Alright, I don't know how many of you had heard about the incident in Florida where parents of a child with food allergies was asked to home school (I don't believe the school itself did this because it's illegal, but I could be wrong). Many people are throwing out opinions like "Parents should be teaching their children to be kind to those with allergies. It's not that hard to follow an allergy list."
Here's my opinion. It is that hard. Not so much at home (this depends on the amount of allergies the child has) but in a school setting where there are 20 or more students per room, how many do you think have allergies and to how many things and to what degrees?
For me, at home, having a child with mild allergies to dairy, eggs, peanuts, and ham (this includes baked goods) is not that hard. Even if he has something he's allergic to, it just means we're going to have to deal with diarrhea. The doctors even told us he may grow out of it, so in a few years when my son is attending school, I will test him again. Of course, I'll tell the teachers to avoid it so they don't have to deal with his messes, but if he ends up getting some, it won't be the end of the world.
For others, that is harder. There are some who will quite literally die if there was contact between their allergy and a spoon used to stir the dish. Obviously, they'll have to be a lot more careful about where the food came from, who made it, how careful were they, etc.
Honestly, I don't understand why food served in a school should be any harder to figure out than food served at McD's. Now mind you, it was mind blowing when I was reading the allergen list at one of our favorite drive-thrus (they have milk in their french fries) and it is a lot to take in until you start crossing off things my child wouldn't eat anyway...
They should have a simple sticker system showing what allergens (at least the basic 8) are in the foods they serve so that the child with allergies can learn to spot them himself. My son knows if I pull down the jar of peanut butter, he's getting the almond butter. If I pull out a gallon of milk, he's getting any number of non-dairy milks. He does get some of his allergens (again, not life threatening) but that is my choice as a parent.
To other parents (those with children without allergens), it's really not that hard to find allergy free stuff. In fact, Starbucks (number 1 coffee shop) sells allergen-free cookies right on it's counter top (you'd have to buy them one at a time) and if you're looking for dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free cookies then Oreos (yup) is awesome.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Cloth Diapering
Okay, the facts are out there for everyone to find. Disposable diapers are almost equal to fast food containers in dumpsters everywhere. Disposables have those tiny beads that can't be healthy. They use bleach (I don't use chlorine bleach unless I have to) and that's making fish in the Great Lakes infertile. There's all sorts of reasons for not wanting to use disposables.
There's also plenty of reasons not to cloth. Having to wash poop out of clothes (though I believe every parent does at least once in their life) is gross. What are you supposed to do with the poop? Does it actually save money? What about when you are out in public? What about the convenience of disposables? Both parents might work...
Here is my decision and my answers to these questions (again, you can find them anywhere online). I'm going to try really hard to attempt to cloth diaper. I didn't even consider it when I was pregnant with my first. When I heard about it, I thought: "Gross. Really? Are people so against convenience?" Then I started doing research on potty training for a class I was taking online. It was about whether to potty train when the child is ready or to start when you think it's proper (I won't get into it). What was interesting to me and my husband was the amount of things that go into a disposable diaper (known as a sposie in the cloth diapering world) and it grossed us out. We were grateful we were potty training.
Now, to get to the whole poop issue... You are actually not supposed to toss feces in the trash ever, even if it's wrapped in a disposable. I know... I've totally done it hundreds of times. But, when using a cloth diaper, you can buy flushable liners made to catch poop. You can also buy a little hose (like the one on your kitchen sink) made to attach to the toilet to rinse off diapers for about $15. I think I'll go with the flushable liners, but I like convenience.
We have friends who told us they were buying us disposables no matter what (and one husband who said we can't come over if our child is in rags), so we probably will use the "sposies" when we leave the house until we feel comfortable and find a system that works great for us.
Does it actually save money? It can. If you are military and you live on base, then yes, it does. You don't pay utilities, therefore the only cost is the upfront cost of diapers and soaps and a few accessories. You can also buy used to save money if you are fine with that (I'm still deciding). In our house, saving money is only a plus. We are doing it for health reasons.
Now, I have been introduced to females in this world who think you are evil if you disagree with them on anything from breastfeeding vs formula, binky vs thumb, circumcising vs intact... This is one of the same topics to me. If you feel like using disposables will make your life easier therefore make you a better mother, than who am I to judge you? I'm just pointing out answers to questions I've gotten recently and reasons why our family will from here on out be trying to CD...
More on this topic once I start buying and using fluffies (cute nickname, right?).
There's also plenty of reasons not to cloth. Having to wash poop out of clothes (though I believe every parent does at least once in their life) is gross. What are you supposed to do with the poop? Does it actually save money? What about when you are out in public? What about the convenience of disposables? Both parents might work...
Here is my decision and my answers to these questions (again, you can find them anywhere online). I'm going to try really hard to attempt to cloth diaper. I didn't even consider it when I was pregnant with my first. When I heard about it, I thought: "Gross. Really? Are people so against convenience?" Then I started doing research on potty training for a class I was taking online. It was about whether to potty train when the child is ready or to start when you think it's proper (I won't get into it). What was interesting to me and my husband was the amount of things that go into a disposable diaper (known as a sposie in the cloth diapering world) and it grossed us out. We were grateful we were potty training.
Now, to get to the whole poop issue... You are actually not supposed to toss feces in the trash ever, even if it's wrapped in a disposable. I know... I've totally done it hundreds of times. But, when using a cloth diaper, you can buy flushable liners made to catch poop. You can also buy a little hose (like the one on your kitchen sink) made to attach to the toilet to rinse off diapers for about $15. I think I'll go with the flushable liners, but I like convenience.
We have friends who told us they were buying us disposables no matter what (and one husband who said we can't come over if our child is in rags), so we probably will use the "sposies" when we leave the house until we feel comfortable and find a system that works great for us.
Does it actually save money? It can. If you are military and you live on base, then yes, it does. You don't pay utilities, therefore the only cost is the upfront cost of diapers and soaps and a few accessories. You can also buy used to save money if you are fine with that (I'm still deciding). In our house, saving money is only a plus. We are doing it for health reasons.
Now, I have been introduced to females in this world who think you are evil if you disagree with them on anything from breastfeeding vs formula, binky vs thumb, circumcising vs intact... This is one of the same topics to me. If you feel like using disposables will make your life easier therefore make you a better mother, than who am I to judge you? I'm just pointing out answers to questions I've gotten recently and reasons why our family will from here on out be trying to CD...
More on this topic once I start buying and using fluffies (cute nickname, right?).
Family Update
Okay, I think all those who would read this already know I'm pregnant. I'm about 15 weeks along. I should find out more precisely at the doctors appointment next week.
My son, 4 now, is happily enjoying his days just playing and watching tv. Next year we have the option of sending him to pre-school this upcoming September. If we have the money for it and I like the interviews at the school, then I will send him.
My husband is now working as a nurse at a local clinic. He loves it most of the time, though sometimes the drama gets to him (that's what happens when only one other male works with you). He's also going to school and doing well there.
Hopefully, next year, we'll move to an awesome place where my husband is going to a great medical school, but we'll see. That is the plan so far though.
By the way, ever since January, my house has gone back and forth between the nice and clean that we got used to for a while and the messy craziness that can happen when I'm exhausted but everyone else is not... Food has also been an issue, but I'll talk about it in my other blog.
I'm sorry I don't have more at the moment, but I'm exhausted and trying to think of a topic.
My son, 4 now, is happily enjoying his days just playing and watching tv. Next year we have the option of sending him to pre-school this upcoming September. If we have the money for it and I like the interviews at the school, then I will send him.
My husband is now working as a nurse at a local clinic. He loves it most of the time, though sometimes the drama gets to him (that's what happens when only one other male works with you). He's also going to school and doing well there.
Hopefully, next year, we'll move to an awesome place where my husband is going to a great medical school, but we'll see. That is the plan so far though.
By the way, ever since January, my house has gone back and forth between the nice and clean that we got used to for a while and the messy craziness that can happen when I'm exhausted but everyone else is not... Food has also been an issue, but I'll talk about it in my other blog.
I'm sorry I don't have more at the moment, but I'm exhausted and trying to think of a topic.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Difficult Conversations with Preschooler #1
Okay, so we watch lots of TV shows that will teach us things. There are very few shows that we (my husband and myself) watch that we won't let our son watch. Our son learned about death from watching mystery shows that we love.
Today, we watched a show about an "Elephant Man." It's not the first one we've seen, but it's been the most touching one. The man didn't grow fully since the tumors in his face took most of his nutrients as he was growing. He also didn't have the money or means to go to the United States to have his tumors removed. His family seemed liked they kind of cared, but they kind of said some horrible things about and in front of him.
My almost 4 year old son was asking all sorts of questions. He wanted to know where one of his eyes went, why his face was different, and what was going to happen to him. I try very hard to be as honest with my son as possible, though I don't volunteer information I don't feel he is ready for yet. But I had to have a somewhat difficult conversation with him.
I explained that the man had tumors in his body. I also had to explain that tumors are something that happens sometimes that makes people feel sick. He pretty much understood that once it was said. But he wanted to know why people got tumors and what was going to happen to the man. I told him that he'd have to ask God why he got tumors.
He said the most adorable thing I have ever heard him say. He listened to the man talk about how growing up other kids made fun of him and how he felt sad. My son's reply? He said, "My heart beats for his owies."
That will be something that I will remember for the rest of my life. I want to call all of my relatives and tell them what he said right now, but I'm pretty sure they are all asleep. The first "difficult" conversation went well. Tackling more tomorrow...
Today, we watched a show about an "Elephant Man." It's not the first one we've seen, but it's been the most touching one. The man didn't grow fully since the tumors in his face took most of his nutrients as he was growing. He also didn't have the money or means to go to the United States to have his tumors removed. His family seemed liked they kind of cared, but they kind of said some horrible things about and in front of him.
My almost 4 year old son was asking all sorts of questions. He wanted to know where one of his eyes went, why his face was different, and what was going to happen to him. I try very hard to be as honest with my son as possible, though I don't volunteer information I don't feel he is ready for yet. But I had to have a somewhat difficult conversation with him.
I explained that the man had tumors in his body. I also had to explain that tumors are something that happens sometimes that makes people feel sick. He pretty much understood that once it was said. But he wanted to know why people got tumors and what was going to happen to the man. I told him that he'd have to ask God why he got tumors.
He said the most adorable thing I have ever heard him say. He listened to the man talk about how growing up other kids made fun of him and how he felt sad. My son's reply? He said, "My heart beats for his owies."
That will be something that I will remember for the rest of my life. I want to call all of my relatives and tell them what he said right now, but I'm pretty sure they are all asleep. The first "difficult" conversation went well. Tackling more tomorrow...
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Lots of Changes
If you have me added on Facebook (which I'm guessing you do), you'll know that my family's life has been turned upside down. The Navy decided that my husband who has gone on two deployments, been shot at while fixing Marines, has never gotten in trouble for anything, and has scored a 4.0 across the board on his last eval is no longer good enough to serve the military. The only problem with that is the fact that he didn't have time to find a job and get everything situated (he wasn't able to take terminal leave).
I don't know if all the hospitals and clinics in the area are conspiring, but my husband has turned in several applications and has talked to those who are advertising the fact that they are hiring RMA's online and they tell him that they are no longer hiring and even admit that they haven't hired anyone yet. I don't know what is going on with this town, but there is something wrong. We just have to make it here long enough for my husband to get the classes he needs to get into medical school.
Honestly, I don't view this town, the clinics, or the Navy this badly, I just love to use sarcasm and twist things to make people laugh. So don't use this against me later when I get excited that the Navy recalled my husband (they won't unless we go to war with yet another country).
I have decided that while my husband is trying to find a job that he can do without losing the remainder of his marbles, I will go and get a basic job to help out around the house until the VA help starts kicking in. Who knows, maybe I'll enjoy it and I'll keep working so I can get new furniture or something. I doubt it because I love my son and I don't want other people raising him.
Does anyone have any opinions? I know there are people who think that the wife shouldn't work because of the Bible, but that doesn't help. I've read the Bible and I know what it says. I know my dad is going to say to become a nurse, but I don't quite have those qualifications yet and I would not enjoy that job at all. Should I go back to McDonald's or get a job at the gas station down the street? I could even get a job at a local restaurant though I'd probably lose more money breaking plates as I tripped while waiting on tables. Options, options, options.
I'll try to come on here and post my opinions as I go along with life a little more often that I have been.
I don't know if all the hospitals and clinics in the area are conspiring, but my husband has turned in several applications and has talked to those who are advertising the fact that they are hiring RMA's online and they tell him that they are no longer hiring and even admit that they haven't hired anyone yet. I don't know what is going on with this town, but there is something wrong. We just have to make it here long enough for my husband to get the classes he needs to get into medical school.
Honestly, I don't view this town, the clinics, or the Navy this badly, I just love to use sarcasm and twist things to make people laugh. So don't use this against me later when I get excited that the Navy recalled my husband (they won't unless we go to war with yet another country).
I have decided that while my husband is trying to find a job that he can do without losing the remainder of his marbles, I will go and get a basic job to help out around the house until the VA help starts kicking in. Who knows, maybe I'll enjoy it and I'll keep working so I can get new furniture or something. I doubt it because I love my son and I don't want other people raising him.
Does anyone have any opinions? I know there are people who think that the wife shouldn't work because of the Bible, but that doesn't help. I've read the Bible and I know what it says. I know my dad is going to say to become a nurse, but I don't quite have those qualifications yet and I would not enjoy that job at all. Should I go back to McDonald's or get a job at the gas station down the street? I could even get a job at a local restaurant though I'd probably lose more money breaking plates as I tripped while waiting on tables. Options, options, options.
I'll try to come on here and post my opinions as I go along with life a little more often that I have been.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Maybe Moving
Life here right now is stressed out, though it's not as bad as it has been in the passed few days.
We have been given some news by a friend that might affect my husband's job, so we are quickly trying to plan a move just in case it happens. It's not so bad because if we do end up moving to our home state, we already have plans for how we are going to go about things. I even have the road trip I planned out still sitting in my "office" or "black hole" as my husband likes to call it. Albeit, the next two weeks would be insane with trying to figure out what to pack and what to donate and what to just toss. I don't want to leave here and I want to go homeward at the same time, so I'm just an emotional mess. Why can't I take everyone I care about and ship them all there as well?
As stressed as my husband and I are about the possibility of moving and money though, my son and dogs cant' really seem to tell the difference. They were as happy and crazy today as always. I tried to just enjoy the day, but I think I'm going to start going through the paperwork we keep putting off for no reason and figuring out what receipts can be tossed and which ones we really need to hold onto or something. Just to get my brain off of the move and to give it a positive if we do end up moving.
We have been given some news by a friend that might affect my husband's job, so we are quickly trying to plan a move just in case it happens. It's not so bad because if we do end up moving to our home state, we already have plans for how we are going to go about things. I even have the road trip I planned out still sitting in my "office" or "black hole" as my husband likes to call it. Albeit, the next two weeks would be insane with trying to figure out what to pack and what to donate and what to just toss. I don't want to leave here and I want to go homeward at the same time, so I'm just an emotional mess. Why can't I take everyone I care about and ship them all there as well?
As stressed as my husband and I are about the possibility of moving and money though, my son and dogs cant' really seem to tell the difference. They were as happy and crazy today as always. I tried to just enjoy the day, but I think I'm going to start going through the paperwork we keep putting off for no reason and figuring out what receipts can be tossed and which ones we really need to hold onto or something. Just to get my brain off of the move and to give it a positive if we do end up moving.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
New Pet
Honestly, I think I am the craziest person in the world. We have so many projects going on with trying to build a fence (alright, all I did was do a bunch of research online and help out one or two days), a ball coming up, my son's birthday party, and Christmas right around the corner. Not to mention things we are talking about but have to wait to see what is going on with my husband's career (he is in the Navy, but he's already passed the date he is supposed to be out).
We went to a friend's house and saw their puppies, so cute, and I agreed to take one home. Now, we weren't sure about our older dog and younger dog getting along, so we decided the older dog would go in her kennel at night like usual and the younger dog would stay in the kitchen in case he peed or something. That night did no go well. The puppy whined all night, my dog kept whining and shaking her cage, my son kept waking up and crying, and my husband was on sleep meds so he wasn't really much help. That morning, when he woke up, he sat there and almost laughed while I said we had to get rid of the puppy. He told me to go get some sleep and that we'd talk about it later when everything was more calm.
Needless to say, I was outvoted about the dog. It's okay now because they both sleep in the kennel, though the puppy does not have the dog's manners of not barking at all hours. I still get my sleep so long as the chores don't get out of hand, and the dog now has someone to play with all the time. Potty training this dog is still work, but it's not as hard as the older dog because we just take the puppy out whenever we take the dog out and there are much fewer accidents.
Now I can officially say, no more pets. Maybe fish, but they aren't pets. In my mind, fish are like plants, it's just a waiting game to make sure they don't die because your child overfed them.
We went to a friend's house and saw their puppies, so cute, and I agreed to take one home. Now, we weren't sure about our older dog and younger dog getting along, so we decided the older dog would go in her kennel at night like usual and the younger dog would stay in the kitchen in case he peed or something. That night did no go well. The puppy whined all night, my dog kept whining and shaking her cage, my son kept waking up and crying, and my husband was on sleep meds so he wasn't really much help. That morning, when he woke up, he sat there and almost laughed while I said we had to get rid of the puppy. He told me to go get some sleep and that we'd talk about it later when everything was more calm.
Needless to say, I was outvoted about the dog. It's okay now because they both sleep in the kennel, though the puppy does not have the dog's manners of not barking at all hours. I still get my sleep so long as the chores don't get out of hand, and the dog now has someone to play with all the time. Potty training this dog is still work, but it's not as hard as the older dog because we just take the puppy out whenever we take the dog out and there are much fewer accidents.
Now I can officially say, no more pets. Maybe fish, but they aren't pets. In my mind, fish are like plants, it's just a waiting game to make sure they don't die because your child overfed them.
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