powdery substance in it. How many people travel with xanthan gum? I doubt most TSA agents (or anyone for that matter) even know what xanthan gum is. So I opted to leave it at home, and do without. I attempted to bake without it- that's right, getting wild here and breaking all the rules! I made cookies a few time, and each time they came out a little differently. They weren't bad from a taste perspective, but texturally not sure. When I get home I'll try them one more time and then post my results. In the meantime, hoping no more surprises on this trip, and wishing everyone a Happy Father's Day!
This is why when I pack for a trip, I need to plan for what if. What if we get delayed, and what if she gets sick. This is the first trip that I can recall that I did not travel with a thermometer. Looks like I learned my lesson! At least I had everything else I needed (Tylenol, inhaler, Neosporin, etc.). I wanted to pack one more item, but opted not to. I wanted to take a couple teaspoons of xanthan gum in my suitcase. You're wondering what that is and why would I need it? Xanthan gum is a key ingredient to gluten free baking, a necessity for textural reasons. I figured if I did any baking I'd need it. Its sold in a large bag, costs about $10, and you only need about a teaspoon at a time. Rather than buy it for nominal baking, I figured I could pack some away. But I didn't know what TSA would think if they found a little ziplock baggie in my luggage with a white powdery substance in it. How many people travel with xanthan gum? I doubt most TSA agents (or anyone for that matter) even know what xanthan gum is. So I opted to leave it at home, and do without. I attempted to bake without it- that's right, getting wild here and breaking all the rules! I made cookies a few time, and each time they came out a little differently. They weren't bad from a taste perspective, but texturally not sure. When I get home I'll try them one more time and then post my results. In the meantime, hoping no more surprises on this trip, and wishing everyone a Happy Father's Day!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Business of Medicine
Before we head home, we had to take the Babe to see a physician for a follow-up and flight clearance following her ER visit. Since we're out of town, we opted to take her to a walk-in clinic. All we needed was someone to look in her ears and listen to her chest. Well, before you could even sneeze, the doctor was freaking out about possible liability. That would be because my husband opened with us needing a letter for the airlines to o.k. her for flying. Rather than this is a follow-up to an ER visit to confirm her improvement, apparently knowing we needed a doctor's note from a doctor, the physician immediately went into legal issues. If that scared him, wonder how he would have reacted if I told him I'm a lawyer. I think we would have been shown the door.
Anyways, after repeatedly telling him that we didn't expect him to address her being able to fly due to her food allergies, and all we needed was him to say that she appeared to be improving, he finally looked at her. And by look at her, briefly listen to her chest and look in her ears. Oh, wait, isn't that what we thought he needed to do? And when he was just about out the door, I asked how her ears looked and if he heard any of the bronchitis in her lungs. Then he told us she seemed fine. Gee, how much will be charged for this hostile medical visit with the guy with no bedside manner? We should have gotten the hint when the waiting room had a lovely article laminated on wood regarding the founder of this practice and how he has an M.D. and M.B.A. Guess if you see the business side of the medical practice you don't see the humanity in it either.
Anyways, after repeatedly telling him that we didn't expect him to address her being able to fly due to her food allergies, and all we needed was him to say that she appeared to be improving, he finally looked at her. And by look at her, briefly listen to her chest and look in her ears. Oh, wait, isn't that what we thought he needed to do? And when he was just about out the door, I asked how her ears looked and if he heard any of the bronchitis in her lungs. Then he told us she seemed fine. Gee, how much will be charged for this hostile medical visit with the guy with no bedside manner? We should have gotten the hint when the waiting room had a lovely article laminated on wood regarding the founder of this practice and how he has an M.D. and M.B.A. Guess if you see the business side of the medical practice you don't see the humanity in it either.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Say (Soy) Cheese!
Growing up, if my sister or I had a doctor's visit, as incentive to behave we were promised a "good-girl prize" after the appointment. It generally was something small, like jacks or a coloring book. Even if we weren't little angels, we still usually got something.
The Babe probably doesn't even realize why she's getting a treat sometimes, but especially after an unpleasant medical visit we try to get her something. So after being in the ER the other day, she definitely deserved something. While in the ER, the physician had a small little toy camera on a key chain that you could push a button and trigger a flash. She loved this. When I went to pick up her prescription and saw a toy camera that was the size of my real one, pink all over, with Disney princesses on it, I made sure to get it for her.
When I finally remembered to give it to her, she was thrilled. She lined us all up so she could take a group picture. My husband, in-laws, and myself were sitting on the floor, smiling for the camera, while she happily took our "pictures". The funny part is that this camera has little princess sayings when you push the button. So when she took my father-in-law's picture, it told him he was, "as pretty as a princess".
She's been carrying her camera around now for a few days, taking pictures of everything. We may have a budding photographer on our hands. Get ready to say cheese!
The Babe probably doesn't even realize why she's getting a treat sometimes, but especially after an unpleasant medical visit we try to get her something. So after being in the ER the other day, she definitely deserved something. While in the ER, the physician had a small little toy camera on a key chain that you could push a button and trigger a flash. She loved this. When I went to pick up her prescription and saw a toy camera that was the size of my real one, pink all over, with Disney princesses on it, I made sure to get it for her.
When I finally remembered to give it to her, she was thrilled. She lined us all up so she could take a group picture. My husband, in-laws, and myself were sitting on the floor, smiling for the camera, while she happily took our "pictures". The funny part is that this camera has little princess sayings when you push the button. So when she took my father-in-law's picture, it told him he was, "as pretty as a princess".
She's been carrying her camera around now for a few days, taking pictures of everything. We may have a budding photographer on our hands. Get ready to say cheese!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Out of the Mouths of Babes
She can say the cutest things, or she can totally embarrass us (and still be cute). While driving from Fort Lauderdale back to Sarasota, we had to go through a couple toll booths. We don't know if they heard the little voice from the backseat ask as my husband paid the toll, "I need some money," "can I have some money", "I want money". This was not a heist, just a little girl who for some reason thought they were handing out coins, rather than the reverse. Don't know where she got that idea, but we certainly weren't encouraging it.
Today my mother-in-law and I took the Babe to the big pool in their subdivision. There was an older couple at one end of the pool. We were there mere seconds when the Babe asked us what they were talking about. I have many nicknames for the Babe, including Nosy Nelly. Several times she repeated her question. Thankfully, she didn't direct the question to them, although they probably would have just laughed.
Fortunately, any lack of tact can be blamed on age. Who can resist my little blondie? Most of the time she's polite, saying thank you and excuse me. I'm proud when she does it without any prodding. Of course, everything in life is balanced, and just watch out, because you never know what else will come out of that sweet little mouth.
Today my mother-in-law and I took the Babe to the big pool in their subdivision. There was an older couple at one end of the pool. We were there mere seconds when the Babe asked us what they were talking about. I have many nicknames for the Babe, including Nosy Nelly. Several times she repeated her question. Thankfully, she didn't direct the question to them, although they probably would have just laughed.
Fortunately, any lack of tact can be blamed on age. Who can resist my little blondie? Most of the time she's polite, saying thank you and excuse me. I'm proud when she does it without any prodding. Of course, everything in life is balanced, and just watch out, because you never know what else will come out of that sweet little mouth.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Paradise Lost
At the start of our trip, before even flying, the Babe indicated she wanted to go home. She had been looking forward to seeing Papa and Gram for weeks, if not months, before our trip. I don't know if she knew what was ahead, but even while having fun throughout her visit, she kept asking to go home. Our trip has been extended for the reasons below. Now its my turn to say it... I want to go home! We have re-confirmed, there is no such thing as a vacation with our Allergy Babe.
We had a lovely first part to our trip, spending time at my in-laws. The Babe had tons of fun with her grandparents, the toys that are at their house, and going swimming. We have minimal concerns regarding her allergies while with them. However, cue soundtrack of doom- dun, dun, dun- we went somewhere else from there. OK, that's not how we approached the second tail of our trip. We were continuing on to south Florida to spend time at the beach in Fort Lauderdale (or the nice pool at the hotel), and visit my husband's grandparents. Our hotel was gorgeous, and the Babe enjoyed the pool there, as well as visiting her great-grandparents. However, on day 1 of our stay, after spending several hours with family (including dinner prepared by my husband and myself), we found ourselves almost in an ER. We left their building, got the Babe in the car, and I gave her a sippy cup she had been using earlier in the day. Due to lack of communication, my husband thought she was done with it and put it on a plastic grocery bag in the car. There was some liquid left in it, so I gave it to her, not realizing that the bags were in his grandparents fridge and may have touched something unsafe for the Babe. Within a minute of being in the car, she started to cough. I thought it was the heavy humidity since it had rained earlier. My husband thought she was having a problem. By the time we got to the main road leaving their development (another minute), her coughing had progressively gotten worse. We pulled into a lot across the street, gave her Benadryl and her inhaler, and waited. Within minutes she was fine. Signs of a reaction. Lets just say the rest of the night I could have used a strong drink, but she was fine and we averted a worse situation.
However, while we avoided a full blown response, we did wind up in the ER two days later. The Babe developed a cold overnight with a bronchial cough. We made it through the first day just fine, treating her with her inhaler and children's Tylenol. However, as with all colds and children, it worsened over the next night, such that she was breathing more rapidly. Just before 7 a.m., we decided to take her to the hospital. The Babe agreed, wanting to see a doctor, a sure sign she was sick. So off we went to Broward General Hospital in Fort Lauderdale. For all the negative press Florida hospitals get, we can only say good things about our experience. This particular hospital actually has a children's ER. That was a very pleasant surprise. The ER physician was spectacular. He clearly is in the right field, and is wonderful with children. While the treatment was familiar to us (breathing treatment + steroid), the Babe was not too happy. Even worse was that at the outset, the physician indicated there was a 50-50 chance she would be admitted because of the extent of her respiratory distress. Thankfully, she responded well to the course of treatment, and after a few hours we got to leave. Later that night, back at my in-laws, we attempted to give her more steroids as prescribed. My husband got his first experience of being puked on by a child.
The brighter side of all this....let me think a moment....the Babe slept most of the night, and seems to be better. We get a few more days with my in-laws. We can attempt a do-over regarding our vacation. Ok, strike that last part. We will not use that word. We will attempt to relax and enjoy the moment. And now, time to wake up the Babe and start over.
We had a lovely first part to our trip, spending time at my in-laws. The Babe had tons of fun with her grandparents, the toys that are at their house, and going swimming. We have minimal concerns regarding her allergies while with them. However, cue soundtrack of doom- dun, dun, dun- we went somewhere else from there. OK, that's not how we approached the second tail of our trip. We were continuing on to south Florida to spend time at the beach in Fort Lauderdale (or the nice pool at the hotel), and visit my husband's grandparents. Our hotel was gorgeous, and the Babe enjoyed the pool there, as well as visiting her great-grandparents. However, on day 1 of our stay, after spending several hours with family (including dinner prepared by my husband and myself), we found ourselves almost in an ER. We left their building, got the Babe in the car, and I gave her a sippy cup she had been using earlier in the day. Due to lack of communication, my husband thought she was done with it and put it on a plastic grocery bag in the car. There was some liquid left in it, so I gave it to her, not realizing that the bags were in his grandparents fridge and may have touched something unsafe for the Babe. Within a minute of being in the car, she started to cough. I thought it was the heavy humidity since it had rained earlier. My husband thought she was having a problem. By the time we got to the main road leaving their development (another minute), her coughing had progressively gotten worse. We pulled into a lot across the street, gave her Benadryl and her inhaler, and waited. Within minutes she was fine. Signs of a reaction. Lets just say the rest of the night I could have used a strong drink, but she was fine and we averted a worse situation.
However, while we avoided a full blown response, we did wind up in the ER two days later. The Babe developed a cold overnight with a bronchial cough. We made it through the first day just fine, treating her with her inhaler and children's Tylenol. However, as with all colds and children, it worsened over the next night, such that she was breathing more rapidly. Just before 7 a.m., we decided to take her to the hospital. The Babe agreed, wanting to see a doctor, a sure sign she was sick. So off we went to Broward General Hospital in Fort Lauderdale. For all the negative press Florida hospitals get, we can only say good things about our experience. This particular hospital actually has a children's ER. That was a very pleasant surprise. The ER physician was spectacular. He clearly is in the right field, and is wonderful with children. While the treatment was familiar to us (breathing treatment + steroid), the Babe was not too happy. Even worse was that at the outset, the physician indicated there was a 50-50 chance she would be admitted because of the extent of her respiratory distress. Thankfully, she responded well to the course of treatment, and after a few hours we got to leave. Later that night, back at my in-laws, we attempted to give her more steroids as prescribed. My husband got his first experience of being puked on by a child.
The brighter side of all this....let me think a moment....the Babe slept most of the night, and seems to be better. We get a few more days with my in-laws. We can attempt a do-over regarding our vacation. Ok, strike that last part. We will not use that word. We will attempt to relax and enjoy the moment. And now, time to wake up the Babe and start over.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Normal with a touch of Irony
While we try to lead as normal a life as possible, there are still a lot of things that we miss out on. There are wonderful activities and places to go, if they only didn't serve or allow food. We try not to dwell on this too often, but when we get to do something "normal" with the Babe, its a reason to celebrate. And throughout whatever we are experiencing at that time, we remind ourselves how great it is to do something "normal".
While visiting Papa and Gram, we took the Babe to Mote Marine Aquarium in Sarasota, FL. The irony is that the Babe is allergic to fish. Well, at her last allergy test, she was tested for cod fish and shell fish, and came up positive for cod. The other irony is shell fish is not kosher, so I would not intentionally feed my child this anyways, but apparently for allergy reasons it would be ok (still not going to give it to her). The allergist instructed us to avoid all finned fish, as they would be related to the cod. We could test this on a case by case, or fish by fish, basis, but are just avoiding them all.
Well, its not like we were going to eat the fish at the Aquarium, or lick the glass (yuck!), so it was a safe activity. They did offer some sensory exhibits that allowed for touching some fish, like de-barbed stingrays. We obviously avoided those, because who knows what could happen. The Babe though LOVED this place. She went from exhibit to exhibit having a blast looking at the variety of fish and other marine life. She enjoyed having Daddy pick her up to get a better look, and the look of joy and excitement on her face was wonderful. It was great to spend an hour with her, sharing her wonder, and not having to worry about what if. Since no food or drink was allowed in the exhibition areas, it was fairly safe for her. And we got to do a normal family activity with her. Yippee!
While visiting Papa and Gram, we took the Babe to Mote Marine Aquarium in Sarasota, FL. The irony is that the Babe is allergic to fish. Well, at her last allergy test, she was tested for cod fish and shell fish, and came up positive for cod. The other irony is shell fish is not kosher, so I would not intentionally feed my child this anyways, but apparently for allergy reasons it would be ok (still not going to give it to her). The allergist instructed us to avoid all finned fish, as they would be related to the cod. We could test this on a case by case, or fish by fish, basis, but are just avoiding them all.
Well, its not like we were going to eat the fish at the Aquarium, or lick the glass (yuck!), so it was a safe activity. They did offer some sensory exhibits that allowed for touching some fish, like de-barbed stingrays. We obviously avoided those, because who knows what could happen. The Babe though LOVED this place. She went from exhibit to exhibit having a blast looking at the variety of fish and other marine life. She enjoyed having Daddy pick her up to get a better look, and the look of joy and excitement on her face was wonderful. It was great to spend an hour with her, sharing her wonder, and not having to worry about what if. Since no food or drink was allowed in the exhibition areas, it was fairly safe for her. And we got to do a normal family activity with her. Yippee!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Fraidy Cat
While visiting my in-laws, my little one at times turns into a Fraidy Cat. This started at the holidays last winter right after we arrived. They live in Florida, and just outside the front door is a fake frog that ribbits when you pass it. This completely scared the Babe last winter, such that even after it was removed, she would hesitate fearfully before reaching the threshold. When we recently arrived, she again warned of the frog. No need to worry, for her grandparents anticipated this and removed it before our arrival. She still mentions it when entering their house through the front door. Just like her grandmother, she has the memory of an elephant (no, that is not an insult, as my mother-in-law will you tell you that too).
The Babe loves water, and while visiting Papa and Gram, enjoyed their pool as well as the beach. They had an intertube for her with leg holders, so you just pop her in it and not need to worry about her slipping through. At first sight she didn't want to go in, crying she was scared. Between my husband and I, we got her in under protest. No, this was not a new form of water torture. We knew it would be fun for her, and sure enough, within seconds she realized how great it was. This was freedom for her in the pool, not to have to be carried by someone. She could push against the water with her arms and move around. So, while her first response might be to tell us she's scared, experience tells us to hold on, you might just like it!
The Babe loves water, and while visiting Papa and Gram, enjoyed their pool as well as the beach. They had an intertube for her with leg holders, so you just pop her in it and not need to worry about her slipping through. At first sight she didn't want to go in, crying she was scared. Between my husband and I, we got her in under protest. No, this was not a new form of water torture. We knew it would be fun for her, and sure enough, within seconds she realized how great it was. This was freedom for her in the pool, not to have to be carried by someone. She could push against the water with her arms and move around. So, while her first response might be to tell us she's scared, experience tells us to hold on, you might just like it!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Technology
I love technology...most days. I don't want to make a blanket statement I'll regret later when something doesn't work or I can't figure it out. However, all these little gizmos and gadgets do make our lives better, most of the time. In particular, when I've had to take the Babe to the surgeon's or allergist's office, their building has WI-FI. This means that if I bring my IPOD with, I can stream Netflix, pulling up videos for the Babe to watch. For those who don't have a clue what I've just written, the Babe can watch Caillou, Kipper, and all her other little friends, at the tap of a screen.
What did we ever do without this technology? Oh, that's right, be told repeatedly to be patient, or to color or read a book. Hmmm. Presently the Babe is watching t.v. with her father, but just before that we had a cozy little time sitting in a chair together reading a book. That was special, and definitely a time not to be missed. So, while I love technology, I need to remember to tune in to my child, and spend that extra time playing silly made-up games that do not require batteries or instruction manuals or a foreign language to figure out. Because we can watch as many movies and shows as we want over a lifetime, but I'll never get back this time when she wants to pretend to be a kitten and rub her cheek against mine (currently, my favorite thing!).
What did we ever do without this technology? Oh, that's right, be told repeatedly to be patient, or to color or read a book. Hmmm. Presently the Babe is watching t.v. with her father, but just before that we had a cozy little time sitting in a chair together reading a book. That was special, and definitely a time not to be missed. So, while I love technology, I need to remember to tune in to my child, and spend that extra time playing silly made-up games that do not require batteries or instruction manuals or a foreign language to figure out. Because we can watch as many movies and shows as we want over a lifetime, but I'll never get back this time when she wants to pretend to be a kitten and rub her cheek against mine (currently, my favorite thing!).
Friday, June 3, 2011
A Brand New Day
What a difference a day makes! By 9 p.m., things were much better here yesterday. I did get out to run some errands...by myself and with no cell phone. The lack of a cell phone was because I just got a new one and it was charging. When I got home, I immediately grabbed a Mike's Hard Lemonade from the outside fridge, and it did its job!
FYI- Mike's Hard Lemonade is a malt beverage. While we keep our house allergy free, the one exception is liquor. Malt beverages and beer are generally made from barley and hops, or wheat, both of which she is allergic to. Obviously this is not something the Babe is drinking, and we're cautious with it. After I drank it, I did brush my teeth. That one drink calmed me down for the night, and today we had a fresh start.
FYI- Mike's Hard Lemonade is a malt beverage. While we keep our house allergy free, the one exception is liquor. Malt beverages and beer are generally made from barley and hops, or wheat, both of which she is allergic to. Obviously this is not something the Babe is drinking, and we're cautious with it. After I drank it, I did brush my teeth. That one drink calmed me down for the night, and today we had a fresh start.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Need a little Wine with my Whine
Today is just one of those days where things haven't quite been in sync. It started with a trip to the ENT/surgeon for the Babe. We've had a few post-surgical issues with healing that have required some follow-up. His office is 28 miles from the house. In normal traffic, we get there in about 30 minutes. Today, due to added congestion plus an accident, from our house to checking in at his office, 60 minutes. That meant we were twenty minutes late. I hate being late, and try my best to be on time for physicians. I know how easy it is to screw up a whole day's schedule with one late person. So being this late is a stressor for me. Once we got there, we had to wait, which was only fair based on the circumstances. The physician and his PA spent a good amount of time with us, explaining a few things. For the most part, we could have been done in five minutes, but for some reason they seemed happy to linger. Afterwards, while waiting to schedule a follow-up appointment, the Babe wanted to play with the toys in the waiting room. That was fine, until it was time to go. Apparently I have the only child who wants to stay at the doctor's office. Finally I had to carry her out. Oh, the joys of walking through a Children's Hospital carrying a crying and screaming child. We were the only ones leaving the hospital likes this. Kind of embarrassing, but just sucked it up and kept moving. She kept crying that she wanted to go back to the doctor.
Part Two of the fun-filled morning was trying to get her into the carseat. Part of it was spent forcibly trying to get her into her seat without hurting either of us, and then temporarily giving up and waiting her out while she threw a fit on the opposite side of the car. I sat in the passenger seat a good 15-20 minutes waiting her out at one point. Negotiations did not work. Threats did not work. Silence did not work. On top of this, I was supposed to meet old friends for lunch. So while I was trying to stay calm while she carried on, I had to cancel the sitter and my plans. Granted, the stand-off would have, and did, eventually end. However, my sitter had to get to another job by a certain time, and between traffic to home, then to the lunch locale, and eventually back, it would have been a rushed lunch. Plus, I was frustrated and annoyed that I would not have been pleasant company at that moment. So I got to punish her and myself by cancelling my plans.
Once home, there was no t.v. allowed for a while. Again, we both got punished. Its back on now. Soon, I will attempt to get her to nap. Two problems here. First, her bedding is all in the wash (furniture repair guy got some chemicals on them yesterday). Secondly, she napped on the way home post-tantrum. And even better, my husband will be late tonight. So, I'm going to try to find a zen-like state while I get through the rest of the afternoon, because as soon as my husband gets home, I'm either a) going shopping (anywhere even if its just for a box of kleenex), or b) having a big drink, or c) all of the above.
Part Two of the fun-filled morning was trying to get her into the carseat. Part of it was spent forcibly trying to get her into her seat without hurting either of us, and then temporarily giving up and waiting her out while she threw a fit on the opposite side of the car. I sat in the passenger seat a good 15-20 minutes waiting her out at one point. Negotiations did not work. Threats did not work. Silence did not work. On top of this, I was supposed to meet old friends for lunch. So while I was trying to stay calm while she carried on, I had to cancel the sitter and my plans. Granted, the stand-off would have, and did, eventually end. However, my sitter had to get to another job by a certain time, and between traffic to home, then to the lunch locale, and eventually back, it would have been a rushed lunch. Plus, I was frustrated and annoyed that I would not have been pleasant company at that moment. So I got to punish her and myself by cancelling my plans.
Once home, there was no t.v. allowed for a while. Again, we both got punished. Its back on now. Soon, I will attempt to get her to nap. Two problems here. First, her bedding is all in the wash (furniture repair guy got some chemicals on them yesterday). Secondly, she napped on the way home post-tantrum. And even better, my husband will be late tonight. So, I'm going to try to find a zen-like state while I get through the rest of the afternoon, because as soon as my husband gets home, I'm either a) going shopping (anywhere even if its just for a box of kleenex), or b) having a big drink, or c) all of the above.
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