It's been 3 weeks or so since I've talked with the ped about Madison's allergy issues. I've been reading boards, perusing magazines, talking with people and buying products. It's frustrating spending hours poring over ingredient labels and recipes, spending extra money on special products and then having my girl turn up her nose at them.
It's frustrating find products that *almost* fit the bill. It's frustrating that everything on the market, especially in traditional grocery stores, have soy in them. It's incredibly frustrating to break my little girl's heart time and again when I tell her no she cannot have something, and it's always the yummy things.
It's frustrating to go to a gathering or restaurant and try to figure out safe foods. It's frustrating not being able to pop into the drive-thru for a quick meal on the run or throw a pizza or nuggets into the oven for a fast dinner. It's heartbreaking when my son complains that it's her fault we have to spend so much time in the store.
It must be terribly frustrating for my sweet little girl to be denied things she's always eaten and can no longer have. Comfort foods, special treats and sweeties are now off limits to her.
I need to work on finding alternate recipes that are tastey and fun to eat. I need new nuggets, cookies, muffins, pancakes, waffles, just to name a few. I'm getting some lovely recipes and support from some friends. I found a great magazine via J entitled Living Without. I'm sure I'll find more resources as I go along. I'm also kind of mourning the things we won't be having/keeping in the house out of support for Madison.
Within a week after eliminating cow's milk, the rash was about 98% gone. So quickly too! Unfortunately, she had a flare up over the weekend so I'm not sure what triggered it. Hopefully not the goat butter because I can use that in baking. I need it! We'll just keep trucking along. She'll be off soy at least a year and probably cow's milk and eggs as well. I think those were all Class 6 allergans. That's a long time but hopefully that'll give her body a chance to get the allergans out of her system and let it heal. Then we can reintroduce the allergans after that at some point to see which ones cause reactions still. I anticipate that we'll all be a little healthier and have better eating habits a year from now.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
ADHD Revisited
Coming to you live from my second floor! Finally dialed in to the wireless network with an old laptop. So cool!
So anyhow, I finally got back to the ped. to talk about the allergy bloodwork results that came in. The short result is that she's allergic to over 23 things, including cow's milk, soy, eggs and wheat. She's also allergic to rye but we don't really eat much of that. She's also allergic to green beans, kidney beans and another bean, perhaps white or pinto beans. The soy, eggs and milk were all level six allergans.
I came away from the appointment with a solid plan of attack.
First we begin to eliminate cow's milk/dairy and eggs from her diet. I'm not really sure how to go about this. I mean, when I did a dairy-free diet while nursing it was "easy" as easy as any of that could be. I could eat whatever I needed and continue cooking and feeding my family the same as always. But to eliminate dairy, eggs and soy from our family's diet is going to be difficult and potentially expensive. I know they make all sorts of vegan products but they are so pricey. I'll get rice milk for the girl and I can cook with that. I'm not so sure about finding an egg substitute for baking. I see myself making a lot of things from scratch.
Second, she needed more bloodwork. Since the wheat was so high, we did a celiac bloodwork up. Depending on what it reveals will affect what happens next. But at the very least, we'll need to eliminate wheat as well. We're good for rice, potato and oats. I'm sure I can fashion things from that. I don't think she has celiacs because she's never had problems with her stomach, stools or growth pattern. But you never know, I guess. I should probably do some reading up on that.
Third, we'll meet again in early August to have a strategy meeting before she goes back to school, which is what started all this. I was hoping to be dairy/egg-free by July 1 but looking ahead, I don't think that's a realistic time frame. Dr. S said that it could take a year for some of this stuff to be completely out of her system. I'm hoping that some of it will help her eczema at the very least. At the most, it'll have a positive affect on her behavior/learning capabilities.
I knew some of this was coming, in the back of my head. But now that the reality is here, I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around it. My original thought was to have the entire family eat the same so she didn't feel singled out. But I'm not so sure that's going to be entirely possible. I suppose I should just put it in the Father's hands and fall back on my mantra: one day at a time.
So anyhow, I finally got back to the ped. to talk about the allergy bloodwork results that came in. The short result is that she's allergic to over 23 things, including cow's milk, soy, eggs and wheat. She's also allergic to rye but we don't really eat much of that. She's also allergic to green beans, kidney beans and another bean, perhaps white or pinto beans. The soy, eggs and milk were all level six allergans.
I came away from the appointment with a solid plan of attack.
First we begin to eliminate cow's milk/dairy and eggs from her diet. I'm not really sure how to go about this. I mean, when I did a dairy-free diet while nursing it was "easy" as easy as any of that could be. I could eat whatever I needed and continue cooking and feeding my family the same as always. But to eliminate dairy, eggs and soy from our family's diet is going to be difficult and potentially expensive. I know they make all sorts of vegan products but they are so pricey. I'll get rice milk for the girl and I can cook with that. I'm not so sure about finding an egg substitute for baking. I see myself making a lot of things from scratch.
Second, she needed more bloodwork. Since the wheat was so high, we did a celiac bloodwork up. Depending on what it reveals will affect what happens next. But at the very least, we'll need to eliminate wheat as well. We're good for rice, potato and oats. I'm sure I can fashion things from that. I don't think she has celiacs because she's never had problems with her stomach, stools or growth pattern. But you never know, I guess. I should probably do some reading up on that.
Third, we'll meet again in early August to have a strategy meeting before she goes back to school, which is what started all this. I was hoping to be dairy/egg-free by July 1 but looking ahead, I don't think that's a realistic time frame. Dr. S said that it could take a year for some of this stuff to be completely out of her system. I'm hoping that some of it will help her eczema at the very least. At the most, it'll have a positive affect on her behavior/learning capabilities.
I knew some of this was coming, in the back of my head. But now that the reality is here, I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around it. My original thought was to have the entire family eat the same so she didn't feel singled out. But I'm not so sure that's going to be entirely possible. I suppose I should just put it in the Father's hands and fall back on my mantra: one day at a time.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Squirrely Squirrelly Squirrels
I was going to start off my blog with a snippet from Wikipedia about squirrels. However, there's a lot more information about squirrels there than I anticipated. For instance, I knew about grey squirrels, naturally, and black squirrels.
I've seen only one black squirrel in all of my town since I've been here; approx. 20 years. I used to see them frequently in the neighboring county where I grew up.
There are also albino squirrels with pink eyes. Pretty freaky looking, if you ask me. Apparently, there are also white non-albino squirrels which are not as white as their albino cousins, as well as red squirrels in England.
Squirrels like to chew on things to hone their ever-growing teeth. I guess that explains why they chewed holes in my plastic trash can lid. Aside from the obvious reason of getting at what's inside said trash can.
They are members of the rodent family which I feel makes them no better than their rat cousins. Even if they are cuter and their tails are fluffier. There is one picture on Wikipedia of a squirrel in Washington, DC that's the fattest squirrel I've ever seen. I guess not only people can benefit from the largess of the Nation's Capitol.
When I was about twelve, a squirrel started hanging around my grandparents yard. We stupidly started feeding it. The squirrel's favorite snack was not - surprise - nuts but dog treats. Specifically, "People Treats." I don't know if they still make these as a couple decades have passed since I was 12 but they were brightly colored dog treats in the shape of people such as mail men. Hence the name People Treats. The squirrel became very brazen and would climb up on the trash can and knock on the kitchen window for treats and attention. We stopped feeding it when it climbed up my arm. I guess it mistook my twig-like arm for a tree branch.
Earlier this year, we began having a problem with squirrels in our trash. Seeing as how we'd lost several lids on windy days, this was a real problem. However, it became a larger problem when they chewed a hole in the top of the only lidded can we had so they could get in the trash. I had know idea squirrels were such scavengers. Raccoons, yes. Squirrels, no.
We discovered that the squirrels had built a nest in the partially-finished ceiling of our carport. DH had a friend come and help him take the ceiling to discover a squirrel city condo going on up there. I'd like to say that that got rid of our squirrel problem but there were about 5-6 having a pow-wow in our yard today. Maybe it was the first day of summer camp.
My son received a bird feeder for Christmas from my uncle. It was a craft at some sort of event that involved wood, nails, glue and a humongous glass mason jar. It was very cute and recently we decided to hang it up in a tree for the birds, knowing that it would have been more useful in winter when food is scarce. I knew the squirrels would probably eat most of the food anyhow so whatever.
After two days, the *(^!#!%^^ squirrels had ripped the thing apart. The bottom half, including glass jar, was lying upended on the ground with seed scattered. The roof remained hanging uselessly in the tree. How sad a picture that made. I picked up the jar and put it on the table to try and repair it later on. After dinner we noticed several squirrels sitting on the table eating the seed. The kids thought it was cute but all I could think of was that squirrel butts were sitting where we put our food.
The next morning I opened the blinds and discovered that the squirrels must have gotten mad when the seed was gone. There was glass *everywhere*! Stupid @##%^Q!#! squirrels. I was disappointed at the loss of the feeder for my son's sake but now there was broken glass all over the patio. I've cleaned it up but am leary about broken shards remaining and getting stuck in little toes and feet. Hence, I insist the kids wear their shoes at all times when outside. They get aggravated when they're swimming in the wading pool but I figure some grumbling is better than trying to fish glass out of raw flesh.
To the squirrels -- thanks a lot. NOT! This is an open invitation to find a new place to play.
I've seen only one black squirrel in all of my town since I've been here; approx. 20 years. I used to see them frequently in the neighboring county where I grew up.
There are also albino squirrels with pink eyes. Pretty freaky looking, if you ask me. Apparently, there are also white non-albino squirrels which are not as white as their albino cousins, as well as red squirrels in England.
Squirrels like to chew on things to hone their ever-growing teeth. I guess that explains why they chewed holes in my plastic trash can lid. Aside from the obvious reason of getting at what's inside said trash can.
They are members of the rodent family which I feel makes them no better than their rat cousins. Even if they are cuter and their tails are fluffier. There is one picture on Wikipedia of a squirrel in Washington, DC that's the fattest squirrel I've ever seen. I guess not only people can benefit from the largess of the Nation's Capitol.
When I was about twelve, a squirrel started hanging around my grandparents yard. We stupidly started feeding it. The squirrel's favorite snack was not - surprise - nuts but dog treats. Specifically, "People Treats." I don't know if they still make these as a couple decades have passed since I was 12 but they were brightly colored dog treats in the shape of people such as mail men. Hence the name People Treats. The squirrel became very brazen and would climb up on the trash can and knock on the kitchen window for treats and attention. We stopped feeding it when it climbed up my arm. I guess it mistook my twig-like arm for a tree branch.
Earlier this year, we began having a problem with squirrels in our trash. Seeing as how we'd lost several lids on windy days, this was a real problem. However, it became a larger problem when they chewed a hole in the top of the only lidded can we had so they could get in the trash. I had know idea squirrels were such scavengers. Raccoons, yes. Squirrels, no.
We discovered that the squirrels had built a nest in the partially-finished ceiling of our carport. DH had a friend come and help him take the ceiling to discover a squirrel city condo going on up there. I'd like to say that that got rid of our squirrel problem but there were about 5-6 having a pow-wow in our yard today. Maybe it was the first day of summer camp.
My son received a bird feeder for Christmas from my uncle. It was a craft at some sort of event that involved wood, nails, glue and a humongous glass mason jar. It was very cute and recently we decided to hang it up in a tree for the birds, knowing that it would have been more useful in winter when food is scarce. I knew the squirrels would probably eat most of the food anyhow so whatever.
After two days, the *(^!#!%^^ squirrels had ripped the thing apart. The bottom half, including glass jar, was lying upended on the ground with seed scattered. The roof remained hanging uselessly in the tree. How sad a picture that made. I picked up the jar and put it on the table to try and repair it later on. After dinner we noticed several squirrels sitting on the table eating the seed. The kids thought it was cute but all I could think of was that squirrel butts were sitting where we put our food.
The next morning I opened the blinds and discovered that the squirrels must have gotten mad when the seed was gone. There was glass *everywhere*! Stupid @##%^Q!#! squirrels. I was disappointed at the loss of the feeder for my son's sake but now there was broken glass all over the patio. I've cleaned it up but am leary about broken shards remaining and getting stuck in little toes and feet. Hence, I insist the kids wear their shoes at all times when outside. They get aggravated when they're swimming in the wading pool but I figure some grumbling is better than trying to fish glass out of raw flesh.
To the squirrels -- thanks a lot. NOT! This is an open invitation to find a new place to play.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Summer Vacation Part II
So, we survived the first week. Tried to stay somewhat on schedule.
Highlights are the freakish storm Wednesday. Downed trees and limbs everywhere. Thursday the power went out around 1-ish after our trip to the library. P's mother picked her up early so I took the little girls to my dad's for the night.
So nice not to be care-taking two toddlers. I've really enjoyed my time with my older two. We ran some errands, picked up by 2 week old nephew for a visit while his mom rested, enjoyed pizza lunch and Rita's.
Tonight I'm meeting to help plan a World Walk for Breastfeeding Celebration planned for August 3 I believe at the Sykesville Fire Station. On a breastfeeding note, I'm sick of pumping. I can see now how much milk C is still drinking from me which is a lot more than the other two did at this stage. It's okay in general but when she's away for any length of time, I need to pump. And then what to do with the pumped milk? It's not like I need to stockpile any longer. I think I'll give it to her at meal times. There's over 23 ounces and I'm not just throwing it out!
They'll be back this evening. I sure do miss them especially after spending time with Baby D. Almost makes me want another.
Almost...
Highlights are the freakish storm Wednesday. Downed trees and limbs everywhere. Thursday the power went out around 1-ish after our trip to the library. P's mother picked her up early so I took the little girls to my dad's for the night.
So nice not to be care-taking two toddlers. I've really enjoyed my time with my older two. We ran some errands, picked up by 2 week old nephew for a visit while his mom rested, enjoyed pizza lunch and Rita's.
Tonight I'm meeting to help plan a World Walk for Breastfeeding Celebration planned for August 3 I believe at the Sykesville Fire Station. On a breastfeeding note, I'm sick of pumping. I can see now how much milk C is still drinking from me which is a lot more than the other two did at this stage. It's okay in general but when she's away for any length of time, I need to pump. And then what to do with the pumped milk? It's not like I need to stockpile any longer. I think I'll give it to her at meal times. There's over 23 ounces and I'm not just throwing it out!
They'll be back this evening. I sure do miss them especially after spending time with Baby D. Almost makes me want another.
Almost...
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Summer Vacation Part 1
So far so good. We have a loose schedule so we're having fun and getting things done here and there.
P is her for this week and next so that is nice. I'll miss her when she's gone but without any babysitting this summer, we'll have the freedom to pick up and go at will. I will miss having a paycheck, though.
Funny things kids say: Mia's been talking about "Handsome" and Gretel today!
Matthew had his first official ortho appointment yesterday. They took molds and pictures of his teeth. We go back on the 24th, I think, to discuss the treatment options based on what comes back with his molds and pictures.
Our house is finally back in order. I'm working on putting away the last box of desk stuff. We still have things under the house that need to be sorted through and put away again. That's mostly just reorganization of stuff that should have already been done.
Supposed to have DN on Friday to give them a break since mom is ailing. Looking forward to that but sad that they're having such a rough road right now. Sending prayers that everyone is up to par soon!
P is her for this week and next so that is nice. I'll miss her when she's gone but without any babysitting this summer, we'll have the freedom to pick up and go at will. I will miss having a paycheck, though.
Funny things kids say: Mia's been talking about "Handsome" and Gretel today!
Matthew had his first official ortho appointment yesterday. They took molds and pictures of his teeth. We go back on the 24th, I think, to discuss the treatment options based on what comes back with his molds and pictures.
Our house is finally back in order. I'm working on putting away the last box of desk stuff. We still have things under the house that need to be sorted through and put away again. That's mostly just reorganization of stuff that should have already been done.
Supposed to have DN on Friday to give them a break since mom is ailing. Looking forward to that but sad that they're having such a rough road right now. Sending prayers that everyone is up to par soon!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Last Day of School!
Well, that ubiquitous time has come again. The last day of school. It seems so far away and abstract in the middle of August when school begins for my biggies. Then we get through the winter holidays. Then the spring holidays. Then all of a sudden, we're putting end of the year activities on our calendar such as the annual Strawberry Festival, Adventure Club Investiture, Piano Recital, Fun Day which consisted of a zoo trip this year.
The end of the year always seems to come so fast for me as a mom. Although, I do recall as a child that those last few weeks draaaaaged endlessly LOL! My son has been waiting not too patiently and I couldn't get Madison out of bed this morning. At least it's the last one!
They came home with all their school stuff yesterday. I always forget about this part. The bits and bobs that helped them learn and grow throughout the year, finished art projects, journals, graded papers and just trash and bits of toys and junk they collected over the months.
It will be nice to kick back and relax. Summer plans include trips to the library, Rita's, pool, Grandma and Grandpa Q's camper and house, Granny and Pop Pop's house near the ocean, various playgrounds and hopefully a couple short trips to PA and VA to visit family and amusement parks. Play dates, of course and lots of time outside when the weather cooperates.
Last year at this time I was petrified because I had a new baby and was going to be home all summer with four children. It turned out to be a nice summer and I'm really looking forward to it this year. I think the kids will really entertain each other (and fight LOL) so perhaps I can do a few of my own things. Plus I can send them all to the grandparents for a couple days at a time and get some much-needed mommy time.
I plan to have a loose schedule that they can help devise that includes some learning time with their workbooks, arty time, outside time, reading, quiet/rest time, tv, games/computer and the like. I'm afraid if I don't do that then we'll all just sit around loafing. I need to be proactive and keep a bit of a schedule and plan weekly outings.
I also want them to learn two skills this summer. One of my choose which includes Madison learning to tie her shoes and Matthew learning how to fold and put away his laundry. I want them to pick their second learning goal themselves. Matthew's piano teacher is offering summer lessons this year but I told him he could take the summer off if he chooses. I think everyone is ready for a break!
Here are their school pictures. I never intended to buy the spring pictures but they came out so nicely how could I not. And how could I tell my children that I wasn't going to buy their pictures after they sent the package home in book bags. Those picture people are squirrly!
Happy Summer, everyone!
The end of the year always seems to come so fast for me as a mom. Although, I do recall as a child that those last few weeks draaaaaged endlessly LOL! My son has been waiting not too patiently and I couldn't get Madison out of bed this morning. At least it's the last one!
They came home with all their school stuff yesterday. I always forget about this part. The bits and bobs that helped them learn and grow throughout the year, finished art projects, journals, graded papers and just trash and bits of toys and junk they collected over the months.
It will be nice to kick back and relax. Summer plans include trips to the library, Rita's, pool, Grandma and Grandpa Q's camper and house, Granny and Pop Pop's house near the ocean, various playgrounds and hopefully a couple short trips to PA and VA to visit family and amusement parks. Play dates, of course and lots of time outside when the weather cooperates.
Last year at this time I was petrified because I had a new baby and was going to be home all summer with four children. It turned out to be a nice summer and I'm really looking forward to it this year. I think the kids will really entertain each other (and fight LOL) so perhaps I can do a few of my own things. Plus I can send them all to the grandparents for a couple days at a time and get some much-needed mommy time.
I plan to have a loose schedule that they can help devise that includes some learning time with their workbooks, arty time, outside time, reading, quiet/rest time, tv, games/computer and the like. I'm afraid if I don't do that then we'll all just sit around loafing. I need to be proactive and keep a bit of a schedule and plan weekly outings.
I also want them to learn two skills this summer. One of my choose which includes Madison learning to tie her shoes and Matthew learning how to fold and put away his laundry. I want them to pick their second learning goal themselves. Matthew's piano teacher is offering summer lessons this year but I told him he could take the summer off if he chooses. I think everyone is ready for a break!
Here are their school pictures. I never intended to buy the spring pictures but they came out so nicely how could I not. And how could I tell my children that I wasn't going to buy their pictures after they sent the package home in book bags. Those picture people are squirrly!
Happy Summer, everyone!
Monday, May 5, 2008
The Great Flood
We had a very interesting week of last. Tuesday we had some new tile laid in the kitchen, about 75% of it. It wasn't anything special, just some cheapy peel and stick to have a nicer looking floor for C's birthday party on Sunday.
DH came to bed about midnight. I was up off and on with the baby because she was sick. About 2:30 I went to get a drink of water and heard a strange hissing noise from the kitchen. It sounded like the ice maker when it fills the tray only louder. Turns out the water line to the ice maker snapped clean and was dumping water for a couple hours.
Water everywhere on two floors of our home! Two hours before dh had to leave on an overnight business trip! Oy!! We spent about an hour cleaning up and dh making some phone calls. I went back to bed but it took quite some time to get to sleep. DH delayed his flight and came back the same night.
We had water restoration people here for six hours. We have eleven blowers and two gigantic dehumidifiers going. It got really hot in here but they said that means it's working. So now it's cooling off so I suppose the drying process is near complete. I can't wait to get the equipment out of here.
They were supposed to return this morning but were running late and I couldn't wait. Now they are scheduled to come tomorrow. Damage includes flooring and a removed wall in the kitchen, carpet in the den, pad, drywall and ceiling in the basement along with some other holes cut into the drywall. All in all, we didn't lose much personal property so that was good. We'll see how the estimation and repairs go.
A couple pictures to remember our flood.
DH came to bed about midnight. I was up off and on with the baby because she was sick. About 2:30 I went to get a drink of water and heard a strange hissing noise from the kitchen. It sounded like the ice maker when it fills the tray only louder. Turns out the water line to the ice maker snapped clean and was dumping water for a couple hours.
Water everywhere on two floors of our home! Two hours before dh had to leave on an overnight business trip! Oy!! We spent about an hour cleaning up and dh making some phone calls. I went back to bed but it took quite some time to get to sleep. DH delayed his flight and came back the same night.
We had water restoration people here for six hours. We have eleven blowers and two gigantic dehumidifiers going. It got really hot in here but they said that means it's working. So now it's cooling off so I suppose the drying process is near complete. I can't wait to get the equipment out of here.
They were supposed to return this morning but were running late and I couldn't wait. Now they are scheduled to come tomorrow. Damage includes flooring and a removed wall in the kitchen, carpet in the den, pad, drywall and ceiling in the basement along with some other holes cut into the drywall. All in all, we didn't lose much personal property so that was good. We'll see how the estimation and repairs go.
A couple pictures to remember our flood.
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