The Babe is a social butterfly. We don't get out much, and when we do, she wants to talk to everyone. Today she had her very first eye exam. Let's just say she over-shared. And while it was cute, and amused everyone on the doctor's staff, some of it I would have rather she kept to herself. The two top moments were:
She asked the doctor if he knew what her Mommy called her Daddy. While we don't engage in name-calling around here, I was worried. Now, she could have said something cute. Anything bad hopefully she hasn't been around to hear (not that I'd ever call my husband a bad name...). When she told him, boy was I relieved, because her response was Daddy's first name. Phew!
The second moment came when the exam was done, and the doctor was saying goodbye. He wished her a Merry Christmas. Well, we've been having some issues here lately regarding Christmas and Hanukkah. The Babe keeps asking about when Santa is coming, and can we have a tree. We're Jewish, so that means explanations about how we celebrate Hanukkah instead. So, in response to the doctor, she very harshly informed him that we do not celebrate Christmas. He looked startled, I think more from the anger, not the message. Then after a minute she told him she celebrates Hanukkah. It was a tad awkward. Apparently, we need to work on how to respond when someone wishes us a Merry Christmas.
I have to figure out how to make her understand that we don't just volunteer random information (like when she told him out of the blue about the new car we just bought). She wants to be like the grown-ups, but doesn't understand that not all adult conversations are meant to include children, and not all information needs to be shared. Its not that these things are secret, but they are private or personal matters that strangers do not need to know. And that raises the issue of who is a stranger, and if they are safe to talk to, what topics are appropriate. Oye!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Giving Thanks
Today may be just another day in our allergy house, but we must remember to be thankful for what we have. While my husband, daughter and I will be celebrating this Thanksgiving just the three of us, we have much to be appreciative of. I am trying not to dwell on what I cannot change, and focus instead on what we have to be thankful for. The list is long, and we are fortunate for what we have. I hope you are also able to celebrate with those you love, and remember that which is good in your life.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. I have wonderful memories of celebrating with my family, enjoying the company and the food. This year my husband and I have chosen to celebrate at home. The Babe does not know what it is like to be at a large Thanksgiving gathering. Her first Thanksgiving was before we knew of food allergies, and she was only an infant, so she has no memory of the event. The second Thanksgiving she got ill right before we were supposed to travel, so it was just the three of us at home in Arkansas (many miles from any family). Her third Thanksgiving we attempted to join my side of the family. It was supposed to be a safe celebration, but we had to leave thirty minutes after arriving when she sprouted hives. That was after driving over an hour to my parents house, and before we were even able to eat. Hence, our reluctance to join a large family gathering.
Earlier today while on the phone with my mother, the Babe looked like she had a light bulb moment. She told me that we should have my family (as in my parents) over to celebrate on Thanksgiving. Sounds like a good plan, but my mother is hosting our extended family at her house. After all the prep, cooking and hosting, I know my parents will be too exhausted to drive the hour to us. I don't want to disappoint the Babe, but its going to be a quiet day. We'll probably watch the parade in the morning, and I'll be cooking all afternoon (and perhaps shopping a little on the internet).
While I try to celebrate holidays with the Babe, its not like how it was when I was a child. She doesn't get to experience the wonderful craziness of chasing and playing with cousins while dodging relatives sitting and chatting. There are a lot of memories she's not making because we are protecting her. Over-protecting, perhaps. We're doing our best to keep her safe, but we're also missing out on a lot at the same time. We know it, although I hope for now the Babe doesn't, happy in our little bubble.
Earlier today while on the phone with my mother, the Babe looked like she had a light bulb moment. She told me that we should have my family (as in my parents) over to celebrate on Thanksgiving. Sounds like a good plan, but my mother is hosting our extended family at her house. After all the prep, cooking and hosting, I know my parents will be too exhausted to drive the hour to us. I don't want to disappoint the Babe, but its going to be a quiet day. We'll probably watch the parade in the morning, and I'll be cooking all afternoon (and perhaps shopping a little on the internet).
While I try to celebrate holidays with the Babe, its not like how it was when I was a child. She doesn't get to experience the wonderful craziness of chasing and playing with cousins while dodging relatives sitting and chatting. There are a lot of memories she's not making because we are protecting her. Over-protecting, perhaps. We're doing our best to keep her safe, but we're also missing out on a lot at the same time. We know it, although I hope for now the Babe doesn't, happy in our little bubble.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
A Little More Than a Trip to the Zoo
We are currently in the middle of a little mystery regarding the Babe that required a trip to the pediatrician this week, plus a blood draw. The tech was very nice, and a swarm of warm, caring nurses poured into the room upon hearing the crying and screaming coming from my little one. Let's just say she's strong, and doesn't want her blood taken.
We thought that was it, but two days later got word that the sample wasn't good, so we'd need to go to the Children's Hospital for the blood draw. Ugh! I purposely scheduled the lab appointment so Daddy would be with us. Then, since the Milwaukee County Zoo is within a mile to a mile and a half away from the Children's Hospital, we had a plan. I told her we were going to the zoo today, weather permitting, but had to go to an appointment first. I glossed over that detail, and she focused on the zoo. However, my husband and I felt bad misleading her, but knew we had to use some trickery to get her there. So, once she was buckled up in the carseat, as we were backing out of the driveway, we told her what we were doing first. She was definitely not happy about this, but there was no negotiating. We had off and on tears en route, and the waterworks really came on when we got to the hospital drive. She calmed down until we got into the lab room itself. Then, well, it wasn't fun. But afterwards made up for it (I hope). It was sunny and almost 50 degrees out; a perfect morning to stroll the zoo. It was our first visit there, and the Babe definitely enjoyed herself, wanting to see more animals even as we were leaving.
One thing I'm amazed at is the cost of family-friendly activities. Because of our anxiety that the Babe may react, we are leery about investing the time and money going to certain places. It would stink to arrive at a place after a long drive, then spend over $40 on parking and admission fees, only to turn around after a few minutes. Its not that we couldn't afford it, its just the spendthrift in me cringes. This past summer we purchased a museum membership that provides reciprocal admission to many zoos, children's museums, and science museums around the country. It has paid for itself in that we don't feel bad if we spend five minutes or five hours at a venue. Today, other than parking, it didn't cost us anything. We spent over an hour, but the time wasn't an issue. We stayed as long as we were comfortable and/or felt safe, and then left. This membership has given us a certain freedom to explore. We have several more places we plan to visit with this membership, but at least for today, we had a fun reward for the Babe after an unpleasant experience.
We thought that was it, but two days later got word that the sample wasn't good, so we'd need to go to the Children's Hospital for the blood draw. Ugh! I purposely scheduled the lab appointment so Daddy would be with us. Then, since the Milwaukee County Zoo is within a mile to a mile and a half away from the Children's Hospital, we had a plan. I told her we were going to the zoo today, weather permitting, but had to go to an appointment first. I glossed over that detail, and she focused on the zoo. However, my husband and I felt bad misleading her, but knew we had to use some trickery to get her there. So, once she was buckled up in the carseat, as we were backing out of the driveway, we told her what we were doing first. She was definitely not happy about this, but there was no negotiating. We had off and on tears en route, and the waterworks really came on when we got to the hospital drive. She calmed down until we got into the lab room itself. Then, well, it wasn't fun. But afterwards made up for it (I hope). It was sunny and almost 50 degrees out; a perfect morning to stroll the zoo. It was our first visit there, and the Babe definitely enjoyed herself, wanting to see more animals even as we were leaving.
One thing I'm amazed at is the cost of family-friendly activities. Because of our anxiety that the Babe may react, we are leery about investing the time and money going to certain places. It would stink to arrive at a place after a long drive, then spend over $40 on parking and admission fees, only to turn around after a few minutes. Its not that we couldn't afford it, its just the spendthrift in me cringes. This past summer we purchased a museum membership that provides reciprocal admission to many zoos, children's museums, and science museums around the country. It has paid for itself in that we don't feel bad if we spend five minutes or five hours at a venue. Today, other than parking, it didn't cost us anything. We spent over an hour, but the time wasn't an issue. We stayed as long as we were comfortable and/or felt safe, and then left. This membership has given us a certain freedom to explore. We have several more places we plan to visit with this membership, but at least for today, we had a fun reward for the Babe after an unpleasant experience.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
It's a ...
Another chip off the old block moment occurred tonight. Tomorrow is my husband's birthday, but he'll be gone all day for business. That meant I thought I'd be good and we'd celebrate tonight- cards signed, gift wrapped, candles on top of a frosted (homemade) cake. I accidentally opened the gift box in front of the Babe just before wrapping it to make sure there were no price tags left. She saw, and I knew I might have a little problem. Of course I told her its a secret, don't tell Daddy what his gift is. Well, what fun is that when you can shove it in his face and tell him. To give her some credit, Daddy said he wanted to wait until early tomorrow morning on his actual birthday to open it. She kept shoving it repeatedly in his face, and he kept declining. By at least the sixth time, she told him he had to open his new____. Aaahhh! It was out. I doubt he was totally surprised, but then she kept wanting to repeat it, and I had to keep making noise over her. She thought it was hilarious, but she got it in a few more times for laughs. Oh well. He's still not opening it until tomorrow.
And how is she a chip off the old block? I did this to my sister a few times. Just ask her about the Wonderwoman Underroos. Yep. They were awesome, too. How could I hold that detail in (plus, I was probably not even four at the time). I can keep a secret much better now. And next time, I'll have to remember to gift wrap away from a little person.
And how is she a chip off the old block? I did this to my sister a few times. Just ask her about the Wonderwoman Underroos. Yep. They were awesome, too. How could I hold that detail in (plus, I was probably not even four at the time). I can keep a secret much better now. And next time, I'll have to remember to gift wrap away from a little person.
Friday, November 9, 2012
School and Food
I know food is important. It nourishes and enriches our lives. We use it socially to welcome, to comfort, to educate. It expresses our culture and heritage, it reminds us of family. We celebrate our life cycles around certain meals or festivities that include food. With all that in mind, I still cannot understand why it must be incorporated into every second of every day, especially in a school environment.
The Allergy Babe is not in school yet. Based on her birthday, I have over a year before she is required to start Kindergarten. I am trying to be proactive, and am looking into the various schools in my vicinity. One tour has been completed, and I am scheduling another. I am not looking at the educational components but the physical environment. That seems bizarre, but the Babe will get an education wherever she goes. She is bright, and we have access to any supplemental tools necessary if the school fails in some way (which hopefully it won't). So, while we live in a large district that has a few magnate schools, I don't care whether the building has Wi-Fi. Great, but not my concern. I want to know whether there is a cafeteria, that there's a maintenance person on staff, a nurse present, etc.
For my friends who have food allergic kids in school, I'm amazed at how some of the teachers cannot grasp the basics of the child's food allergy action plan, created under Section 504 of the Civil Rights Act. Yes, our food allergic children are protected under federal law as having a disability. There's a lot more to what goes into a 504 plan, much of which I am only beginning to learn about. However, in some cases, an individual plan can mandate no food be allowed in the classroom (if a cafeteria is available). That seems pretty simple and basic. Yet, for some elementary educators, they cannot grasp this. They have to have lesson plans around food. There are so many other lessons that can be taught without food. Even an overview of basic nutrition can be done without actual food in the classroom. That is why I am hoping an early start will help. I suspect I will become the educators' educator when it comes to food and my child. Based on the principal I just met, he is open to new information. We will see how they respond though once they have my child under their roof. I don't want to start off in a hostile environment for my child, despite my drive to fight for what's right. I will push for everything possible to make sure she is safe, and hope that when its time, all she has to do is learn.
The Allergy Babe is not in school yet. Based on her birthday, I have over a year before she is required to start Kindergarten. I am trying to be proactive, and am looking into the various schools in my vicinity. One tour has been completed, and I am scheduling another. I am not looking at the educational components but the physical environment. That seems bizarre, but the Babe will get an education wherever she goes. She is bright, and we have access to any supplemental tools necessary if the school fails in some way (which hopefully it won't). So, while we live in a large district that has a few magnate schools, I don't care whether the building has Wi-Fi. Great, but not my concern. I want to know whether there is a cafeteria, that there's a maintenance person on staff, a nurse present, etc.
For my friends who have food allergic kids in school, I'm amazed at how some of the teachers cannot grasp the basics of the child's food allergy action plan, created under Section 504 of the Civil Rights Act. Yes, our food allergic children are protected under federal law as having a disability. There's a lot more to what goes into a 504 plan, much of which I am only beginning to learn about. However, in some cases, an individual plan can mandate no food be allowed in the classroom (if a cafeteria is available). That seems pretty simple and basic. Yet, for some elementary educators, they cannot grasp this. They have to have lesson plans around food. There are so many other lessons that can be taught without food. Even an overview of basic nutrition can be done without actual food in the classroom. That is why I am hoping an early start will help. I suspect I will become the educators' educator when it comes to food and my child. Based on the principal I just met, he is open to new information. We will see how they respond though once they have my child under their roof. I don't want to start off in a hostile environment for my child, despite my drive to fight for what's right. I will push for everything possible to make sure she is safe, and hope that when its time, all she has to do is learn.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Latest testing
I get asked a lot if the Babe will outgrow her allergies. My general response is that we are hopeful, and then the various statistics I have been quoted or have read. The key has always been that with strict avoidance, there is a strong possibility that she will outgrow some, if not all, of her food allergies. However, there is no exact science or method to make any kind of prediction. Food allergies in children is a newer, growing field.
Well, we just went for her latest allergist appointment. Lets just say I am not so hopeful. Rather than a skin test, she had blood work drawn to evaluate the various allergen IgE levels. Again, not an exact science nor predictor as to what kinds of reactions she might have, or whether her allergies will worsen or improve with time. However, some of her results were off the charts. One in particular we anticipated was going to have improved to the point we could food challenge it, only to find out that one was a top allergy. So how does that effect our life? Well, nothing in our day-to-day routine will change. However, my outlook on this has. Hopeful that we can achieve normal, or what I would like to think is normal? Not so much. Disappointed? Big time. Oh well. Maybe I can find some enthusiasm for Thanksgiving and the fact that we will be isolated from all our family once more... I'll let you know when I have a positive spin on this.
Well, we just went for her latest allergist appointment. Lets just say I am not so hopeful. Rather than a skin test, she had blood work drawn to evaluate the various allergen IgE levels. Again, not an exact science nor predictor as to what kinds of reactions she might have, or whether her allergies will worsen or improve with time. However, some of her results were off the charts. One in particular we anticipated was going to have improved to the point we could food challenge it, only to find out that one was a top allergy. So how does that effect our life? Well, nothing in our day-to-day routine will change. However, my outlook on this has. Hopeful that we can achieve normal, or what I would like to think is normal? Not so much. Disappointed? Big time. Oh well. Maybe I can find some enthusiasm for Thanksgiving and the fact that we will be isolated from all our family once more... I'll let you know when I have a positive spin on this.
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