So yes, we are just newbies, but in true allergy mom fashion, I have been doing a ridiculous amount of research. We have chosen to approach homeschool in a Montessori-inspired direction, so many of the resources I have been following are of that persuasion.
1. Q & A about Montessori Homeschooling Concepts
2. Living Montessori Now
3. This is the best site to date-- activities separated by category, how-tos. . . perfect for those starting out!
4. Images of work trays
5. Montessori on a Budget Pinterest Board
6. My Montessori Journey
7. Montessori for Learning
8. A Great Article for Dealing with Sensory Issues and/or an Intense Little One
9. Great Sensory Activities!
10. Itty Bitty Love-- A Blog from A Montessori Teacher
Monday, January 28, 2013
Apricots, Sea Turtles and Getting Schooled
Wow, its been forever. I now remember why I didn't start my blog until B was around a year old--- babies are super awesome but allow absolutely no time for blogging! ;) That's ok-- I love all of you dearly, but seriously, B and sunshine-y Baby C happily take center stage in my heart and daily schedule.
So what's new? Baby C has been standing and cruising a few steps since just before turning 8 months old (we are in so much trouble, haha) and is a sweet little dream. She is a stinker, however, just like her big sis. I wouldn't have it any other way. She does nap more than B ever did, but naps still only amount to roughly one, one hour nap every 2-3 days. My kids never got that memo about how small ones are meant to nap. . . I think she is simply far too interested in what B is up to--- she completely adores her big sis and the feeling is about 85% mutual. B is enjoying our first few rounds of home school and I am slowly taking in the learning curve that teaching your own kiddos requires. I think this is going to be a great way for her to get a start on structured schooling and she is certainly excited about the plans we have for the weeks ahead. We are taking it slowly-- she is a pint-size one after all. The trickiest part so far for mama seems to be keeping Baby C occupied and feeling included while school is in session. Hopefully, we will all adjust soon!
With B's birthday coming up in the next few months, that is a hot topic around here. Her second birthday cake was a pink hippo, last year was a frog and this year, she wants a sea turtle cake. And she will have a sea turtle! I even got a little chocolate fish mold to make little fish for decorating the cake platter! I will also be making mini cupcakes with frosting-formed anemones on top. I know-- its crazy. But birthday cakes make all of the hard recipe creation work really pay off. And this cake will be epic-- she is turning four, after all!
FPIES/allergies-wise, we are still in a bit of a tricky spot. But we are trying! After eggs (mega classic FPIES fail), salmon and starfruit being all a bust for B, we are moving on to cauliflower this week and hopefully apricots next week (they were an awesome deal at trader joes-- I couldn't pass them up!). Trials are tricky for B because we see a lot of random reactions between accidental exposures (she is pretty contact sensitive) and unexplained instances. But because of the lack of formula and because her diet is still a bit limited in certain areas in particular, we have to keep going with trials for now. The good news is that she is currently INTERESTED in trials, so that helps to keep momentum up.
For C, we are still striking out but we are going pretty slowly, so hopefully it is just a matter of time before she gets her first safe food. Currently, buckwheat looks promising, but I can't get her to eat more than a teaspoon-- she is fairly repulsed by it, hahaha. I think she will be venturing into the land of apricots next week as well and perhaps if those can pass (or if apples pass, since those are up next) I can bake with buckwheat flour for her or at least mix the fruit with the cream of buckwheat for a bit of a tastier experience. I also have those mesh food feeders-- maybe baby popsicles are in her future?
C is being looked at for an FPIES diagnosis and we are keeping some IgE considerations on the radar due to her reactions through my milk and a few suspected airborne instances, as well as multiple contact reactions. It is a lot to consider and my nursing diet still is extremely restricted, but that said, I feel like getting a handle on my diet early on in the game has helped her. She is almost 20lbs, is meeting her milestones and is just so happy a large amount of the time. I would fortify air and give up all food if I could still nurse her and keep her moving on this path! ;)
Its so funny that even though this is the second time around, we still have a lot of periods of uncertainty and struggle with the emotional side of things.We know what to expect, sure, but it still hits just as hard when I see her react, etc. And I am still hoping for a few foods before her first birthday. In my heart, I know it is ok to go at her pace, and that this is not about hitting everyone else's "norms," but allowing things to happen at the right times for HER "norms." In fact, I am already starting to plan the birthday items. I found this adorable birthday cake toy-- it is perfect size and the little items in it are just the right size for little hands. Plus, the price wasn't too shabby! I also got some great inspiration from the mamas I know who have navigated the food-free festivities before on here and here. Either way, it will be a great day and she will be surrounded by everyone who loves her and who she loves. Doesn't stop me from plugging for apricot sorbet however. . .
Be sure to check the next post(s) for our favorite homeschool resources and a few tips and tricks we have learned so far (we are still newbies!). I will do my best to keep you guys apprised of updates!
So what's new? Baby C has been standing and cruising a few steps since just before turning 8 months old (we are in so much trouble, haha) and is a sweet little dream. She is a stinker, however, just like her big sis. I wouldn't have it any other way. She does nap more than B ever did, but naps still only amount to roughly one, one hour nap every 2-3 days. My kids never got that memo about how small ones are meant to nap. . . I think she is simply far too interested in what B is up to--- she completely adores her big sis and the feeling is about 85% mutual. B is enjoying our first few rounds of home school and I am slowly taking in the learning curve that teaching your own kiddos requires. I think this is going to be a great way for her to get a start on structured schooling and she is certainly excited about the plans we have for the weeks ahead. We are taking it slowly-- she is a pint-size one after all. The trickiest part so far for mama seems to be keeping Baby C occupied and feeling included while school is in session. Hopefully, we will all adjust soon!
With B's birthday coming up in the next few months, that is a hot topic around here. Her second birthday cake was a pink hippo, last year was a frog and this year, she wants a sea turtle cake. And she will have a sea turtle! I even got a little chocolate fish mold to make little fish for decorating the cake platter! I will also be making mini cupcakes with frosting-formed anemones on top. I know-- its crazy. But birthday cakes make all of the hard recipe creation work really pay off. And this cake will be epic-- she is turning four, after all!
FPIES/allergies-wise, we are still in a bit of a tricky spot. But we are trying! After eggs (mega classic FPIES fail), salmon and starfruit being all a bust for B, we are moving on to cauliflower this week and hopefully apricots next week (they were an awesome deal at trader joes-- I couldn't pass them up!). Trials are tricky for B because we see a lot of random reactions between accidental exposures (she is pretty contact sensitive) and unexplained instances. But because of the lack of formula and because her diet is still a bit limited in certain areas in particular, we have to keep going with trials for now. The good news is that she is currently INTERESTED in trials, so that helps to keep momentum up.
For C, we are still striking out but we are going pretty slowly, so hopefully it is just a matter of time before she gets her first safe food. Currently, buckwheat looks promising, but I can't get her to eat more than a teaspoon-- she is fairly repulsed by it, hahaha. I think she will be venturing into the land of apricots next week as well and perhaps if those can pass (or if apples pass, since those are up next) I can bake with buckwheat flour for her or at least mix the fruit with the cream of buckwheat for a bit of a tastier experience. I also have those mesh food feeders-- maybe baby popsicles are in her future?
C is being looked at for an FPIES diagnosis and we are keeping some IgE considerations on the radar due to her reactions through my milk and a few suspected airborne instances, as well as multiple contact reactions. It is a lot to consider and my nursing diet still is extremely restricted, but that said, I feel like getting a handle on my diet early on in the game has helped her. She is almost 20lbs, is meeting her milestones and is just so happy a large amount of the time. I would fortify air and give up all food if I could still nurse her and keep her moving on this path! ;)
Its so funny that even though this is the second time around, we still have a lot of periods of uncertainty and struggle with the emotional side of things.We know what to expect, sure, but it still hits just as hard when I see her react, etc. And I am still hoping for a few foods before her first birthday. In my heart, I know it is ok to go at her pace, and that this is not about hitting everyone else's "norms," but allowing things to happen at the right times for HER "norms." In fact, I am already starting to plan the birthday items. I found this adorable birthday cake toy-- it is perfect size and the little items in it are just the right size for little hands. Plus, the price wasn't too shabby! I also got some great inspiration from the mamas I know who have navigated the food-free festivities before on here and here. Either way, it will be a great day and she will be surrounded by everyone who loves her and who she loves. Doesn't stop me from plugging for apricot sorbet however. . .
Be sure to check the next post(s) for our favorite homeschool resources and a few tips and tricks we have learned so far (we are still newbies!). I will do my best to keep you guys apprised of updates!
Monday, December 10, 2012
An Unlikely Adventure, A Worthy Cause: I Choose B
Let me start by saying, I love the idea of homeschooling. I think it is a great choice for a lot of kids. I have some amazing friends who homeschool and I admire them greatly! That said, I never thought I would be homeschooling any of my children.
I prepared for it, since B was born. I always wanted to be aware of my options and thought that homeschooling resources could be called on to supplement education as well as serve as the main source of education if the situation necessitated this (poor school system, moving around a lot, variable needs of my children). Now, as I am getting ready to dive head first very soon, I am still a bit surprised to have arrived here.
We have great schools in our area, and a large diversity in options. But after a brief start and a hasty finish this fall, we have come to the conclusion that B's needs right now are calling for a different path, a different setting. Homeschooling seems to be a wonderful step for my girl and it allows us to take reactions and other medical setbacks a bit more in stride with the help of an adaptable schedule. She is up and down quite a bit with symptoms and earlier this fall, had a lot of days when she was complaining of being in pain constantly. Nights of poor sleep and a variety of skin and GI symptoms brought me to the conclusion that we need to work with B a bit more, rather than try to get her to push through her pain to conform to a school setting right now. To some of you, it may sound a bit extreme, but to be honest, I felt like I had to choose between our initial intentions and between B's reality. And I choose B.
To help us on our journey, I have entered this amazing giveaway at a fabulous site, "Living Montessori Now":
http://livingmontessorinow.com/2012/11/29/huge-giveaway-alisons-montessori-products/
I hope we can win some of the great prizes to help with our home classroom! Whether we do or not, please keep posted for an upcoming post here about our schooling adventures and the variety of Montessori inspired workboxes and activities that we have integrated into our daily life. We are keeping it sensory with sensitivities in mind! See you soon!
I prepared for it, since B was born. I always wanted to be aware of my options and thought that homeschooling resources could be called on to supplement education as well as serve as the main source of education if the situation necessitated this (poor school system, moving around a lot, variable needs of my children). Now, as I am getting ready to dive head first very soon, I am still a bit surprised to have arrived here.
We have great schools in our area, and a large diversity in options. But after a brief start and a hasty finish this fall, we have come to the conclusion that B's needs right now are calling for a different path, a different setting. Homeschooling seems to be a wonderful step for my girl and it allows us to take reactions and other medical setbacks a bit more in stride with the help of an adaptable schedule. She is up and down quite a bit with symptoms and earlier this fall, had a lot of days when she was complaining of being in pain constantly. Nights of poor sleep and a variety of skin and GI symptoms brought me to the conclusion that we need to work with B a bit more, rather than try to get her to push through her pain to conform to a school setting right now. To some of you, it may sound a bit extreme, but to be honest, I felt like I had to choose between our initial intentions and between B's reality. And I choose B.
To help us on our journey, I have entered this amazing giveaway at a fabulous site, "Living Montessori Now":
http://livingmontessorinow.com/2012/11/29/huge-giveaway-alisons-montessori-products/
I hope we can win some of the great prizes to help with our home classroom! Whether we do or not, please keep posted for an upcoming post here about our schooling adventures and the variety of Montessori inspired workboxes and activities that we have integrated into our daily life. We are keeping it sensory with sensitivities in mind! See you soon!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Version 2.0-- Cornbread
A new version with a touch more nutrients and with a bit more of a moist texture! Enjoy!
Corny Preschooler Cornbread Ver. 2.0
2 cups masa (corn flour)
1 1/4cup dry polenta mix
3/4cup quinoa flakes
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 3/4cup coconut milk (or other safe milk)
1 cup canola oil
2 Tbsp honey/maple syrup/coconut nectar/corn syrup
3 Tbsp coconut vinegar (or other safe vinegar)
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare your pans--- eitehr use muffin liners for muffins or lightly oil a glass or metal baking dish. This recipe will make about 20 corn muffins or two 8inch circle pans of corn bread. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl. Once blended, add oil, milk, and honey. Blend well. Immediately before pouring batter into pans, add vinegar and mix until just blended. Pour batter into pans, filling until about 3/4 full. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golen brown and firm on top. Enjoy!
Corny Preschooler Cornbread Ver. 2.0
2 cups masa (corn flour)
1 1/4cup dry polenta mix
3/4cup quinoa flakes
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 3/4cup coconut milk (or other safe milk)
1 cup canola oil
2 Tbsp honey/maple syrup/coconut nectar/corn syrup
3 Tbsp coconut vinegar (or other safe vinegar)
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare your pans--- eitehr use muffin liners for muffins or lightly oil a glass or metal baking dish. This recipe will make about 20 corn muffins or two 8inch circle pans of corn bread. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl. Once blended, add oil, milk, and honey. Blend well. Immediately before pouring batter into pans, add vinegar and mix until just blended. Pour batter into pans, filling until about 3/4 full. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golen brown and firm on top. Enjoy!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Its not common, but it IS possible. . . welcome to the FPIES Foundation's new website.
A little less than a year ago, I wrote this post below. After a year's worth of continued hard work and determination, I am happy to announce that The FPIES Foundation has taken things to the next level, expanding the Foundation's website and massively enhancing the tools available to families and medical professionals alike. As one of the foundaing members said, "no one needs to go through this alone" and The FPIES Foundation continues to deliver on this message, now offering even more diverse and useful tools to help families and medical professionals, from hospital to home, support the people who truly matter, the smallest of patients, our own little cutie pies. Here is that post from a year ago. Thank you for supporting us and helping us to help those in need. We will continue to deliver on our promise.
"It's not common, but it is possible"--- a statement far too many of us have heard and a statement that far too often leads to no answers and dead ends in our children's medical treatment and diagnosis. But today, this statement has a positive twist, as I am pleased to announce the launch of The FPIES Foundation.
It's not common that parents across the nation and often across the world can share the connections that we as FPIES parents share without ever meeting. But we do have these connections. Our stories are all different, but somehow all the same, and in our struggles, we have found unity, clarity, and comfort. Today, I invite you to visit The FPIES Foundation and to witness what these connections can build together. It is my belief that this Foundation will serve as a refuge for FPIES families and the doctors who support these families; a hub to find resources and support, all in the name of bettering the standards of care for the children diagnosed with FPIES. For your child and for my B-- for all of our children. It is not common, but truly, it is possible-- there is now a place that we all can call home.
Be sure to check out these features:
- An expanded toolbox
- A "Find a Doctor" feature
- An expanded FPIES Q&A
- And many many more!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Roadtrip Raspberry Breakfast Muffins
A quick one! Without the figs, they are B safe. We shall see if the figs are C safe, though we have had good luck with non-citrus fruits!
Roadtrip Muffins!
1 1/2 cup quinoa flakes
7/8 cup (14 Tbsp) sorghum flour
1/8 cup (2 Tbsp) millet flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
pinch of salt
2 Tbsp brown sugar/coconut sugar/maple sugar
2 Tbsp honey/maple syrup
1/4 cup canola oil
1 cup coconut milk/safe milk
1 tsp vanilla (opt)
1 Tbsp coconut vinegar
1/2 cup mixed berries/berry of choice
OR
1/4 cup sliced figs and 1/4 cup chopped raspberries/blackberries
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line 10 regular size muffin cups with papers. Mix all dry ingredients well with pastry blender. Add in honey, oil, milk and vanilla. Blend well until everything is mixed in evenly. Last, add the vinegar and stir until just blended-- do not overstir! It will get a little puffy and this is good! Fold in berries.
Fill muffin cups about 3/4 full--- these do not rise like wheat-based muffins. Bake for 20 minutes or until firm and slightly golden brown. Remove from pan immediately and cool on wire rack. Enjoy on the road or when someone brings you breakfast in bed. Here's hoping, right? Happy baking!
Roadtrip Muffins!
1 1/2 cup quinoa flakes
7/8 cup (14 Tbsp) sorghum flour
1/8 cup (2 Tbsp) millet flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
pinch of salt
2 Tbsp brown sugar/coconut sugar/maple sugar
2 Tbsp honey/maple syrup
1/4 cup canola oil
1 cup coconut milk/safe milk
1 tsp vanilla (opt)
1 Tbsp coconut vinegar
1/2 cup mixed berries/berry of choice
OR
1/4 cup sliced figs and 1/4 cup chopped raspberries/blackberries
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line 10 regular size muffin cups with papers. Mix all dry ingredients well with pastry blender. Add in honey, oil, milk and vanilla. Blend well until everything is mixed in evenly. Last, add the vinegar and stir until just blended-- do not overstir! It will get a little puffy and this is good! Fold in berries.
Fill muffin cups about 3/4 full--- these do not rise like wheat-based muffins. Bake for 20 minutes or until firm and slightly golden brown. Remove from pan immediately and cool on wire rack. Enjoy on the road or when someone brings you breakfast in bed. Here's hoping, right? Happy baking!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
A Mama Top 10
Just a quick one-- here is my top ten list of recipes and foods that I am loving during my current elim diet. Hope I can help to share some info with those of you looking for new tasty options!
10. My new protein bars/pseudo cookies
9. Bridget's classic cornbread
8. Earth's Balance Coconut Spread
7. Homemade chocolate candy made in silicone molds---pop out a piece and go!
6. Sunflower seed butter and banana slices
5. Honey Kix-- my fortified snack food!
4. Safe Quinoa! I eat it with salmon and it is part of the bread recipe below!
3. New sandwich bread without the almonds of course! This is a great recipe blog-- please check it out!
2. Happy Heart Pancakes--- add chocolate chips (Enjoy Life of course!) or fruit to the mix for a truly delicious pancake!
1. English muffins Ok, so I don't follow her recipe fully--- I use completely different flours and I ditch the xanthan gum, but this is a great recipe to play with using your own or your child's own safe foods. They actually taste like english muffins!!! I used a combo of sorghum, quinoa and arrowroot instead of the suggested flours. This is also a great blog with recipes to check out and I love the title of her blog! And since you can't have english muffins without jam, I love the plain strawberry preserves from For the Love of June. These ladies are so awesome that my littlest girl has her middle name taken from one of these lovely ladies!
Hopefully there will be more at a later date, but until then, enjoy!
10. My new protein bars/pseudo cookies
9. Bridget's classic cornbread
8. Earth's Balance Coconut Spread
7. Homemade chocolate candy made in silicone molds---pop out a piece and go!
6. Sunflower seed butter and banana slices
5. Honey Kix-- my fortified snack food!
4. Safe Quinoa! I eat it with salmon and it is part of the bread recipe below!
3. New sandwich bread without the almonds of course! This is a great recipe blog-- please check it out!
2. Happy Heart Pancakes--- add chocolate chips (Enjoy Life of course!) or fruit to the mix for a truly delicious pancake!
1. English muffins Ok, so I don't follow her recipe fully--- I use completely different flours and I ditch the xanthan gum, but this is a great recipe to play with using your own or your child's own safe foods. They actually taste like english muffins!!! I used a combo of sorghum, quinoa and arrowroot instead of the suggested flours. This is also a great blog with recipes to check out and I love the title of her blog! And since you can't have english muffins without jam, I love the plain strawberry preserves from For the Love of June. These ladies are so awesome that my littlest girl has her middle name taken from one of these lovely ladies!
Hopefully there will be more at a later date, but until then, enjoy!
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