Gabe has decided that he doesn't need as much sleep as we think we does, and that it is OK to start the day at 5.30 am. Last week it was 6 am & now 5.30 am. Well no little boy, your Mummy needs a lot more sleep than that! And really so do you.
The other night he came into our room sobbing at about 4. Beside himself that Ernie was "licking him". Poor little guy was convinced that Ernie was inside & had been licking him. I had to show him that Ernie was safely locked outside, and tell him he had (what I assume ?) was a dream.
Another night this week he came into our room at about midnight saying that he had lost Leo (lovey). I thought this was strange as I had only been asleep for about 1/2 hr & had checked on the kids before I went to bed. Leo had been on the floor & I had safely tucked him in next to Gabe. Well as I was walking him back to bed to find Leo, he stopped in the family room & picked up Leo from under the coffee table. I thought this was odd, but realised why in the morning. As I was sitting down feeding Hamish, I noticed that all the cars & Little People figures I had packed up before I went to bed, were lined up on the coffee table where Gabe likes them. He obviously decided that he needed to do this at midnight!
So yes I am rather tired at the end of a long week of early starts. I can only hope that I get some sleep on the weekend!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Like winning tattslotto...
Just getting over the shock of our allergy appointment on the 15th. Both Abbey & Gabe had skin tests. I walked in with no expectations & walked out feeling a whole lot more comfortable sending Abbey to kinder next year.
After Abbey being diagnosed with dairy, egg ,peanut allergies & probable anaphylaxis at 6 mths & avoiding all traces since then, she tested NEGATIVE to eggs and peanuts. The allergist and nurse couldn't believe it & re-tested both, especially as her Dad &Grandfather both have egg allergies that they haven't outgrown. Her reaction for cows milk was 4mm & her allergist wants to do a food challenge for that in hospital! Gabe was tested for all nuts for the 1st time and was negative to all, and again neg for egg. His dairy was 10mm though & still has his epi-pen for that. So my immediate challenge is to slowly introduce egg & peanut butter to them both & then soy for Gabe. Gabe is currently on rice milk after only having a 3mm reaction to soy at 9 mths but reacting(eczema) the few times I have tried to introduce it to him. I started on the egg this week. Their allergist said to challenge the same food at the same time for them, but just don't start on the same day. So I started by boiling an egg last week (she said to start on the yolk of a hard-boiled egg). And immediately Abbey asked what is that "poohey smell". Needless to say she didn't try any that 1st day. So Gabe got the 1st smear on his lip and was ok with that. The next day he got 1/4 tsp mixed in his jam on his toast because he wasn't going to eat it off the spoon. And it took me over an hr to smear a tiny bit on Abbey's lip. Tomorrow I will have to try some kind of disguise for her.It's so totally weird to have eggs in the house after 3 yrs. I only used to use them in cooking, as Aaron is allergic & I've never been a huge egg fan anyway. So I can't say I blame them for not wanting to try a new "poohey" smelling food. The week of egg yolk challenging was a long week, and I am now sick of egg myself!!! We managed it though & both had no reaction at all to egg yolk. To get it in I made egg yolk custard with rice milk (very thin consistency) & ended up having to add it to their milk. And french toast. Abbey hated the toast & ended up with more custard milk. Despite being very confused about what she can and can't eat now, she understands on some level that she will be able to eat more cake & the like soon! And Abbey is very confused now about what she can & can't eat. She keeps asking me about different things & what they have in them. This week is egg white which is easy. I made meringues & they love them!
Definitely makes 3 yrs of no traces & stress worth it! We have decided after we have challenged peanut butter, that we will go back to a peanut butter free house until we know what allergies (if any??) Hamish has. Hamish has already got the tell-tale signs of eczema & is trying to scratch his head a lot. So until we have the all clear with him for peanut and egg, we still need to be careful. But yeah very happy with our progress in the world of allergies. We are now at a point that I didn't think we would reach when Abbey was diagnosed. I know I haven't challenged her with the PB yet, but I don't think I have even heard of anyone outgrowing a peanut allergy!
After Abbey being diagnosed with dairy, egg ,peanut allergies & probable anaphylaxis at 6 mths & avoiding all traces since then, she tested NEGATIVE to eggs and peanuts. The allergist and nurse couldn't believe it & re-tested both, especially as her Dad &Grandfather both have egg allergies that they haven't outgrown. Her reaction for cows milk was 4mm & her allergist wants to do a food challenge for that in hospital! Gabe was tested for all nuts for the 1st time and was negative to all, and again neg for egg. His dairy was 10mm though & still has his epi-pen for that. So my immediate challenge is to slowly introduce egg & peanut butter to them both & then soy for Gabe. Gabe is currently on rice milk after only having a 3mm reaction to soy at 9 mths but reacting(eczema) the few times I have tried to introduce it to him. I started on the egg this week. Their allergist said to challenge the same food at the same time for them, but just don't start on the same day. So I started by boiling an egg last week (she said to start on the yolk of a hard-boiled egg). And immediately Abbey asked what is that "poohey smell". Needless to say she didn't try any that 1st day. So Gabe got the 1st smear on his lip and was ok with that. The next day he got 1/4 tsp mixed in his jam on his toast because he wasn't going to eat it off the spoon. And it took me over an hr to smear a tiny bit on Abbey's lip. Tomorrow I will have to try some kind of disguise for her.It's so totally weird to have eggs in the house after 3 yrs. I only used to use them in cooking, as Aaron is allergic & I've never been a huge egg fan anyway. So I can't say I blame them for not wanting to try a new "poohey" smelling food. The week of egg yolk challenging was a long week, and I am now sick of egg myself!!! We managed it though & both had no reaction at all to egg yolk. To get it in I made egg yolk custard with rice milk (very thin consistency) & ended up having to add it to their milk. And french toast. Abbey hated the toast & ended up with more custard milk. Despite being very confused about what she can and can't eat now, she understands on some level that she will be able to eat more cake & the like soon! And Abbey is very confused now about what she can & can't eat. She keeps asking me about different things & what they have in them. This week is egg white which is easy. I made meringues & they love them!
Definitely makes 3 yrs of no traces & stress worth it! We have decided after we have challenged peanut butter, that we will go back to a peanut butter free house until we know what allergies (if any??) Hamish has. Hamish has already got the tell-tale signs of eczema & is trying to scratch his head a lot. So until we have the all clear with him for peanut and egg, we still need to be careful. But yeah very happy with our progress in the world of allergies. We are now at a point that I didn't think we would reach when Abbey was diagnosed. I know I haven't challenged her with the PB yet, but I don't think I have even heard of anyone outgrowing a peanut allergy!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Breathe, just breathe...
Whoever coined the phrase 'terrible 2's' has obviously never met my 3 yr old daughter! Let's just say that today has been a challenge. And although I had an activity planned to do with her this afternoon, I actually breathed a sigh of relief when she decided to put herself to bed for a nap. Now she may be up until 11pm tonight (again- the same thing happened on Monday), but I honestly don't know how we would have made it safely through the afternoon if she hadn't made that decision! Her mood was infectious too. Gabe went and pouted in the corner at Kinder Gym because he didn't get his way. Pity he looked so cute with his pouting & I couldn't help but almost laugh at him. Even bigger pity I didn't have the camera at that exact moment!
It has been a weird old week and a bit around here. Lots of food for thought.
We actually made a 'family day' last Sunday. Is it awful to admit that we haven't done anything just the 4 (now 5) of us since Abbey's birthday when we went to the zoo? We took the kids to the Enchanted Maze garden at Arhtur's Seat. They had a section just for kids, & Abbey of course was fascinated by the fairies in the garden. As we were getting ready to leave, I had to take her back to the fairies and she had to have her photo taken with each one individually. Despite the cold & slight drizzle, we all had a great time. And although the $39 for us all to get in was a bit much, Abbey definitely got her $9 worth. And all the way home & all that evening she kept saying "I had the best day". She made us happy just becasue she was happy! Now let's hope that it doesn't take us another 6 mths to get the chance for a family outing.
Bruce's funeral was hard, but then I knew it would be. Anne, Evan, James & Ainsley (via her sister- as she was still in the UK) all managed to be brave enough to share some of their stories and love of Bruce. And I managed to laugh through my tears. RIP Bruce, unfortunately there isn't enough brave, beautiful souls in the world & you will be missed by many. Despite his struggle to survive, he managed to maintain an infectious enthusiasm for living. The simple things in life were what were important to Bruce. Family, friendship, music, good food to name a few. I will never forget his amazement that I had never seen Star Wars. And so he took me along with Anne & Evan when it was re-released for the big screen, telling me I would be sure to like it if I just gave it a chance. Well sorry Bruce, it really wasn't my thing. He also similarly tried to expose me to car racing at Sandown. I think that was early in my 1st year of Uni & so I hadn't known Anne or the Hollonds for long. Rhonda sensibly went shopping that day! So Star Wars or cars weren't my thing, but his enthusiasm for both & his willingness to share were inspiring, as was his love for his family! I will remember many meals shared, many conversation about life, the universe & a million other topics & a man who touched many lives and made a difference. And that is special!
It's also poignant that a new grief can freshen up old grief. Dad has been gone for almost 8 yrs, but it still makes me sad that I can't share so many things with him. Especially my children! Now I'm sure Dad will be sharing a few good conversations with Bruce up in heaven & Bruce will fill him in on earthly happenings. I have to believe that is the way things work!
And to finish (or sinnish as Gabe would say)...Gabe's new saying is
"doesn't matter". Now how Gabe is that? Mr casual & all!
It has been a weird old week and a bit around here. Lots of food for thought.
We actually made a 'family day' last Sunday. Is it awful to admit that we haven't done anything just the 4 (now 5) of us since Abbey's birthday when we went to the zoo? We took the kids to the Enchanted Maze garden at Arhtur's Seat. They had a section just for kids, & Abbey of course was fascinated by the fairies in the garden. As we were getting ready to leave, I had to take her back to the fairies and she had to have her photo taken with each one individually. Despite the cold & slight drizzle, we all had a great time. And although the $39 for us all to get in was a bit much, Abbey definitely got her $9 worth. And all the way home & all that evening she kept saying "I had the best day". She made us happy just becasue she was happy! Now let's hope that it doesn't take us another 6 mths to get the chance for a family outing.
Bruce's funeral was hard, but then I knew it would be. Anne, Evan, James & Ainsley (via her sister- as she was still in the UK) all managed to be brave enough to share some of their stories and love of Bruce. And I managed to laugh through my tears. RIP Bruce, unfortunately there isn't enough brave, beautiful souls in the world & you will be missed by many. Despite his struggle to survive, he managed to maintain an infectious enthusiasm for living. The simple things in life were what were important to Bruce. Family, friendship, music, good food to name a few. I will never forget his amazement that I had never seen Star Wars. And so he took me along with Anne & Evan when it was re-released for the big screen, telling me I would be sure to like it if I just gave it a chance. Well sorry Bruce, it really wasn't my thing. He also similarly tried to expose me to car racing at Sandown. I think that was early in my 1st year of Uni & so I hadn't known Anne or the Hollonds for long. Rhonda sensibly went shopping that day! So Star Wars or cars weren't my thing, but his enthusiasm for both & his willingness to share were inspiring, as was his love for his family! I will remember many meals shared, many conversation about life, the universe & a million other topics & a man who touched many lives and made a difference. And that is special!
It's also poignant that a new grief can freshen up old grief. Dad has been gone for almost 8 yrs, but it still makes me sad that I can't share so many things with him. Especially my children! Now I'm sure Dad will be sharing a few good conversations with Bruce up in heaven & Bruce will fill him in on earthly happenings. I have to believe that is the way things work!
And to finish (or sinnish as Gabe would say)...Gabe's new saying is
"doesn't matter". Now how Gabe is that? Mr casual & all!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Almost forgot...
I almost forgot that Gabe wanted to use the potty before his bath last night. Not unusual as he has shown a little interest and talks about wee, poo & the potty.
So he sat down and straight away did a wee. In his usual Gabe fashion he was very casual about it. He wee-ed and then said "ta-da". And then looked at us as if we were the crazy ones for being excited and making a big deal out of something ordinary as far as he was concerned! I don't think we will have to resort to bribing to toilet train him, unlike his big sister!
So he sat down and straight away did a wee. In his usual Gabe fashion he was very casual about it. He wee-ed and then said "ta-da". And then looked at us as if we were the crazy ones for being excited and making a big deal out of something ordinary as far as he was concerned! I don't think we will have to resort to bribing to toilet train him, unlike his big sister!
A few things...
A few new happenings at our house this week...
Abbey has only had one wet night pull-up in the past month or so. We used the last one last night & so tonight we are trying undies. She was very excited to wear undies to bed, so we will see how she goes. The girl has some serious bladder holding capacity, and very rarely does she wake up and go straight to the toilet in the morning, so I think it's time. Worth a try anyway!
Gabe & his sleeping issues! He woke up around 11.30pm Wednesday night. Abbey was already in our bed with her painful leg growing-pains, so I left her with Daddy & went to see Gabe. I hopped into "Grammie's" bed with him (the single bed in his room), and we cuddled for a bit until he told me to go & was settled. So that is where he spent the night. Last night he wanted the bed over the cot & slept through for the 1st night in about 2 weeks. Again chose the bed for his nap today & bed tonight. Looks like our little boy is now in a big-boy bed & he is managing without a side rail! I have put pillows on the floor next to the bed, but he hasn't needed them.
Hamish is so close to making his 1st laugh that we have all been trying to be the 1st to make him laugh. Yesterday he gave what I would call 1/2 a chuckle & it was to me, but I won't count that as the 1st laugh. When he is kicking around on his back, he somehow manages to slightly move backwards. Which I have informed him that he is just too little to be doing yet! He also moves his head significantly when he is on the floor to track one of us as we move.
Abbey has only had one wet night pull-up in the past month or so. We used the last one last night & so tonight we are trying undies. She was very excited to wear undies to bed, so we will see how she goes. The girl has some serious bladder holding capacity, and very rarely does she wake up and go straight to the toilet in the morning, so I think it's time. Worth a try anyway!
Gabe & his sleeping issues! He woke up around 11.30pm Wednesday night. Abbey was already in our bed with her painful leg growing-pains, so I left her with Daddy & went to see Gabe. I hopped into "Grammie's" bed with him (the single bed in his room), and we cuddled for a bit until he told me to go & was settled. So that is where he spent the night. Last night he wanted the bed over the cot & slept through for the 1st night in about 2 weeks. Again chose the bed for his nap today & bed tonight. Looks like our little boy is now in a big-boy bed & he is managing without a side rail! I have put pillows on the floor next to the bed, but he hasn't needed them.
Hamish is so close to making his 1st laugh that we have all been trying to be the 1st to make him laugh. Yesterday he gave what I would call 1/2 a chuckle & it was to me, but I won't count that as the 1st laugh. When he is kicking around on his back, he somehow manages to slightly move backwards. Which I have informed him that he is just too little to be doing yet! He also moves his head significantly when he is on the floor to track one of us as we move.
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