tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12719348720283298022024-03-13T21:09:12.287-04:00No Nuts For My PeanutDianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-19911828323509186862013-07-08T08:11:00.003-04:002013-07-08T08:13:15.470-04:00Empowering Your Food Allergic ChildI get asked these questions a lot from strangers to friends. How are you teaching you 4 year old son about his allergies? When did you start teaching him? How can I tell my child about their allergies without scaring them? Then a long conversation happens because the answer isn't that simple. Some are happy to hear it, others regret asking the question. Educating your child on his or her challenges can give them control over it. It will empower them.<br />
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<b>Starting the FA conversation with your toddler child.</b><br />
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Age has a lot to do with how you approach your child. My son was 14 months old when he had his 1st reaction. Not an easy age to talk to them. You can't just say "don't eat peanuts they can make you sick or kill you". You can't just go to a party and let them move about and snack on all the food that is at their disposal. You end up being that dreaded helicopter parent. Not fun for anyone, but it's what you do.<br />
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What we did at this young age was to reinforce asking mom or dad only for food. Don't take food from anyone but person A, B, or C... When in the supper market (or any where we saw the offending foods), we would point out peanuts and nuts and say YUCKY, DANGER. If we saw a certain candy commercial we would say the same thing. He also had some books that had pictures of peanuts and nuts in them. Again we would say YUCKY, DANGER. We were using images to teach. This wasn't a plan, it's just what we did naturally.<br />
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<b>Age 2</b><br />
At around<b> </b>age 2 is when we started using car rides to talk about it. On our way to a party or play date we would tell him the food rules. That even though we may not see the peanuts or nuts they could still be in the food. We bought him his medic alert bracelet and had him start to wear it. We started using the words safe and not safe quite a bit!<br />
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<b>The Preschool Years (which we are still in)</b><br />
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<b>Age 3</b><br />
When he turned <b>3</b> we started talking about getting sick and having to go to a hospital if he ate the wrong thing. That he would have to get a shot that mommy or daddy would have to give him. Now instead of telling him the food rules he had to tell us on the way to a party. When we met other kids with allergies we would excitedly say, "guess who else can't eat peanuts!"<br />
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If we went to someone house who made sure the food was safe for him we made sure (and still do), to have him tell the host thank you for making or having safe snacks.<br />
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At school we had a great system worked out. Before we would go into his classroom we would go (and still do), and check to see if the snack was safe together. He would see me check, and then I would tell him if it was OK on not. If I remembered I would have him tell the teacher if he could eat it or not. Sometimes I forgot and told her myself. If was unsafe we had snacks stashed with the teacher. We also always brought his treat for parties and such. Whether at school or at a party. This was and is his normal. It doesn't even phase him.<br />
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We also started talking about his EpiPen. We showed it (the trainer) to him and told him it had to go everywhere with him. We just left it at that at the time.<br />
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<b>Age 4</b><br />
Just before he turned <b>4</b>, we went to a close friends party. As usual she made the whole thing safe for him even though she doesn't have to (thank God for friends like this). They had a pinata with all safe candy for him. The kids broke the thing and candy was everywhere. He collected his stash and started to look thought. He came running to me with a box of Jr. Mints in hand, yelling "MOM these have peanuts! You said the candy was safe!" Turns out there was a no peanut symbol on the box. He saw the peanut but didn't know the red circle with the line through it meant no.<br />
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At that moment I knew what we spent the last 2 years teaching him sunk in. It was a sad and happy moment. Happy because he learned. Sad because now he understand his life can end with just one bite of the wrong thing.<br />
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About 6 moths after that party we headed back into the city for another food challenge. He had passed his first challenge to cashews, so we were pretty confidant he would pass this one for walnuts and pecans. This was not the case. Two minutes after his 1st bite of walnut he started to have a reaction (to read all about this food challenge <a href="http://nonutsformypeanut.blogspot.com/2013/03/food-challenge-meltdown.html" target="_blank">click here</a> to find the post and details of that bad day). While it was not the outcome we had hoped for, we again learned that what we were teaching him had sunk in! He did everything he had been told to do. <br />
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Up until that point he really didn't know what it felt like to eat something that could hurt him. We were always afraid he wouldn't recognize it. That no matter what we told him, he wouldn't truly understand an allergic reaction. Well he did, right from the start! He didn't need time to process what the feeling was. He knew what it was, and knew what to do.<br />
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Now at 4.5 we have switched over to the new <a href="http://www.auvi-q.com/" target="_blank">Auvi-Q</a> epinephrine injector. We love it because of the audible directions its gives while having to use it and it's size. Our son loves it as well. We showed it (the trainer), to him and he is not afraid of it any more. It's smaller and easy to use. He is now the one who trains everyone how to use it. Yes my 4.5 year old trains the adults how to use it! He is also in charge of handing it over to the adult who will be taking care of him if he is getting dropped off (with us standing right there of course). He does not carry it on him, but we give it to him at the door to give to an adult.<br />
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So back to the title of this post, <i>Empowering Your Food Allergic Child</i>. How we empower our son is to educate him. The more he understands the more control he has. He is learning how to ask questions about his food. How to say no thank you to food offers. He knows what will help him in an emergency. He needs to be confident and informed. He needs to be able to stand up for and advocate for himself if we're not there, because lets face it we can't be there 24/7 for his whole life. <br />
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He needs to know these things and guess what, he knows! At lease he is starting to really get a handle on it. So don't be afraid that you will scare your child too much. A little fear is good but understanding is better. You know your child better than anyone. You know what they can handle and not handle. Just don't underestimate the power your words have and how much they hear. That is you best weapon against food allergies.<br />
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Since we are still in preschool, I can't weight in on what to do with older children. Nicole Smith of <a href="http://home.allergicchild.com/" target="_blank">Allergic Child </a>is who I look to for that! I will have to wade through like so many parents that have gone before me. All I can say is I will always educate him, I will always advocate for him, I will do what I can to make him ready and able to handle what comes his way. I'm the mom, it's my job.<br />
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<br />Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-75786748298927211082013-03-20T18:04:00.000-04:002013-03-20T18:13:43.781-04:00Food Challenge Meltdown<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know many of you were following our food challenge last week on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/No-Nuts-For-My-Peanut/116720321697748" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/NoNuts4MyPeanut" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. I want to thank you all for you kind, supportive words and prayers. If you weren't following lets just say, it didn't go so well.</span><br />
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This was our second food challenge. We went for our first one last fall (when I was on hiatus from here). It was for cashews. I was a nervous wreck the night before for many reasons. For years we have been telling our son do not eats nuts! Now we had to tell him eat these nuts. Needless to say it took two weeks prior to the test to convince him to do the challenge. Since I didn't think he would eat them, I made cookies with cashews in them after he went to bed. I was terrified the fumes from them cooking would make him have a reaction. I must of went into his room 20 times to check on him. We went in early to do the challenge. He ate the cashews plain while I wanted to throw up. And NOTHING! He loved them and is not allergic!</span><br />
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Cut to last Thursday. We were going in to challenge walnuts and pecans. Since the first challenge went so well. I was so calm (too calm). I slept well and everything. I didn't get nervous until he had to eat the walnut. He ate a piece smaller than a jelly bean, and announced he wasn't allergic with this big grin on his sweet face. We all laughed and I took a breath since I was holding it.</span><br />
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About 2 or 3 minutes (yes that fast), my son turned to us and said his mouth felt funny, like oatmeal. I couldn't understand what he meant by oatmeal. Then a few seconds later he said his tummy hurt and started clawing at the neck of his shirt. Then his fear set in. The terror in his eyes was too much for me to see. He started panicking and the nurse and Dr. were there in a flash. The more questions we asked the more he panicked. His top lip started to swell a little. It was barley noticeable, but the Dr. and I saw it. Food challenge over only minutes after we started. </span><br />
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Benadryl to the rescue! Once we told him he was going to get medicine he started to calm down even before he took it. We were lucky that he didn't need epinephrine. The Benadryl took care of it. He did get a little lethargic but nothing that worried anyone too much. We had to stay for 3 more hours to make sure he was OK. </span><br />
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Once I knew he was OK, I had to leave the room to catch my breath and let a few tears spill. The minute he said his mouth felt funny I wanted to throw up. That feeling didn't go away until the next day. A four year should never have to feel that fear, and a parent should never have to see it. He knew it was bad and saw it in my eyes as well. </span><br />
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However there is a positive to this story! We've spent years talking to him about his allergies. As he gets older we get a little more detailed but noting too heavy yet. He's only four. The moment he felt something different he knew to tell us. He knew something was wrong. He recognized what we had been telling him for years. He did what he was taught. As a parent I'm so proud of my little man. Of all the things I could fail at, this wasn't it. We are doing the right thing. Teaching him one of the most import lessons in his young life. We did our job as his parents, and it feels good.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After we got the all clear getting ready for some pizza!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do not attempt to do a food challenge at home without consulting a Dr. This was a medically supervised food challenge in a medical facility.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-44496301560960160272013-02-21T11:22:00.001-05:002013-02-21T11:24:06.297-05:00Returning to Technical Difficulties!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hi all! I know it's been ages since my last post. And well, my last post was about being overwhelmed and stressed out. I decided to follow some of your advise and made some changes. I talked with my hubby and we decided it was time for me to take a step back and reevaluate everything. I ended up taking a break from here and I quit my day job to really focus on my new <a href="http://www.dianefrenchphoto.com/" target="_blank">photography business</a> and family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's been a lot of work, but I'm starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel! With that said, I hope to be back up and running soon. However I am returning to some technical difficulties with the blog. It seems ALL my photos have vanished! It's going to take some time to sort out since <a href="https://www.blogger.com/tour_start.g" target="_blank">Blogger</a> has no way to contact them for real customer service. VERY Frustrating!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am planning some blog posts in my head. My son's latest allergist appointment (which you may have seen on my photography blog), and I want to tell you all about a new auto injector that is so cool not to look into. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If there are any topics you want to talk about let me know! If you are interested in writing a relevant guest blog post please contact me asap! Here's to getting back into the swing of things!</span><br />
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<br />Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-5282309680954553552012-07-21T12:47:00.002-04:002012-07-21T12:59:27.642-04:00More than I can chew...Today's post isn't focused on food allergies. It's more of a mom/parent purging for me. I'm just trying to figure some things out. Like most moms (and dad's, or guardian's), I have become completely overwhelmed by daily life. There really aren't enough waking hours to get it all done. I use to be a very organized person, and on time for everything. Add kids to the mix and it's all out the window!<br />
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I have friends who became more organized when they had kids. Both my working mom friends, and stay at home mom friends, seem to have it all together. They enjoy their kids (not that I don't enjoy mine, I just think they don't enjoy stressed out mom right now). I know I don't see into their homes at the crazy moments, I know they are not perfect, but they seem more calm about it all. Do they dread the production it takes just to get everyone into the car to go out? For me that's a food allergy related anxiety. Do I have enough food, will he get upset this time? We all talk about how hard it is, to be a parent and find balance as an individual, a wife and friend.<br />
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Last night as I was working on some of the details for the baby's 1st birthday party (can you believe he's going to be one next month), I was thinking, that this last year has been crazy! My hubby got promoted, two weeks later I had a second child, one week later a hurricane hit and his paternity leave got screwed up. Then my oldest who has the peanut & tree nut allergy, started his first year of preschool (where we have to volunteer). I went back to work part time, started a portrait photography business, and recently signed an agreement to do some stock photography. Let us not forget, this blog and another blog for a local support group I co-founded.<br />
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So that's one husband, 2 kids, 3 blogs, 1 website, a part time job, a new business and a support group. Oh and hubby's schedule is so erratic! We honestly can't plan anything, baby sitters or weekend trips till 2 days before the week starts! It's driving our friends and family crazy along with me. I hate saying, "I won't know till.." every time we are asked to do something. I honestly think, people think we don't want to see them. It's the total opposite! I miss everyone terribly.<br />
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I think I had posted on Facebook, that I sent my oldest to a play date with a snack that wasn't 100% safe! Thank goodness for a great friend and mom, who checked my snack anyway. Where is my head that I can do something like that? How do I get organized with all this? What kind of balance can I achieve to be happy? Is it time to give something up? Do I give this up?<br />
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I think we can all agree I'm not the best blogger on the block. In fact, I suck at staying current and relevant. I don't post as often as I would like. BUT I really don't want to give this up. I love interacting with the FA community. Making someone feel that they are not alone, and that there is someone who understands. You all have helped me so may times I can't count. When I feel like others are looking at me like I'm nuts, I can come here or on my Facebook page and know you don't think I am!<br />
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I think this is all coming out as a result of two in a half weeks of nothing but bad. Between hubby's job, and the kids getting coxsakie/hand foot and mouth, it's all come to a head. I'm an anxious person to begin with, but my levels are pretty high right now. I don't want to give up any of it. I finally found my way back to photography (heck it's what I have my masters in), and it has been my main focus, but so many other things are suffering because of it. Even though I'm focused on it, I need to dedicate more time to it. But where's the time?<br />
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I guess it's time to take a serious look at all, that is my life. I don't want to be a quitter, I want to do it all! You know super mom who just isn't a mom lol. I know my hubby is worried about me, and that we "need to talk". Don't you hate that phrase? I probably will never figure it out, but I'm going to try. Any advise or ideas how to get it together are welcome!<br />
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Thanks for once again listening to me ramble!<br />
<br />Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-80797059558051883452012-06-19T15:30:00.001-04:002012-06-19T16:32:09.265-04:00Thank You Cake Break!We've been back a week now from our wonderful family vacation in Lewes, DE. It was such an amazing experience going away as a family of 4 for the first time. We decided a while ago that in order for us to go away we need to rent a space that had a kitchen. Not just to save money, but to save our sanity and keep stress at a minimum. Feeding your food allergic child while on vacation is a challenge, especially if you eat out for every meal. I would be exhausted by day 2, and DONE by day 3. The stress would ruin it.<br />
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With that said, we rented a house on the beach, and only ate out twice. If you find yourself in Lewse DE, these 2 establishments: <a href="http://chrisandjenna.com/pizza/">Mr. P's</a> and <a href="http://www.jerrys-seafood.com/">Jerry's Seafood,</a> were so nice and accommodating, plus the food was great. However the day we went into Rehoboth we faced our big first food challenge while on vacation.<br />
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We had planed to spend the afternoon at the boardwalk and eat there. The first thing we noticed was that many of the concessions and restaurants cook their food with peanut oil. It was clearly stated on their signs as an advertisement. For us it was a waring and blessing. Even the one pizza place we went into used peanut oil. Now I'm sure there are many safe place to eat in Rehoboth that don't use peanut oil, as we didn't go into every establishment (there are a ton of places to eat there). By the 4th or 5th one we tried without success, we were done.<br />
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Disappointed, we headed back to Lewes to eat as my son was starving. We found <a href="http://chrisandjenna.com/pizza/">Mr. P's</a> and all was good again. But it got me thinking, what if we had only rented a hotel room in Rehoboth like most families do? We would of been so stressed.<br />
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We got back to the house, and I posted on facebook about how bummed I was for my little man. Then, just like that, one you you replied (I won't post your name in case you don't want it here), to my post that there was a nut free bakery in Rehoboth! I looked them up and called the next morning. It was true, <a href="http://www.cakebreakrehoboth.com/">Cake Break</a> in Rehoboth was peanut and tree nut free. They also had gluten free items as well.<br />
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It sounds crazy but I got a little emotional at the news. See we had already told our son we couldn't go to the ice cream place, that he couldn't eat the pop corn, or the fudge he saw others eating on the boardwalk. Pretty heart breaking for us. But as usual he was OK and would say, "I'll have some back at our beach house mommy".<br />
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Two day's later it was my husbands birthday. I had planned on baking cupcakes at the house, but now I didn't have to! We told our son about the bakery, and he was super excited to pick out a special birthday cupcake for his dad. So instead of lunch that day, we had cupcakes, sticky buns and cinnamon rolls. Delicious doesn't even begin to describe it. Needless to say he was a happy boy.<br />
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This pace was awesome. They even had a cupcake decorating area for the kids, some stools and chairs inside as well as out. When I asked the owner why a nut free bakery he had the best answer. He told me the day they opened there was little boy screaming and crying because he couldn't go in and have a cupcake. That's all it took. Amazing right?<br />
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So if you find yourself in the Rehoboth, DE area with a nut, peanut, or gluten, allergy, eat vegan, or just like sweets. Check out <a href="http://www.cakebreakrehoboth.com/index.html">Cake Break</a>! You won't be disappointed and you will be giving your business to people who care. They made our vacation that much better! And for a mom with a child with a life threatening food allergy that is a big deal.<br />
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<i>Like the photos you see? Check out my photo blog and website at <a href="http://www.dianefrenchphoto.com/">www.dianefrenchphoto.com</a></i><br />
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<br />Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-24458703294819705962012-06-15T13:42:00.001-04:002012-06-15T13:45:36.480-04:00WHITE SOX HOST A SECOND “PEANUT-CONTROLLED ZONE”<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">WHITE SOX HOST A SECOND “PEANUT-CONTROLLED ZONE”</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For the Second Time, Reserved Seating Area Will Provide Haven for Fans </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Who Suffer Severe Peanut Allergies</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">CHICAGO – The Chicago White Sox will host a second “Peanut-Controlled Zone” on Friday, July 6, 2012 at 7:10 p.m. against the Toronto Blue Jays.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">To provide fans who suffer from severe peanut allergies with the safest environment possible, no peanuts, nor anything containing peanuts, will be allowed or sold in three reserved sections of the Club Level at U.S. Cellular Field. The concession stands closest to those special sections will not sell peanuts and the area will be meticulously cleaned and inspected prior to the game.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">“Every individual fan experience is important to our organization,” said Brooks Boyer, White Sox senior vice president of sales and marketing. “We are very pleased with the turnout and fan feedback from the game in April and want to give these fans another opportunity to enjoy White Sox baseball in a peanut-controlled area at U.S. Cellular Field.”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Along with tickets specially priced at $47, fans have the option to add $10 in “Bonus Bux” that can be used to buy food and beverage at any permanent club level concession stand and a $25 parking pass to their orders. Additionally, fans will enjoy a spectacular fireworks show after the game. There are approximately 200 seats available, so fans are encouraged to order tickets early.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For the least peanut-exposed path to the game, the club suggests entering through the Chicago Sports Depot near Gate 5 on the north side of 35<sup>th</sup> Street. From the second level exit of the store, escalators lead up to a bridge over the street which ends at the Club Level concourse.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Fans interested in purchasing tickets and seating in the peanut-free section should email or call Dustin Milliken at <a href="mailto:dmilliken@chisox.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">dmilliken@chisox.com</span></a> or <a href="tel:%28312%29%20674-5186" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+13126745186">(312) 674-5186</a>.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<br /></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-27113848510532781562012-04-05T10:38:00.006-04:002012-04-05T11:50:19.001-04:00Year Two of Living with Food Allergies.I'm reflecting on another year gone by living with food allergies. On April 22 it will be 2 years of anxiety, fears and firsts. We learned a lot this last year. We have amazing family, friends and teachers who really look out for our little man. Even some of the parents at his school go out of their way to include him. For most, his allergy has become 2nd nature to them. We have had no new incidents involving his allergies, and he has outgrown most of his nut allergies. I believe we will be doing a food challenge with cashews this year. Lucky doesn't even describe how I feel. To read our story how we found out about our son's peanut allergy check out <a href="http://nonutsformypeanut.blogspot.com/2011/04/year-gone-by.html">this post</a> from last year. <div><div><br /></div><div>As he is now 3, he is starting to understand more. He reminds us when dropping him at school that we need to check the snack. He asks if he can have whatever it is. When we tell him no, it's never been a problem. Even when it's cupcakes that the teacher didn't know were coming to class. I'm so proud of him. He never complains about being left out, or eating something different. Sometimes he even asks us if we have his epi pen when leaving the house.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>It's hard to tell a 3 year old about the severity of his peanut allergy without terrifying him. I want him to have a healthy fear, but not traumatize him. So far so good. I think we are on the right track. Here are some of the things we do to remind and teach him.</div><div><br /></div><div>1. When we go to a party or play date, we talk about it in the car. I ask him questions like what if your friend wants to share his or her food? The answer, "say no thanks", and "ask mom or dad". We remind him don't take food from anyone but (we name the people who can give him food).</div><div><br /></div><div>2. He doesn't were his medic alert bracelet all the time because it bothers him (it scratches him pretty badly no matter what I do to it). However he will wear it when we go to public evens and places, to a new play date or when their is a sub at school. As he gets older he will wear it more since we won't be with him as much. He knows it tells others about his allergies.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. We have been teaching him what say say if he gets lost. He knows his full name, allergies, phone number, name of the town we live in, mom and dad's full names, our jobs and his grandparents name. If you ask him his name, he tells you than says, "I'm allergic to peanuts and nuts"! Pretty good for a 3 year old! It's my new parlor trick to show people:)</div><div><br /></div><div>4. When we are shopping we make a effort to point out peanuts and tree nuts, the different products (especially candy), that they are in, and how they look different. </div><div><br /></div><div>All this seems to be paying off and getting through to him and some of his little friends. Again, I am reminded that even thought the fear and anxiety we have has parents is stressful and exhausting, we are lucky that's it's not something worse. He is a happy, healthy, funny, smart, adorable little boy, who brings us so much joy. He may drive me crazy on a daily basis, but he also amazes me daily with his ability to learn and accept his small burden at such a young age.</div><div><br /></div><div>We are two years into this, and it does get easier. Remember to be open minded when others are not, educated others but not preach, work with schools, parents and organizations to help advocate for your child as well as others. You will be surprised how many doors open, and events pop up just because you talked about it in a positive way.</div><div><br /></div><div>FYI the NY Mets contacted me again about a peanut free suite for a weekend game in May. I'll get the info to you this week! It all started with a simple email! You can make a difference!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-70008376264565097352012-02-17T13:51:00.006-05:002012-02-17T14:09:40.066-05:00A letter from a stranger can change your day.While I'm no the best blogger, I do, do it for many reasons. To connect with others in my situation, raise awareness, and just listen to others. I receive e-mails from strangers often talking about their struggles. Some are angry, some are sad, some are of a great experience they have had, and some are just people getting it all out.<br /><br />Kelly sent me this email and said I could share. It's about the basic thing we all have in common. Makes me feel like I'm not crazy to feel the way I do. That I'm not alone in my fears and anxiety.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"My name is Kelly and my little boy is Zachary he is 4yrs old going to be 5 soon. I still worry every day about him going to school. They have a peanut free campus, but the other day I saw a can of peanut butter there. I know how stressful it is wondering if there will ever be a true safe zone for my son or will I receive a dreaded phone call from the school.<br /><br /> I carry my cell phone everywhere I go. Zachary's doctor told me that there was no way possible to be 100% safe any where in the world today. That he would come in contact with peanuts and tree nuts, that's why we need to learn how to take care of those incidents when they happen.<br /><br />Zachary understands that some foods hurt him and doesn't want to eat them. I have taught him to ask first before eating anything, fortunately we have a wonderful teacher that calls me to ask first too. I have decided to create a list of all foods to send to school with him from now on, the teachers says it easier for them. Our school nurse has also asked us to send a box of safe snacks to school, just in case. Zachary has peanut, tree nut and asthma was rast tested at 10 months old and then again at 2yrs. Was going to do a food challenge, but was sick and had to cancel it.<br /><br />That summer he was eating food that had tree nuts: Pizza Huts sauce, bunny bread and ice cream had may contain trace amount of peanuts. Same brand he had been eating and label changed, broke out in hives all over his body, was very sick. Doctor said that was a mild reaction due to small amounts of peanuts and tree nuts, could be bad if he ate a larger amount. He was sick for a month and half, I felt terrible.<br /><br />Sometimes the rest of the family forgets, so I tote around food and medications all the time to make sure nothing happens, but if it does mom to the rescue. I look at it as to educate my family about the allergies and asthma or any body else that wants to listen. So far only a couple trips to the doctor due to allergy or asthma, thank god.<br /></div><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><br style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Kelly"</span><br /><br />Thanks to Kelly for sharing, and thanks to you all for listening. This is one reason to be on here. It's to be here for you like you are here for me.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-28152143628339509382012-01-16T20:06:00.010-05:002012-01-16T21:35:41.604-05:00Yay Peanut Butter Cheerios (NOT)!It's probably not news to many of you by now that Cheerios has a new Peanut Butter flavor. There are many out there that are angry, worried, and downright frightened. I don't blame anyone for feeling this way. Cheerios have become a staple in the US for first finger foods for our youngsters. Go to a toddler/preschooler play date and there will be at least one child with a cup or bag of Cheerios. A food that many find safe for the peanut and tree nut allergy stricken. Now it's just one more food for parents to look out for.<div><br /></div><div>Rationally I can't be mad that they made this product. They make Honey Nut Cheerios and Banana Nut Cheerios. No one seems to be upset about those which contain almond. So why the outrage? I think the most upsetting part is that General Mills will not disclose how they are guaranteeing the safety of their other Cheerios products. There is no explanation how the Peanut Butter Cheerios and other products are not cross contaminated. I've always found General Mills at the top of my list of companies when it comes to responsible food labeling. But their refusal to disclose their manufacturing processes is disturbing. You would think they would be happy to let us know how and why their product is safe. Their are millions of children in this county that are estimated to have a peanut allergy. Why not tell the parents why they are safe and end this.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I and so many others also find worrisome, is the packaging and look of the "O's" themselves. I mentioned to my hubby about the new flavor, and to be careful if he were to buy Cheerios for our son. Now we usually get the store brand because between my 3 year old and husband, we go through so much cereal we need to buy bulk and cheap. If there is a good sale, then sometimes we get the real deal. Well he stopped by the supermarket (the good dad that he is), and checked it out. He was a bit upset that the packaging was so similar to the Multigrain flavor as rumored. The Multigrain box is very different from the regular Cheerios. Why not make the Peanut Butter ones stand apart from the others as well? Even the Honey Nut box is distinct!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, mad about the new Peanut Butter Cheerios, I am not. I am frustrated, aggravated, and concerned for the new challenge this presents for our family when it comes to food outside the home, especially school. They are free to make what they want. It's just another food we need to talk to his teacher about. We won't be buying any Cheerios Products anytime soon. Not just for the cross contamination factor, but also for their (General Mills), lack of disclosure. Let our wallets do the talking if they won't put on their listening ears (as I tell my 3 year old), and hear our concerns, make sure to let them know how you feel. They may be safe, or they may not be, but until they tell why they are, I say pass the Raisin Bran please!</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-15061876921383432192012-01-10T22:03:00.001-05:002012-01-10T22:04:51.619-05:00How many have to die?Saddened and angered by yet another avoidable <a href="http://www.wtvr.com/news/wtvr-chesterfield-student-death-20120103,0,4150762.story?mid=56">food allergic death of Amaria Johnson,</a> a 7 year old girl<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; color: rgb(41, 39, 39); line-height: 18px; "> </span>at school, I've been thinking how am I going to keep my child safe at school. As soon as I start to get more comfortable with the idea, another child suffers and a family is devastated because our schools aren't keeping our children safe. Do I have a solution? Not for every child, but it's time for schools and all parents to start taking food allergies seriously. <div><br /></div><div>I don't understand why epi pes aren't available in all schools. They have defibrillators in some schools for emergencies why not epi pens? The chances of an allergic reaction happening are rising. For a $100.00 a year so many lives could be saved. Most people don't know they have a food allergy until they have a reaction. To me it's common sense that the school has them.</div><div><br /></div><div>So right now there are two links I want to share:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. FANN also has a sample letter to send to your senators to encourage them to pass the <a href="http://www.foodallergy.org/page/school-access-to-emergency-epinephrine-act1">School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act.</a> This is federal legislation encouraging states to adopt laws requiring schools to have epi pens to use for any student.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. A petition from <a href="https://www.change.org/petitions/save-allergic-childrens-lives-in-schools">change.org</a> asking that epi pens be available in all schools. It takes two seconds to sign.</div><div><br /></div><div>Do your part. Send that letter and sign the petition. Fight for your children's right to be safe. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:130%;color:#696969;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;font-size:130%;color:#696969;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; "> </span></span></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-54134625406046358972012-01-04T21:06:00.004-05:002012-01-04T21:44:05.430-05:00Goodbye 2011 & Hello 2012!Trying to find 10 minutes or more to sit down and write theses days is next to impossible. I don't know how the other mom bloggers do it. My hats off to you ladies! I myself am not that organized. I have piles of laundry waiting to be put away, a sink full of dishes, bottles and pump parts. My dining room is stacked with picture frames waiting to find a photo and a home. I'm not even going to describe what our "play" room looks like. At least my desk at work is nice and neat.<div><br /></div><div>With that said, I look at the mess and think we had one heck of a year. Most important is that Cormac became a big brother. We are lucky he is such a good baby, and Mac is a great brother. Now add my hubby's new horrible schedule, to the new baby, Mac starting preschool, going back to work, and me trying to start a photography business, and needless to say, life has gotten challenging. There are days I say to myself, somethings got to give. Maybe his food allergies will disappear. That would make things easier. But that's not realistic. A girl can dream.</div><div><br /></div><div>We went for our yearly allergist visit to see if we would get our Christmas miracle. Turns out his peanut numbers went up. A lot! It makes no sense to me after the huge drop last year. But what can you do? I can't say that it didn't upset me when we got the call. I was really hoping we were getting closer the possibility of him growing out of it. I guess I will always hope that it will change.</div><div><br /></div><div>The good news is we may be able to rule out all tree nuts soon. We got the go ahead for hazelnuts. He's even had nutella, and is doing fine with it. The Dr said she wants to do a food challenge for cashews. If he passes, we can say he's not allergic to tree nuts! It's the last one showing up in the tests. </div><div><br /></div><div>At the moment I'm excited about the idea of the food challenge, and the hope that we can take away the tree nut fear. But there is a waiting list for the challenge, so by the time it happens I'll be a mess. For now though, I'll think of it as a good thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>We are also debating on whether or not to test the baby. Our allergist recommends having him tested for peanuts around 9 months to a year. We probably will, but I have concerns regarding false positives. We will look more into it and then decide. If anyone else tested because of an older sibling can you please share your experience with me?</div><div><br /></div><div>Our holidays from Halloween to New Years were uneventful in a good way. Thanks to a snow storm the week of Halloween, trick or treating wasn't an issue this year. Family made all the holiday meals safe. I couldn't be happier. There are tons of other things that happened in 2011, but to write it all out would take all of 2012. One one my resolutions is to be better about blogging. Now if the kids would only cooperate.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope 2012 is a wonder reaction free year for you all!</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-87463883745540861392011-11-23T23:01:00.004-05:002011-11-23T23:15:45.014-05:00Happy Thanksgiving!<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">From our family to yours.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I am so thankful for my two happy and healthy boys, food allergies and all. We face food challenges daily, but compared to what other</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">s have to face, I feel truly blessed.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pFiPMsg2jV8/Ts3BvdQzY0I/AAAAAAAAAXE/BU1gjGT6Q1I/s320/388729_321979977816949_222516404429974_1459520_638754097_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678407726237180738" /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">PS: I apologize for not keeping up. I don't know how these mom bloggers do it. Hats off to you ladies. You are more organized than I!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div></u></span></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pFiPMsg2jV8/Ts3BvdQzY0I/AAAAAAAAAXE/BU1gjGT6Q1I/s1600/388729_321979977816949_222516404429974_1459520_638754097_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><br /></span></u></span></span></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><br /></span></u></span></span></u></span></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pFiPMsg2jV8/Ts3BvdQzY0I/AAAAAAAAAXE/BU1gjGT6Q1I/s1600/388729_321979977816949_222516404429974_1459520_638754097_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pFiPMsg2jV8/Ts3BvdQzY0I/AAAAAAAAAXE/BU1gjGT6Q1I/s1600/388729_321979977816949_222516404429974_1459520_638754097_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pFiPMsg2jV8/Ts3BvdQzY0I/AAAAAAAAAXE/BU1gjGT6Q1I/s1600/388729_321979977816949_222516404429974_1459520_638754097_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span><br /></div></div></div></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-64471179570287618892011-10-19T08:41:00.007-04:002011-10-19T09:16:29.024-04:00What is a Peanut Free School?So far so good. Mac has been in school for a month now and everything is going great. I check the snack every time before class, and he comes with me to "help". Now he even asks if it has peanuts in it as I read the ingredients. If it's not safe I tell him, and he's ok with having his own special snack. We've had one party and he had his own cupcake. Again he was fine with it. The funny thing is, the other kids want what he's having. The teacher is doing a great job teaching the kids not to share or take each others food. I love that she is turning his allergy into a teaching opportunity. That's a good teacher.<div><br /></div><div>So what is a Peanut free school I ask? His school is peanut free, yet we've had to say no to a number of snacks. Mostly cookies. They get snacks that are processed on the same equipment or facility as peanuts or tree nuts. To me that's not peanut free, but to them it is. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not asking them to change their policy, but did ask about it. The answer I got bothers me. I was told that it's just a disclaimer and that if they had to find snacks that didn't have this warning, the kids wouldn't have anything to eat. Um so why is there a huge bag of snacks for my kid in his classroom? There are tons of things for him to eat that are safe. </div><div><br /></div><div>While it's true some companies put it on their products as a disclaimer, others don't. Again I'm not asking for a change. I just think they need to revise their peanut free statement. It creates a false sense of security. I know every parent has to make the choice of what is safe and not safe for their food allergic child. In our family shared equipment or facilities are not acceptable. He is still too young for us to take that chance especially when not with us. For other families theses things are ok. I'm not judging at all. It's each families choice.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next month there are 7 birthdays in his class. I'm going to bake a batch of cupcakes and freeze them. This way I'm prepared!</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-79337879189756223312011-09-14T13:28:00.003-04:002011-09-14T13:46:48.411-04:00First day of School!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NL1qr9uCkK0/TnDoEaSbJvI/AAAAAAAAAW8/ktkOKA5A4Kk/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NL1qr9uCkK0/TnDoEaSbJvI/AAAAAAAAAW8/ktkOKA5A4Kk/s320/DSC_0056.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652272694823692018" /></a><br />The first day of School was a great success! We are really happy with the school, and his teacher. The snack was safe! We followed our food plan, and so did the teacher. I felt very comfortable leaving him in her care. I even brought a variety of snacks for the teacher to keep in her closet "just" in case. <div><br /></div><div>We went over all his meds with the Director, and she asked some good questions. I love when people ask questions! I have to say I really like how they make me feel. I think we are very lucky this year.<br /><div><br /></div><div>There were no tears for mom, dad, or the little man. We are so proud of him. We are off to a good start for the school year! He is already asking to go back!</div></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-4408513537395346172011-09-10T14:46:00.006-04:002011-09-10T15:17:17.691-04:00New Addition!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JJtUwuT9ZGg/Tmu3bK74A-I/AAAAAAAAAW0/1CGPGoZpIUk/s1600/DSC_0012%2528b%2526w%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JJtUwuT9ZGg/Tmu3bK74A-I/AAAAAAAAAW0/1CGPGoZpIUk/s320/DSC_0012%2528b%2526w%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650811834886259682" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So yes I've been totally neglecting my blog. I do apologize, but I have a good reason. As mentioned in past posts, I was preggers. In my last month I was not a happy camper. Being pregnant in August is no fun especially when you have a crazy toddler running wild! So I decided to spare you all complaining I would have done if I actually sat down to write.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PT78I5qQPrM/Tmu11lM35_I/AAAAAAAAAWs/KNpJnGg3cuI/s320/DSC_0110.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650810089590220786" /><div><br /></div><div>Well after a quick and crazy labor of only 2 hours and 45 minutes from start to finish, Cormac became a big brother last month to baby Kieran! He is doing well with him. Not so much with mom and dad. He's decided to stop listening for the most part. Most of it is the fun terrible 2's and 3's, but some has to do with baby brother. So we are adjusting as best we can. We've gotten a lot of help from my mom. Thank God for Grandma's! </div><div><br /></div><div>Big brother starts preschool next week! I can't believe it. We are really lucky that his teacher totally gets the food allergy world. Her teenage daughter actually has food allergies so she knows what to do in an emergency, and knows what is at stake (I wonder if she babysits). That makes me feel so much better. The school itself is great about it too. They have gone out of their way to make me feel comfortable with sending him there. They also don't make me feel like a crazy over protective parent. </div><div><br /></div><div>We have a food plan set up and I am happy with it. When we drop him off we have to approve the snack before we leave. If it's a no, she will give him a safe snack that I supplied already that she will keep in her closet. They are also going to let me keep 2 cupcakes in the freezer for the unexpected birthday. Otherwise I will get notice of parties and such. Two parents have already asked me about his allergies with concern for him. That was very nice too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fingers crossed things go well next week and the rest of the year. Diving into the school thing for the 1st time for an allergy parent is scary, but we have to do it at some point. I'm just glad we have an understanding teacher and director to work with.</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-75287884613942457682011-07-20T18:17:00.003-04:002011-07-20T19:04:36.736-04:00Start Planning for the School Year & 504 Plans!So far summer has been pretty uneventful this year. I'm 8 months pregnant and not enjoying the heat. I feel bad that my little guy isn't getting to do much this summer. Momma just can't stand the heat! <div><br /></div><div>I know this sounds crazy, but summer is half way done! For those of you sending your kids off to school in the fall, it's time to get your 504 plan in place soon. FAAN has a good <a href="http://www.foodallergy.org/page/504-plan">link</a> explaining what the 504 plan is, and how to go about getting it in place. Basically, if your child suffers from a life threaten food allergy the government considers this as a hidden disability. The 504 plan is available under the federal civil rights laws, <a href="http://www2.ed.gov/policy/rights/reg/ocr/edlite-34cfr104.html">Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973</a>. It is there to help you keep you child safe and set up accommodations with your public institution.</div><div><br /></div><div>There also may be local resources available to help you with your 504, or written management plan. For instance, there is a nonprofit organization called <a href="http://www.putnamils.org/">Putnam</a> and <a href="http://www.wilc.org/">Westchester</a> Living Centers here in NY. They provide services to parents with children with special needs (which includes life threatening food allergies). They have offered to come and do a workshop on 504 plans for the <a href="http://fafrockland.blogspot.com/">Food Allergy Families of Rockland </a>support group I have co founded. I hope to get this set up soon as baby may be here soon, as well as the school year starting in about 6 to 8 weeks. Best of all their services are free of charge.</div><div><br /></div><div>As Cormac isn't starting kindergarten for quite some time, I don't have any personal experience with setting up a 504 plan. In the time being, I am anxious to learn as much as I can. He will be attending preschool in the fall, and since it is private they do not have to do a 504 plan. However, I've already spoken to them about his food allergies, and are set to meet before school starts to set up his accommodations and procedures and to meet with his teacher.</div><div><br /></div><div>My advise is to start looking into what you need to do to keep your kiddo safe in school now. You may not be able to meet with the school just yet, but get yourself on their schedule before school starts. Talk with your Dr. about what they feel is the best plan of action for the upcoming school year. Have all your ducks in a row so you are prepared to do what you have to. The more information you have on what they have to and not have to do will be your best weapon.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you have any experience with this, please feel free to comment here or on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/No-Nuts-For-My-Peanut/116720321697748">No Nuts For My Peanut </a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/No-Nuts-For-My-Peanut/116720321697748">facebook</a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/No-Nuts-For-My-Peanut/116720321697748"> </a>page. I'm sure there are plenty of people beside me who would like to hear what your expediences are.</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-73281743618161888352011-06-26T12:26:00.007-04:002011-06-26T13:20:41.506-04:00Summertime Blues:(My apologies for not keeping up with my blog. For some reason June is always a crazy month for me. Not one of my favorites. This year I have a touch of the summer time blues. While most people are excited to get out and about, I just want to hide. The good news is, I'm coming out of it!<div><br /></div><div>So some might ask, "How can you be down in the beginning of the summer"? Well for me it's the overwhelming thoughts of all food challenges that summer brings. Add 7.5 month pregnant hormones, potty training, the terrible 2's, the heat, and there you have it folks. A very cranky momma.</div><div><br /></div><div>What set me off this year is the Ice Cream Man. As a kid, I loved this summertime tradition. He rarely came down my block so it was extra special when he did. Where we live now he comes almost every night at dinnertime. That annoying song that loops over and over drive me nuts! He always stops right in front of out house without fail. Not just for a minute but for 5 to 10 minutes. Sometimes another one comes a bit later. </div><div><br /></div><div>We've tried to tell the little man that's it's the music truck, but he doesn't buy it. He sees what all the kids are eating. It just makes me so sad every time he sees the kids and their ice cream, and he can't have any. I keep some safe popsicles in the freezer, but that will only last so long. I know there has to be something he sells that is safe for him like a fruit bar or something. I just haven't figured it out yet. I'm not sure how receptive the Ice Cream Man will be to me standing there reading labels for a while without buying anything until I can double check with the company. I know there is a solution to this, I just have to get on it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Parties and BB Q's are the another summertime downer for me. What once was a fun time, has turned into anxiety from hell. Gone are the days where I can sit and enjoy the party and watch my kid from a distance. Now I have to hoover. FYI helicopter parent is not my thing. </div><div><br /></div><div>In addition, now that Mac understands that his food is different, it's so hard. He really wants what everyone else is having. He gets mad and upset when we tell him no, but just doesn't understand why. We've been talking to him about peanut and tree nuts and how they will make him sick. He repeats it all the time but doesn't quite get it yet. Again another thing that breaks my heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hate having to pack a days worth of meals every time we go on an outing. Lugging it around and then he won't eat it! It's worse then when he was a baby and we had to bring baby food and bottles. I guess the good part is we don't spend the money and eat healthier right?</div><div><br /></div><div>Well enough with the pity party for me. There are so many worse things out there to be down about. It really is time to stop feeling down. I have a happy and health child and am grateful for that. As I said I'm coming out if it. I'm keeping busy trying to start a new <a href="http://www.dianefrenchphoto.com/gallery/">photography business</a> (shameless plug I know, I'm on<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Diane-French-Photography/222516404429974"> Facebook</a> too), chasing a 2.5 year old asking if he needs to go pee every ten minutes, getting ready for the new baby, as well as trying to get the <a href="http://fafrockland.blogspot.com/">Food Allergy Families of Rockland </a>support group growing. I need a drink! I can't wait till I can have a margarita on the rocks with no salt! August is seems so far with a caving like that.<br /><br />Ok I'm done feeling sorry for myself!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-71671238824051852362011-05-20T09:06:00.007-04:002011-05-20T10:06:16.684-04:00What's Been Happening HereI know I'm way behind on my blogging. I've got tons of excuses, but I will spare you the boring details. I should fill you in on our allergy news.<div><br /></div><div>Wednesday night was the 1st meeting of out local food allergy <a href="http://fafrockland.blogspot.com/">support group</a>. We had a small turn out but it was fun. We basically traded some stories and talked about how to make the group a success. It always surprises me when you have something in common with other people how easy it is to talk. You become comfortable with them quickly. I would suggest if you have a support group in your area, go to a meeting. It's great to feel like your not a crazy overprotective parent. A the bottom of this <a href="http://www.foodallergy.org/section/support-groups">FAAN Page</a> on support groups, you can find one near you. Or just do a google search for your area.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next thing I want to tell you is how wonderful the NY Mets Peanut Control night was at Citi Field! We had such a fun time. Bringing a 2 year old to a baseball game is a lot by itself. Add his peanut and nut allergies, and insane is the word that comes to mind. </div><div><br /></div><div>Having the peanut free suite was an amazing experience for a number of reasons. First you get to enter through the VIP entrance. You don't have to mix with the rest of the fans (their food in particular), or even pass any concession stands. The hallway to the suite is enclosed so no peanuts flying around. </div><div><br /></div><div>Second, you don't have to just sit in your seats. There was an indoor suit as well as a balcony seats. You were free to roam between the two. This is perfect for our ants in the pants 2 year old. We were able to leave the suite and let him run and walk around without fear of peanuts all around. The hostess for the suite next to us even asked who the allergic kids were so she would keep an eye out if they wandered to that balcony. They didn't serve peanuts outside on their balcony either just in case. </div><div><br /></div><div>Third, the food was catered and was peanut free. My only issue with the experience as a whole was their food options were slim. My son won't eat hot dogs or rice so french fries were his only option. I hope next time there will be some additional options. Since we are not allowed to bring our own food.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fourth, Mr. Met came to visit. The kids LOVED this. Our little guy kept asking him, "what are you doing baseball?" They took photos, but of course my guy was too busy talking to him and wouldn't turn around. </div><div><br /></div><div>We did go to a lower lever to buy a hat for him. The minute we stepped off the elevator I stared to panic. Daddy had to keep a tight hold on him and didn't put him down until we got to the store. I think until he is older, peanut free suites are the way to go. I know I would not enjoy the game in regular seats when bringing a peanut allergic kid. I do want to go back to Citi Field without the little guy so we can explore the new stadium. It's beautiful.</div><div><br /></div><div>So if you get a chance and love baseball, I say spend the extra cash and go peanut free suite style. I can honestly say we had an amazing stress free experience. My son loved his first baseball game, and was talking about it for days. He even wore his hat to bed for a bunch of nights. So thanks NY Mets for a great first experience for this Food Allergy Family! </div><div><br /></div><div>In other food allergy news, I received my 1st edition of <a href="http://allergicliving.com/">Allergic Living Magazine</a>. Now that its available here in the US, I suggest getting a subscription. It's a great resource and a good read. If you go to the <a href="http://www.foodallergy.org/section/coupons">FANN Discount</a> page you can save $10.00 on your subscription.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well I'm off to do the 100 other things I need to do. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-65540795996131437092011-04-22T09:54:00.025-04:002011-04-22T14:41:37.489-04:00A Year Gone By<div style="text-align: left;">Today is an anniversary for our family. It's not one we remember fondly, but it makes us thankful that we made it though without any major incidents (well since the first one that is). A year ago today our family entered the oh so fun world of severe food allergies.</div><div><br /></div><div>This last week I've been really thinking about how our lives have changed. How my parenting style has changed. Our lives are more stressful, and I've become that helicopter mom at parties (not how I envisioned myself at all). In fact I dread parties now. I have bad dreams about him riding the bus and bullies. I also have arguments with strangers in my head when thinking about the future and the situations we may encounter. I've always been outraged about intolerance, but now it makes me weep when I know my child is the target.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>However that is not all. I've become more tolerant and educated. I've come to appreciate our family and friends even more than before. Without their love, support, and acceptance of our situation, things would be much harder. I cry when someone goes out of their way to make my son feel safe and included. I've connected with other parents through this blog to get support and hopefully to give it. I've also met another local mom who is working with me as a co founder for a community support group <a href="http://fafrockland.blogspot.com/">Food Allergies Families of Rockland</a>. So it's not all bad.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I don't think I even told you our story of how this all began. Since today is our anniversary, it's time I shared it with you. Let me start with that there was no family history with nut or peanut allergies that we knew of. Neither my husband nor myself have any food allergies. We were not told to wait till he was 2 years old since there was no history. When Cormac was about 14-15 months old we decided to try peanut butter. I waited until we had some Benedryl in the house just in case. It was a first time mom thing. I really didn't think he had allergies. I first tested it on his skin, again no real reason just did it that way. No reaction. So he had his first PB&J. Still no reaction. So I'm thinking we're all good. That year at Easter he had some Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and other chocolate candies. Again no reaction. Two more PB&J's later and all was still good.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>So that's at least 4 times the kid had peanut butter without a reaction. Well #5 was the winner. A very good friend came over for a play date which we planned on having lunch. While I was getting our food ready she asked if Cormac could have a peanut butter cracker. I said yes, so she made him and her son some. When I come out of the kitchen she says I think his eyes look funny. I thought, oh he's just tired since it was very close to nap time. Within five minutes we knew it wasn't that he was tired. His eyes were swelling and swelling fast!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>She said I think it's the peanut butter. I still was not convinced because he had had it at least 4 times already, and he hadn't even eaten any of it this time. Well we figured out he rubbed his eyes with his peanut butter coated hands.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now we're getting really scared. His eyes were now swelled closed and the size of golf balls, and he was getting a bit lethargic. I gave him some Benedryl, started a bath and, called the Dr., as well as my husband who was luckily down at the library in town. The Dr was out so I called the emergency number. He called back fast, told me to give him more Benedryl and if his breathing started to get bad go to the ER. Luckily that didn't happen. The Benedryl seemed to calm things down pretty quickly.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 110px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8z5Er4oV9c/TbHIK86K-YI/AAAAAAAAAWg/Rf_NjaO6T8g/s320/Cormac%2Breaction.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598475902272600450" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo 1. taken 20 minutes after exposure. Photo's 2. and 3. taken 3 hours after exposure.</div><div><br /></div><div>He was now able to open his eyes, but when he did I was totally freaked out! The whites of his eyes had swollen so much that they were starting to cover his iris's! They looked like someone put a ton of clear jelly like stuff in them. </div><div><br /></div><div>He was no longer lethargic but was crying in pain. This however didn't last long thank God. The Dr called back to check on him 20 minutes after our first call. We updated him that Cormac seems to be improving. He again said to watch his breathing and call 911 if any hives appeared, his breathing changed, passed out, or started vomiting. None of that happened so we stayed home. It took over 24 hours for the swelling to go completely down.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think back now and think why didn't I go to the hospital? Part of it was I didn't know what was happening. It didn't make any sense to me. Cormac was able to communicate to me the same as if he were ok. I had an experienced mom with me and then my husband who both kept me calm. At no point did I feel his life was in danger, but that was my inexperience with food allergies talking. </div><div><br /></div><div>That's our story. I can't imagine what would of happened if he actually ate the peanut butter that day. Instead of his eyes swelling it could have been his throat, mouth or tongue which would have been much more serious. After seeing a pediatric allergist twice now, and living with this for a year, we have learned so much. The one thing that scares me the most is that his next reaction could be much worse. But if and when it happens you can bet we will be calling 911. When they say knowledge is power, it's true. The more you know about food allergies the better you can keep your kids safe.</div><div><br /></div><div>Do I wish he didn't have food allergies? You bet! But when I think about all the other illness's or disabilities he could have, I am grateful that this is just it.</div><div><br /></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-42367792310829793962011-04-10T18:19:00.007-04:002011-04-12T10:15:16.527-04:00Girl Scout Cookies!I LOVE LOVE LOVE Girl Scout cookies! In fact I've already polished off two box's of Somoas alone, and have threatened the hubby to not touch what's left. As usual, I first checked the label and didn't see any warning on the ones we bought for peanuts or tree nuts. The Somoas do however say, "Contains, wheat, milk and soy". I figured that since they are only made once a year, it would be vague, or full of cross contamination warnings. Very doubtful, I went on their web site to find out about their allergen labeling policies. <div><br /></div><div>According to the <a href="http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_cookies/cookie_faqs.asp#ingredients">Girl Scout</a> web site, the cookies are made by two different bakers, <a href="http://www.littlebrownie.com/common/contact_form.html">Little Brownie Bakers</a> and <a href="http://www.abcsmartcookies.com/cookies_faq.asp">ABC Smart Cookies</a>. I bet you can imagine how excited I was that both companies do more than the minimum when it comes to their allergy warnings! Both state they practice in cautionary labeling for cross contamination. Even better was the information was easy to find in the FAQ section. </div><div><br /></div><div>If only all companies would be as responsible with their labeling. I don't think they understand how loyal food allergy sufferers can be when they find an company that is responsible. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am truly excited that my little man will get to eat one of my most favorite treats (if I share that is). It makes me proud that when I was a little girl I was in such a considerate and wonderful organization. Thank you Girl Scouts!</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-70801032330399303642011-04-09T13:24:00.005-04:002011-04-09T13:58:39.844-04:00Always the same.Finally beautiful weather to take the little guy to the park today. I was not the only parent with that idea. The park was buzzing with kids today and it felt so good. Our guy had a great time.<div><br /></div><div>As usual I had his epipen on me. I didn't bring a bag so it was sticking out of my pocket a little. I think any mom with a child who suffers from food allergies can spot and epipen a mile away. That's what happened today and I'm glad.</div><div><br /></div><div>This very nice mom to a beautiful little boy came up to me and asked if Mac had food allergies? I of course said yes and then laughed because I remember the epipen sticking out of my pocket. She said I have mine in my bag. We got to talking and comparing allergies. </div><div><br /></div><div>Whenever I meet someone who has a child with food allergies they all same the same two things:</div><div>1. How it is such a life changing diagnosis.</div><div>2. How alone they felt when hearing those works your child has a life threatening allergy to...</div><div><br /></div><div>The second one always make me so sad. Why is it that we feel so alone? There are over 12 million people estimated to have food allergies. I am meeting people all the time now who have to deal with them in their families or just know someone.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am reminded once again that more research, education and awareness is needed. I told her about the <a href="http://fafrockland.blogspot.com/">support group</a> Helen and I are starting and she was excited to hear about it. I hope she comes. This is the exact reason I wanted to do this. We need to be there for each other, and learn from each other. Most importantly we need to know we are not the only ones.</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-47934122089357439342011-04-05T11:07:00.009-04:002011-04-05T16:40:15.967-04:00The NY Mets are stepping up to the plate!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOyGap7fkSo/TZs5I0J4x7I/AAAAAAAAAWY/ihoHr5QwQ8s/s1600/safe_image.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 90px; height: 90px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOyGap7fkSo/TZs5I0J4x7I/AAAAAAAAAWY/ihoHr5QwQ8s/s320/safe_image.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592126185912453042" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/nym/ticketing/gtw.jsp?loc=peanutfreesuite">NY Mets Peanut Control Night</a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Tuesday May 3rd. @7:10 pm</div><div style="text-align: center;">vs. San Francisco Giants</div></div><div><br /></div>A while back I mentioned that the NY mets are going to have a <a href="http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/nym/ticketing/gtw.jsp?loc=peanutfreesuite">peanut control</a> night, but didn't have all the details. Well I heard from them and want to share. It's not a peanut free game, but there will be a peanut free suite, with a peanut free menu offered to the fans in the suite. The ticket price includes the food, beverages (non alcoholic), and the safety of the suite. It's pricey ($90.90 per person), and not the best time for kids to go to a game, but it's a start. The suite will also be power washed prior to the game to add to the safety.<div><br /></div><div>During my original conversation with their rep, I was told that only 45 General Admission tickets (no assigned seats), will be available online only. I was also told if this is successful (meaning sold out or close to it), they will look into adding more peanut control games to the schedule. </div><div><br /></div><div>I did mention that people with peanut allergies generally are allergic to other foods and hope that they will allow those individuals to bring their own with them. I do not know if that is something they will allow, so I suggest you call. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I am a Met fan and the hubby is a Yankee fan, this has to be a success in order to sway the little man into the Mets camp. Here is the<a href="http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/nym/ticketing/gtw.jsp?loc=peanutfreesuite"> link</a> again to the info.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-17811439776906414232011-03-24T08:31:00.006-04:002011-03-24T09:34:34.011-04:00Hives twice in one week!It's been a tiring week and a half so far. The little man has had a bad cold and cough accompanied by a fever 3 nights in a row that would spike at 4 pm each day. He would have no fever during the day but a 4 he would get a fever ranging for 102-103.2. It hasn't been fun for anyone. Lack of sleep is getting to both me and daddy. Jim just says Mac is prepping us for the new baby. Personally I'd like the next 5 months to get as much sleep as I can.<div><br /></div><div>On top of that we had 2 incidents of hives in 6 days. Keep in mind hives have never been a symptom with Cormac. We only had one food allergy reaction to peanut butter and that was bad. Swollen eyes to the size of gold balls, as well as the whites of his eye swelling over the iris's. It looked like gel. Very scary and painful for him, but no hives.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to the hives. While Jim and I were at the big ultrasound finding Mac is going to have a little brother, he was at a play date. We totally trust the two moms (and still do), that were watching him. Both are well informed about his allergies and know what to do if something happens. Yeah for good friends!</div><div><br /></div><div>Apparently the dog licked him around his eye. His eyes then got watery, red and itchy, and one or two hives appeared on his for head. They called us and told us what was happening. They wanted to give him benedryl like our action plan says to, but they weren't in a panic. Since Cormac has been around this dog and many others without incident, we weren't in a panic either but concerned. By the time we go there the benedryl cleared it all up and if they didn't call us we never would of know about it.</div><div><br /></div><div>We talked about what he ate while there, and determined it wasn't the cause. So this led us to believe he's either allergic to the dog, or something the dog ate. I'm leaning toward the dog food, since he has been around this dog many times and never had an issue. But we aren't 100% on that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Five days later we had two neighborhood parties to go to. Lets just say St. Patrick's day is HUGE here. Our little town boasts that we have the second largest St. paddy's Day parade in NY, just after the NYC parade. So there are parties everywhere. Both parties we were invited to are at houses we frequent and allergy aware. </div><div><br /></div><div>At party #1, we knew ahead of time that the chicken nuggets were safe as well as some of the cupcakes made by another neighbor. She had called me the day before to tell me she made Mac safe cupcakes for both parties. As usual she told me what she used to make them. All safe. </div><div><br /></div><div>Needless to say we let him have both. After about 10 minuets of him eating the cupcake his little face broke out in hives. My sister in-laws brought it to my attention as we were saying good by to out hosts. So this time I got a little panicked. I still haven't had this happen to him while I was there. Hives covered his chin and cheeks. One of the moms who was at the play date earlier in the week, was there and said this was much worse than what happened at the play date. </div><div><br /></div><div>We gave him bebedryl, and in 10 minutes it cleared right up. Now there with a few other kids at the party that have peanut and tree nut allergies and didn't have a problem, with the cupcakes. Plus I know they were peanut and tree nut free. So for the last week I have been racking my brain as to what could have cause it. He only ate the frosting not even the cake. Since we feel so comfortable at this house, and were outside most of the time, I think both me and the hubby let our guard down. They were many people there who deal with his allergies often, and I think we took that for granted. There were many kids there and of course food everywhere. Maybe he got his sticky little hands on something when we weren't looking. I feel so bad. It could have been so much worse. Lesson learned. But at the same time, the unknown cause was still nagging me.</div><div><br /></div><div>So this whole week I've been a bit obsessed. I called my cupcake making friend and asked her about the frosting ingredients again. The only thing I can question now is the egg whites. (which is not on his list of no no foods). Our friend is very diligent when it comes to Cormacs allergies, so I'm 100% sure it wasn't nuts or peanuts. He's always been able to eat things with eggs baked in it. We did have to stay way from straight eggs for a while because he would get splotchy, but he seemed to grow out of it, and we got the OK from the allergist to go ahead and bring them back. He hasn't had any issues with them since. </div><div><br /></div><div>We never made it to the 2nd party, but managed to make it to the parade. I'm still very frustrated about not being able to pinpoint the cause of his hives. Like everything else with food allergies, I'm left with unanswered questions. </div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-75469531629945822202011-03-14T14:47:00.011-04:002011-03-14T15:33:24.065-04:00Lets talk positives: Littlescoops Ice Cream Parlor and More!!<div style="text-align: left;">After following the heartbreaking story of the little girl in Fl, I thought some positives were in order. This week was a very busy week for us. We had 2 birthday parties, received a phone call from the NY Mets, and, we found out today that Cormac is going to have a little brother! That's two crazy boys in my house. I can't wait.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Ok lets get to the details. The first birthday party was at an ice cream parlor called <a href="http://www.littlescoops.com/Orangeburg/index.htm">Littlescoops</a>. Normally I would have been very scared to go to a party at and ice cream parlor, but not here. The host of the party is good friend and had asked all the food allergy questions I would have asked and more before even booking the party (thanks Willlie). She called me and I was floored about the response she got. The owner was very informed about food allergies and cross contamination. She even knew that M&M's are not safe for peanut allergic kids. The host and the owner decided to keep nuts out of the mix. How lucky are we that we have such great friends!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>After hearing how great they were being, I had to call myself to confirm and ask some questions. The owner Michelle was great. Turns out her daughter suffers from tree nut allergies, so she had no problem with me asking so many questions, and even answered most of them before I had the chance to ask. I asked if we could bring our own toppings and she said bring what ever you need too. She told us vanilla soft serve ice cream was what was safest, told me the brand of chocolate syrup they used, and gladly gave me the name and number of the pizza place they get their pizza from. The pizza guys were just as nice. I wish I had their name for you.</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P0npJp_X4Ls/TX5olDsW-WI/AAAAAAAAAWI/xu6Lz08q5jc/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584015573841803618" /><div><div style="text-align: center;">Topping I brought with us: sprinkles, chocolate chips, crushed Oreo cookies, mini marshmallow's, teddy grams, and Sweetart Hearts.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tXTA0dAtzjs/TX5oPBRVSUI/AAAAAAAAAWA/CGKCtRf-rdk/s320/DSC_0040.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584015195234453826" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eating their pizza. How cute is this kid size counter!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>To think I would never have even considered this as an option. We are adding <a href="http://www.littlescoops.com/Orangeburg/index.htm">Littlescoops</a> to our b-day party venue list. They play games with them, danced, and the kids had a great time. Their website says they have other locations in NY, NJ and FL. Check them out. It's so rare to find a great FA friendly place.</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJN1C0kRS-M/TX5nlESJr9I/AAAAAAAAAV4/N8nzkuxqULU/s320/DSC_0049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584014474488688594" /><div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoying his ice cream before I could even put the toppings on it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In our other positive news, The NY Mets will have a peanut free suite available for their May 3rd game again the Giants. The tickets will available online only. It will include a peanut free menu. I suggested that families be able to bring their own food for their allergic children if they have more than a peanut allergy. I hope that will be allowed. The suite will be power washed prior to the game as well. They will be sending me more details when the tickets are available for purchase. If it sells out, they will consider doing another game! I will update you as soon as I get the info.</div><div><br /></div></div></div><div>Well that's all for now. Stay safe!</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1271934872028329802.post-6070374697703932122011-03-12T10:12:00.006-05:002011-03-12T11:10:06.484-05:00What is wrong with people?I really don't understand people. I had planned on writing a nice positive post about some great people and places we have been. Unfortunately the horrible ongoing going struggle about the 1st grade girl in Fl is haunting me.<div><br /></div><div>I read the update this morning on <a href="http://allergickid.blogspot.com/2011/03/little-more-education.html">The Allergic Kid</a><a href="http://allergickid.blogspot.com/"> </a> and some other <a href="http://www.examiner.com/allergy-in-grand-rapids/parents-picket-school-over-food-allergy-are-they-right">news</a> reports (I commented on this one). Again I find myself in tears for this family. What baffles me even more is that there are other children in the school that have peanut allergies. Why are they targeting this one little girl? Why are they threatening her life over peanuts? Because their kids have to wash their hands. Really? Good hygiene practices (which they should be doing anyway), interfere with education, but class parties do not take time away from their studies. Why can't they have class parties without food? How is food a part of the learning experience?</div><div><br /></div><div>As I said before, for 5 meals out of 21 in a week and a few snacks you can't come up with a different just as affordable lunch option? What do you think kids with allergies eat for lunch fillet mignon? Especially at the elementary school level I think schools need to be vigilant in keep all kids safe. I'm not always in favor of peanut free schools, but depending on the amount of kids and severity of the allergies it may be an option. A peanut free classroom is not extreme and either is hand washing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Calling hand washing an extreme measure is just pain stupid. Do they even know the definition of extreme? It benefits all the kids not just the allergic ones. I bet these parents don't wash their hands after using the bathroom. I think the adults are the ones lacking an education.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the <a href="http://allergickid.blogspot.com/2011/03/little-more-education.html">The Allergic Kid</a> blog there is contact info for the state, school district and principal. Please read the advise given about contacting them. If you want to speak up for this family I encourage you, but keep the family's wishes in mind. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am so grateful for the people we have in our lives that help us keep our son safe without us even asking. Even our preschool and parents of his classmates are supportive. You would think as one parent to another it wouldn't even be a question.</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07243862574638660248noreply@blogger.com3