I'm sure I've posted about this before, but it deserves repeating. When dealing with food allergies, read every label. Just because you've used the product before, it doesn't mean that the manufacturer hasn't changed ingredients or manufacturing processes that could be harmful to your Allergy Babe. And when in doubt, contact the manufacturer or else do not use. Here are a few recent examples.
While at my in-laws, they usually buy a few favorite items for the Babe, and some things they know my husband and I will enjoy. We stick to eating only Babe-safe foods while there. In the past, this has included Kosher corned beef. While the Babe wouldn't eat it, my husband and I both love it. They had gotten a different brand (although who knows if the original would have had this in it, too). One of the ingredients was modified food starch. I warned my husband not to give any to the Babe, and he asked why. I pointed this ingredient out. I thought it was a possible hazard. I googled it, and sure enough, the source of the starch can be several foods, including wheat. Away in their freezer it went.
Later that day, you would think my husband would have learned his lesson to read all labels, we had another run in. My father-in-law and husband were prepping a turkey. We didn't want to use a seasoning mix (another potential pit-fall), so I suggested some spices that might work. I did not read the labels as I was not in the kitchen while they did this. I assumed they would check, but my mistake for not reminding them. I'm apparently the only one who must always be on alert- silly me. Anyhow, when I came back in just after the turkey was put in the oven, I spotted a spice bottle on the counter. From several feet away I could see a warning label. Since it was a ground spice, it had a warning that it was manufactured in a facility with three of the Babe's major allergens. I called the company, and they confirmed that the line was used for them, and it wasn't just a blanket statement. That meant no turkey for the Babe. I made her something else, and ate with her.
The other day I went to buy a replacement for some cooking spray. Generally I stick to one particular national brand. When I went to grab a bottle off the shelf, I double checked the label. Sure enough, they changed the ingredients, now adding coconut oil. The Babe is allergic to coconut, so I went with another brand. This particular bottle did not indicate any change in formula; the front was identical to bottles I've previously bought.
So, again, always, always, always read labels. What was safe yesterday may not be safe today. And even if it seems obvious what should be in a food package, it does not mean it is so. Food manufacturing is a science, and unless you know how certain ingredients help maintain color, texture, and shelf-life, you don't know what or why there is an ingredient in a food. And don't get me started on personal care products. I just read a label on a hand lotion and it contained lactic acid, which is derived from milk. Nut, wheat, egg, and dairy are very commonly found in shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics. It's a mine-field for those of us with children who have food allergies. In the end, sometimes simple is better. That's probably why I spend my most time in the produce section of the grocery store than anywhere else there.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! I am generally not a resolution maker, as that would mean I'd probably be a resolution breaker. Yes, I want to lose weight, get healthier, spend more quality time on quality projects, get creative with the Babe, spend more quality time with my husband, etc. etc. While the list is long, these are self-improvements or life-style changes that cannot be made at the switch of the clock chiming twelve. So, I will try to start the year with a more positive mind-set (something I could use after the past week or two). The Babe has had problems with her asthma over the past week, and my husband has been going a little stir-crazy being off of work for the holidays (hence, making me a little crazy, too). So its time to try to find a more positive place.
How do I think this negative nelly will get more positive? By starting to fill my calendar. I have a fairly blank slate with the new year and new month. Blocks of time to fill. The more scheduled I am, the more satisfied I am. This probably goes back to my school days as a master procrastinator. If I had weeks to contemplate an assignment, I could not focus until the last day. The less hours, the better. When I was in college, with a full course load, working 20+ hours a week, plus activities and family commitments, I made better grades. Somehow I could focus with more things taking my attention, because I had to allocate my time better. With an empty calendar, I lose that focus and become a blob on the couch. So, I guess if I had a New Years Resolution, it would be to not be a blob on the couch.
How do I think this negative nelly will get more positive? By starting to fill my calendar. I have a fairly blank slate with the new year and new month. Blocks of time to fill. The more scheduled I am, the more satisfied I am. This probably goes back to my school days as a master procrastinator. If I had weeks to contemplate an assignment, I could not focus until the last day. The less hours, the better. When I was in college, with a full course load, working 20+ hours a week, plus activities and family commitments, I made better grades. Somehow I could focus with more things taking my attention, because I had to allocate my time better. With an empty calendar, I lose that focus and become a blob on the couch. So, I guess if I had a New Years Resolution, it would be to not be a blob on the couch.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Stupid is a Bad Word
As you may have noticed, the Babe is quite vocal, rarely shy, and as some might say, precocious. About a week after her visit to the eye doctor, we received a nice letter in the mail from their office. No, it wasn't a bill or a prescription. Apparently, my child was chosen as the "patient of the week". Based on the letter, they sit and discuss the week's patients, and based on everyone's feedback, pick a patient that they all enjoyed or thought fondly of. Considering she had them all laughing at what she had to say (and borderline embarrassing me), I am not surprised. It was a nice gesture.
As for other recent events, the Babe attended her very first kid's birthday party. My sister held my niece's party at a dance studio, and did not bring in any food until after we left. All the kids washed hands before the class, too. The Babe had fun dancing with her cousin, although wasn't entirely willing to share the spotlight. There was a touch of jealousy that she was not the birthday girl. The Babe was entertaining though. This particular studio had an observation area with a window. Unlike where the Babe goes for her own ballet classes, which has two-way mirrored windows (she can't see through unless up against the glass), this studio had regular glass. That meant the Babe kept turning around to smile, wave, and/or give a thumbs-up gesture. The rest of the little girls in the room were more intent on the lesson, rather than the audience. The Babe definitely likes to perform. She had fun, and we appreciated the effort my sister took to make sure it was safe for us to join in.
And lastly, we need to work on certain public skills of the Babe. She needs to learn not to tell everyone our personal business, and secondly, not to correct adults. Once again she wanted to tell random strangers about our new car, or that we don't celebrate Christmas, or even our phone number (this occurred when a person in a grocery store gave the clerk her phone number for her loyalty card, so the Babe volunteered it when we were getting checked out). The most recent embarrassment though was while checking out at the photo department at Walgreens. The young clerk was complaining to her customer, and said the system was sometimes "stupid". The Babe immediately piped up to say, "stupid is a bad word". Then, we were next and she made sure to lean up against the counter and tell the clerk again. Yes, stupid is a bad word when you're 4 and you say that about friends or someone else just to say it. So, to avoid a hurtful comment, we told her it was a bad word. Except now everytime my husband or I refer to something as stupid, she corrects us. And now that extends to strangers. Something new to work on- little people should not correct adults. I'm starting to sound like my grandfather, but apparently, he was right.
As for other recent events, the Babe attended her very first kid's birthday party. My sister held my niece's party at a dance studio, and did not bring in any food until after we left. All the kids washed hands before the class, too. The Babe had fun dancing with her cousin, although wasn't entirely willing to share the spotlight. There was a touch of jealousy that she was not the birthday girl. The Babe was entertaining though. This particular studio had an observation area with a window. Unlike where the Babe goes for her own ballet classes, which has two-way mirrored windows (she can't see through unless up against the glass), this studio had regular glass. That meant the Babe kept turning around to smile, wave, and/or give a thumbs-up gesture. The rest of the little girls in the room were more intent on the lesson, rather than the audience. The Babe definitely likes to perform. She had fun, and we appreciated the effort my sister took to make sure it was safe for us to join in.
And lastly, we need to work on certain public skills of the Babe. She needs to learn not to tell everyone our personal business, and secondly, not to correct adults. Once again she wanted to tell random strangers about our new car, or that we don't celebrate Christmas, or even our phone number (this occurred when a person in a grocery store gave the clerk her phone number for her loyalty card, so the Babe volunteered it when we were getting checked out). The most recent embarrassment though was while checking out at the photo department at Walgreens. The young clerk was complaining to her customer, and said the system was sometimes "stupid". The Babe immediately piped up to say, "stupid is a bad word". Then, we were next and she made sure to lean up against the counter and tell the clerk again. Yes, stupid is a bad word when you're 4 and you say that about friends or someone else just to say it. So, to avoid a hurtful comment, we told her it was a bad word. Except now everytime my husband or I refer to something as stupid, she corrects us. And now that extends to strangers. Something new to work on- little people should not correct adults. I'm starting to sound like my grandfather, but apparently, he was right.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Miss Mouth
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!
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!
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.
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