Totally Unrelated to Peanut Allergy...

But given the news coverage of the swine flu, I thought other parents out there might be interested in this:

Swine Flu: What Parents Need to Know
"The news of the swine flu is spreading faster than the influenza virus itself, and this is very unsettling for many parents. The reports of 50 cases in the United States and 152 deaths in Mexico might lead some parents to panic, since babies and small children are often the most vulnerable during a serious flu outbreak."

And definitely check out the CDC page referenced in the post.

Sunbutter Success!!!

Just a quick post to let you all know that B tried Sunbutter (again) yesterday and LOVED it.

Last year, you may recall, B tried Sunbutter and was not into it.

I haven't talked much about this, but we're moving forward with a food challenge later this summer (I know - can you believe it?!?!?). I've been a bit concerned that B would take one look at the peanut butter and refuse to eat it. Or eat it and be so grossed out by the texture that she wouldn't move forward with the challenge. So I wanted to try to introduce Sunbutter one more time to her. Sure it isn't exactly like PB, but the texture is.

I bought a jar earlier in the week and set it out on the counter (I also bought a jar of Nutella - have any of you with peanut allergic kids let them have it? This jar was for hubs but it looks 'safe' for B I guess? - let me know what you guys have done).

Anyhoo, B took one look at the Sunbutter and said in no uncertain terms that she wouldn't be eating that. I shrugged it off. But yesterday I talked to her about the food challenge coming up. I explained that peanut butter has a funky texture and that maybe she should give Sunbutter another try so she isn't surprised at the doctor's office.

She said, "OK mom, but just a little bit." I practically RAN to the kitchen and made two Ritz crackers with a small spread of SB on each. I presented them to her on a little plate and she tentatively put her pinkie finger into one and gave it a lick.

"Blech," she said. Rats. Oh well. I started to pick up the plate.

"Wait, just let me try it one more time."

In about 1 minute the first cracker was gone.

Then the second disappeared.

Then I guess I tipped the scales a bit. Was it bad that I pulled out a jar of marshmallow fluff and made her a mini Ritz fluffernutter? Hee hee.

Now she's asking this morning for a sunbutter sandwich for breakfast.

I'm not sure who was happier about her liking it. Probably me. I think I fall into the trap many allergic moms do of trying to make up for all that I perceive B to be missing with this peanut free life. Which isn't really fair I suppose. I liken it to vegetarians who eat mock bacon (or other mock meat products). Is it really a good substitute? Is it even necessary?

But it is GREAT to have another source of protein for B. She's a skinny one (she didn't inherit this from me). She's 4 and a half and still wearing 3T pants - yikes! Don't get me wrong, she's growing on the right curve according to her doctor who's not concerned, but she could use a little more meat on her bones.

Watching her back....

I thought I'd share a sweet story with you guys.

Over the weekend, we went to a birthday party for one of B's pals from school. It was a GREAT party - in a fabulous park, not too many kids, a great sunny day - but the best part was how wonderful her friends are.

When it came time to eat, all the kids sat down at a picnic table, got their plates and napkins, their juice boxes, and were presented with platters of sandwiches.

I'm sure you can guess what kind of sammie was included in the spread. Yup, PBJ.

But I'm not a parent who freaks out about PBJ's anymore. Only if my daughter actually eats one. There were wipes around, so I figured any kid who ate one could just wipe their hands and we'd be fine. Plus, these kids are older now, and much less messy. B goes to a school that allows PBJ's so she's around them all the time. I just don't stress about it anymore. I can't. This is just part of our life moving forward so we just need to deal.

So back to the party.

The birthday girl's dad was telling everyone what kind of sandwiches there were. He's such a nice guy, he apparently made the sandwiches, and he was so proud of them! He called out:

"Yummy Peanut Butter and Jelly!"

"Cream Cheese and Jelly!"

"Turkey and Cheese with NO Mayo or Mustard for the Kids!"

"Turkey with Mustard and Mayo and Lettuce for the Grownups!"

So the kids all sit there, trying to decide what they want, and negotiating with their parents about EXACTLY how much they need to eat before they can have cake.

And out of nowhere one little girl pipes up "We can't eat Peanut butter and Jelly - B is allergic!!!". And NOT ONE of the kids took a PBJ.

I could NOT believe it. My heart melted right there on the spot.

I hadn't said a word to anyone there about her peanut allergy. I just told B quietly that the sammies in front of her had the Peanut Butter but that she could have any of the others.

So the kids had turkey or cream cheese and jelly. And everyone got cake (with frosting!! and chocolate!!!)

Such solidarity. Without B even saying a word. Those little girls are good people.

Just so you know, the turkey sammies went fast. The sight of a bunch of grownups eating tiny little squares of PBJ was pretty funny.

Project No Way

It's a shame, really.

I used to think Laura Bennett (remember her from Project Runway?) was pretty snazzy.

Now? Not so much.

Is the subject of peanut allergy being all in parents' heads just a fall back topic when writer's block strikes??

Yawn.