tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14559965101752918802024-03-20T07:03:43.661-04:00Dunc-a-Doodles - Allergy Friendly ToddlerhoodThis blog is to primarily chronicle our adventure in allergy friendly parenting with our multiple food & environmental allergic son Duncan. We are doing this for our son to be able to read one day, our family and friends who don't live close by to keep up and to hopefully connect with some more MFA (multiple food allergy) parents.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983998491312108168noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455996510175291880.post-65456615077007963882012-02-09T16:39:00.000-05:002012-02-09T16:39:55.751-05:00Clearing the...Freeing the...Oh - just fill in the blank!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br />
<div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The whole holiday season was full of mostly pleasurable hustle and bustle for us. </b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh037WLDEZcIOt7HF-eXnemP8dsAsCeVPX6YfSFCKvj2_Mw2TZE4ZQcVwwj00nsxdxeFxvcEvVxh6dT77lGOm63mwH7QxjZB5bqSC_suhmH6VQrCAVEjwhUUr73hyuKsk84XuoZp7R75_k/s1600/_DSC1446-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh037WLDEZcIOt7HF-eXnemP8dsAsCeVPX6YfSFCKvj2_Mw2TZE4ZQcVwwj00nsxdxeFxvcEvVxh6dT77lGOm63mwH7QxjZB5bqSC_suhmH6VQrCAVEjwhUUr73hyuKsk84XuoZp7R75_k/s320/_DSC1446-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Listening to Santa</span><b><br />
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</div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Dave got to be home during the holiday season which was wonderful. </b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Christmas Town at Busch Gardens</span></td></tr>
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</div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I would love to say, "Oh we've been SO busy" as to why I haven't written since November. And, in some aspects we HAVE been really busy. </b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCSaiRcfzA8eSIbEczx6AF_JdWG-sg-ZJ65okN7qLz2fOPgUg_s5_aNxfga4BQQeTiHRpC5cp0DCI5DZMPw4UZzD8OrAogLEuj_wbMmPLsoo7OukHFqst_2pyvEHzVt8lsKmONW6oULQ/s1600/SAM_1947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCSaiRcfzA8eSIbEczx6AF_JdWG-sg-ZJ65okN7qLz2fOPgUg_s5_aNxfga4BQQeTiHRpC5cp0DCI5DZMPw4UZzD8OrAogLEuj_wbMmPLsoo7OukHFqst_2pyvEHzVt8lsKmONW6oULQ/s320/SAM_1947.JPG" width="240" /></a></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">My niece Kaana's Christening</span><b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Working on our motor planning, skills and balance.</span><b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrmmsvflp1QazrZ0iLlHhGMKV6NwbVEI34LpsINZJ1wLWyTV2QzMrhNBHmkN3t_F3Q0R0Yxwwx1Jxt_hipfXFc7YvoheAEMDePlv0bjsHrudUnlKOWBkjGV_TYOkn1TJjuB_MbAoHn-0/s1600/SAM_1925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrmmsvflp1QazrZ0iLlHhGMKV6NwbVEI34LpsINZJ1wLWyTV2QzMrhNBHmkN3t_F3Q0R0Yxwwx1Jxt_hipfXFc7YvoheAEMDePlv0bjsHrudUnlKOWBkjGV_TYOkn1TJjuB_MbAoHn-0/s320/SAM_1925.JPG" width="240" /></a></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Countless hours of allergy-friendly baking</span><b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0M6p6g_L91WVVzXzmxavl6zvfUHE5PDZh-SLn7ISnrGLhLGGl-WSM2OjMY-XD90M_d6okK9rul2YZ0frbUrFyqgwpTrlww1nI12gmGuMT8skIbPKPEZudBIT9TjSx25WHqMruSDehQ0o/s1600/SAM_2057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0M6p6g_L91WVVzXzmxavl6zvfUHE5PDZh-SLn7ISnrGLhLGGl-WSM2OjMY-XD90M_d6okK9rul2YZ0frbUrFyqgwpTrlww1nI12gmGuMT8skIbPKPEZudBIT9TjSx25WHqMruSDehQ0o/s320/SAM_2057.JPG" width="240" /></a></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unwillingly finger painting during therapy for the first time ever!</span><b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8x-QX7YlnCcz8vIQb1qW1l8ZhIADubTTCGL9_9iPnmnuoKr_IqbO9Ij3oS8gx7UvX0lMWOmzVoNim2O_CzRKhDN8CAenmQfJG1Y_PlLP52ftOQPIyXEqyRCJE_V65lkrMhVTQHbH6To/s1600/SAM_2108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8x-QX7YlnCcz8vIQb1qW1l8ZhIADubTTCGL9_9iPnmnuoKr_IqbO9Ij3oS8gx7UvX0lMWOmzVoNim2O_CzRKhDN8CAenmQfJG1Y_PlLP52ftOQPIyXEqyRCJE_V65lkrMhVTQHbH6To/s320/SAM_2108.JPG" width="240" /></a></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Making our "Thankful Chain" - each link had something we were grateful for written on the inside.</span><b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGWT8o8ZjpJg-uQboXCVDDg_z2yAmbI6ECWEyO9lDHMZ7YwaP4yXYETYOTOM9rCxafVuwe951tdVKADZCyCD5dsMooprAHexyPqFN81ZNQAc7xMT-b2Z0FRmaqzt46tBnym0VMY17rI4/s1600/SAM_2121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGWT8o8ZjpJg-uQboXCVDDg_z2yAmbI6ECWEyO9lDHMZ7YwaP4yXYETYOTOM9rCxafVuwe951tdVKADZCyCD5dsMooprAHexyPqFN81ZNQAc7xMT-b2Z0FRmaqzt46tBnym0VMY17rI4/s320/SAM_2121.JPG" width="240" /></a></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Waiting to leave for our first day of 'school.'</span><b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocD41V9PVdTzwa9X4P32ZR2_OrxHP2iogZB6FFQVjgEuPxLl8wnpHDCU0dcfqIMp1og08GCvXQSHn3vIdFE8MShqG5CKXwh895P_LtPvGGhkkYyZ7PAbeBgOJU3n8hCl-N0tiJvj-dSE/s1600/SAM_2185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocD41V9PVdTzwa9X4P32ZR2_OrxHP2iogZB6FFQVjgEuPxLl8wnpHDCU0dcfqIMp1og08GCvXQSHn3vIdFE8MShqG5CKXwh895P_LtPvGGhkkYyZ7PAbeBgOJU3n8hCl-N0tiJvj-dSE/s320/SAM_2185.JPG" width="240" /></a></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Feeling rambunctious after our second day of 'school' the following week.</span><b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Visiting our family in NC - my niece Riley Grace i.e. - Gracie Bug</span><b><br />
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</div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> But, mental clutter and life re-evaluations have definitely hit Dave and myself pretty hard and heavy in the past few months and clearing and freeing of the mind is a lot more cumbersome than just being busy with 'stuff.' </b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now, I don't want you to get the wrong impression or jump to conclusions. I am very fortunate to be in marriage built on an incredibly strong foundation and everything is A O.K in that department. Duncan is healthy and thriving - Thanks be to God. And, we have a unified family that loves us graciously and endlessly. </b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">At Kaana's Christening</span><b><br />
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</b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>So, where does the mental clutter come from?</b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I can't speak for Dave, but for me one constant elephant in the brain is how to be a positive Mommy that states things in as positive a light as possible to our child who has to live a little differently and hear "no" and "can't" quite a bit over something as 'silly' as food. Food is a necessity. It breaks my heart to have to use those nasty words, "no" and "can't" and the phrase, "Don't touch" ALL the time with him. It places undue stress on his little 2 year old mind and makes me a permanent watch tower. </b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Duncan on his Second Birthday with the cake trimmings - he ditched the yogurt!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
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</div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The mental clutter comes from knowing that my husband has to live day to day in another state, across the country and sometimes across the ocean with the fear of whether our day will hold a severe allergic reaction. </b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3nKuS44FNKWwStilLzlvdOSqbDD8Iu6aebHpnPAL3SukqDQ1VLSr4t-_I4zwzAFN5lm27hFKdKcX9uE3ufdK-Z3-tUmlFD7aOni1Hd91dcAOsOF0XheKvoz7o7TokpHAGKFl2NQ6-RM/s1600/Copy+%285%29+of+December+2009+Clean+Up+442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3nKuS44FNKWwStilLzlvdOSqbDD8Iu6aebHpnPAL3SukqDQ1VLSr4t-_I4zwzAFN5lm27hFKdKcX9uE3ufdK-Z3-tUmlFD7aOni1Hd91dcAOsOF0XheKvoz7o7TokpHAGKFl2NQ6-RM/s320/Copy+%285%29+of+December+2009+Clean+Up+442.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The reality - Burning and swollen face/mouth and neck.</span><b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkttok7p8_IgiAyQoahSkmK0nl8NsJqHENH3CtLcEn5OnVkiFkfPcbQEd6nY1N50NdbuXY7xJrjp4PKFi04fm07f3r9S3EM35YLbiIcBoLpxuTtd6stpV34KtGiIQZmlbqP4GZkH4Bjs/s1600/Copy+%284%29+of+December+2009+Clean+Up+498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkttok7p8_IgiAyQoahSkmK0nl8NsJqHENH3CtLcEn5OnVkiFkfPcbQEd6nY1N50NdbuXY7xJrjp4PKFi04fm07f3r9S3EM35YLbiIcBoLpxuTtd6stpV34KtGiIQZmlbqP4GZkH4Bjs/s320/Copy+%284%29+of+December+2009+Clean+Up+498.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Welts that eventually become open blisters</span><b><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGj4Fr7-HnSYdSwHoG3_Mex6Xr-7mIPcBqfyySrZKEWeo3WhUcgklja-Uf6taD8pPaU3QOBaNBpaQqgpMiVdzhWKN3FAABT0T07FMvheHQf33Fg5ho0wrTl3axpYxUmPKfbnKeDgJn2c/s1600/Copy+%284%29+of+December+2009+Clean+Up+501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGj4Fr7-HnSYdSwHoG3_Mex6Xr-7mIPcBqfyySrZKEWeo3WhUcgklja-Uf6taD8pPaU3QOBaNBpaQqgpMiVdzhWKN3FAABT0T07FMvheHQf33Fg5ho0wrTl3axpYxUmPKfbnKeDgJn2c/s320/Copy+%284%29+of+December+2009+Clean+Up+501.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZVC_mA3uSnrrxacIQ-0W1tGlAjJv2e_wfLsDvkJJw0HHrvjfBajYIBeVSk41CfVvJGfJnxNiH_CHeb9pPnn9wE733Lqbx2Aq06Fk3eqm4z40IgZpahiPcSE0RGJpzq2fcqI4WtODHL8/s1600/Copy+%285%29+of+December+2009+Clean+Up+520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZVC_mA3uSnrrxacIQ-0W1tGlAjJv2e_wfLsDvkJJw0HHrvjfBajYIBeVSk41CfVvJGfJnxNiH_CHeb9pPnn9wE733Lqbx2Aq06Fk3eqm4z40IgZpahiPcSE0RGJpzq2fcqI4WtODHL8/s320/Copy+%285%29+of+December+2009+Clean+Up+520.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Swollen Eyes and Lips - This is at the start of a reaction just seconds in.</span><b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7rCgPGtqhC0Hx6qQocIaQNlCurc7adiID5DGb0GppMhJvv3eKTlUfqVmKRaJ068wsJWTiOeidzrf0Fy8IgnGm8B1FOhmM1OFXJAbUI-8bZOnve7yHx3a9UQJst0LZw9Md0OFEIZ6D9Y/s1600/Copy+of+December+2009+Clean+Up+126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7rCgPGtqhC0Hx6qQocIaQNlCurc7adiID5DGb0GppMhJvv3eKTlUfqVmKRaJ068wsJWTiOeidzrf0Fy8IgnGm8B1FOhmM1OFXJAbUI-8bZOnve7yHx3a9UQJst0LZw9Md0OFEIZ6D9Y/s320/Copy+of+December+2009+Clean+Up+126.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Head to toe rash that spreads over the body that follows the line of consumption - very itchy - leads to convulsions sometimes</span><b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjeYBvjmXufx3knWC6OqSklexWoPSbYF4V9TBqwrPw71hL8PVechQTeeqSOwV_MTG4a8qH6N9Z3cNKzo837pORn7K917s34x1QKnqGc7p-6ClCtNfZtHuh50D28xuS_ocNnrpWOL5R6E/s1600/December+2009+Clean+Up+129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjeYBvjmXufx3knWC6OqSklexWoPSbYF4V9TBqwrPw71hL8PVechQTeeqSOwV_MTG4a8qH6N9Z3cNKzo837pORn7K917s34x1QKnqGc7p-6ClCtNfZtHuh50D28xuS_ocNnrpWOL5R6E/s320/December+2009+Clean+Up+129.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Swollen and painful joints</span><b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoX2g4oxsa6xG8St95_m3Y1hyphenhyphenuFqOplSRIxMB21fbSG928z87PSahv7SIY4EPd_ui8_pcrscau2dpWE-AA-XDnpWYHZ30kC3q20EIgbu67odxLWAC-4tNzAcE04luxKMdKiEQjhjETlYE/s1600/December+2009+Clean+Up+181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoX2g4oxsa6xG8St95_m3Y1hyphenhyphenuFqOplSRIxMB21fbSG928z87PSahv7SIY4EPd_ui8_pcrscau2dpWE-AA-XDnpWYHZ30kC3q20EIgbu67odxLWAC-4tNzAcE04luxKMdKiEQjhjETlYE/s320/December+2009+Clean+Up+181.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Very swollen and painful feet.</b></span></td></tr>
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</div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mental clutter comes from the wheels of my mind always turning because I want my son to learn by my example how to be loving, caring, generous and giving. I want to make sure that I am behaving in a manner that is pleasing to God and teaching my child how to be an honest & caring person. </b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3uvHTUJSHdezOdpmVY4qsYdgwe1D0L_SvZw3lBo26ZHaJHvjtwzZkibiPI1pxZCUElW_y9XHv9l_Bu6-NduYqy64Lt5wA6nnFGQetV5XLFDag0zk1-IknJiVasdaKTDP3f3shAEU8OU/s1600/Duncan's+Birthday+Celebrations+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3uvHTUJSHdezOdpmVY4qsYdgwe1D0L_SvZw3lBo26ZHaJHvjtwzZkibiPI1pxZCUElW_y9XHv9l_Bu6-NduYqy64Lt5wA6nnFGQetV5XLFDag0zk1-IknJiVasdaKTDP3f3shAEU8OU/s320/Duncan's+Birthday+Celebrations+027.JPG" width="240" /></a></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">At Build-a-Bear for his Second Birthday - Exhuberant because he was getting to PICK and TOUCH!</span><b><br />
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</div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Last Fall there was a local family that we've never met that had a house fire in which they lost most of their belongings but the most devestating loss was that of their beloved Dog. I have Dog in caps because he was a member of their family. Not just a 'dog.' Through one of my friends I learned of this disaster and Dave and I both wanted to do anything we could to help. We immediately gathered together Duncan's carseat that he had outgrown recently, toys, clothing, extra hypoallergenic food, some small kitchen appliances that we don't need, shoes, blankies, a co-sleeper, a stroller - etc. I'm not naming all of these things because I want any form of credit for doing this. I'm naming these things because if you'll notice a lot of them are baby items. Letting go of baby items has been very difficult for me because I don't know if we'll ever have another biological, or adopted, child again. So, hanging on to D's baby things was in essence holding on to material possessions that I could look at that would automatically float me back to a place in time when a specific happening was taking place. Some were good memories and some were bad. </b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1bUNXll61v9sa181C11fsYV8OeBPZD9fDRO8fuB4_4IWcidCCLBcPnGFLN8rbIYqofV3qBC4JCmdgVZZRIJoekQCPUEdnRBcoF81ZboCgDWMyEMd8RvF7OLXT1JlEezz1nCXvzj8DiE/s1600/s42395cb108644_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1bUNXll61v9sa181C11fsYV8OeBPZD9fDRO8fuB4_4IWcidCCLBcPnGFLN8rbIYqofV3qBC4JCmdgVZZRIJoekQCPUEdnRBcoF81ZboCgDWMyEMd8RvF7OLXT1JlEezz1nCXvzj8DiE/s320/s42395cb108644_4.jpg" width="240" /></a></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our sweet tiny baby. Six weeks and finally six lbs!</span></td></tr>
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</b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Since the sewage flood in our home in November of 2010 I have prayed that God would give me the ability to let go of things that do not ultimately matter; more specifically - baby and pregnancy things. This started with most of my favorite maternity clothing being 'ruined.' But, it wasn't ruined at all - it was Grace allowing me the ability to have to step away with a purpose - even if it was somewhat against my desired will.</b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>So, this prayer has been an ongoing one for me, and for Dave. In the moments that we learned of that family's need I felt no personal emotional attachment to the things that we both wanted to donate - only Love. Dave and I have been given so much since our pregnancy. The first and most important gift that we have been given is tons of love. Through love has come support, prayers, well wishes, visits, food brought to various hospitals, money, the blessings of medical bills magically having a zero balance out of the blue, typical baby gifts for Duncan, shoulders to cry on, transportation when I was too weak/sick/recovering from surgery to drive myself - and the list could go on and on. </b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7l_VzfIJkViH5ml3F5VlfEFvUlP6Ls1nu9H9TkMNUdNe7E6e_gABmudZhSRrr7ZAkZtipvmcNklfVvqHmPOxbzWdcHlze3CsDic3u440ZKycVaoXEamb-LFxl6ahdOpt7CSxEvkDjHVM/s1600/Christmas+2010+until+March+19,+2011+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7l_VzfIJkViH5ml3F5VlfEFvUlP6Ls1nu9H9TkMNUdNe7E6e_gABmudZhSRrr7ZAkZtipvmcNklfVvqHmPOxbzWdcHlze3CsDic3u440ZKycVaoXEamb-LFxl6ahdOpt7CSxEvkDjHVM/s320/Christmas+2010+until+March+19,+2011+039.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">A sweet reminder of how much Daddy loves Duncan - This was left on the computer screen one morning when he had to leave for a trip for Doodle-Bug</span><b><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_tXHRjsk5i3e7GdnTHV6nSShvJzc4rLNa_W9cG-glW6rVjAr2ZDRMznE4BulZTf52uS_aVM25xdwX97FToCWPPiPEywRMVaLMxi13zAz0qhEF4mbuI_FNggEo7RtlHIWCe649y7hrS0/s1600/Christmas+2010+until+March+19,+2011+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_tXHRjsk5i3e7GdnTHV6nSShvJzc4rLNa_W9cG-glW6rVjAr2ZDRMznE4BulZTf52uS_aVM25xdwX97FToCWPPiPEywRMVaLMxi13zAz0qhEF4mbuI_FNggEo7RtlHIWCe649y7hrS0/s320/Christmas+2010+until+March+19,+2011+040.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kZsyIB4wiMUyjdMV0cdI_nVz-yMgCpRv3Vg3NMDqaZZ0yjRulem9QdW0_yCHQLCYArFd0xk6g6hWO5C6FgwEsZRwWo-UNWzzXcYfO27mmZBOgUdAyEYyXmamE6bsUX-Tiead-OeGpNI/s1600/Christmas+2010+until+March+19,+2011+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kZsyIB4wiMUyjdMV0cdI_nVz-yMgCpRv3Vg3NMDqaZZ0yjRulem9QdW0_yCHQLCYArFd0xk6g6hWO5C6FgwEsZRwWo-UNWzzXcYfO27mmZBOgUdAyEYyXmamE6bsUX-Tiead-OeGpNI/s320/Christmas+2010+until+March+19,+2011+041.JPG" width="240" /></a></b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Love is a very powerful happening.</b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VaEOQskwU2ADxgwqLQa8Ra9htCWeV1MRAsmmX0gY5X_05hoJ42E2OLutuESr3escXGIVFungTQvwSNTx8bqCBz_aN4gLipNJlefaaZrZmiWzkIW_4fPqnpHRo17AShqDViaSgdc4byc/s1600/Christmas+2010+until+March+19,+2011+204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VaEOQskwU2ADxgwqLQa8Ra9htCWeV1MRAsmmX0gY5X_05hoJ42E2OLutuESr3escXGIVFungTQvwSNTx8bqCBz_aN4gLipNJlefaaZrZmiWzkIW_4fPqnpHRo17AShqDViaSgdc4byc/s320/Christmas+2010+until+March+19,+2011+204.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mommy and Duncan's hand and DC Children's March 2011 - Duncan wanted to hold my hand</span><b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7q6xpM-kJhhHsMo2n2cpFNq_8sYHh4RGikhrUPpwsLmWMA_Trk3Z4iUVf0XJ-z1CnBveqKIKvFtr7a5JnOCP8jPBUK830ixZxOYD5iVk5a_RTOkYLkkx0UaNo0t43o8YfF9SU4ld4zmk/s1600/Christmas+2010+until+March+19,+2011+369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7q6xpM-kJhhHsMo2n2cpFNq_8sYHh4RGikhrUPpwsLmWMA_Trk3Z4iUVf0XJ-z1CnBveqKIKvFtr7a5JnOCP8jPBUK830ixZxOYD5iVk5a_RTOkYLkkx0UaNo0t43o8YfF9SU4ld4zmk/s320/Christmas+2010+until+March+19,+2011+369.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Duncan and his ultimate protector - Sir Bark's A Lot - Barky Parky</span><b><br />
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</div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This family that experienced the fire has touched me deeply. I read the mom's blog. They are an amazing family. Their desire is to live as raw and as simply as they possibly can with their ultimate focus on doing well for others and doing what is pleasing to God.</b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Their blog has helped answer my prayer to have the ability to just 'let go' and clear the mental clutter and free our, Dave's and my, minds. We have donated more belongings over the holidays, we have re-organized and recatagorized things. We are slowly working on going through each and every box that we had packed from our townhouse to eliminate what we don't need. Though looking through my neatly packed boxes is somewhat cumbersome it is very freeing.</b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Through our deepened allergy exploration we feel the need to get back to basics; to not only clear our material life of clutter but cleansing our minds of the noise as well. </b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>With this cleansing of the mind, noise and soul we are beginning to trod a new path and go forth with a new purpose. </b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>God does answer prayers even if it is quietly and over a period of time. </b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Even in times of stress, health scares, mental noise and various clutter we are emerging with a new sense of purpose, integrity, values and strength. </b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Though corn is Duncan's Kryptonite it is propelling us forward into a purpose filled life.</b></span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">With the simple wonderment of a child - National Aquarium Baltimore Harbor - Jan/Feb 2011</span><b><br />
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</b></span></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983998491312108168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455996510175291880.post-57561329038672460592011-11-05T06:24:00.003-04:002011-11-05T06:34:27.648-04:00The Crazy Coupon Lady...<div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, when Dave and I still lived in our townhouse our next door neighbors used to lovingly poke fun at me (especially when Dave was out of town) for over taking our living room table and floor with flyers and coupons and making a master list for where I was getting what and what coupons I was using. They made fun of me until they saw my receipts and saw how much money I was actually saving. :) Then, they started asking me to do the same for them. I offered my help if they would sit down and clip too - but they didn't want to clip so it didn't go anywhere.</span></div><div style="color: blue;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Back in those days I didn't have to worry about brands. I was also blissfully ignorant of the harmful chemicals that most household cleaners contain. As a result buying big name national brands on sale with a coupon was a breeze. Dave and I ate what was on sale that week and it all worked out great. It made me feel good, especially before I started working, to know that though I might not have been earning a monetary paycheck I was essentially earning us money by helping to preserve what we already had in a big way. It was not unusual for me to save us upwards of 200.00 a month on groceries and household goods. It wasn't even unusual for me to save more.</span></div><div style="color: blue;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">*Fast Forward 3-4 years* Shopping for groceries over the past two years has been a challenge all together. Every ingredient must be scrutinized. The quality control of the manufacturers cleaning practices must be scrutinized. Trust must be placed in manufacturers that they are being HONEST (some are sadly not - which comes as proof by allergic reaction in my child.) And then of course there is the extended price point of needing to buy pure foods. Convenience foods are usually not present in our cart but instead we are loaded down with fresh fruits and veggies, boxes of organic yeast free stock, rice milk, gluten free flours, organic cane sugar, honey, molasses and maple syrup, frozen fruits and veggies, canned beans, rice crackers, "squeezy food" i.e. Ella's/Plum Baby food and, of course, our handful of convenience foods that we can buy. </span></div><div style="color: blue;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is, no doubt, expensive. We are paying financially now for food safety and better health as we are not consuming so many processed goods which is paying off now and will continue to always pay off. I feel good about the fact that my child doesn't consume a bunch of chemicals even if our pocket book/wallet is sadly crying saying, "Give it back...Give it back." :) And oh boy is it ever crying after some trips to the store.</span></div><div style="color: blue;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Being from Eastern NC one benefit is lower grocery prices. This doesn't mean that groceries are cheap there. But, what it means is that because general cost of living is less groceries are less too. However, the cost of groceries still impacts people in the same way as it does up here. It's just that after living up here going down there to buy groceries is amazing because it IS cheaper when you're 'used' to these prices. </span></div><div style="color: blue;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Ex: Whole Foods store brand spaghetti sauce is about 2.50 up here. In Raleigh it was 1.39. Right now Whole Foods has a 1.00 coupon our for their sauce. So, you could walk away with GREAT sauce for .39 cents in you were in Raleigh. </span></div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another example is I spent about 120.00 between Trader Joe's and Whole Foods back home and it lasted for over a week and I still had food left over. I returned back up here spent about 175.00 and only walked out of the store with 4 paper bags... :( </span></div><div style="color: blue;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now that Duncan is a lot more stable and can eat a wider variety of foods (and after returning back up here and being in total sticker shock again) I decided to coupon seriously.</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Duncan also recently mastered scissors so we make cutting coupons a game. I cut my pieces. Then, I hand him the scraps and he goes to town cutting 'his' coupons. </span></div><div style="color: blue;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">This past week we definitely spent a considerable amount on groceries. It was time for a full restock (which happens every few months) and I'm not going to disclose the full amount that we spent on everything because quite frankly it's nauseating. I don't want to think about it. BUT, what I will tell you is about our coupon victory.</span></div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="color: blue;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last week I saw the Bloom Ad ( for NC people Bloom is owned by Food Lion)</span> <span style="font-size: large;">which advertised Double Coupon Sunday for coupons up to a face value of 1.99. This was terrific because most organic coupons are for around 1.00. Usually doubling is only for coupons under 0.99. So, I shopped heavily online for coupons so much so that we had to replace our printer's ink! </span></div><div style="color: blue;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">When all was said and done last Sunday between two different Bloom's and 3 check-outs we spent 100.00 but saved 107.00. That's right - we saved 7 more dollars than we spent. With that 100.00 we walked away with 20 cans of organic tomato products, 3 packages of Chobani Little Champions greek yogurt, 15 ish regular Chobani yogurts, several Pacific Organics broths and condensed cream soup products, several bags of gluten free flour, a tub of organic Palm Shortening, Allergen Friendly chocolate chips, ice cream, a frozen pizza, milk, OJ, Sargento Cheese & several other things. All of these products are things that we eat and use. We don't buy ice cream of frozen pizza on a regular basis. The pizza is for a 'cooking emergency' and the ice cream was a treat.</span></div><div style="color: blue;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">We were SO stoked about our hard work, good fortune and savings! I am hoping that I can make this a regular trend. Though I don't foresee being a complete extreme couponer with needing the products that we use. But one can dream I suppose? </span></div><div style="color: blue;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">I used a lot of websites to get my coupons. But, I also "liked" some places on Facebook and other companies just keep it simple by placing coupons on their webpages. Harris Teeter is having Super Coupon Days until the 8th. </span></div><br />
<div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">Websites:</span></div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">mambosprouts.com</span></div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">couponcabin.com</span></div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">couponmom.com</span></div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">shopathome.com</span></div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">grocerycouponnetwork.com</span></div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">smartsource.com</span></div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">coolsavings.com</span></div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">coupons.com</span></div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">bestorganicfoodcoupons.com</span></div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">organicfoodcoupons.com</span></div><div style="color: purple;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm sure that there were more sites that I pulled from. But, I just simply googled. Good Luck!!! </span></div><div style="color: blue;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, for NOVA people = Kitchen Basics stock has a lot of flavor is top 8, corn and yeast free & is 2 for 5 right now at Whole Foods and at Giant and Wellington. </span></div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="color: blue;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ash</span></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983998491312108168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455996510175291880.post-79591485176883089072011-10-24T16:51:00.000-04:002011-10-24T16:51:02.791-04:00Shaken to the Core But Finding Lots to Smile About<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>It has been very difficult for me to put pen to paper, or fingers to the keyboard, to write this post. I've wanted to post again for quite some time but we've had a substantial amount of life events take place. One of my dear friend's made a statement online about "just doing it - just starting" earlier this week. I felt motivated to write this post straight away but couldn't at the time due to my all time love and job - motherhood. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> I've also realized recently fully for myself what my husband has always told me - my mind NEVER stops. It's always reeling; constantly. My mind goes faster than I can keep up. This is in a lot of ways a gigantic benefit to Duncan, coupled with the fact that I have always had to be hyper aware of latex, peaches and coconut due to my mom - and now myself, because I am used to constantly scanning EVERYONE - ALL the time for what they might have touched, eaten or cross-contaminated. This has undoubtedly saved Duncan many allergic reactions. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>But, I'm not perfect. And as much as I'd like to enclose Duncan in a perfect corn-free bubble - I can't. Not at this point anyway. Though that is not a possibility at this point it our dream to be able to provide a completely corn-free environment for Duncan one day. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>So, our armour and weapon of choice at this point is education. Despite my very best efforts as Duncan's mother I failed him twice a little over a month ago because he had two severe allergic reactions to corn. As a mother it is not only emotional and painful to watch your child deal with severe allergic reactions but it is even more painful and scary to watch him go through these reactions knowing that as a mother your primary obligation is to protect your cub with the fierceness of a lioness and that you failed. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Sometimes, as in these cases, it was through no fault of my own. But, I still felt like an epic failure. Not to mention every emotion and vivid memory of my little fella limp as a noodle and as gray as a cloudy day at 4 months old in that hospital room came flooding back with the force of a massive hurricane. It's scary. To be honest - I was terrified. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>So, I think that was my beef with writing this post. I didn't want anyone to be offended, but this is part of his journey and something that I needed to voice. Writing for me has always been cathartic. The only way that people who are unfamiliar with true severe life threatening and life altering allergies to learn- is through education - sometimes that education is rendered first hand. Bringing a life-threatening allergen into the path of a highly allergenic child is essentially the equivalent of placing a loaded gun somewhere within the child's grasp and leaving them unattended. Maybe something will happen - maybe nothing will happen - but it's not safe either way. And, when dealing with something as small as a peanut (in other children's cases) or as tiny as a kernel of corn that could literally take the life of a person it is no exaggeration to make the above statement.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The after-math of a severe reaction can be just as devastating as the reaction itself for a small child who doesn't have the mental ability to understand what is going on. In Duncan's case he panicked at bed time for weeks (we're literally talking true panic attacks) because both of his reactions happened close to bed time once he had his pajamas on. This is a situation that isn't easy to rectify. But, we've pulled through on the other side and tried to educate Duncan as to what his reactions actually are.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Our Mission is Understanding. Our Goal is Education and Acceptance.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Since my last posting we had an incredibly successful Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network walk. It was a beautiful day for a walk and we had an immense amount of support throughout the whole experience! We can not thank everyone who gave of themselves in some way, shape or form for helping us start this beautiful legacy of giving back for Duncan. This was a beautiful experience for us to learn from others, for us to educate others and for ourselves and others to learn of community support that exists. It was all around a gorgeous day for our family of three.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>We also have been on a roll with coming up with new recipes for Duncan, and ourselves. Finding a new tasty recipe or new product that Duncan can eat/use is exhilarating. It makes me feel as though I am doing a good job of hunting and gathering for my young. I get in ruts from time to time out of exhaustion and don't try anything new. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> However, I've always loved fall and all that it brings: crisp air, beautiful leaves, warm cider and Russian Tea, yummy filling meals hot from the oven and the holidays are just right around the corner. (Not to mention I love fall clothes!) Fall also has always been a cleansing time for me. It's a good time to clear my mind with the fresh air. I have always felt that just as though the trees shed their old leaves and endure a tough winter they know that intuitively they must do this because something beautiful (Spring) is just on the other side. In order to get to the beautiful and new in life sometimes it means letting go of the old and holding on strong to your foundation. That's what fall is to me.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>So, I was inspired to flip through my 'normal' recipe books and allergy & vegan books alike to find new recipes that I'd like to try for our family this fall. Duncan is still trying new foods continually and we are making exciting progress in some arenas. I'll post more later about our progress because though I know that stating anything here in the blog won't jinx anything I still don't want to 'jinx' ourselves or count our chickens before they hatch. Just keep your fingers crossed and say some prayers that winds of food freedom keep blowing in Duncan's direction.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Also with fall comes lots of soups and stews. I LOVE both. I am a soup-a-holic. Dave - not so much. However, last week I made a truly awesome Chicken, Rice and Quinoa (Keen-wah) soup that was fantastic! It had just the right amount of flavor and tasted like an awesome version of a homemade chicken noodle soup. Dave doesn't even like chicken soups and he ate two bowls I think! </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>So, here's our recipe:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ingredients -</b></span></span><br />
<ul><li><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Onion, Garlic & Carrots</b></span></span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sunflower Oil</b></span></span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1 Box of Kitchen Basics Chicken Stock</b></span></span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sweet Peas & Garbanzo Beans</b></span></span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Quinoa and Rice</b></span></span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Trader Joe's Everyday Seasoning, Sea Salt, Badia Garlic and Parsley, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder</b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>McCormick Salt Free Garlic and Herb, Chili Powder and Simply Organic Lemon Pepper</b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3 Chicken Breast</b></span></span></li>
</ul><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I know that not everyone that reads this blog loves/likes garlic - but one of Duncan's sensory 'things' is LOVING strong savory flavors such as garlic. I Promise that this soup did not taste like garlic.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Directions</b></span></span><br />
<ul><li><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Heat pot with a small amount of Sunflower Oil</b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dice onion and garlic and add to pot</b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dice/Chop carrots and add to pot</b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Season with Sea Salt and other Seasonings</b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dice Chicken in pot while cooking.</b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Add Stock</b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Let Boil</b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Add Garbanzo Beans, Sweet Peas, Quinoa and Rice (Small amount)</b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Let Boil until Rice and Quinoa are cooked - then reduce heat.</b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Enjoy!</b></span></span></li>
</ul><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>If you try this soup let me know what you think. Good Luck and we'll keep you posted on Duncan's progress.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>To our recipe repertoire we've also been able to add yummy biscuits of all types, great bread sticks and a so-so pizza crust that I'm sure will improve with practice.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ash</b></span></span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983998491312108168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455996510175291880.post-21278242846380093262011-08-23T08:53:00.000-04:002011-08-23T08:53:55.069-04:00What was left off<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, I just realized that part of a paragraph was left off of my last post. I guess it got deleted. I'm still perfecting the art of using a laptop and not letting my hand drag across the touch pad at inopportune times.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Basically, for digestion Duncan is on the Pre-biotic Fiber powder, a probiotic fiber powder a full spetrum digestive enzyme that he takes 2 of every time he eats anything (other than his rice crackers that dissolve in his mouth) and a phenol digestive enzyme that he takes in addition to the other enzymes any time he eats one of the fruits/veggies that are heavy in phenols/sulphur.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That's all</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*and I do realize that I also left desserts off of one of the previous posts. I'll post those sometime soon.* </span></span></span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983998491312108168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455996510175291880.post-46082775285042145862011-08-23T00:26:00.000-04:002011-08-23T00:26:32.033-04:00The beautiful things<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, at some point last week, or the week before, I wrote that we had had several beautiful things happen that I wanted to write about. So, here they are (and there are too many to put all into this one blog post!)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u>OT Therapy</u></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I don't write about it often, if at all, on this blog just because this is an allergy forum and not a SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) forum - but Duncan was granted OT through the county! This is HUGE! Monstrously HUGE! Food and Duncan and SPD and gut issues are inseparably linked. It's all a part of him and it always will be. For those of you who aren't aware of what SPD is (don't feel bad - a little over a year ago I had no clue either) it affects all of your senses all of the time. The best way I can describe it is like this (and it is a neurological disorder of extremes):</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*If you get nauseated or a headache walking through a perfume department in a store - imagine feeling like that all the time with ALL smells. (Food, animals, juice, garbage, perfume, flowers, grass - etc.)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*If you've ever had a sinus infection and couldn't smell anything for days on end, imagine smelling nothing ever...except maybe having one key scent that either drives you wild or really gets your motor going.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Imagine if a slight gentle breeze felt like someone was throwing daggers at you that caused the fear and panic you would expect from someone in the midst of a tornado's presence.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Imagine if your brain didn't process pain normally because your nerves/nervous system couldn't process touch sensation the same way as others so in order to feel anything you harm yourself constantly because actually feeling something, anything, is a strange high.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Getting dressed and undressed literally feels painful.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*You need tight squeezing shoes (two sizes two small) to make you feel like you know where your feet are so that you can walk properly.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*You can't 'see' things normally because your field of vision gets overwhelmed and your brain blocks certain parts of your vision field out for processing to a certain extent.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Your brain doesn't make the connection between hunger and eating so you would literally goes days without nourishing yourself if you didn't have someone to force feed you something as small as a cracker. You ARE feeling hunger - but your brain just doesn't make the equivalent connection to the solution to hunger being that of eating. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Imagine feeling so nauseous and off balance every time you lied down that it took you 2 plus hours to fall asleep and ANY teeny TINY noise would wake you immediately from a dead sleep and then you'd start the two hours to sleep process all over again...that is if you ever fully went back to sleep. Now imagine having a baby like this...and a baby that rarely slept---- ever. If he did sleep it was so long that it was medically dangerous.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The list could go on and on. Every sensory kiddo/adult experiences different things. But, Duncan has SPD. He barely walked away without an Autism diagnosis (this is due in part to the fact that we had changed his diet and his comfort level/behaviors had improved so much so upon the time of evaluation that he just barely missed the diagnosis.) </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, what does Occupational Therapy do? OT 'teaches' children/adults who need help learning natural normal things. These are the natural normal things that they need to know in order to live and functional normally in society, their own world and most importantly their own skin. With OT Duncan started talking (in Jan. coming up on nearly 2 years old he couldn't even say Mama - now he can say "Ambulance,") he started eating, he started eating things that weren't laden in garlic only, he started gaining weight, he started walking without face planting, he stopped spinning in circles for 20 minutes+ to the point of self injury, he stopped biting himself until he bled and he actually started to sleep easily, well and hard.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I can't mentally recall at this point in our journey exactly all of the benefits that we received through OT - but all in all let's just say that OT made Duncan's ability to be the best Duncan he could be possible. In the past couple of months without adequate OT all of the positive progress we had made definitely large backslide type of movement.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We had Duncan's 6 month review with the county (he currently only receives a teacher 2xs a month) infant/toddler supervisor. She decided that it was imperative that Duncan get therapy through the county as soon as possible since we are in an insurance lag right now (long story.) He will begin receiving OT 1x a week as soon as a therapist is available. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This could start next week or it could be October. But in any event SOME therapy is MUCH BETTER than NO therapy. :) Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. Answered Prayer.</span></span></span><br />
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<u><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Pro-Thera/Klaire Labs</span></span></span></u><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As some, but probably not many, of you know Duncan is on many digestive support measures including digestive enzymes that he must take every time he eats. His body does not make enzymes that the average person makes naturally so this has to be supplemented for him. For digestive health (for a multitude of reasons) he is on: a Prebiotic Fiber powder so that his body actually digests his food and eliminates yeast, a Probiotic</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Finding enzymes/vitamins - etc is difficult as corn is used as a filler in almost everything. I found a wonderful enzyme for Duncan that is working wonderfully from Klaire Labs at our local Healthway Store. I was told a couple of weeks ago that they would probably no longer be carrying the supplements. This was a huge bummer as there was nowhere else around to buy this enzyme (or the probiotic powder.) </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, I called Pro-Thera, the parent company. I was told by a very nice and polite customer service rep that the reason that their enzymes were being taken out of the health food store was that the supplements were not supposed to be sold retail. They could either be sold by doctor's in their offices or doctors could call in and allow certain patients to buy direct from Pro-Thera for approved products. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I was 99% certain that Duncan's Ped wouldn't have an issue with 'prescribing' these for Duncan - even though they are non-Rx based enzymes. The only problem was that we were running out and needed them soon! I called Duncan's Ped's office and left the traditional message on the nurse line. The nurse joyfully called me back and said, "No Problem," essentially. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here's the beautiful part: The next day the head nurse called me back. Duncan's doctor was on vacation, but they had contacted her. Not only were we being given the code that we needed to order that particular enzyme - Duncan's doctor wanted Duncan to receive his own account with Pro-Thera so that I can order for him whatever he EVER needs from this company with no further permission. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Duncan's doctor trusts us. She knows that we have been the large driving force in keeping Duncan's little premie self here and alive and well. We have figured out things that most people wouldn't, we have kept him healthy, fed and properly medicated (which is a difficult feat when you're child is allergic to the primary ingredient in everything.) - We were even willing to undertake a 10-12 hour drive round trip at one point to get him anti-biotics. (Thank goodness we found a pharmacy just a little closer that could give DUncan exactly what he needed to heal him and keep him safe at the same time.) </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">She trusts us. To know that his Ped trusts us to the point to say, "You can get your child whatever YOU feel he might need" is amazing. We love her. We have always loved her. And, we feel we have the best Ped in the world. :) I could never ever imagine having a better Pediatrician than her. She cares for Duncan so much she has told me in the past when he was really sick that she would lose sleep over him trying to sort out in her mind what was wrong with him. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We love her. In a world full of doctors pushing lots of chemicals, or denying necessarily tests, treatments or supplements/referrals and not listening to their patients, and parents, and writing the average first time parent off with a child that needs special accommodations as over-zealous or idiots - Thank God literally that we have the gem of a Ped that we have!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. We are so grateful.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">-------------------------------------------------------</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Those were the two main items of beauty. We have had several more including new items added to our safe list such as Virgil's sodas and Izze natural sparkling drinks (this is huge because Duncan needs 'bubble drinks' to give him adequate input through his nerve endings in his mouth so that he is more willing to eat, less likely to make himself vomit on purpose just to feel anything/something and less likely to bite himself.) </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> I have found a readily available store-bought jam/preserve that is completely free of everything he is allergic to also. I have located more Shampoos, lotions and hair care products (Go Me - b/c I haven't used any in two years - and these are free of nasty chemicals too!!!!!!!) The new lotion is going very well. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> I also made my first extremely successful allergy loaf of bread in two years! YAY! It tasted like normal bread from a bakery! And, I made some scrumptious strawberry muffins that will definitely have a repeat performance. I also, in a bit of serendipity (one of my favorite words - it means a fortunate accident,) figured out a great brownie recipe. And, I had some very thoughtful friends share some recipe and ingredient ideas with me on Facebook.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Oh, and you want to know the best most beautiful thing ever?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A few days ago Duncan and I were cuddling and watching one of his cartoons. I said, "I love you Duncan," and kissed him on top of the head. He glanced at me sheepishly and then looked away so I wouldn't 'see' him and said, "I Love you Too Mommy." </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Priceless. Those moments don't happen often, but boy when they do they are beautiful.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983998491312108168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455996510175291880.post-91768238392550133872011-08-13T22:51:00.000-04:002011-08-13T22:51:40.964-04:00So, What do we eat?<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Very often I get asked, "So, what does he eat?" with 'he' meaning Duncan. I usually respond, "Mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, some meat and vegan soy protein cheese." But, all in all that's not that descriptive. The older that Duncan gets the more I get to experiment because there are more products that are appropriate for him. So, for the sake of saving a lot of words I'm going to make a list. Here is a sample of some breakfasts, snacks, lunches and dinners (and desserts!) </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Keep in mind that everything is free of the following ingredients as well as their many, Many, derivatives:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Corn</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Gluten</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Egg</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Dairy</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Gelatin</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yeast</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Coconut</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mango</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Banana</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Peach</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Avocado</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Tree Nuts</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Shell Fish </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*And I'm sure there's more that I'm leaving off...Fortunately we just added phenols back in with success. Because without the phenol/sulphur foods that excluded apples, red grapes, peppers, tomatoes, cocoa, and bananas (but bananas were already a no go)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u>Breakfast</u> (When he actually eats):</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Whole "Grain" Multi-Berry Muffins (tastes like Berry Bread.)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">* Toast (not so yummy - his version anyway) with peanut butter or homemade jams/preserves - or plain/with honey</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Fresh Diced Fruit</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Crackers and Peanut Butter</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Fruit Pizza (Biscuit Dough with Pear Sauce and Strawberries on top)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Homemade Hash Browns/Pancakes </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Homemade Granola Mix with Vanilla Gluten Free Granola, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds and Dried Cranberries/Mixed Berries. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Mochi (Pronounced "Moh-Chee" - yummy rice bread sprinkled with cinnamon, sugar and vanilla dipped in honey!)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u>Lunch</u>:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Applegate Farms Deli Meat</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*"Pizza" i.e. toast with vegetables and occasionally some form of sauce on top.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Cheese and Beans</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Chips and Salsa</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Crackers and "Dip" (Baby food swirled on top of crackers)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Alpha-Tots (Hypo-allergenic French Fries)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Fresh Sauteed Veggies</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Sauteed Chicken with Garlic and Herbs</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Rice Pasta with Veggies and "Cheese"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Fresh Fruit</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Organic Peanut Butter and Homemade Jam</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Sunbutter and Jam</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Baby Food</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Anything we can get him to eat & anything listed in Breakfast</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Left-overs from Supper</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u>Supper</u>:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Supper can take the form of anything listed above, anything we can beg Duncan to eat and anything listed below + more.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Grilled anything and everything (When Dave is home.)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Sauteed Chicken</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Sauteed Steak</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Stir Fry Duncan style</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Santa Fe style Rice Pasta</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Sauteed mixed veggies</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Sauteed Green Beans</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Home-made dairy free mashed potatoes</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Tortillas/Skillet Bread</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Quinoa (Pronounced Keen-wah...it's super yummy!)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Basmati/Jasmine Rice</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Roasted Potatoes</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Boxed Mashed Potatoes (Yes, I cheat sometimes!)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Honey Ginger Chicken with Carrots</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Soups - any and all kinds that I can make for Duncan</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Homemade Sweet Potato Fries </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u>Snacks</u>:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Beans</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Cheese</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Several Types of Rice Crackers</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Chips</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Fruit</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Juice</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Baby Food</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Granola Mixture </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Pureed and Pressed Fruit Bars (Think a thicker, healthier Fruit By the Foot/Fruit Snack.)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Homemade Goods such as oatmeal sticks, cookies - whatever's on hand.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Smoothies</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Fresh Juice From the Juicer (It turns out like sorbet)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">**This list could go on forever...so this is just a few samples</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Obviously all of these foods are not quite what they appear on the surface. They require trips to 'specialty' stores, very specific brands and research and aren't your average joe type of ingredients and brands. But, we are establishing a sense of normalcy within Duncan's food routine that looks very similar to what other kids his age might happen to eat if they were eating 'fresh' (i.e. non-prepackaged) meals. Well, at least what I'd like to think I'd be feeding him with if he were to not have his allergies anyway.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, this is a sample of what Duncan gets to eat. Quite Frankly...it's all pretty darn yummy! :)</span></span></span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983998491312108168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455996510175291880.post-67410247145926520002011-08-13T12:22:00.002-04:002011-08-13T12:28:50.852-04:00It makes you want to cry ~ but forces you to laugh<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You feel tears well up on the outside, and on the inside you're sobbing, for reasons that your child is not yet mature enough to understand. But, because of the sheer beauty of the moment you're forced into a smile, a chuckle and sometimes full blown laughter. These are the moments that we have from time to time that shake us out of our 'norm' for a second and make us realize exactly how different we are as a family and then make us realize how fortunate we are to view the world a little differently than most.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One of the most recent specific instances that I'm speaking of is at some point over the last week Duncan picked up a piece of paper when we were discussing going out and held it in front of him like a children's menu as though he were reading and said (in his British accent,) </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"Can't have that, Can't have that, Can't have that, CAN have a'teamed (steamed) bock-a-lee (broccoli,) CAN have a'teamed 'kini (zucchini,) Can't have that, Can't have that, Can't have that."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Our first emotion was a mix of humour with the first "Can't have that," and extreme cut you to the core sadness immediately followed when we realized the depth of what he was experiencing and enacting. He is 28 months and is able to verbalize in a pretend scenario what the future was getting ready to hold for him when we went out to the restaurant. Though we obviously know that these experiences affect him on a very deep level to watch him enact this was extremely sad for us as his parents. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We want the world to be a world of "can" for him which is why we control his changing environment (i.e. where we take him - etc) so much so at this age. We know that hearing, "can't" and "no" constantly for a child is damaging and frustrating. But, in Duncan's world there are a lot of "can nots" and a lot of "don't" vs. a lot of "Sure's" that he should be getting. He literally tantrums (and rightfully so in his own right though we definitely don't approve) in Whole Foods when we're on the Baby Food/Spice aisle if another child comes on to the aisle and he has to watch yet another child get to PICK something out that they desire. He does not get to do this. He gets told what he can have (which isn't much.) He screams at the other children "NOOOOO DON"T TOUCH! STOP! PUT i' BACK!" He has tried to take something out of other children's hands before (which I was able to prevent before he actually reached the other child...I'm his mother - I can read his mind at times,) he has reached over into other people's carts to try to take things out of little babies' hands, he has hit me, bitten me, banged his head on the floor and pushed items back deep into the shelf cavity out of frustration. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">People often ask, "He's two now, hasn't he outgrown his allergies?" "Well, he looks healthy and he hasn't been in the hospital for a while he's fine now, right?" And the questions go on and on of that nature. Well, not to toot our own horn but he is doing so well and is NOT in the hospital because we work our little behinds off on a constant day to day, hour to hour, meal to meal basis to keep him healthy. It only takes one mistake to endanger him and make him suffer. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Perfect example: Dave and I were given gift cards in a generous amount to a restaurant that we used to frequent but haven't been to in quite some time. We both ordered menu items that typically we wouldn't order if we weren't using gift cards and delighted ourselves in some dessert to bring home and eat later. We absolutely grilled the kitchen manager. GRILLED. She was incomparably mis-informed on some things - it was obvious that she didn't exactly know her game...but thought that she did. She softened a bit once she asked us how we 'knew' at such a young age that Duncan has so many severe allergies, and odd ones at that. When we gave her a 3 or 4 sentence basic standard over-view of how we 'know' she literally looked shocked. She squatted beside the table to talk to us and softened her voice. I could tell that she wasn't used to getting people with severe allergies and ones as well informed as us. She was going to assure us that Duncan's steamed broccoli was safe. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Later in the evening once home (a couple of hours later) Duncan was sleeping (he fell asleep in the car) but was incredibly uncomfortable and writhing in his sleep. We saw odd behaviour before this point but weren't quite prepared for the full swing of what was ahead. It was a very rough night and a reality check, again for us. For those that are skeptics if they could have been with Duncan that night it would have added some weight and depth to everything that they 'hear' us 'say.' He writhed in pain and screamed out and sobbed for hours. He was terrified and in pain because he didn't understand what was happening. He didn't understand what was happening because to his most likely memory he hasn't had an experience on the inside quite this devastating. After a very large full-scale allergic reaction size dose of Benadryl and an hour and a half of time his body was finally calm, or exhausted, enough to let him sleep for a couple of hours. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> My tiny precious baby. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">No matter how large he becomes he will always be my 5 lb neonate with breathing apparatus strapped to him and wired and tubes everywhere. He will always be my extremely sick 4 month old lying in a hospital bed dubbed as the 'mystery baby.' It's not until you have a child, birthed or adopted, and had to watch them suffer without the ability to help them feel better, nor any doctor, medicine or ER help them, that you realize how much it just stinks to not be able to fix your child. To help your child even be comfortable. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Was it the broccoli? We don't know. Was the broccoli treated with a pesticide wash that was corn based (most are) that wasn't rinsed off well, or at all? Was something else blanched in the same water/pot that we were assured was broccoli only? Was salt or olive oil added to the water? Is he allergic to the wash/dry cycle detergents/fillers/sheets that were used on the napkins. Usually we take our own home-made cloth napkins/small burp cloths but have noticed that at most restaurants with cloth napkins he doesn't have a problem. He touched the napkins, ate off of the forks and put his hands in his mouth. Did someone touch his plate (usually we take him his own plates, and we did this night - but he also ate off of a restaurant plate) after touching something else? Was there residue on the table? Was there something left behind on the booth that touched his hands before he sucked his thumb? Did he eat some kind of crumb from off of the floor while going under the table to go from Dave's side of the table to mine? Who knows? We'll probably never know. Will we ever try this restaurant with him again, or at least in the near future? No. Will Dave and I go back to this restuarant again? Most likely. I'm a sucker for their soup. I love soup. And I really love one of their soups.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It is these instances that are the 'proof' for any who need that yes, indeed, he does have severe allergies. We literally had to question for a short amount of time whether to take him to the ER or not. It's not that the ER could do anything for him...he can't have any of their meds. But, in the event that it progressed to the point of him needing his Epi-Pen at least we would be there. These are the things that we try to protect him from. The unknown. The general world. Yes, it is unsafe for him. And, until he can navigate it for himself <u>we </u>have to do it for him.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We did have a lot of truly beautiful things happen this week for Duncan, but that is a separate post because I don't want anything 'ugly' in a post that deserves true light for the beauty that it actually is. We had a very up 'up' week with some bittersweet lows. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">No matter how difficult our path is Dave and I are incredibly grateful that we have a knowledgeable view into a world that most well-meaning well-intended, and those that are truly ignorant, don't understand, don't live in and just don't get. It might seem odd, but Dave and I have both always been lovers of people and lovers of communicating and connecting with people. Though I know I am jaded at times both of us have the type of personality that is extremely analytical. We analyze everything...all the time...every situation, every action, every reaction etc. etc. So, having one more group of people that we can truly identify with, connect with, support and contribute to is a good feeling. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I began life in this allergy world journey due to having a mother with severe allergies that almost took her life, and yes, I recall being a seven year old child with a mother hanging in the balance in an ER. It's scary. So, we've always taken it seriously. Very seriously. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My game was stepped up when I experienced life threatening anaphylaxis three times in college. And, we jointly, were thrust even further into this world when our Gift was bestowed with allergies to the point of almost passing on us. So, yes, we are passionate. Are we over-zealous? Absolutely not. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> If you're reading this and you view us as over-zealous, or know someone who does, then I would challenge you to almost experience the death of your mother as a child due to someone's negligence, experience anaphylaxis for yourself (which doesn't end when the 'shock' is over - I vomited for days because my body was coming off of steroids and pain killers (though it needed more,) my eyes were almost swollen completely shut for days & I couldn't even eat bread for almost two weeks my throat was so swollen and sore - liquids only,) and then watch your child literally hang in the balance of life and death for months and then have two heart stopping episodes back to back where passing pretty much happened before he fought his way back - and then look within yourself to see if you would feel that our actions are 'over-zealous' or 'over-protective.' If you would still feel that way then you're emotionally disconnected and you need help for your own sake.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We are Duncan's parents. He has been entrusted to us. We are the ones that will have to answer, as we believe, to God when we pass for our actions in this world. It is our obligation as Duncan's parents to keep him alive. Yes, alive. Something as tiny as a kernel of corn literally can kill our child. Scary to think about, but it is true. Something as teensy weensy as regular table salt rips the skin on his bottom open and causes free flowing bleeding. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> That may be graphic for some of you readers, but it's the truth. We work as hard as we work because we have to. He is doing as well as he is doing because we have worked our heiny's off to get him healthy. His pediatrician still remains floored that I have kept him healthy and feed him the variety of foods that he gets because she has parents that can't, won't and don't for much easier to avoid allergens. His county pre-school teacher even has parents whom have intubated their children with special dietary needs because they don't want to put the work forth into finding food to feed their children. (It is a LOT of work. A LOT. I will be honest - but it is a labor of love.) </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> It is no one else's obligation or responsibility to keep Duncan safe and do the things that we do for him willingly and gladly. It is also our delight to watch our living breathing child grown, learn, laugh and love. Though it is no one else's obligation, nor responsibility, it is the social obligation and social responsibility of other's who come into contact with our child to not only respect our wishes, but respect our child, enough to keep him safe also. Some family members have endangered him to test limits, to be 'funny' and some just because they are stubborn and selfish (which is the saddest of all.)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> So, sucking his thumb that he sucks = not cool or safe...definitely not funny. Taking a bite of his food and then letting him take a bite = dangerous. You can't share with him. Eating something with your dominant hand and then using that hand to give him food...not okay. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">These are all things that have to be gradually introduced to those whom have not grown up in a severe allergy environment they way that I did. It has been indoctrinated in me. It is natural. But, respect, patience and understanding go a long way. For those of you who are already on our side of the fence Thank You! We can not thank you enough. For those of you straddling the fence and still learning PLEASE ask us questions, ask us about our experiences, what it feels like to have these reactions, what can be done to be prevented, etc. And for those of you on the other side of the fence we doubly encourage you to ask questions! Everyone starts somewhere and we would, and never could condemn, someone for wanting to learn not matter how silly you might feel your questions are. We hope one day you'll join us on the other side! <u>Duncan needs YOU </u>on his team and we would love the support! We all cause a ripple effect. The more people that know, understand and can share - the more understanding will be passed through all of society. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Remember: Duncan needs you. He loves you and one day when he grows up and can understand he'll want you on his 'team' too. Please grow with us, learn with us and share with us. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This month in Living Without Magazine there is an article called something like "Ten things that the Severely Food Allergic Child Wants you to Know." For copyright , and technical posting reasons, I'm sure I can't scan and re-post the article here. But, they do make their articles available to the public online. So, maybe good their magazine and take a gander at the article. It's definitely worth it! A lot of it is information that we'd love to say to other's for Duncan because he can't yet.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Thank you all for reading our blog. Just by reading our blog it shows that you support and love us in some way. All we want is safety, happiness and joy for our child. That's what we all want as parents, right? :)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Pride. As sad as the first moment listed above was - we were proud. Proud parents that our child understands his situation even though it is a bittersweet one.</span></span></span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983998491312108168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455996510175291880.post-9387285959141406182011-08-08T10:42:00.002-04:002011-08-08T10:51:25.203-04:00The tougher side of things ~ With some sunshine.<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, I know that I've stated before that as Duncan grows feeding him becomes easier, but also becomes more challenging. It has now been several months since Duncan literally dug into my plate at Whole Foods with his fork and then basically cried in frustration that he couldn't share with me. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A few weeks ago I posted about how we were grateful for Ruby Tuesday's but that we really wanted some new haunts to be able to go to. Well, over the past couple of weeks we've found just that. Some new places to eat and we've had a mishap or two.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We now know that Duncan can order a children's plate with steak and steamed broccoli at Cheeseburger in Paradise and a child's chicken/steak plate with a plain baked potato at Longhorn. But, that doesn't really solve any price point dilemmas, although Cheeseburger in Paradise is a teensy bit cheaper than RT's and Longhorn. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In the last post I wrote about how we can now have Five Guys (Woohoo!) and last night we found two new places as well!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For over a year now I've been eying a restaurant called Pei Wei which is located in the same parking lot as Whole Foods. However, I've never eaten there because usually I'm at a loss with Asian food. I grew up eating Japanese Hibachi (which is painfully wounded up here in NOVA) and on rare occasion had Chinese Food with my grandparents when I was very small. I wasn't really exposed to Chinese food again until Dave and I began dating and I was never sure what anything was so I always just ordered the same thing for the most part until recently. We finally found a Chinese place locally that gives descriptions of their dishes and that was all that I needed to try new things.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, back to Pei Wei. Two weeks ago when I made my trek to Whole Foods Kristina went with me. It was lunch time and we were discussing whether to eat in Whole Foods or whether to go to Pei Wei. Ultimately we decided to eat at WF's but decided to try Pei Wei some time. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That brings us to last night. Last night Dave and I had to go to Dulles Airport to get a rental car for him for the next couple of days. Not only is the AC out in my car Dave's car has some issues that makes it un-drivable. So, instead of us being stranded for two days (which tomorrow isn't an option because Duncan has his last insurance paid therapy visit) he decided to redeem some of his free rental days; a perk of traveling all the time. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">While in Williamsburg we were both pretty frustrated on Friday night. We wanted to go out to eat, but wanted to find somewhere that Duncan could also eat. Duncan ate incredibly poorly the majority of the week and he typically eats a fair amount when he gets a plate at a restaurant. But, Dave and I didn't want to be forced into the same food all over again. We wanted the excitement of letting Duncan eat in a restaurant & the benefit of not packing his dinner as we were in a hotel Friday night vs. our condo that we were in for the week prior. However, after two hours of searching online, Yelp and phone books online we came up empty handed minus Longhorn and Ruby Tuesday's.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Earlier in the day we ate at a BBQ place surprisingly owned by an Italian. It was delicious. The chicken was 'plain' and just smoked. Duncan loved it. However, it would become obviously later in the evening via his bottom that it apparently wasn't 'plain' chicken. Poor fella. So, he had yummy food, but his GI tract and bottom had to suffer. But, again, while searching for dinner we were not quite aware yet of this misfortune.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, last night here we were again on Yelp!. Here we were again *hoping* that we would find something and it wouldn't take hours to do so. After clicking around for a few minutes Pei Wei popped up. They have their menu online and an allergy menu online. Now, let me say, allergy menu's are often inaccurate (and Pei Wei's definitely was - you can't tell me that the ten Coke Products that you serve are corn-free - etc.) but their menu did show promise for Duncan. So, Dave and I decided to take the dive and take Duncan to Pei Wei near the airport.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After a bumpy start once the lines of communication were truly open from the restaurant's side of things they bent over backwards to suit Duncan. He was able to get rice noodles (true Asian Rice noodles - NO Corn!!! or gluten) with chicken sauteed in ginger and garlic water and steamed broccoli, carrots and snow pea pods. YUM! I actually LOVED my dish, honey glazed chicken with brown rice (which doesn't actually contain honey and the brown rice tastes like the brown rice we buy for Duncan - though he could not have their white rice...corn vitamins - it was enriched.) And Dave liked his dish as well. The best part? They totally adapted Duncan's kid's dish and didn't charge us more for it. Even better? Our total was nice and you don't have to tip here. :) So, your total is truly your total. Dave and I do intend to write the Pei Wei corporate offices and also write letters to Tony, the guy that took our order (you place your order and then sit) and Mario the manager. The whole experience once off the ground was wonderful! They definitely have made Pei Wei customers of us. :)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Across from Pei Wei in the same parking lot was a smoothie place. I wanted to go in just to see if there was any chance of Duncan getting anything there. I'm typically never optimistic about smoothie places as most generally use pre-mixed syrupy junk that comes in a milk cartoon or 'fresh' fruit that has been frozen with preservatives such as ascorbic acid, vitamin c, or mixed tocopherols (vit. e.) which are all corn. But, this place had the words 'healthy food' listed under their title. That's quite a bold statement to make. This is the first smoothie place EVER that I've found that uses fresh fruit. Well, and to be truthful any restaurant, smoothie place, coffee house -any where- ever that uses truly fresh fruit. They get fresh produce in often, dice it themselves and then freeze it themselves without any preservatives so that they can actually make smoothies that are, well, cold. We were SO stoked! We may not have an ice cream place that we can take Duncan to, as I know I've longed for, and it make take us 40-45 minutes to get there, but we now have a smoothie place to take Duncan to!!! Thank you Robek's! He has as many choices as they have fruit! It's fantastic! We didn't get Duncan a drink last night because we just finished supper, but we're going to go back sometime as a special treat. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And the best part to top the night off? They have a playground right beside the smoothie place! So, now if I want to take Duncan out for a day. We can go grocery shopping at Wegman's, eat at Pei Wei, grab a smoothie and play on the playground. :) This is a big thing! This can and will alter our generally mundane routine. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Thank God for progress, good fortune and answered prayers. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am mommy hear me roar. And, I WILL find food for my youngin'. Yes, I just said, "Youingin'" ~ for all of you unfamiliar with Southern terminology that translates to "young one." :) I will feed my child and I will feed him well! </span></span></span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983998491312108168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455996510175291880.post-6349893859615433252011-08-07T23:30:00.001-04:002011-08-07T23:31:46.494-04:00Praise the Lord for Peanuts and Five Guys!<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, with Duncan's laundry list of allergies fortunately, so far, peanuts are not included on his list. Peanuts are not a true nut, but actually are a legume in the same family as soy. Fortunately for Duncan, he's okay with soy (for the most part...there is a back story...but it's not the purpose of this post.)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For our Vacation (we met my family in Williamsburg for a week,) which started last weekend, we decided to leave on Saturday night instead of Sunday morning as originally planned. The AC in my car is out and it was supposed to rain on Sunday. So, a long car trip + unpredictable traffic + a toddler with asthma + no AC and rain on the horizon which = windows up also ='s not a lot of fun potential. So, Saturday night after Dave's plane landed was the optimal time to make the drive. After re-arranging the car a bit to fit Dave's suitcase in we were on our way. We did have to go a little around our elbows to get to our thumbs to get to the correct highway - but all was well. Then, we hit traffic. So, we hopped off and being familiar with the area decided to grab a bite to eat...except what? We didn't want Ruby Tuesday's again. What could Duncan have besides Ruby Tuesday's or Cheeseburger in Paradise that wouldn't cost us around 40.00? Hmmm...</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, Dave and I had discussed several weeks ago giving Five Guys a try. Duncan has done exceedingly well with dry roasted peanuts and very specific organic peanut butter. So, we were ready to make the leap to peanut oil. Though there is always anxiety related to trying something new I was fairly confident, in a not completely sure type of way, that this was going to go well. We knew Duncan could at least try the fries. The only ingredient in question is a de-foaming agent in the peanut oil which comprises all of .04 or .004% of the oil. Since I've never read about a defoaming agent being comprised of corn (usually it's just the opposite ~ used as a foaming agent in soaps, etc. ) I decided to take the plunge without substantially investigating this particular ingredient. It made me feel reckless and a tad bit of preemptive guilt if something were to happen - but we tried. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Five Guys cuts all of their fries fresh on the premises. They even tell you where they get their potatoes from that day. They have one person that does only fries to prevent cross-contamination. They also only use beef in their patties. No flours, fillers or preservatives. Just Beef. Also, they grill their buns on a separate grill. I was very nervous and very specific but all was well. They also salt fries individually by order so there were no salt worries. As I've stated before regular table salt is processed with corn. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Everything went very well. There were no problems while Duncan was eating, after he got done eating (and trust me, I was very nervous for two hours post - eating ---- it can take 2 hours for anaphylaxis to set in - we were driving in the dark so I kept checking on him quite a bit) and no problem days later on his bottom as a delayed GI type of reaction. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, we have an answered prayer in the form of peanuts and Five Guys. :) We have had a couple of new exciting developments that I'll share later. But, as for now I have to convince little man that after this episode of Dinosaur Train that it actually IS bed time. :) </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Again, WOOHOO Five Guys! :) I'll still be nervous every time we eat there for a while, but at least it's a new option, and a cheaper one at that. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I do have some pictures also, but I haven't yet figured out how to post them. Maybe soon. </span></span></span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983998491312108168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455996510175291880.post-2612194016370023832011-07-25T07:40:00.000-04:002011-07-25T07:40:44.497-04:00To cookie, or not to cookie, that is the question.<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Dave is gone again and that brings with it in inevitable hunger strike from Duncan. Yes, that's right, I have a two-year-old that goes on his version of a hunger strike when his Daddy leaves town. As twisted as it is it is sweet to see exactly how much Duncan loves his Daddy in spite of the numerous absences that his job creates.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;">So, this week I've been doing whatever I can to get Duncan to eat : that includes letting Duncan have bites of cupcakes at all hours of the day and completely unbalanced meals just for the sake of getting him to eat something! My typical policy with D is that I don't care what he eats as long as he eats. Because of the nature of his allergies he doesn't really have 'junk food.' Sure there are a couple of types of ready made cookies that he can eat ~ but they are sugar free. So ultimately when he's pigging out on junk-food he's pigging out on natural pressed fruit bars and fruit-juice sweetened cookies.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Over the weekend it was clear that Duncan needed a play buddy. Since a sibling for Duncan is no where in site and there hasn't yet been the invention of robot sibling in a box we took a five minute ride to Duncan's 'cousin's' house. I say, "cousin" because technically Ethan's Dad was like Dave's uncle growing up even though theoretically he would have been Dave's second cousin. So, technically his son is our third cousin and Duncan's fourth cousin. But, cousin none-the-less and Duncan just LOVES him. :) It doesn't help either that Ethan's mom and I get along quite well either. So, Duncan had to rousing days full of playing with his big cousin and I got to have some adult time. Everybody won. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Why does all of that matter? Well, Ethan's mom K makes these amazing amazing truffles! They are super duper yummy and they type of little chocolate pick me up that you can't just eat one, or two, or three of. So, while wathcing 101 Dalmations I made that statement that I wanted to start pre-planning holiday treats and I sure would love it if I could find some way to make a version of her truffles that Duncan could eat. She has a knack for finding and making good recipes, and allergy conducive ones at that, and after a couple of minutes of searching she found a yummy thin mint recipe that should be easily do-able for Duncan's needs. I'm so excited! I'm not sure when I'm going to try these ~ but I'm definitely trying them! What a feather in our hats it would be to have such a yummy creation that no one could tell was allergy friendly. That <u>is</u> always my goal after-all: to have allergy friendly treats that are so yummy no one ever knows the difference! Slowly, but surely, I'm getting there.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As for the egg? Eh, well...I'm not quite sure what to make of it. Duncan loves the cupcakes though I don't let him have more than half of one at a time. However, loving something is a big misnomer with allergy children. They either won't even taste a second taste of something that bothers them or it's like they crave it and want more and more and more of the very thing that's bothering them. Duncan has had a bit of a diaper rash in precarious places. It has been consistent since about the second day after trying egg and hasn't let up since. It's by far not the worst rash Duncan has ever had - not even close. However, if when we stop the cupcakes in the next day or two and Duncan's rash goes away on it's own then we know it was the egg. He's also had some semi-permanent hives pop-up that just won't seem to easily go away since we've started the egg. There aren't too many of them and they don't seem to be bothering him, but they are definitely an addition to his skin. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;">So, that's how the egg trying is going right now. Obivously, as I stated before we don't plan on progressing beyond long-bake-baked goods; but it was worth a shot! </span></span></span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983998491312108168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455996510175291880.post-57336176348863383192011-07-22T00:20:00.000-04:002011-07-22T00:20:15.167-04:00Let the Games Begin...<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">So, I chickened out over the weekend on giving Duncan anything baked with egg. I chickened out about a month ago and I chickened out again. I did however let Dunc try a lactose-free dairy milk that has vitamins derived from lanolin vs. corn/corn cultured. That is another story. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">But for now: it's eggs.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">So, what happened last year with the eggs anyway? This is a question we get asked from time to time because people remember that Duncan was finally allowed to try egg at about 15 months (where the average baby gets to try egg at 10 months. Except - the average baby before ten months has typically had teething biscuits, cookies or crackers with eggs baked in and they just get to have plain ole' egg - period - at ten-ish months. ) - But, everyone remembers that Duncan can eat egg now, right? Not really. Actually, no.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #351c75;"> Duncan's egg trying process at 15 ish months was going to be quite the feat. We didn't try right at 15 months. Mommy brain has set in, but I think it was possibly at 16 months, when we tried egg. We were</span></span></span> <span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">very nervous, well, because we were! Duncan had a mild, but still significant, reaction to the flu vaccine. His was cultured in egg. So, we were very precautious. But, when you have food allergic child everything gets tried much slower than the average baby gets to try. It just has to be done that way for the safety of the child and their delicate system. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Our directions from the allergist were to do a week of egg baked into goods that were long bake such as cake/bread. Then we were to do 5-7 days of egg baked into short bake items such as muffins or cookies, etc. Then we were to do 5-7 days of egg in pancakes and waffles. Then, if all of those attempts and trials were successful we were to try plain ole' scrambled eggs/omelet. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The reason for this delicate trial process instead of just diving into some form of home-made teething biscuit or cookie is that some egg allergic people can tolerate egg in some forms, but not others. So, the majority of egg protein is cooked out of egg in breads/long bake baked goods. And everything goes downhill from there. However, there are still people that are very much allergic to egg in any form including air-borne egg smell/proteins in the air. We know one such person. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, last year's deal:</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Everything was going well with the cupcakes/muffin bread or what have you that we started with. Everything went so well in fact Duncan's allergist encouraged us to go to cookies when we were ready. If I remember correctly, again - Mommy brain has set in - we waited around 10 days before moving to cookies. Surprise! The cookies went well. We continued on with cookies and it went surprisingly well. We kept holding our breath and nothing happened! Then, we went to pancakes. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The first day that we made pancakes we made them in the shape of skinny little sticks for Duncan that he could pick right up and bite. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The first day of the trial process Duncan was like a wild dog that hadn't eaten in days finally being given the chance to feast. He just kept eating and eating and wanting more and more! He had a tiny spot pop up on his chest which Dave and I debated but showed no other signs of problems. Before all food trials we would not only check Duncan's skin over completely by site and touch, but we would take pictures in case anything questionable happened (think, was that spot THAT big before?) so we could take secondary pictures later. He always tried every new food naked - with the exception of a diaper.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The second day of pancakes Duncan got a little spotty/red around the eyes and had some slight coughing/sneeze activity and though we were fairly certain that it was from the pancakes Duncan's allergist had really encouraged us to try to get 3 solid days in with the exception being if Duncan had a full blown reaction. So, we tried again on day 3.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Day three elicited a definite major undeniable allergic reaction. With the first bite, not even with swallowing, Duncan's eyes started to water and swell and he started to cough and gasp for breath. He had splotches all over and we had to rub him down NICU style to help his breathing. Of course a large dose of Benadryl was administered. Everything calmed down a bit with his Benadryl and we didn't have to break out the epi-pen or go to the doctor (not to sound...bad...but at this point Duncan had had so many allergic reactions we knew what we could handle here at home and what we couldn't - plus having been someone who's gone into anaphylaxis before I have a little bit of a different perspective as well.)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, that's what happened with the eggs last year. Duncan's allergist encouraged us to give eggs a go again a couple of months later. He said we should be fine to start out with cookies. So, we did. We tried to cookie. Duncan took a bite or two and started to splotch up, coughed a wee bit and got red puffy watery eyes. The eggs struck again! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, here we are on the verge of almost a calendar year later trying to play this game, tackle this beast, dance this dance again. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Will Duncan be able to have egg in some form? I'm not sure yet. After charting everything out in-line with Duncan's asthma issues Duncan's allergist feels that there was potential that Duncan's egg issues were asthma induced allergy reactions and not true allergic reactions. (There are so many types of reactions it gets complicated.)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Last night I baked some cupcakes that took about 40 minutes to bake. He had half of a giant sized cupcake and did just fine. He had one small splotch on his chest which we're not sure if it came from his finger (he was pressing on his chest before we started) or from the cupcake. But, there was no major reaction. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We didn't try to cupcakes tonight. This morning he told me that he had a tummy ache before we went to the pool. He seemed to be fine a little later and ate well today. But, the real reason why I didn't want to try it again tonight? I didn't want my son eating part of a chocolate cupcake before bed. :) I'm thinking tomorrow morning after his breakfast he might get a piece of a cupcake:way before nap-time but after his morning pediatric drink. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, this is our egg story. Obviously, it's not stopping here. Wish us luck!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ash</span></span></span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983998491312108168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455996510175291880.post-24014695371797602612011-07-14T22:58:00.000-04:002011-07-14T22:58:31.606-04:00Reality Wall -*SMASH* -<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, every once in a while we hit this reality wall of:</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"What do you want for dinner?"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"I dunno. What do you want to do for dinner?"</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And so the story goes on, and on and on. We don't go out very often. Not only is it logistically complicated, but up here in NOVA it's expensive. What might cost you 15.00 back home up here at the same restaurant can cost almost double. We have been very blessed in that Ruby Tuesday's has been a safe food haven for us. Their chicken is not preserved in any way and is delivered fresh from a farm daily, at least in this area. The vegetables are totally fresh and the managers generally have bent over backwards to suit Duncan's accommodations. We also recently discovered that Duncan can eat at least at the local Cheeseburger in Paradise: Steak and steamed broccoli. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, not every time that we want to eat out do we want Ruby Tuesday's or Cheeseburger in Paradise. Not every time that we want to eat out do we want to spend 30-35.00 plus tip. Not that we really do fast food, but there is no where to grab a quick snack (not even apple slices - they're all preserved with corn,) no fries for our little guy, not even a "Hey, let's go get a sandwich" - which gluten sensitive/celiac individuals have been dealing with for a long time. At least the typical gluten-only sensitive people can have some deli meat, some burgers -etc - at restaurants. Or, they can go somewhere like Uno's and get gluten-free pizza (It is A-MAZ-ING!) - but what about MFA kids? </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are hundreds, if not thousands, of other families out there in the same corn boat that we are in. I'm not down-playing gluten issues by any means or trying to make the indication that living gluten-free is easy...it's not. It's just "easier" than having multiple food allergies and one of them being corn. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On a daily basis when we sit in this NOVA traffic (think I-40 East Bound on a Friday after-noon in the summer NC people) and Duncan runs out of snacks , or drinks, or feels car sick and could use a carbonated drink/ginger ale - etc we're just in a mess. So, daily outings include packing a typically 'large' cooler for the day with snacks, fruits, raw veggies, beans for protein, rice crackers with individual organic PB packets (thank GOD, literally, that he's not allergic to peanuts!) LOTS of cups or back-ups such as bottled spring water (he can't have purified water - think Dasani and Aquafina = no go,) small size individually packed Tropicana OJ's or Rice Milk's (thank goodness there are at least 2 'box' drinks he can have) pressed fruit bars, cookies (though not the type of cookies that might pop into your head) paper towels and tissues and wipes (Duncan can't use standard TP, tissues, or paper towels or wipes - darn the corn again) - etc. The list could go on. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> So, every day that we go out we lug usually two huge bags as well as our cooler, sometimes two coolers, out to the car. The first bag is our 'take-in' bag for where-ever we might go. The second bag I refer to as the "Oh Crap" bag. I don't say this in front of Duncan, mind you, but mentally that's what I refer to it as. It is usually fully stocked with an extra package of our Jackson Reece wipes, paper towels, 3 additional spare cloth diapers, at least 2 extra pairs of shorts, a pair of pants and at least 1 clean shirt. Since Duncan is not getting as car sick as he used to we don't "need" our sick bucket and clean-up kit, though they're still in the car. We carry our big cooler with tons of ice-packs and a spare small cooler, sometimes pre-packed, for carrying in to where we might go. Fortunately we are no longer having to carry his nebulizer and ALL of his meds each time we leave home. That was an additional cooler & small bag whenever we were having to do that. Now we just take epi-pens and compounded benadryl with us. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So anyway, back to the story of "what's for dinner." What<u> is</u> for dinner? Every mom and wife out there knows this is a frustrating question at times. In our case it's a daunting question that when we want to go out leads to either boredom (think Ruby Tuesday's for the 50th time) or just lack of new ideas due to limitations; so we stay home. That's exactly what we did tonight: Stayed home. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I fell asleep while putting Duncan down for his nap and woke up way too late to consider defrosting or cooking anything. Inevitably we did end up cooking at home. But, we hit the frustration wall. We wanted something new. Something adventurous. And, there was nothing; again. Sure, Dave and I could have had supper out and just taken something for Duncan. But, I did not want to do that Again. Yes, again. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">That's our story day in and day out. Sometimes you just want a break from reality and fixing Duncan a meal here at home at 7:30 then driving somewhere to get something to eat, having to sit down, wait for food, and then drive home just did not seem appealing. On top of that some restaurants are beginning to be less understanding about us bringing food in now that he is old enough to eat off of the children's menu. As he gets older this will just increase. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Sure, there are laws protecting establishments from people bringing outside food in for the health and safety of people eating in the restaurant for contamination issues. However, what about people like us who NEED to bring outside food in for just that: health reasons? It's hard for some managers to believe that there is literally NOTHING in their establishment that fits Duncan's dietary needs. That is the story more often than not. I can not tell you how many LONG restaurant visits we've had (think 2 hours plus) where somewhat frantic and annoyed managers have gone back and forth to the kitchen for 30 minutes, plus, bringing us food labels because "THIS doesn't say CORN anything" only to be floored that the citric acid, potassium sorbate, Vitamin C, mixed tocopherols and SURPRISE - the salt contain corn. Then I have to explain how, and where they can find the information for themselves online. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Or, how many times we've had unknowing people tell Duncan in a restaurant, or grocery store, for that matter, "Tell your Mommy you want X - it's REALLY good!" and then that lead to a total meltdown because Duncan can't have X. The worst is when in a restaurant a waitress will suggest a "grilled cheese" to Duncan. Duncan L-O-V-E-S cheese. However, currently the only cheese he can safely consume is Vegan Gourmet cheese. That's it - and it's not that readily available at the average grocery store - much less available in a restaurant. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, this is our situation. We want to take Duncan out. WE want to eat out for our sanity from time to time to break of the monotony of our little bubble. But, we're typically stuck. It's not really a complaint as much as it is a frustration. It's a frustration that we're grateful for in a lot of ways. Our child is not eating processed GMO chemical laden junk (and yes, that Juicy Juice that you think it healthy...it's not) - but being able to give him a 'normal' experience of getting to PICK food off of a menu, to take him out for ice cream or sorbet, to be able to let him even pick products in a store instead of "this one is the one that you can have" ~ these are our every day challenges. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is a beautiful blessing to have to be forced into only being able to buy truly healthy preservative free foods for your child and family regardless of complications. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But sometimes, just sometimes, it would be nice to answer, "What do you want to do for supper" with a hearty "Let's go HERE" instead of 2 hours of pondering and pouring over menus, and occasionally ingredient lists when available, online still to turn up empty handed and still sitting at home.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I know that there is a purpose for our family to affect the greater good in all of this. I don't know how. I don't know when. I don't know where. But I dream of a world, or a US :), where everything is not controlled by the government/corn industry link and Duncan can grow up to have choices. To be a 'normal' teenage foody who gets to have choices that are easily available to him at a restaurant or at ONE grocery store instead of having to shop at 6 different stores that are all 30 minutes apart.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This weekend we are going to dive back into trying eggs baked into goods. I do not intend to start fulling baking with eggs again, I've learned how to use flax well enough at this point why even mess with eggs? They are allergenic and can cause serious illness when not disposed of properly. Yuck. But, we are doing this for a few reasons the primary of which being that there are a few additional pre-packaged frozen baked goods such as english muffins and breads by a few companies out there that Duncan could have if he could have egg. Considering the fact that I have yet to make a truly scrumptious loaf bread recipe here at home, having a better tasting bread source for Duncan would be nice. The bread he currently eats tastes like cardboard with an after-taste. I kid you not. He deserves better. It's a wonderful product for all of the kiddos and adults out there that need it. And, fortunately he doesn't know any different. But, as his mother, I want more for him. **So, wish us luck** This egg trying process is very long. First, he will receive long bake time baked goods for a week. If he does well for that week then he will progress slowly to short bake baked goods such as cookies for several days. Next would come pancakes/waffles for several days to a week and provided that that was sucessful we could take the plunge to something along the lines of scrambled egg. I have to admit that I am chicken to have him trying full egg. In fact, I'm afraid - period - to try the pancake stage again. But if, maybe if, the bread/muffin stage were successful then we could expand Duncan's food catalog and that would be fantastic!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">*On a side note* - I have always LOATHED hearing people use the word 'retard' or 'retarded' as slang. It drives me batty. It's rude and inconsiderate. It wipes away the connection of personal struggle and day to day inescapable reality that people with special needs deal with on a daily basis as well as the mountains and hurdles that they've already climbed. While watching Glee just now, a show I don't normally watch, they just did a "be kind" commercial for not using the word "Retarded" as slang and in reference to someone whom might appear 'less intelligent' than you think is the norm. THANK GOODNESS! I'm SO happy that someone is finally speaking out for this issue! A world of acceptance, peace, love and understanding? How nice would that be?</span></span></span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983998491312108168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455996510175291880.post-45821560841482420612011-07-13T21:44:00.000-04:002011-07-13T21:44:59.900-04:00Soap - Yes, Soap.<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Soap. It's something simple. It's something we all use every day. Before Duncan was born I did the extreme couponer thing with baby lotions and soaps. I just had a natural knack for couponing. Maybe it was because my mom taught me how. Maybe it's because I used to think it was fun to do the stamp cards for my mom growing up. I'll explain: back home there is a grocery store that used to give out "bonus" stamps long before MVP card rewards. For the total dollar amount that you spent you got stamps in some denomination. Once you filled up this little bingo style board (just lots of squares) with stamps you could redeem them for basics like bread and milk etc. Since my Dad and Sister were heavy milk drinkers this was a great thing. (Now I'm the heavy milk drinker -who would have thought?) Doing the stamp cards was a fun chore, much better than dishes, so I was happy to do it any day!</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">I was so excited one day when I went to Babies R Us and managed to get sixish bottles of Huggies brand baby wash and lotions for somewhere around 3.00. It was a baby basic with a long shelf life and I now had alternates in scents. I bought a shea butter, a lavender, a cucumber melon - etc. YUM! My baby was going to smell great and be clean for a long time to come! Tight post baby budget : Take That : I was going to be prepared with basics.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">Little did I know that those basics were going to become a major source of pain, literally, for our little guy. I never knew what all those chemical names and compounds meant on the ingredients' listings. All I knew was that if it didn't have peach, papaya, mango, almond and avocado I was good. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">I could go in to an extremely lengthy post about all of the interesting experiences we've had with skin care/conditioning/skin med experiences we've had with Duncan, but that's for another day. The point of this post is SOAP. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">So, when we were released from CNMC (Children's National Medical Center) with the starting working diagnosis of corn allergy we were given a lengthy, but not all encompassing, list of names that corn could hide under. Duncan's allergist, the head of allergy and immunology, had never had a corn allergic child before, much less one as allergic as Duncan. He didn't know what to do to help us, but offered up what research he could pull together. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">On the drive home we were elated, exhausted, scared, worried, nervous. We were happy to be sleeping in our own bed (I had been sleeping in a chair and Dave on the floor most nights.) Duncan cumulatively had been in the hospital for a week. Five days at Children's. Dave had to fly in from Colorado and met us at Children's Monday night, our third night into hospitalization in total that time around. Duncan had been very sick for the month prior and was in the hospital just one month before. He was four months old and our roller coaster ride had hit a scary peak the Sunday night before. We almost lost him. He was essentially gone as my mother and father-in-law could vouche for. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">So, being sent home with this long, but scant, list - no medication we could give him to ease his extreme pain from his completely raw bottom (he was bandaged by a burn specialist on his bottom - yes, it was that bad) no medication in case of anything...except an epi-pen...we were nervous to say the least. We stopped at Babies R' Us to get the best suited formula which was still scary as we later found out that he was allergic to dairy and tried to find some basics like soap. Though he wouldn't be able to be bathed for several weeks due to his skin-less bottom I had a motherly need to find some soap for him. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">It was daunting.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">There was NOTHING. The closest thing that I could find to somewhat reasonable and not completely corn-laden was Eucerin's Aquaphor Baby Shampoo and Body wash. Don't get me wrong, it still has tons of typically corn derived ingredients, but it was the lesser of all evils. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">Once Duncan could be bathed again it seemed to do 'okay.' He did not have any major reactions to it, but the more I read about the horrible processing in these chemicals the more I felt horrible about using this soap -reaction or no reaction. And, I was constantly worried that the soap would cause a reaction or was bothering him internally. So, what did I do? Washed him super duper quickly! </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">Then, I found a wonderful soap by Dr. Bronner's that is truly natural, not 'all natural' which confuses the average consumer because it is a big misnomer most of the time. However, it was not tear-free and my hands started becoming very dry to the point of fingers splitting from it when used as many times a day as I needed to use it. It's a geat soap I just think I was reacting to the strong coconut base. My mom is anaphylactic to coconut and so far the apple hasn't fallen too far from the tree with allergies. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">But, a couple of months ago I found two wonderful companies that produce soaps that Duncan can use. The first is Dakota Free and the second is Savionierre Soaps. Are the products expensive? Yes. What's not in our allergy friendly all-natural green little world?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;"> ~~ That is why we make other sacrifices to accomodate the best we can for the safe necessary products that our child requires to live. ~~</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;"> But, I found a tear-free shampoo that Duncan and I can share that is free of all of his allergens! WOOHOO!!!!! I am so excited! </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;"> SOAP! </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;"> It's such a basic. It's so basic most of us never even stop to think about which kind we are using or what the ingredients are. And I'm sure most people never even question the ingredients/chemicals that are in the soaps that they are lathering onto their skin, that is soaking into their skin and going directly into their blood streams. What are those words anyway? Why the soap smells the way that it smells? Why it lathers so much? Why there are 50 labeled ingredients on the back in teeny tiny writing that are hard to pronounce? </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">However, with a corn-allergic child all of these issues become prominent. Well, with a Gluten, Corn and Dairy free child these issues become extremely prominent because there are other soaps that could be used that are corn-free but contain wheat or milk. Although, these soaps are still far and few between and hard to come by.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">So, a human basic: safe soap. It's in a box somewhere on it's way here to us. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">****So excited****</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">Next time you use your soap, toothpaste, hair care product, shampoo etc. give a thought to what you're putting into your body and give thanks that you have options and potentially fairly cheap HEALTHY options. The cost of the soap might be a few more dollars right now, but save your health later. If you can spare those few dollars by not buying that coffee drink tomorrow or by not renting that movie for redbox that inevitably will sit around for 3 days before it gets watched...why not? </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">As for us, I'll say</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;"> it again:</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">***SOOOOO Excited!******Personal Mommy Victory : Safe Soap for My Child******</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana;">(Now let's just hope it's really as safe & friendly as it seems *fingers crossed*)</span>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983998491312108168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455996510175291880.post-18850523225450614502011-07-13T16:41:00.000-04:002011-07-13T16:41:19.020-04:00New Recipes - New InspirationSo, we've taken a bit of a break. A break from blogging, a break from communication to some extent - Sorry Mom :) - and a break from some stressors. We've had a lot of change in the past month and a half. I am continuing to heal from surgery. YAY me! Dave has been home for a few weeks now and will be home for another week. YAY US! We've done lots of family activities. We took Duncan to his first movie in a movie theatre (VERY scary when your child has a severe corn allergy,) we've gone to a local waterpark/kiddie pool several times and in fact got season passes (it was pretty 'cheap' since it was through parks and rec,) we've gone to the farmer's market some more, made preserves,we've watched movies at home, worked on our garden, made home-made play-doh, gone on walks in the evenings and just over-all enjoyed life. It's so NICE and AMAZING to be together as a family again. <br />
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We've had some not so great changes as well. Such as Duncan only having one therapy day left until December 31st. And, the best part? Dave's company won't approve for Duncan to have more days because giving Duncan the treatment that he needs for his neurological dysfunction is considered "special treatment." And thus, they feel that Duncan does not deserve special treatment according to Dave's company. So, we are placing this in God's hands. Everything is going to work out, and hopefully to Duncan's benefit. We're still pursuing what we can behind the scenes - but ultimately this is just one of those transitions in life that we're having to cope with and improve ourselves so that we can better serve our son. We conquered a lot of his medical problems due to our own research and ingenuity - why should this be any different? <br />
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What do I do when I'm stressed? Anyone that's lived with me or really knows my nuances knows that I bake. When I'm stressed I am an obsessive baker. It takes me back to my childhood and spending time with my Grandma. I think I can speak for all of us Smith grandkids when I say that our Poppy and Grandma's house is one of the most wonderful places in the world. They love unconditionally, welcome everyone in, always let you have special treats and Poppy would always cook you whatever you wanted for supper. :) When I'm a grandparent I hope I'm the kind of grandparent that they've always been to us. <br />
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So, because we've had extra stressors lately Duncan has been the beneficiary. He has had Chickpea Flour Bread Rounds, Carob Cake with Strawberries and Pineapple inside (you can't taste the fruit - it acts as a 'fluffer and moisturizer,' homemade oatmeal bites, oatmeal and dried berry granola bars (i'm not a fan of oatmeal cookies but these bars were wonderful! I got the springboard from another blog,) dry coffee-style brownies, pizzas and more things that I'm sure I'm leaving off. He's also had fresh strawberry-orange juice which our juicer turned into a sorbet like consistency. He drank it all so quickly we couldn't even keep any for later! <br />
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Allergy friendly, at least Duncan friendly, baking is super difficult. Usually gluten-free baking consists of a lot of corn-based ingredients. Grain free baking usually consists of a lot of eggs. Breads usually rely on yeast, vinegar, buttermilk or eggs. The list could go on. I'm sure you get the picture. So, I'll leave you with this question to ponder:<br />
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How would you make a cake if I told you you can't use:<br />
Standard sugar, brown sugar or powdered sugar<br />
Eggs<br />
Wheat Flour<br />
Corn Starch<br />
Standard Baking Powder<br />
Standard Jams and Jellies<br />
"Regular" Juice<br />
Milk<br />
Cream Cheese<br />
Buttermilk <br />
Vinegar<br />
Standard Pudding<br />
Yogurt<br />
Gelatin<br />
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How would you do it? <br />
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It has taken me nearly two years to answer that question. Due to my Grandma's wonderful assistance I turned into a great baker. But, all of that was wiped away nearly two years ago. All that remained was the desire. The necessity. <br />
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Nearly two calendar years later after lots of research, lots of trial and error, lots of patiently waiting for ingredients to fit into our budget, lots of anxiously waiting for ingredients to arrival in the mail, lots of trial and error, lots of ingredients and experiments thrown in the trash I have that answer! <br />
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Success is sweet; and in this case it literally is!<br />
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AshAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983998491312108168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455996510175291880.post-40678522064926968322011-06-03T15:26:00.000-04:002011-06-03T15:26:31.238-04:00We're back in business...halfway anyway!<div style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, I'm a week and a half out from surgery and feeling much better. The recovery is going very fast in comparison to my C-section. However, I'm learning I'm not quite back to my old self just yet. I'm pulling/overextending abdominal muscles fairly easy and then my body forces me to slow down. :/ But, I'm well on the way back to 'normal' and I'm hoping I'll feel better than before. I think I will. :)</span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I needed a chocolate substitute and two friends recommended I try carob. I managed to find plain carob powder. Last night I felt very ambitious/determined to partake in a 'normal' activity so I tried baking a carob cake. As far as allergy baking goes it was a fairly simple and quick recipe. If you're not aware of what carob is, I know I wasn't several months ago, it's basically like pure cocoa. It even tastes incredibly similar. I added a little dash extra of this and that and changed some of the ingredients around to make them appropriate for Duncan and *Wa-La* we ended up with a fantastic cake!</span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was a miracle! For every ten Duncan allergy friendly baking recipes that I try 6-7 are inedible, 1-2 are edible, but really not that good - after you eat the first piece or two so you're not being incredibly wasteful the rest gets tossed, 1 more might turn out 'fairly well' and when we're lucky *like last night* we get one that is stellar. There was no grittiness (which is a huge problem when baking gluten AND corn free), the cake was not dense (a lot of extremely allergy friendly baking turns out very very heavy and dense...like a brick) but better yet it was light and fluffy! And the topper was that it actually tasted very yummy! It wasn't too sweet - but just enough. With Duncan we always try to name everything a different name so we will be able to distinguish which recipe he's referring to when he's making special requests. This one we're calling "Carob Muffin Cake" or just "Muffin Cake" for short. It tastes like a very moist and fluffy chocolate muffin. </span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And yes, for the record, I am VERY proud of myself! I grew up baking with my Grandma and I was very good at 'traditional" baking pre-Duncan. So, it's been my slow going quest to be just as good at allergy friendly baking as I am at traditional baking. It's a whole different way of thinking and preparing ingredients. It takes a lot of time and effort as ingredients can be expensive and more scarce to come by - but it's proving to be an extremely rewarding challenge! :)</span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hopefully this Sunday we'll take Duncan to his first Farmer's Market. I am VERY excited. Duncan loves vegetables and fruit and it's his favorite part of the grocery shopping. On Wednesday he actually watched a documentary with me on Farmer's Markets. Who knew? I thought he'd fall asleep (which is why I put it on) but he was enthralled. "Why food outside Mommy?" "Why music outside Mommy?" "What doing basket Mommy?" And the questions went on. His asthma is much better this year and pollen season is on it's downward slope finally here in NOVA so, to Market we shall go; hopefully. </span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We'll keep you posted on the Farmer's Market. Bread and Preserves are next on my 'to try' list. Hopefully both will get a fair shake this weekend. </span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until then, happy baking, and I'm open to any suggestions or recommendations. Whether it's recipes, advice or websites: any are appreciated!</span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ash</span></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983998491312108168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455996510175291880.post-70785921953649668252011-05-20T21:17:00.000-04:002011-05-20T21:17:34.269-04:00Cupcakes for All!So, today Duncan and I visited a new friend, semi-old aquaintance, at home. Last fall we met a family at Gymboree that we just seemed to get along with. Then, they stopped coming to Gymboree and life just got busy. But, through the magic of Facebook we've stayed connected. Earlier this week Holly offered that if we wanted to bring Duncan to Blake's 2nd birthday party that she would ensure there would be food and cupcakes that he could have! What a special treat! Anyone that's ever dealt with severe food allergies or dietary restrictions knows the sadness, frustration, anxiety and helplessness that food and social events can bring to a child, or family of a child, with food limitations. <br />
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So, today Duncan went on his first official play-date and Holly and I made yummy cupcakes! We used the recipe that I used for Duncan's 2nd birthday cake. We added a little extra dash of this and that and we had some yummy cupcakes! Duncan seemed to definitely approve of his tester piece. We adapted a recipe that Holly had for frosting with our ingredients and "Wa-La" we have some allergy friendly cupcakes. They are free of corn, gluten, dairy, egg, gelatin, coconut, tree nuts, peanuts, soy and the list could go on. What do they contain? Rice, potato, garbanzo beans, palm oil shortening, canola oil, lemon, sea salt, organic sugar and organic colorings. There are more ingredients for sure, but that gives you an idea of what actually was used. <br />
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Tomorrow Duncan will go to his first birthday party (that's not for him, obviously.) He will get to play. He will get to ride a pony. He will get to eat. And,he will get to actually PICK a cupcake off of the same tray as other children!!!! Tomorrow I won't have to say, "Sorry honey. This one is for you." Or, "Wait! Wait! Wait! Don't touch that!" Or watch every other child, parent and animal around to make sure that he is not being cross-contaminated. There will be non-allergenic cupcakes as well. However, from what I understand this is a group of people who understand special needs. Several of the other children and adults there also have severe allergies: They "Get It." So, I'll have extra sets of eyes just like mine automatically watching out for everyone. :) <br />
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I'm super excited to have a tiny bit of normalcy introduced into our routine. It is extremely exciting! I"m not sure that I can convey through a Blog exactly how much it makes my heart sing to know that tomorrow Duncan just gets to be another little boy at the party. He's not, "The allergy kid" that has to be different than everyone else. He just gets to run and play and eat fruit, veggies and cupcakes like everyone else.<br />
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*My heart is smiling*Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983998491312108168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455996510175291880.post-75951692948825010332011-05-16T08:46:00.000-04:002011-05-16T08:46:08.915-04:00Progress is well, Progress!<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, on Saturday we tried a new recipe for Duncan: Apple Cinnamon Bread. This recipe, as we did it, was free of corn, gluten, egg, dairy, soy, yeast and gelatin! :) One of my friends from college started a Blog last fall called The Big Bread Theory, you should check it out, where she's trying to learn how to bake - well, bread. </span></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was a huge hurdle for us to jump through because Duncan has been off of high phenol/sulphur foods for months now. Lots of children with ADHD, Autism, Downs and Sensory Processing/Integration Disorder (as Duncan has) are very sensitive to phenol reactions. Different foods cause different reactions for Duncan but we found that apples made him extremely fussy and disagreeable. (Think one of the worst toddler melt-downs you could imagine but all the time over everything starting at about 16 months old.) He CRAVED apples. But, as it turns out, we usually crave things that either 1) We are deficient in or 2) Our body shouldn't have. </span></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">He seemed to do well with the bread. He LOVED it. I loved it too! It definitely was a wonderful baking feat to have a Duncan friendly bread that turned out so well. By most people's standards the bread might still taste different or have a different texture. But, when you're submerged in the world of allergy friendly cooking and eating your taste-buds and expectations change from expecting that standard American processed fare into having a taste-bud curiosity for things that are new and different. </span></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have to say one of my 'favorite' parts about Duncan's allergies flipping our world upside down over a year and a half ago is that it has made us, especially me, be a truly healthy eater. There are so many 'health food' items sold in the regular grocery stores that are definitely NOT healthy. It's all marketing. But, when you're cooking everything from scratch like June Cleaver and you are using the most simple, pure Organic ingredients you can find it really truly makes a big difference. The big difference is not just in taste, but also in how your body feels and functions. We weren't made to eat chemical compounds. We were made to eat from nature. </span></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I had to go corn-free literally cold turkey it was a very difficult feat. Not because I didn't want to do it, but because corn is rampant in everything. And I do mean everything. How about 'pure' juice? Well, it has Vitamin C generally which is ascorbic acid which is corn. What about your seasonings in your cabinet that have potassium sorbate added as a 'natural preservativ?' Well, potassium sorbate is corn. The list could go on and on. So, you get my drift. But, when my taste-buds had to go cold turkey from typical American fare - even 'healthy' American fare - a miraculous change happens after about 3 weeks. When you finally re-try the things you think you've been longing for, you realize that they really don't taste that great anyway! </span></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But, anyway, in my mind I'm rambling and I'm sure this post might seem jumbly. But, it's what's flowing out right now. So, I hope you've enjoyed this second post. Please check out my friend Kristen's blog, "The Big Bread Theory." She has some mighty tasting looking bread on there!</span></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Best wishes,</span></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ashley</span></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08983998491312108168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1455996510175291880.post-4587777631895452242011-05-11T13:39:00.000-04:002011-05-11T13:39:22.002-04:00First Post!<div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, this is my first official post. I started this Blog months ago, forgot about it at times, and at others just didn't have time to post. However, more and more I'm meeting new parents and having parents referred to me for help and suggestions on what to do with their food allergic child, or just a child who doesn't seem to be doing quite well, or seems a little 'abnormal' but no one can put their finger on it. </span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I would like to say I'm not a doctor, or a nurse, or a nutritionist. I definitely don't know everything. Though, we are beginning to seek out alternatives treatments for our little guy. Because Duncan was a premie we have always taken a lot of care to keep his pediatrician and allergist in the loop and have them be actively involved in his care. I will also say we have been extraordinarily blessed to have the fantastic doctors that we currently have to help us care for Duncan. Not everyone is so lucky. </span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope through this Blog we can share some of our experiences that might be helpful to others and even possibly help educate people who just want to learn more about severe allergies and how they impact day to day life not just for the person with the allergy, but for everyone and everything that's around. </span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Reading! I hope this blog will be helpful. Ultimately it will document part of our journey that will give our little Duncan a window into his past from our perspective. </span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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