add cake to the list

I make special food all of the time for my child. It's just the nature of the diagnosis. Luckily school lunch is tree nut free. They also have prepackaged ice cream that is safe, yay! They also have baked goods, cake, that is not safe. It has never bothered her until now. She said that she wished the cake was safe so that she can get a piece on Friday's. That's her one day that she's allowed to get dessert. She looked at me with those eyes....I folded like a cheap suit. So, now I will make cake. I will decorate it and I will cut it up into pieces and freeze them. She did the happy dance when I told her. It's not a lot of work and I would do anything for her. It's just another reminder of the diagnosis.

9/11

12 years ago I sat and held my 2 month old as I watched the news unfold. It was awful. I was sitting with her in front of the tv as the 2nd plane hit, then the Pentagon, then PA. I lived a few minutes outside Philly at the time. I thought for sure that they would target Philly too.
At the time our small apartment was filled with boxes. We were moving.
The day before, September 10th, my little one had a checkup.
Then September 11th happened.
On September 14th the movers came for our things. We spent that night at a friend's house and the next day we moved to NC.
That was a long drive. Not only because of the distance but because of the amount of trucks on the highways. Deliveries etc. were set off schedule because of September 11th. The roads were mobbed. I remember every moment of every day that week.
I am thankful that my oldest was so little at the time. She won't have those horrible memories. She won't have those horrible images burned in her mind forever. She didn't have sleepless nights, filled with worry that it would happen again, that it wasn't over.
Never Forget

I'm going back.....

Over 20 years ago I became a teacher. I taught for a long time and then decided to stay home with my kids. The next year my youngest was diagnosed with life threatening food allergies. I guess my giving up teaching happened for a reason. She's 8 now....and I miss teaching. So, I started up a class for little ones. It starts today. I will be out of the house for a few hours. My husband is on phone watch as I will not be able to leave the class.
I am anxious about today. I'm not anxious as to if it will go well or not. I have done everything that I can to prepare for today. I'm worried about my kids. Will this be the time that the school calls because something has happened? Ugh...
I wrote the teacher that I am back to work for a few hours and that if she needs anything she is to call my husband. I should be back well before the bus but I have arranged for a friend to get my little one if I am late. I know that I have covered all of my bases.
It's still stressful.........
http://missingmontessori.blogspot.com/2013/09/to-new-beginnings.html

Did you watch yet?

Did you watch the documentary on food allergies yet? The link to it is in my previous post. I watched last night and I thought it was great. I really thought it was great for those that are not immersed in food allergies, a kind of eye opening, food allergy 101. It was informative, factual, hopeful, serious, and sad, all at the same time. Please find an hour to watch, and then share it.

On the raising awareness front, here is another great article about food allergies.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/08/opinion/sunday/epipens-for-all.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&_r=1&

Food allergy awareness, this Saturday

Set your dvr or get up early on Saturday! The Discovery Channel is airing a documentary about food allergies. Steve Carell is the host. I can't wait. Obviously food allergy families will watch but I hope that the general public will watch also. I believe this could be the beginning of the national conversation.

Here is a preview-
http://vimeo.com/73807334

apples and honey

L'shanah tovah! Happy New year!
Traditionally apples and honey are eaten. We can't because we can't have apples. Pears just aren't the same.
I'm trying to look at the bright side but it's just another reminder of what we can't have.
She's due for her allergy shot today and she needs it. She's sneezy and her eczema is flaring. I hope it brings her relief fast.

week two

We are into week two of school here. It's hard to get back into routine. I mean for me. The kids seem to be doing ok. A little tired but ok.
When do you head back? How is it going, is your school helpful?
I would love to hear how everyone is doing.
Has anyone tried to get food out of the classroom? I mean no food for rewards and no food parties. Were you successful? I am just wondering if it can be done.