I just read about another Allergy Mom's experience with her daughter's recent reaction to food that had a trace amount of peanuts. Here's her story: http://averageallergymom.blogspot.com/. It is a reminder how easily a reaction can happen.
The longer we live this lifestyle, you go from being hyper-vigilant, to sometimes falling into a false sense of safety. For example, when I drop the Babe off at the Kiddie Koral, I sometimes forget until I'm just about out the door to give them her Benadryl and Epi-pens. Please note, I've never left them without it. Wherever the Babe goes, those go too. I'm still in the building, and we've been there so many times, which is probably why this has happened. However, timing is very important. If she were to have a reaction, by the time they could locate me in the gym or locker room, to getting the meds out of a locked locker (assuming I remember how to open it in a panic) and getting it to her could be several minutes that are needed to fight a reaction. Minutes are everything when fighting an allergic reaction, and there is no excuse for a delay. Children who have food allergies should always have their medication with them. It scares me when I hear of parents who don't carry an epi-pen everywhere for their allergic child (or in one case, never bothered to fill the prescription).
If I'm being preachy, its just the facts as I know it. And if you read the linked article, you'll realize how much parents of food allergic children have to watch, as well as be their child's advocate with medical professionals.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Not Tech Saavy
So I just figured out a bit of an oops regarding my blog, er rather, two blogs. When I set up this blog, I wanted it to be Allergy Babe. If you noticed from the URL, its allergybaby. That's because I kept getting bounced around a bit. Well, just found that I did set up a blog under allergybabe. So now, if I accidently send you there, it should correctly direct you to me here. Hope that made sense.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Gym time
In case you were wondering, we did go to the gym today. It was wonderful. I got to talk to other adults, burn some calories, and have a hot shower without having to rush to make sure the Babe wasn't getting into something (or the t.v. program I put on to keep her captive in one spot wasn't about to end). Afterwards, we meandered through the building towards one exit, because my child does not like to leave. She is content to sit on a sofa pretending to read a magazine, watch others go in and out, and of course wave or start talking to total strangers. So after a few minutes, one of our friends came by to say that the kids she'd just played with were now in the gymnasium playing. That worked for us. We spent some additional time, and the Babe got to run around some more. And I got more adult conversation. Double win.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Ratatouille
I'm trying to be good again regarding diet and exercise. I went on hiatus, sort of, while we were having work done on our basement. Granted, there was nothing stopping me from using our WII Fit or doing an On Demand workout, but I really didn't want our two very nice contractors to hear me stomping about (or heavens forbid, come upstairs and witness it). So I've started logging on to myfitnesspal.com. Its a slow start for me because I haven't been 100% committed, and have had a few days where it was difficult to track what I was eating. However, I am trying to encourage my husband and mother-in-law to do this, so now I feel I need to step up my game. So today I've logged in all my calories and been good. Yes, the night isn't over, but other than having a glass of water, the kitchen is closed to me.
Tomorrow I intend to go to the gym. The plus is that I plan to shower there after my workout. Rather than go home, try to get the Babe to cooperate so I can rush a shower, I can take my time while she is being watched at the Kiddie Korral. A hot, uninterrupted shower is all the incentive I need to get my rear out the door tomorrow.
In light of my new goals, I attempted to make a hearty, healthy dinner. I finally found eggplant, which is both scarce and expensive around here allegedly due to the winter freeze in Florida. So on the menu tonight was Tarragon-Lime Chicken, corn pasta, and Ratatouille. Here's the recipe for the Ratatouille.
Ratatouille
1/2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion sliced
1 clove of garlic finely chopped
1 medium-large eggplant, peeled and cubed
2 medium zucchini, peeled and sliced into half moons
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp dried Oregano
1 tsp dried Thyme
1/4- 1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1 Cup water
1. Heat oil in a large pot, then saute onion until translucent (5-10 minutes).
2. Add vegetables, garlic, and spices. Stir and let heat through for a minute. Add water. Cover.
3. Keep on medium heat for first half hour (or until boils), then lower heat, and cook covered for another 1 1/2 hours. Stir occasionally.
* Total cooking time will be 2 hours.You will start out with high volume, but as it cooks, the vegetables will become softer and volume will go down in half. The longer you let it cook, the more flavorful it will become.
Tomorrow I intend to go to the gym. The plus is that I plan to shower there after my workout. Rather than go home, try to get the Babe to cooperate so I can rush a shower, I can take my time while she is being watched at the Kiddie Korral. A hot, uninterrupted shower is all the incentive I need to get my rear out the door tomorrow.
In light of my new goals, I attempted to make a hearty, healthy dinner. I finally found eggplant, which is both scarce and expensive around here allegedly due to the winter freeze in Florida. So on the menu tonight was Tarragon-Lime Chicken, corn pasta, and Ratatouille. Here's the recipe for the Ratatouille.
Ratatouille
1/2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion sliced
1 clove of garlic finely chopped
1 medium-large eggplant, peeled and cubed
2 medium zucchini, peeled and sliced into half moons
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp dried Oregano
1 tsp dried Thyme
1/4- 1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1 Cup water
1. Heat oil in a large pot, then saute onion until translucent (5-10 minutes).
2. Add vegetables, garlic, and spices. Stir and let heat through for a minute. Add water. Cover.
3. Keep on medium heat for first half hour (or until boils), then lower heat, and cook covered for another 1 1/2 hours. Stir occasionally.
* Total cooking time will be 2 hours.You will start out with high volume, but as it cooks, the vegetables will become softer and volume will go down in half. The longer you let it cook, the more flavorful it will become.
Monday, March 28, 2011
New People
We had to take the Babe to a specialist this past week at the Children's Hospital. We had been there only once before for her allergy testing. I didn't even consider the fact that she might remember the place and associate it with the discomfort of her test. Or it could have been my husband and I discussing the hospital and doctor while en route. Either way, as we approached the hospital, she started repeatedly having to tell my husband something.
"Daddy, I don't like doctors!" "Daddy, Daddy, I don't like doctors!". This was repeatedly said by her every few seconds as we reached the drive leading to the parking garage, and then as we circled within the parking garage. Finally, we told her that we weren't going to a doctor, but to meet some new people. She paused for a moment, and then said, "I like meeting new people". That lasted for a little bit, until we got into the doctor's office. As we were taken back into the examining room by a woman in scrubs, the Babe then told us, "I don't like these new people". Clearly, she knew what was up. It didn't matter that she didn't have to get undressed, and the entire exam was external. A doctor is a doctor is a doctor.
"Daddy, I don't like doctors!" "Daddy, Daddy, I don't like doctors!". This was repeatedly said by her every few seconds as we reached the drive leading to the parking garage, and then as we circled within the parking garage. Finally, we told her that we weren't going to a doctor, but to meet some new people. She paused for a moment, and then said, "I like meeting new people". That lasted for a little bit, until we got into the doctor's office. As we were taken back into the examining room by a woman in scrubs, the Babe then told us, "I don't like these new people". Clearly, she knew what was up. It didn't matter that she didn't have to get undressed, and the entire exam was external. A doctor is a doctor is a doctor.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Staying Right Where I Am
Let me clarify some things regarding my prior post. I do enjoy being home and very much appreciate the time I have with my daughter. However, I miss being seen as more than just a mommy. When I meet new people, no one asks what I did before I had her. Its as if time is divided. Once I had her, part of me was put on a shelf.
My grandmother gets a kick out of the fact that I now cook, and enjoy it. When I was about 14, I said I didn't want to cook or bake, and wanted a house-husband. I didn't think I was going to be Miss Career-Woman, but knew I wanted to be a lawyer, and was not particularly good at baking (nor did I like to clean my bedroom). Now I'd just be happy with a little house-hold help.
Most of the time I'm right where I want to be. But there are times when I see my former self and miss that confidence and pride doing what I did, using a different part of my brain. I miss getting dressed and being put together. Nothing is stopping me now from that except myself. Sleep deprivation, wanting to be comfortable, needing to wear washable versus dry-cleanable clothes, are but a few reasons. And if its just the two of us all day, who cares if I have makeup on? (Well, only my mother who believes one shouldn't leave the house without lipstick.) So on days when I get to blow dry my hair, spend a few minutes on my make-up, and wear something more than just a t-shirt or casual sweater, I feel better. I know these are only surface things, but they do give me a boost. With that said, time to go watch some cartoons with my Allergy Babe.
My grandmother gets a kick out of the fact that I now cook, and enjoy it. When I was about 14, I said I didn't want to cook or bake, and wanted a house-husband. I didn't think I was going to be Miss Career-Woman, but knew I wanted to be a lawyer, and was not particularly good at baking (nor did I like to clean my bedroom). Now I'd just be happy with a little house-hold help.
Most of the time I'm right where I want to be. But there are times when I see my former self and miss that confidence and pride doing what I did, using a different part of my brain. I miss getting dressed and being put together. Nothing is stopping me now from that except myself. Sleep deprivation, wanting to be comfortable, needing to wear washable versus dry-cleanable clothes, are but a few reasons. And if its just the two of us all day, who cares if I have makeup on? (Well, only my mother who believes one shouldn't leave the house without lipstick.) So on days when I get to blow dry my hair, spend a few minutes on my make-up, and wear something more than just a t-shirt or casual sweater, I feel better. I know these are only surface things, but they do give me a boost. With that said, time to go watch some cartoons with my Allergy Babe.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
"Playing Housewife"
I have a guy friend who I haven't seen since before the Babe was born. Kind of difficult when you live hours apart, or when I would come in town and barely had time to see my immediate family. Via an email, he asked if I was still "playing housewife". I don't think he realized how dangerous that phrase was, unless he was kidding. That is the problem with the written word, you can't always grasp the tone of the author. However, I think it was not a joke, but a poor choice of words.
There have been days when I think back to when I had a career that required me to wear a business suit and depose highly respected medical professionals or appear before judges to argue motions, and wonder, if they could only see me now. Singing songs off key with made up words that don't rhyme and probably don't make much sense. Elbow deep in a dirty diaper. Doing what seems like hundreds of loads of washes, doing the dishes, cooking, baking, grocery shopping, and picking up my husband's dry-cleaning. I've become that 1950s woman I swore I wouldn't. Well, I haven't started sewing my own clothes. Being a homemaker made my mother very happy, but I never saw myself in that role. I do hope to return to the workforce, and bounce between wanting to now, RIGHT NOW, or someday down the road (those are my 3 time-tables for working depending on my mood and level of sleep).
Anyhow, I am not a housewife. I did not marry my house. I am a stay-at-home mom. Please note the difference. I did not marry my house. My career right now is my child and her well-being. Did I think 10 years ago when I was working very hard to finish my law degree that this was where I'd be now? Yes and no. Does it really matter? Nope. I have a happy child who I get wonderful kisses and hugs from, and still likes to snuggle with me. That beats winning an oral argument in court any day.
There have been days when I think back to when I had a career that required me to wear a business suit and depose highly respected medical professionals or appear before judges to argue motions, and wonder, if they could only see me now. Singing songs off key with made up words that don't rhyme and probably don't make much sense. Elbow deep in a dirty diaper. Doing what seems like hundreds of loads of washes, doing the dishes, cooking, baking, grocery shopping, and picking up my husband's dry-cleaning. I've become that 1950s woman I swore I wouldn't. Well, I haven't started sewing my own clothes. Being a homemaker made my mother very happy, but I never saw myself in that role. I do hope to return to the workforce, and bounce between wanting to now, RIGHT NOW, or someday down the road (those are my 3 time-tables for working depending on my mood and level of sleep).
Anyhow, I am not a housewife. I did not marry my house. I am a stay-at-home mom. Please note the difference. I did not marry my house. My career right now is my child and her well-being. Did I think 10 years ago when I was working very hard to finish my law degree that this was where I'd be now? Yes and no. Does it really matter? Nope. I have a happy child who I get wonderful kisses and hugs from, and still likes to snuggle with me. That beats winning an oral argument in court any day.
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