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.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
A Special Teacher
I may have mentioned that the Babe loves school. A large part of this is due to the wonderful teacher she has. The curriculum that is taught seems advanced, but well introduced to the kids. The teacher maintains a level of discipline while ensuring the kids have fun with learning. On top of that, she gets the allergy issues. She worries about the Babe in her classroom on a level that makes me very comfortable having the Babe there. I just wish her teacher could continue with the Babe as the Babe moves up in grades.
When the kids leave for the day, they line up to catch their buses. I drive the Babe to and from school, so I wait at the building entrance for her. Almost every day the Babe gives her teacher a hug goodbye (she's not the only child vying to hug her sweet teacher). Many times the Babe has asked her teacher to come over for a visit. Just before winter break, her teacher, Miss H, realized she could come over the Tuesday before Christmas. So I invited her and her teenage daughter for dinner.
The weeks before Christmas, the kids had a lot of holiday books read to them, including several about Hanukkah. While in the classroom volunteering, her teacher and I were discussing latkes, or potato pancakes. Apparently, she'd never had them before. On the night she came for dinner, I planned to make latkes. In addition, I served baked chicken, roasted broccoli, salad, and a chocolate frosted chocolate cake.
Just after Miss H and her daughter arrived, so did our builder. We'd been dealing with a leak in our kitchen faucet, and my husband caught him working on an adjacent property. So while I was prepping latkes (thankfully I had just peeled the potatoes before I lost access to my sink), the builder and my husband were taking apart my kitchen faucet, and Miss H, her daughter, and mine played nearby.
I tried a new way to make my latkes, and they came out perfectly. Granted, it takes a while to fry up a whole batch, but it was definitely worth it. Miss H and her daughter seemed to thoroughly enjoy them. After they left for the night, all I could smell was the cooking oil/potato smell in my hair, which made me want to make some more. I haven't yet, but think they'll be on the menu very soon. Despite a few hiccups at the start of the evening (um, no access to my kitchen sink!), we had a very pleasant evening and a good meal. Here's my latke recipe:
Gluten-free Egg-free Potato Latkes
4-6 medium russet potatoes
1 onion (yellow or sweet)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 C white rice flour
1 Tbsp ground flax seed + 3 Tbsp water
Canola Oil- lots of it
1. Peel potatoes. (Placing peeled potatoes in a bowl of ice water will slow them from turning color).
2. Grate potatoes and onion in a food processor or with a hand grater (watch those knuckles!).
3. Add the potato and onion mix to a bowl. Drain liquid. Then, add flaxseed-water mixture, salt, and rice flour.
4. Heat oil in a large frying pan, about 1/4 inch up the side of the pan.
5. Place a large tablespoon-full of batter in the pan. Try not to overcrowd, otherwise it will be harder to flip. Keep on medium heat.
6. Wait for the bottom of the pancakes to firm, and brown (depending on heat of your oil, should take 3-4 minutes). Flip when a medium brown, and press down on the pancake to flatten. Continue to cook until other side is browned (again, if oil is hot, should be another 3-4 minutes).
7. Place on paper-towel covered plate to absorb some of the excess oil.
8. Eat and enjoy.
* Traditionally latkes are eaten with applesauce and sour cream. We substitute Sour Supreme for the sour cream, and its just as good.
When the kids leave for the day, they line up to catch their buses. I drive the Babe to and from school, so I wait at the building entrance for her. Almost every day the Babe gives her teacher a hug goodbye (she's not the only child vying to hug her sweet teacher). Many times the Babe has asked her teacher to come over for a visit. Just before winter break, her teacher, Miss H, realized she could come over the Tuesday before Christmas. So I invited her and her teenage daughter for dinner.
The weeks before Christmas, the kids had a lot of holiday books read to them, including several about Hanukkah. While in the classroom volunteering, her teacher and I were discussing latkes, or potato pancakes. Apparently, she'd never had them before. On the night she came for dinner, I planned to make latkes. In addition, I served baked chicken, roasted broccoli, salad, and a chocolate frosted chocolate cake.
Just after Miss H and her daughter arrived, so did our builder. We'd been dealing with a leak in our kitchen faucet, and my husband caught him working on an adjacent property. So while I was prepping latkes (thankfully I had just peeled the potatoes before I lost access to my sink), the builder and my husband were taking apart my kitchen faucet, and Miss H, her daughter, and mine played nearby.
I tried a new way to make my latkes, and they came out perfectly. Granted, it takes a while to fry up a whole batch, but it was definitely worth it. Miss H and her daughter seemed to thoroughly enjoy them. After they left for the night, all I could smell was the cooking oil/potato smell in my hair, which made me want to make some more. I haven't yet, but think they'll be on the menu very soon. Despite a few hiccups at the start of the evening (um, no access to my kitchen sink!), we had a very pleasant evening and a good meal. Here's my latke recipe:
Gluten-free Egg-free Potato Latkes
4-6 medium russet potatoes
1 onion (yellow or sweet)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 C white rice flour
1 Tbsp ground flax seed + 3 Tbsp water
Canola Oil- lots of it
1. Peel potatoes. (Placing peeled potatoes in a bowl of ice water will slow them from turning color).
2. Grate potatoes and onion in a food processor or with a hand grater (watch those knuckles!).
3. Add the potato and onion mix to a bowl. Drain liquid. Then, add flaxseed-water mixture, salt, and rice flour.
4. Heat oil in a large frying pan, about 1/4 inch up the side of the pan.
5. Place a large tablespoon-full of batter in the pan. Try not to overcrowd, otherwise it will be harder to flip. Keep on medium heat.
6. Wait for the bottom of the pancakes to firm, and brown (depending on heat of your oil, should take 3-4 minutes). Flip when a medium brown, and press down on the pancake to flatten. Continue to cook until other side is browned (again, if oil is hot, should be another 3-4 minutes).
7. Place on paper-towel covered plate to absorb some of the excess oil.
8. Eat and enjoy.
* Traditionally latkes are eaten with applesauce and sour cream. We substitute Sour Supreme for the sour cream, and its just as good.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Silencing the Music
I haven't written much in the past few months. I have thought to, but then got pulled away by something or other. I also have been hesitant to write because despite trying to keep things normal for the Babe, I'm still in mourning for my father. Jewish custom or tradition is that a child observe an eleven month mourning period for a parent. During that time, certain activities are abstained from, as one should avoid joyous activities such as listening to music or going to parties.
For me, the music has been silenced. I no longer listen to music in the car or at home. I rarely drove without music playing in the car before. Now, its only on if others put it on. If I'm alone and a news show starts playing music, I change the channel. The only time I now intentionally hear music is when I go to religious services. Then, the music is a double-edged sword. I enjoy it, but it is painful because I associate my father with that. He sang off and on with temple choirs, and when attending services, he always sang in a strong, loud voice. As I now attend services in a different synagogue (in a different state), the voices and harmonies are slightly different. Sometimes though I can hear him in my head, and its difficult. One song at the end of services is too much for me that I don't know if and when I'll ever be able to sing along to it.
While I intentionally am not doing certain things, I can't deprive the Babe of being a child and enjoying what is around her. That meant a birthday celebration, sightseeing when friends and family visit, watching her shows, and all things that are important to my now six-year-old.
In the past few months, we have celebrated her birthday with family and friends. She has lost her two bottom front teeth. She is loving kindergarten, and becoming a stronger reader and writer. We did our annual apple picking and pumpkin picking. We went to Washington D.C. with my sister and niece when they came for a brief visit. Later this week we'll be participating in Halloween festivities at school and in our neighborhood. Life goes on. Right now its just a little bittersweet for me.
For me, the music has been silenced. I no longer listen to music in the car or at home. I rarely drove without music playing in the car before. Now, its only on if others put it on. If I'm alone and a news show starts playing music, I change the channel. The only time I now intentionally hear music is when I go to religious services. Then, the music is a double-edged sword. I enjoy it, but it is painful because I associate my father with that. He sang off and on with temple choirs, and when attending services, he always sang in a strong, loud voice. As I now attend services in a different synagogue (in a different state), the voices and harmonies are slightly different. Sometimes though I can hear him in my head, and its difficult. One song at the end of services is too much for me that I don't know if and when I'll ever be able to sing along to it.
While I intentionally am not doing certain things, I can't deprive the Babe of being a child and enjoying what is around her. That meant a birthday celebration, sightseeing when friends and family visit, watching her shows, and all things that are important to my now six-year-old.
In the past few months, we have celebrated her birthday with family and friends. She has lost her two bottom front teeth. She is loving kindergarten, and becoming a stronger reader and writer. We did our annual apple picking and pumpkin picking. We went to Washington D.C. with my sister and niece when they came for a brief visit. Later this week we'll be participating in Halloween festivities at school and in our neighborhood. Life goes on. Right now its just a little bittersweet for me.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
School Days
Yesterday was the first day of kindergarten for the Babe. We were both excited. There were no tears from either of us.
For some parents, I know its a milestone reflecting that your baby is no longer a baby. For me, it meant a little more freedom, a lot more knowledge. As the Babe is my only child, she will always be my baby. Kindergarten won't change that fact.
The bittersweet element was that my father and mother-in-law aren't here to know how well yesterday went. Had things been different, I probably would have called my mother-in-law when I got home from dropping the Babe off at school, to tell her how things went. She would have wanted to hear all the details, and would have kvelled (Yiddish for "to feel happy or proud"). My father would have also enjoyed hearing about how the Babe just jumped right into school. Yes, we shared with my mother and father-in-law about how the morning went. And yes, they were also happy for how well things went. It just would have been nice to share with everyone.
As for the school and the Babe's teacher, I am very happy. I met with the school nurse and school principal separately, and a telephone conversation with her teacher, prior to the start of school. Medication was turned in, safety plans were put in place. We will all meet later this week to review everything. Everyone knows who the Babe is, and are doing their best to keep her safe. The Babe can concentrate on learning and making new friends, and just be.
For some parents, I know its a milestone reflecting that your baby is no longer a baby. For me, it meant a little more freedom, a lot more knowledge. As the Babe is my only child, she will always be my baby. Kindergarten won't change that fact.
The bittersweet element was that my father and mother-in-law aren't here to know how well yesterday went. Had things been different, I probably would have called my mother-in-law when I got home from dropping the Babe off at school, to tell her how things went. She would have wanted to hear all the details, and would have kvelled (Yiddish for "to feel happy or proud"). My father would have also enjoyed hearing about how the Babe just jumped right into school. Yes, we shared with my mother and father-in-law about how the morning went. And yes, they were also happy for how well things went. It just would have been nice to share with everyone.
As for the school and the Babe's teacher, I am very happy. I met with the school nurse and school principal separately, and a telephone conversation with her teacher, prior to the start of school. Medication was turned in, safety plans were put in place. We will all meet later this week to review everything. Everyone knows who the Babe is, and are doing their best to keep her safe. The Babe can concentrate on learning and making new friends, and just be.
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