Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving!

While we may not eat Thanksgiving with most or any of our family, we still have a traditional meal.  The other day while sitting with my daughter and one of her classmates at lunch, I asked him if he was looking forward to Thanksgiving.  He just gave a shrug.  The Babe immediately piped in how she loves stuffing.  So I couldn't resist teasing, and asking her if she thought I was making some for Thanksgiving.  Her response, also said jokingly, "What do you think, Woman?!".  I guess that would be a resounding yes.  This year's menu will include a 14 lb. turkey (yes, just for the three of us which will mean lots of leftovers), stuffing, baked potato and sweet potatoes, a vegetable not yet determined, and chocolate chip pumpkin bread.  My goal is not to overdo it, since there will be a lot that has to be done over the next few days besides just making and eating our Thanksgiving meal.  More on that later.  Have a happy Thanksgiving. 

Friday, October 30, 2015

Halloween 2015

We made it through another year of trick-or-treating.  Once again I'm very thankful for the neighbors we have.  Last year wasn't as positive for the Babe, but this year many of our neighbors were very thoughtful, having safe options or a special treat just for her. 

This year there was a greater media presence regarding the Teal Pumpkin Project.  It was started a couple years back by an allergy mom from Tennessee.  Last year it seemed to make headlines in the allergy community, but this year I saw articles in mainstream media, and posts from various media outlets.  The concept behind the Teal Pumpkin Project is to offer safe alternative to food for Halloween treats.  This can be as simple as a pencil or eraser, stickers, or more elaborate items. 

We had a sign on our door indicating we had food and non-food treats.  None of the kids asked for the non-food items, which means I'll just save the little puzzles and other toys for next year.  As for the Babe, she received temporary tattoos, stickers, erasers, pencils, pen and paper, and even a very thoughtful craft project.  The Babe was great about going to various houses that only offered candy.  She just said, "No thank you", and went on with her friends.  The only part that upset her were some people had their dogs out trick-or-treating, and she's afraid of dogs.  Otherwise, she had fun.

Afterwards, she went on a Halloween inspired scavenger hunt with our babysitter, who joined us for the night to help out (Daddy wasn't in town).  Then we had some chocolate chip pumpkin bread I made earlier in the day, followed by carving the pumpkin.  Lastly, I did give her a special treat.  I never know if she's going to receive anything she can keep, or how disappointed she might be that she can't do all that her friends do.  So this year rather than stock up on a bunch of little things (e.g. coloring books and stickers), I got her a small toy I knew she'd like.  Based on the hugs and kisses I received, I knew we finished our evening well.   

If you want more information on the Teal Pumpkin Project, you can find it here: http://www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Mommy is not...

I think I have a problem.  To start, the feminist inside me is screaming that I've gone wrong.  This morning while the Babe was getting ready for school, I asked her to pick up a tissue next to her garbage can and throw it out.  She said, "No, that's your job.".  No!  "Moms are maids".  No!!!!  She repeated this.  If she was a little bit older and bigger, all services provided by this mom would come to a screeching halt.  However, child services would come knocking on my door.  And I can't stop caring for my child, no matter how wrong and obnoxious her statement might be.  As my sister helpfully suggested, the bucket and rag needs to come out.  A little Cinderella time?  Or perhaps a reality check.  New season, new school year, new chores.  Let's start with making her own bed, putting away any clothes lying around, clearing the dinner table, and picking up her play room.  She does these things sometimes, but not always.  Well, Mommy the Maid is also Mommy the Boss.  The Boss is making a list. 

Friday, September 11, 2015

School Days

We're just finishing off our second week of first grade.  There are definitely differences from first grade.  The Babe is adjusting to the change in classmates.  I haven't been in the classroom yet to volunteer, so I haven't met many of the kids, and unable to observe the personalities like I was able to last year.  I hear about various kids, and suspect I know who she most dislikes and most likes.  There are still some new names I hear about randomly.  All in all, she seems to be doing well.

One thing I'm proud of is she's learning to advocate for herself.  This week they had class pictures taken.  She observed those ahead of her, and when it was her turn, she asked the photographer not to touch her since she has allergies.  Good for her.  This person probably touched dozens of kids, and who knows what else, before it was the Babe's turn. 

And while there is a lot the Babe misses out on or must avoid, one benefit this year is lunch in the library.  She's been allowed to pick a different classmate each day who has brought their lunch from home to join her in the library for lunch.  They can observe the librarian or the computer specialist teaching, or have the library all to themselves.  Its a unique experience.  Thus far its been very positive.  The ones who have joined us seem to enjoy themselves.  Its a nice change from the lunchroom that is very loud and distracting. 

While I hoped to pursue some form of employment outside the home this year, I realize it would be a challenge since I'm constantly running back and forth from school.  Another year, but in the meantime, I get to know the school staff better, and forge better relationships that improve the Babe's situation.  Hopefully when she's older she'll look back and appreciate our special time together.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

A Summer of Firsts

This summer was full of firsts for the Babe.  She went to a major league ball game, Disneyworld, and tried some new foods.  There may have been more firsts, but I'm in back to school mode so can't remember everything. 

The major league ball game was a true thrill for her.  We needed to make the hour and half drive to Baltimore to have her bloodwork done for updated allergy testing.  She was not happy to have to have blood drawn, and the long drive didn't help.  It had been pushed back enough that we finally had a day that my husband and I could go.  She knew what treats were in store for her afterwards, however the day before we went my husband came up with a bigger and better idea.  How about attend a Baltimore Orioles game?  We checked with the ticket office about food, and found a section that was barely occupied.  My husband booked a hotel within walking distance of the stadium.  That was fun for the Babe because she could look down at rush hour traffic from our room.  After dinner, we loaded up with wipes and snacks, and headed over.  She loved it.  The people, the lights, the different activities posted on the signboard.  Besides wiping her seat down, we had her sit on stuff.  We were up high, and had a large area all to ourselves.  She danced and cheered, and had a blast. 

A few weeks later we headed down to Florida.  We planned to spend one day at Disneyworld in Orlando.  Based on where we were staying, we were able to get up early, drive two hours, spend the day, and head back home afterwards.  One side note- my husband and I are not fans of heat or crowds.  We visited towards the end of July when it was wall to wall people and 95 degrees.  I packed frozen bottles of water, food, and again, lots of wipes.  The Babe was so excited, anticipating seeing many characters and some rides she would like to go on.  That's unfortunately not how the day proceeded.  Nary a character could be found unless we wanted to stand in ninety minute lines.  And every ride or show we offered (as in every ride and show we passed), we asked if she wanted to go on or to, and she said no.  Although she is six, they still scared her.  After an hour of melting and trying not to collapse, we went on one ride which was the story of the Little Mermaid.  She was not happy with us or the ride.  Halfway through she had her hands over her ears, and afterwards asked us why we made her do it.  She didn't want to go on the teacups or on the carousel, nor see the Presidents' show.  Finally we rode on the train all around the park, which she loved.  After lunch we did meet Belle, during a mini-interactive show that she enjoyed.  Last she had her picture taken with Tinkerbelle (again, something you had to wait on line, but we had a FastPass for).  We rode the ferry back to our car.  We chatted with the captains while waiting, and the Babe was very exited.  However, she was worried she might get seasick.  So the captain gave her a ring (large blue rhinestone) that was "magical" and she'd be fine.  That was probably one of the highlights for her.  We lasted six hours and walked over four miles.  We survived Disney.  Not what we expected to see and do, but we went.  Afterwards she enjoyed a swim in the pool with her daddy.  It was a good day for her, and that is all that matters.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

First Grade

We've survived the first day of school.  The Babe started first grade on Monday.  She was a little anxious going in, but when I picked her up at the end of the day she told me it was "wonderful".  The next morning she told me she loved it. 

This year she's at the same school where she attended kindergarten.  I met with several staff members last week to plan for her attendance, and work towards an agreed 504 Plan.  The biggest hurdle is lunch.  As the Babe is presumed to be airborne anaphylactic to dairy (meaning she can't be around heated dairy because the dairy proteins are in the air, and could trigger a reaction upon inhalation), we're trying to avoid the cafeteria on major dairy days. 

The first day of school was naturally pizza day, so I met her for lunch in the library.  It was just her and myself in a quiet corner while an older class was there with the librarian.  I purchased paper placemats ahead of time.  After wiping down her seat, laying out a placemat, and getting her lunch out, she was good to go.  The Babe enjoyed her lunchtime with me. 

The next day we tried out the cafeteria.  The Babe was a bit apprehensive.  I let her know we could go to the library, but she went ahead and ate in the cafeteria.  The Babe sat at one of two allergy tables.  Again, it was just her and myself, with the rest of her class at a longer table adjacent to us.  The Babe wanted a friend with her, which is a possibility in the future so long as they have a safer lunch (like no hot thermos of mac and cheese).  The school principal spent some time in the cafeteria, and made sure to stop by and sit with us for a few minutes to see how everything was going.  With an airborne reaction, it may not be immediate.  So while I was present with her at lunchtime, I tried not to obsess all afternoon.  Thankfully, everything went well.

Today I joined her again in the cafeteria.  Later this week will be library lunches.  Everything went well at lunch except at the very end.  Her teacher rejoined the group in the cafeteria to line them up to return to the classroom, and two boys who both had dairy in their lunches hugged her simultaneous.  That means neither side of her is "clean", and the Babe was very upset that she can't hug her teacher at the end of the day.  This was the Babe being self-aware, and knowing immediately what wasn't safe.  Hopefully she gets over the disappointment before the day is over.

In the meantime, the principle, school social worker, teacher, and various others have checked in to make sure the Babe is o.k. this first week.  Its wonderful to know everyone is watching out for her.  Thankfully, we're off to a good start.
 

Monday, July 13, 2015

Dentist visit

The Babe had a routine dental visit last week.  Following her cleaning, the dentist came in for her check-up.  Happily, no cavities.  Afterwards, I had to have a slight repair done, so we moved into another exam room.  When the dentist came in, he joked about having just seen the Babe.  She responded, "Deja vu".  It was so funny, and he was taken aback at her knowing this, and using it appropriately. 

One of the things that makes it more comfortable to go to this particular dentist is the fact that he has a child with food allergies.  I feel a little safer when the Babe is there because he has first-hand knowledge.  At this past visit, I felt even better.  There was a new hygienist in his office.  During the majority of the Babe's cleaning we were discussing food allergies.  No, her children don't have food allergies.  She does.  She outgrew many, but still has a few.  The Babe asked her about Epi-pens, and sure enough, the hygienist carries her own.

We are definitely part of a growing community.  It was good for the Babe to see a pretty adult, with a regular job and family, who has lived with food allergies most of her life.  Its also good for us as parents to see that while we live with certain restrictions due to allergies, we don't have to limit our children.  My job is to protect her, but not prevent her from pursuing goals and having fun.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Our Kindergarten Graduate

I've been a little light on my blogging lately.  In part it was because I was still observing the year of mourning for my father.  The other part was because I didn't want to go on about school until we made it through.  Call me a bit superstitious.  As I type, the Babe is finishing her last day of kindergarten.  We attended her graduation yesterday. 

We are so thankful for how this school year went.  First off, we got an amazing teacher.  The Babe loves her, as do the rest of her classmates.  She's kind, caring, patient, and truly enjoys her class.  Beyond her personality though, she's an excellent teacher.  I volunteered many mornings in the classroom, assisting with kid writing.  The progress I saw from the start of the year until now is impressive.  The Babe started the year with skills that not all her classmates had.  Some kids couldn't recognize the alphabet, and now are writing short paragraphs in neat print.  They know what narrative, persuasive, and fiction writing is.  The Babe can do simple addition.  When she reads aloud to me, its a beautiful thing. 

This has been a wonderful experience.  We feared whether the Babe would be safe in a school environment.  Working with her school, we set safeguards in place.  Her teacher went above and beyond- worrying over things that weren't necessarily identified as potential hazards in the beginning.  She watched over all the kids, but I knew the Babe was protected.  Next year will be a little different as the Babe will be attending school for the full day including lunch.  We will be addressing this later in the summer, but for now, we are thrilled with the experience so far.

As for the Babe herself, she made friends, got to experience the playground, and just overall thrived in school.  During their graduation they performed several songs.  Some had moves added.  The Babe was the kid up there with a smile, shaking her hips and moving her shoulders.  I think if there was an agent present, they would have approached us.  That's not something we want to pursue, but the Babe certainly doesn't have stage fright.    My next challenge will be finding ways to keep the Babe busy this summer without breaking the bank or driving me crazy.