Day of FIRSTS!

Hello friends!

It's that magical time of year when the children return to school. Social media is clouded with photos of new outfits and back packs. Buses are clogging up the roads, sport's fields are swarming with kids of all ages. It's BACK TO SCHOOL!

Personally, I'm NOT the mom who counts down to the end of summer. I'm the one holding in tears, counting down to the end of the school year, or day! However, I've been very lucky, spoiled some may say. Of Killian's 6 years here, I've worked a total of 2 years combined. His pre-k was 3 days a week for 2 hours, and kindergarten was 5 days a week for 2.5 hours. I consider that lucky! Now I must send him away like the rest of the big kids...booooo!

Killian is off to the First grade! He is also off to the cafeteria for the first time. Because he's going full day, he will also be taking the school bus for the first time, and out for recess for the first time. This year is a year of FIRSTS. As much as I'm excited for him, I'm nervous.
Confidant but nervous.

There will be an aide with him on the bus...just in case! He will have an aide nearby in the cafeteria with an assigned safe seat, as well as NOT being allowed near the garbage...just in case! He will have that same aide nearby, on the playground...just in case! Lunch will be brought from home each day. There shouldn't be any reason to worry but I do. Especially the playground part; this is where he'll be playing with other kids from other classrooms who may not HAVE to wash their hands or deal with allergies. What if?? A thousand "what if" scenarios plague my mind. It's 1:40am the night before the first day of school and I'm up wondering...what if?

May 2012 was the last time Killian suffered from anaphylactic shock. Tony administered the epi and we raced to the hospital. He was given steroids, antihistamines, and more epinephrine. We waited 4 hours before he was discharged. The usual - follow up with allergist, continue steroids and antihistamines for 3 days. All has been well since. We've been educated even more on foods/labels since. So, thankfully, no incidents for over 2 years now.

Being no stranger to anaphylaxis, I know the next reaction can be very different. Much worse. I know sometimes epinephrine isn't enough. Sometimes time isn't enough. And so, once again, I'm panicking on the inside to let my boy outside. What if??? The fear of my son never coming home from school has returned and I hate it. My mind tries to take me to a dark place but I won't allow it. It's too hard to imagine and so I quickly change gears. Killian is in great hands and he's not afraid to speak up, I'm so thankful for this. Hoping his new classmates will be just as cooperative and understanding as the staff.

Here's to another successful school year! Don't forget to tell your children you love them before they leave!

Please check out our walk page, the walk is this Saturday!
Www.foodallergywalk.org/Albany2014
 Team "Bovine Intervention"

Thank you!

Challenges!

It's been a very long time since my last post, I'm well aware...in that time I've had a relative move out went through a healthy pregnancy, have had a little girl move in with us, and everything in between!

Not too much to report in the allergy world, for us. We've had some more pub crawls, great time as always! Planning another for this fall, and let's not forget the annual walk coming up!  September 6th at The Crossings, Albany NY.

Right now we're getting ready for first grade, having meetings regarding cafeteria, snack time, and the dreaded bus.

In case you've been living off the grid for the past couple months I'll fill you in on the biggest fad sweeping the nation - the ALS ice bucket challenge. People everywhere are dumping ice cold water over their heads and donating money in the name of awareness. I must admit, I didn't get the ice water part at first. I thought these people were skipping out on donating but I've since learned more (and they're supposed to donate even if they get iced). And I'll say it - it's genius. Someone came up with the perfect idea to bring awareness to something near and dear to them. (I opted out of the getting iced when I was nominated but I did donate.)

It made me think - how can we bring more awareness and funds to Food Allergies!?!? I'm envious, I would love to do 1% of what the ALS challenge has brought in. At last check, I read $41 million has been raised since the ice bucket challenge started.  Our pub crawls are certainly adding to our cause, just on a much smaller proportion. So I feel inspired to try something like the ALS challenge. I don't expect it to catch on and go viral but I'm hoping it helps!

The top 8 food allergens in the USA are: Peanuts, Tree nuts, Dairy, Wheat, Shellfish, Soy, Fish, and Egg.

My challenge is for you to choose ONE of these foods and avoid it for 48 hours. Check labels, ask at restaurants, substitute where needed - the "whole shabang". And in addition to that, I ask that you donate ANY $ amount you'd like to FARE. I'll post our page but it really doesn't matter - it all goes to the same place.  http://www.foodallergywalk.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1101993&lis=1&kntae1101993=E9907F5F03864B328F1DC9785D8DC1B4&team=5898941#sthash.ZtZF5DDM

So please consider this, take it to heart, and nominate others to do the same. I have a few friends that live this lifestyle daily, just like us. Obviously you'll never experience the symptoms of a life threatening allergy (unless you have one of course) but just the stress of eating to live, checking everything there is! And fish or shellfish may SEEM like an easy option...but you'd be surprised!

Thank you for reading and I hope you say "Challenge ACCEPTED!"

Happy and healthy eating!

Amber

Breaking away from Food Allergies for a Bigger Cause

With everyone starting back to school, there has been so much shared on social networks around Food Allergies. I've been introduced to many new blogs and I've come to realize I don't seem to cover much of what others do. It seems, in my opinion, that there are many out there geared towards families already dealing with allergies. Therefore, they write about safe restaurants, recipes, tips, etc. Sometimes I share or touch on those, but I think I've managed to write to anyone and everyone, more so those without food allergies. As I reflect back on my posts, there's not too much for others in our shoes to learn from. It's a little more of the people looking in on families like ours - to see what we deal with, how we deal with it. My hope is to bring awareness and understanding to those not living in this food allergy community.

For those dealing with food allergies, I apologize if I haven't given you much to work with or shared awesome recipes. I DO have some, shoot me an email and I'll gladly share! My writing went a certain way and I've just stuck with it I guess. I really hope I never come across as negative or whiny or complaining...there are definitely moments of complaining, but overall - it's not my objective. It's hard. VERY HARD. I tell people my blog is very real and very raw, I make no apologies. I've been told I should try to keep some things private, for the sake of Killian. While I completely agree his medical info should not be public knowledge, I also feel I can't truly convey how serious and difficult his condition is without doing so.

We are not a family to hide in the background at a gathering and decline food. We are out there, in your face about his allergy. If you know me personally then you know I am not an in your face type of person. That is, unless I am fighting for something I truly believe in. My son's health and life is something I truly believe in.

There are some things I can't wait to share since Killian started kindergarten, as well as our latest Pub Crawl. It's all going well!

 However, today, I'd rather share another issue with you and I'll return to food allergies next time :)

September is (ALSO) Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Sometime, nearly 3 years ago I came across the only blog I've ever read and it's stayed with me ever since. A mom writes of her family's struggles around pediatric cancer. As sad and heartbreaking their story is, I found a true appreciate for our own struggle. It has been my reminder of "it could always be worse".  Another mom who writes raw and real feelings about her young boy, so people like me can better understand without it.

There simply is not enough being done for children with cancer. There is not enough known to help them. We can avoid food to keep Killian alive, until a cure is discovered. But these families cannot do anything for their children. I am asking you to step out of your comfort zone and read about Ty. Or buy some shoelaces for your child's soccer or football team to support Pediatric Cancer research.
www.superty.org
These children deserve a fighting chance. I promise it is worth the read. If you don't think you can handle, think of the moms and dads that didn't think they could handle the diagnosis and yet they are. Ty passed last October. His parents have made it their life to preserve his name and fight for a cure.

We all have our struggles that God has handed down. I'm thankful we have full support in dealing with Killian's. Please show Ty's family and the many like them some of the same support. They have some great events going on and the family is not far - Westchester, NY.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. God bless.

Get a Grip and man up, Mommy!

My last post never got into my original topic. Perhaps that's the beauty of a blog. I still dislike blogging but as long as people are learning something from this, I shall move forward! I need to back up and start over since I casually jumped over 3 months and tried to pick up like there was no distance between us. Blame my mind. It did it, not me.

Back in June I contacted Killian's new school regarding a 504 meeting. I was originally misinformed by the school nurse that a 504 Plan was not needed "unless we felt the school wasn't doing a very good job handling Killian's allergies". What did I know-  he's our only child, entering a public school for the 1st time, and has a life threatening allergy. Naturally I questioned her reply, as I was not the slightest bit comfortable with it. Why should we wait until something goes wrong to address it and keep it from happening AGAIN? If you've been following, you probably know my way of thinking by now; Think. Over think. Mentally create EVERY outcome possible. Mentally RESOLVE every possible outcome. Make sure they never fucking happen! My brain is on overdrive, constantly. It's almost as if I believe I have some power over my life and imagining worst case scenarios. How can they happen if you've put it out there. "The worst thing you could ever think of happened!" Boom. Now I've jinxed it and it won't. That's my mentality....maybe I need help, but it's worked so far.

So - back to the 504 - I wasn't comfortable with that suggestion. I asked around. EVERY answer was the same. You need a 504! Doctors, friends (parents of food allergic children) and attorneys all agreed: "You need a lawyer if you're dealing with Shen"  (school district). It's been a much smoother ride since retaining ours, true to his word I must say! My phone calls, emails and "written notice" received very little recognition. I realize it's summer vacation but I was proactive and called in January, before Kindergarten registration. I was simply misinformed. It is to my understanding the district doesn't like to deal with our kind of situation, nor do they like to spend any of their money on extra care that our son may need...maybe they forgot they are a PUBLIC school?  Anyway, our attorney sent a letter and within 24 hours we were dancing to a different tune. Since then, we've been dancing to a different tune! It's been great and I wouldn't do it any other way. Not when Killian's life depends on it.

The school psychologist and I had a lovely, 2 hour meeting where I poured my heart and soul (I feel) out for her to fully understand and formulate into his health action plan. We covered ingredients, symptoms, medications, past experiences, possible scenarios, my expectations of the school, Killian's level of advocacy and understanding. It was intense and emotional. And the whole time I couldn't help but think "is she analyzing me? What will she think of Killian when she meets him? What will she think of US when she meets him?" I'm hoping none of those go through her head and I'm just paranoid. It really was a great meeting. I left feeling confidant in my decision, in my expectations and understanding of what a typical day for Killian will be. I also felt fully supported by this woman.

In the weeks following, I've received numerous calls from the school nurse and psychologist. Forms, meetings, drafts...our mailbox holds a "Shen" envelope nearly every day. Our meeting is next week.
We are part of the committee for the 504 Plan. The 2 above mentioned staff members, a  Special Ed faculty member, the school principal, the school's attorney, our attorney, our allergist, if needed, and us. Together, we will all make the best decisions to ensure Killian is safely included in all activities while attending school.

Earlier this week I received a call from the nurse explaining some forms being mailed out and also that it looks like the class will be Dairy Free. I asked if BOTH classes will be, as Killian is in the morning session and other students will be in the afternoon session, thus sharing cubbies, tables, chairs etc. The nurse had to run that by the Principal. Slightly aggravated, I agreed to hear back. After all, if Killian still had his peanut allergy, that class would be Peanut Free for both sessions, no questions asked. However, since it's dairy, most don't consider it nearly as severe. The nation is growing accustomed to peanut and even gluten. Dairy allergy is often brushed off a lactose intolerance. Again, I shut my mouth. I figured our attorney can handle it at the meeting, that's what he's there for.


Today I found myself opening yet another envelope from Shen. Every time I open with anticipation of discovering who Killian's teacher will be! Not that it matters, I don't know anyone in the school...hahaha! I'm just excited for his newest milestone. :)  Well, it wasn't that. It was the draft of his health action plan. It is a very well organized, spreadsheet of symptoms, foods, protocol, staff responsibilities, anything you can think of when handling a child with life threatening allergies...(dog, dust, tree, mold, grass, asthma - it's ALL there!) Every word I said to the psychologist is in there. Reactions he had in the past, trips to the E.R., things he'll say that put you on notice for the epi pen, afterthoughts I called and left messages about - on there. One being the school's restrooms cannot have dairy soap. The school's custodians will be checking ALL of the soap/soap dispensers prior to school starting. I'm not kidding, we covered it all. We have to. His life depends on it.

One thing I didn't mention in this post is my lack of sleep these past few days. Very little! One night was due to my hawk-like watch over Killian when he presented with symptoms right before bed. If you've ever had to deal with a severe allergic reaction you know what I mean. I'd doze off and jump up feeling his chest for breathing and feeling his head for warmth. It's terrifying. I fell asleep (several times) watching his chest go up and down, noting his breathing was calming down more. I woke him to talk to me, so I could be sure his throat was completely clear again, just to be absolutely sure even though it had been hours. He did not have an anaphylactic attack this time, but it was still serious and always scary. What seemed like eternity was checking his symptoms after the Benadryl, deciding whether or not the epi and trip to the hospital would soon follow. I'm glad I can say they did not.

Lack of sleep, very recent and scary reaction, and this multi-page plan in front of me. I casually read over it, making sure his name was spelled correctly, his birth date was correct, the usual. Basically, I dictated the thing so it shouldn't be a surprise what was in it, right? I blame the above mentioned culprits for this - I cried my eyes out. Here it is, in black and white, what can take my son away, how it looks when it's happening, and how to pray like hell and make it stop! I relived every trip to the emergency room, every reaction, every dose of epi and steroid he had been given, every needle, every test, every shaking voice, every look of fear, trying to keep him awake and conscience - squeezing his chubby little leg and nudging his sweet, soft cherub cheek! It hit me all at once, staring back at me from a single page. I cursed the heavens. I questioned why, why food can take my child from me. It wasn't a sobbing cry. It's the cry where you have a lump in your throat, your heart literally hurts from the pain you feel, and your eyes just pour tears like there's a never ending supply from your soul.

Then I look at him, playing in the dirt careless as can be. I again tell myself "it could be worse". I put it away, clean up, and then snap out of it and finish reading the packet I received. I WILL be ready for our meeting, he WILL be safe at school and we will get through this latest transition. My mind has decided to prepare for a fight from other parents, hopefully not. The rest is behind us and should be easy for now. I won't worry about next year's challenges, as there will be PLENTY of new ones.

Maybe I will be one of those crying moms left on the sidewalk on the first day of Kindergarten. But I assure you - I will be crying for a very different reason.

Kindergarten and Football - here comes the FALL!

I haven't forgotten!! This is my self-therapy session - I'll never forget. Like everyone else; life gets in the way sometimes. It's summer vacation too which, in this house, just means a later bedtime!

To start, I'd like to share Killian has been reaction free for OVER a YEAR now! That's huge for us! HUGE. It's almost unreal to me. I guess we had some unfortunate times to get through in the past.  I remember meeting other parents of food allergic children and being shocked that they never had bad reactions, never used the epi, never rushed to the hospital, nothing like our family. For a while, about 3-4 years, I thought maybe it was our fault. How did we have so many incidents (even just one being too many) and others had none. We had 2 incidents where the hospital asked why we didn't give the epi pen. The first was a lesson, with the Benadryl, we didn't know if we could. The 2nd, well - I wasn't there for that one so I don't know.

After having switched allergists and just learning in general how severe Killian's allergy is, I've realized it's not us. We haven't neglected or misjudged...he is THAT sensitive. His allergist informed us he has reacted (anaphylaxis or very serious) to tiny, trace amounts that even her most severe patients have never reacted to. Soooo, that kind of makes me feel better? I'm not a bad parent like I thought.


We're getting ready for Kindergarten now! It's exciting. And exhausting. Killian will only be attending "part time" because of the size of the school district. I now realize how much better this is for me, as I was originally upset he was being robbed of full day curriculum. NOW, I get to ease my nerves into this whole BIG school transition. Baby steps. Next year we can deal with the cafeteria and playground and school bus, this year the cubby and table and crafts will suffice.

This particular school district has been a bit of a headache for us; being our only child and first time entering public school with food allergies. It's gotten much better...since we retained an attorney to help. Still much better though - progress is being made and I can honestly say the people I have been in contact with certainly make me feel like Killian's health truly is in their best interest. Today I spoke with the school nurse and she informed me our request for a dairy free class will most likely be a "Go".  When I asked for BOTH classes (Killian is a.m. and another group shares the same space for p.m.) to be dairy free - I could tell bricks were being put back up on that 'wall'.  The meeting is next week, I won't raise hell just yet. If this were a peanut allergy, it would be a.m. and p.m. "peanut free" no questions asked. Again - baby steps. We have an attorney so I don't get over emotional (not that I'm like that! [sarcasm]) and flip out. It's amazing how calm I've been since this process began! Our attorney definitely earned his keep. We met him on a Monday, he informed us he will get a letter to the school in the "next couple of days", by Wednesday I had a phone call to meet the school psychologist. I called and emailed in June and was told the school had 60 days to reply. And they meant  it. Very lucky to have Ken Ritzenberg in our corner!

Still dealing with new "firsts" and stress. Let's face it - the stress will leave when the allergy does! Which reminds me - Killian's blood work was still "off the charts", dairy count is over 100 meaning it's not going away anytime soon. Sorry for the scatter brain.

Football started tonight, flag football. It was fun and exciting, just like it should be for a 5 year old. Naturally I reached out to the coach as soon as his contact info was in my possession. Thankfully, ONCE AGAIN, we've been given a great, understanding parent to watch after our son. Coach is completely committed to keeping Killian safe, and informed the other parents we're a dairy free team. He insists I do not spend any of my own money on snacks and to just supply him with a list of safe yummy snacks and eateries. Normally, the teams have ice cream and a pizza party afterward. Our team is modifying that! I was blown away when I met him tonight, introduced myself, and his first response was that he let the league president know so the other teams we play are careful and wash up before playing us. I don't know the details of it all yet, but he mentioned it before I could, it was at the tip of my tongue! T-ball was easier. Non contact sport, the players only shared equipment (bats) with their own teammates. Flag football - now that's a LOT of different hands on everything. I'll be the hawk on the sideline. LITERALLY ON THE SIDELINE.  So far, no parents have complained or approached me about it. Score!

One little thing that tugged at my tear ducts yesterday - Killian was showing my grandmother his new Epi-Pen carrier pouch. Enclosed in it is a card with instructions to administer the epi. He "read" it to my grandmother ("Gigi").  Killian knows all the steps because we've trained him (in case he's with someone else and he needs it, NOT to give it to himself yet) and also because he remembers Tony administering it to him last year. As he explained step by step to my grandmother I beamed with such pride. He then finished his instruction lesson with "so I don't die" and I left the room. He says it so matter of fact-like, with such confidence, as he should, but my god he's only 5!  I'm glad he knows and understands - it's how he easily teaches others about it, old and young. I just wish he didn't have to. It's one thing to say be able to say it, but understanding it and at such a young age...I guess I'm the one who can't handle it.  We see the fear too often, he gets it.

Okay, I'm done for now. Sorry it's been so long, we've been busy too. Pub Crawl for Food Allergies is 9/7 at 6:30, starting at Pearl St. Pub (downtown Albany)! Hope you can make it and help support our team - Bovine Intervention  Our team goal is $3500.00! Let's do this!
Thank you for all your support!  <3

http://www.foodallergywalk.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1062783&lis=1&kntae1062783=FA66ABA9EB74424C8CC11EE816E4A49D&supId=379100499

Watch out Allergies, we're coming after ya!

First, I'd like to start out by saying the only reason I haven't posted in a while is because I had shoulder surgery. Still hurts to try to type, but I can't write my thoughts down for later and who has one of those recorder or Dictaphones hanging around anymore?

Killian and I just got home, it's 1:14am. He, once again, enjoyed the attention and sea of red at the Pub Crawl's last stop. We like to bring him out to draw the raffles and meet those that are still hanging on, hoping he realizes the impact he has on them and they on he...

The drive home was nice. Seemed awfully long. He passed out half way through as I expected, giving me time to think. Every time I looked in my mirror I saw his chubby cheeks pulling his head down, to the side. It reminded me of when he was just a newborn, and then I realized how far he's come. All that he's been through. And at 5 years old, he really is just a baby still. A baby that gets to go to some bars twice a year....I'm not running for Mom of the year, it's okay.

Since our first crawl last September, I've tried to prep myself for this one. I gather everyone to make a little speech as to why we're doing what we do, give them a little more insight into our lives and experiences with food allergies - kind of a crash course, hoping they can pass the word to curious passers by. Well, last time I could barely compose myself as I stood and saw 60 shirts with "KILLIAN" on them. I didn't want to be weak like that again. I feel I'm entitled to the weakness sometimes, but not in front of 60 close friends and strangers. I don't like to show any weakness - ever, so naturally I had to get a grip on that. I think I did tonight. I yelled as best I could (about 30 people this time, a great turnout) with my little voice, unsure if the crowd could hear me. Then I saw glassy eyes, red faces, some crying. I think they heard me just fine. At that moment I realized I've become numb to it. The past, the risk, his story. I'm the one crying when I hear from parents losing their children, or almost losing them, from things far worse than allergies. Now I'm that parent. In my own hell. In my own "why us? You really think we can handle this?" Please don't mistake this for some comparison to things I dare not mention. Just realizing if strangers hear Killian's story and cry...why can't I?

 Our last stop we made an announcement, I gave a 2 sentence background on Killian and said we'd be in back if anyone wants to donate, buy a shirt or enter the raffles. A man came back, asked me more about Killian's allergy; what kind, what does it do to him? He said "it's makes his throat swell up?" - "Yup" as I shook my head at him. He rubbed my arm, said "God bless" and walked away...with his new shirt. I'm not looking for pity, none of us are. It's just these little moments happened all night and they stung. I felt them. I felt the pain and fear again that I somehow became numb to. Not sure if that's good or not, I don't want to fall apart as I try to educate others on the subject. It's not like I'm so numb that we're not prepared or don't think another reaction could happen. It's kind of like the California earthquakes....you're expecting a big one, it's due, you just don't know when and pray to God you get through it.

Once again we met some amazing people; giving donations, buying our shirt, asking for an allergist, asking for a group to join on FB, asking for friends with food allergic children - so they can empower themselves more when they're around them.

We had friends bring friends, who brought donations from friends that couldn't make it. People really care. It's not just for a fun night of drink discounts or a free shirt. They YOU join because you truly care, you want to be a  part of something GOOD in a world of so much bad. Please understand how much we appreciate every ounce of what you give - not just the donation, your time more than anything, your willingness to listen and learn and share, for bringing a friend, for TELLING a friend, for asking more about it.

A woman stopped me and asked about a Facebook group to join. Quickly I fumbled for a pen and paper as she apologized. My exact words were "Why apologize, this is why we're here!"  *Note for next crawl: have pamphlet info to give*

It's always seemed, to me at least, most people don't get involved in benefits or supporting causes until they are directly affected by it. We didn't know much at all about food allergies until Killian was a baby. We certainly didn't realize the variety of foods one can be allergic or the amount of different reactions. Albany has proven me wrong. More strangers we met tonight, came out to support our cause and Killian. I love the excitement everyone has at the end of the night, when they hear he's arrived! He's our little miracle and everyone embraces him.

Thank you SO much everyone for coming out tonight!!! There will be a thousand more thoughts before my head hits the pillow but it's time for rest. Just wanted to get this out before I lost it.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! We love you all, you never cease to amaze us!
AND WE FORGOT A GROUP PICTURE  :( crud.

We're Baacccckkkkk and so is the Pollen!

It's been too long since I've gotten on here. Between vacation, Killian's birthday, Easter, then the birthday parties...I'm beginning to settle down again. Thankfully!

We spent a week in Orlando and so many mental notes were taken for this purpose. Well, it was nearly a month ago and my mind is like an Etch-a-Sketch lately...I lost a lot of my notes. The main thing I noticed while there (and since returning) is how much our culture is focused on FOOD. We couldn't walk 10 feet without some form of food vendor slapping us in the face with their dairy infested menu! And the "tourist capital of the world" (Really? Orlando, FL?) is NOT food allergy friendly. They're not even food allergy aware! We played mini golf at a place that also sells Popsicles - cross contamination of dairy. I asked if there was vegan or dairy free alternative nearby. The woman had no clue what I was saying, I may as well have spoken a different language. Even the grocery store was lacking in some of our favorite alternative foods found back home.

We made the best of it, we just couldn't stop and snack at the theme parks like most vacationers. Thankfully, we were able to bring our own snacks and foods with us. I will say, T-Rex Cafe, which is part of the Rainforest Cafe, was AMAZING! We visited this restaurant while at Downtown Disney (FYI - MORE FOOD and stores) and when I asked about an allergen menu I was told to tell the server who will assist us in our safe options. We did. We were almost immediately greeted by the Chef, who knew exactly what was dairy free and even offered dessert options. Prepared by him to ensure no cross contamination and quickly delivered to our Moose. That was awesome, and Moose's first time ordering a dessert off the menu! Ahhh, the little things. 

Our airline was a bit confusing for us. First I was told everything was noted and would be handled efficiently. Not so. The hold up we created with the medicine bag at security - oh well! Sorry fellow travelers. Then we were told we could board early to clean the area around his seat. Never happened. We then inquired in Baltimore at our layover - no problem, got right on, got seats together, and wiped down EVERYTHING. Leaving Orlando we inquired again. They told Tony it's not necessary because they don't serve any dairy on their flights. Well, they serve coffee with cream, and then they handed out small packets of Cheez-its! It's bad enough they serve peanuts still- knowing the high numbers in that category. I quickly refused and told the attendant my son is severely allergic. That's frustrating. We cleaned high and low and washed our hands when we realized that. Our other flights were pretzels and peanuts...

Also had a bit of a fight with our hotel. Mainly because they didn't have our room when we arrived - they overbooked and sent us elsewhere for the night. I couldn't have been more clear about our need for a refrigerator and microwave since our son has a life threatening allergy...they finally "upgraded" us but kept trying to correct the situation with a food credit. After 3 offers and 3 declines, I finally told the young manager that, at this point, his "food credit is a slap in the face". He still offered it the next day - at our re-check in. We traded it in for a game room credit. It worked. Killian couldn't even eat their hot dogs so it would be stupid for us to accept it. We go grocery shopping and load up in the tiny fridge. Side note: I called and confirmed our reservation and appliance request the day before.

Our hotel is located on International Drive, where it appears Central Ave threw up on Times Square. We walked and drove for miles to see what Killian could have. IHOP's turkey bacon and fruit bowl, and Chili's fajitas, no sides. That was IT. Since we were there for Killian's birthday, I frantically searched for a vegan bakery. It was about a half hour away, in a sketchy part of town, but it made his day extra special when we told him what we were there for! We got an extra cupcake and surprised him at dinner (at Chili's) when the staff came out with his special cupcake and sang to him. Little things we take for granted or are so embarrassed by, he LOVED it! Again, he can't order dessert off the menu.

All in all, it was a nice vacation and we're glad to have gotten away from the snow for a week!

I should probably mention how well Killian did while we were in Florida!! The week leading up to our departure from NY, he was experiencing breathing problems. I had him on 3 treatments of the nebulizer up until the day before we left. The entire week we were in Florida he did not have a single dose of ANYTHING. Nebulizer steroids, albuterol, Zyrtec, Nasonex - NOTHING!!! It was amazing, beyond amazing! He's been on those meds every single day since June. My first thought was obviously "we need to move!". I wouldn't move to Florida, but definitely something in the NY climate (cold) keeps him sick all winter. My second thought was "What if he developed allergies to the different trees, like the ones here?".  It would make sense to move to a dessert then, right? Dry heat, no plants/pollen. I've read that living near a beach is helpful with allergies too - the wind and water keep pollen moving away. I've done loads of research and all roads point to:

The day after we returned, so did his cough. Just yesterday we paid a visit to the Pediatrician. Ear infection. Triggered by allergies. Right on time - tree pollen is making it's debut!

It's good to get back in the swing of things! Thanks for reading!

UPDATE: Our semi-annual pub crawl is coming up! Friday, May 3rd starting at Pearl St. Pub $15 p/p, $25 per couple. As always, all proceeds go to FARE
https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/197810213676317/ for details!