A is for Acceptance of Allergies

I grew up with a mom and aunts who were allergic to all kinds of nuts.  I married into a family that with lots of allergies and food sensitivities.  Choosing to procreate is always a gamble.  I rolled the dice and hoped for the best.  Today I was forced to reconcile with reality.  I have a child with food sensitivities.

Eileen was my little chunk-a-munk when she was a baby.  The rolls of her thighs hid the knees beneath them.  As she grew out of the chubby baby phase, her tummy remained.  It wasn't like a regular tummy.  It is hard and distended.  It keeps her from fitting a lot of clothes properly.

In addition to tummy troubles, Eileen's ears always bothered her.  After one too many ear infections, she got tubes around 18 months old.  However, Eileen started to frequently drip goop from her ears. Eczema coats the inside of her ears, sometimes to the point of open sores.  The excessive wax and eczema eventually causes hearing loss.  Normal hearing loss gets restored when we have an ENT suction out her ears.  Thick eczema will coat parts of her scalp at times.  Over the past year, her ears have begun to emit a foul odor.  I like the Puget Sound as much as the next person, but that doesn't mean I want my child's ears to smell like it.  She also started snorting this spring.  It's not cute like a piglet and actually slightly disconcerting.

We've used medicated shampoos for her scalp. Taken Eileen to two different ENTs.  Our doctor advised using hydrocortisone for eczema flairs.  Finally, this summer I had had enough.  I didn't want to treat the symptoms any longer.  I wanted to get to the root cause of all Eileen's troubles.  I decided to see a pediatric naturopath who has a special interest in allergy testing.

Unlike dealing with a regular allergist, we were able to get in right away which was awesome.  I felt like the doctor really listened to me and understood my concerns.  She agreed that Eileen's large belly was not normal, and actually somewhat concerning.  The doctor drew blood, gave us a bunch of supplements to help treat the symptoms, and told us results would take 2-3 weeks.

For the past two weeks, Eileen has been taking lots of supplements.  I say if you are going to try something, you need to go all in.  I can honestly say there has been improvement.  Eileen actually likes taking fish oil every morning (key lime flavored).  The magnesium citrate has significantly reduced her tummy.  She is also using garlic drops in her ears, a probiotic, and d-hist jr.

Today we met with the doctor to discuss results.  Verdict:  Eileen is allergic to everything.  Okay that might be a slight exaggeration.  She has many significant food sensitivities.  Luckily, it doesn't look like she has an allergy that will send her into anaphylaxis.

Eileen is sensitive to all dairy, eggs, pineapple, barley, soy, gluten,wheat, peanut, rye, and spelt.  She tested "extremely high" to gluten, spelt, and wheat.  In my heart, I had known dairy and wheat would not be her friends.  The pineapple and peanut were a surprise.  Needless to say, there will be some changes in our house.

Eileen and I already went to PCC to get a allergen-free food staples and a few Eileen-only treats.  The doctor suggested not eliminating everything at once so as to not be so overwhelming.  I appreciated that.  Right now we are cutting out all the things she scored sensitive to except gluten/wheat.  While we make adjustments to the rest of our diet, I plan to slowly introduced gluten free living.  I am thinking the dairy is behind the snorting.  We are doing dairy, egg free (and the other stuff) for two weeks (and maybe up to a month) before re-introducing dairy.  After that we will try eliminating gluten.

I told Eileen she was not in this alone.  We'll do this as a family.  Some things we'll just buy Eileen safe for just her, like non-dairy frozen dessert and almond milk.  Other things we will say good bye to for a while, like flour tortillas

Eileen's favorite foods are grilled cheese, cream cheese and jelly bagels, and Annie's white cheddar shells and cheese.  It's going to be interesting.  Right now Eileen is enjoying have things revolve around her for once.  I think it might get old pretty quick.  Linus is not a fan of the changes.  He mentioned something about going hungry. Linus lost no time trying to taunt Eileen with an ice cream cone.  I let him know that if I catch him again, he will be on the exact same diet as Eileen.

Sweet Home Gallagher

"You can only be a camper once."  Those are the wise words of many a counselor to campers who are impatient to be staff.  I went to Camp Gallagher as a teen for two summers.  My time at camp was instrumental in shaping who I am today.

During the worst days of high school, I would drive over the Purdy bridge and follow the path to Gallagher.  I didn't need directions, my heart knew the way.  I never made the final turn down the hill into camp because that would be trespassing, but I would stay by the side of the road, longing for the joy of Gallagher to replace the feelings I had.

Gallagher helped me to see a different version of myself, a better version.  Even more, it helped me to show that to the world.  The campers and staff didn't know the nerdy, awkward Charlotte.  I was able to be more outgoing, independent, and take risks.

I never thought I would get to be a Gallagher camper again.

And then something happened.  Camp Gallagher was sold.  A place that special does not simply pass away.  It was saved, renewed, and brought back even better than before.  And with that, something new came.  Family Camp.  I could be a camper again.

I was nervous leading up to the weekend.  As any parent knows, sometimes kids can make even the most fun adventures into burdensome, stress inducing experiences.  My biggest fears were that Eileen would freak out about bugs, especially spiders, both big kids would refuse to use the bathroom, and all three would refuse to eat the food, possibly causing a scene.

Well, the kids took the few bugs we saw in stride.  The cabins and bathrooms were really clean and had few webs.  I don't think I heard or saw a single mosquito.  Eileen refused to use the biffy, but had no problem with the honey bucket.  Linus was fine, and Robin even demonstrated some of his potty training skills. All three kids ate.  They ate a lot and even tried new food!  The food was plentiful and yummy and the kitchen had coffee ready early.

Life was so so easy at Gallagher.  It's a small enough space that keeping track of the kids was easy. You could relax in an adirondack chair and have a perfect view of the beach to see the kids playing in the sand or in the water.   Almost all the staff were life guards.

I discovered that I love stand up paddle boarding.  The water was really calm.  If it's going to be 90 degrees, then out on the water is the perfect place to be. Linus wanted to try it too.

It went well until Linus realized he wasn't quite strong enough to steer and got scared.  Luckily, another dad in a kayak was there to tow him into shore.

The kids were having to much fun to sleep during siesta time.

The staff were just so present and available and never seemed annoyed when you asked them to guard for you so you could go out on the water.  One staff even took Dave and the big kids out sailing.  It looked like lot of work getting the boat out and on the water.

Eileen's favorite place at camp was the campfire circle.  I often found her there in quiet contemplation.  She liked one piece of driftwood that she called, "The mitten," due to it's shape.  She liked getting to help build the campfire as well.

 Gallagher is so perfectly perched on a sandy stretch of beach (a rare thing in the Puget Sound).  Anyone who has been to Gallagher knows that Sundown is the best part of the day.

This little lagoon was so perfect for all the littles in camp.  It was super shallow for wading and catching crabs as well as ideal for building sandcastles and playing in the sand.

 The sand was seriously a big hit.  If you ask Robin, his favorite part was all the sand.  In fact, Robin, who never speaks to other children his own age, ran up to another little girl and excitedly exclaimed, "There's sand to play with!!!"  I almost cried.  We had only been at camp for a few hours and my children were growing.

The weekend really helped me grow as a parent.  I hate sand.  I loathe sandboxes.  My kids love sand. They were so happy to have access to so much and unlike tropical vacations, we just stayed sort of dirty.  It didn't take long for the kids to get used to running all over camp barefoot.

Robin's second favorite thing was dirt.  I asked Eileen if she minded the fact that this camp was rustic and had no electricity (outside of the kitchen and office).  She said, "This camp is better because it is better than fake camping.  It is real."

Eileen grew a little on the trip too.  She has always been a little less adventurous, a little less independent.  She is still scared of biffies, but she walked up to the cabin all by herself.

Linus, who dislikes not feeling in control, did a great job.  He managed the difficult moments. Thanks to an earlier camping trip this summer, Linus had a crew of boys to hang and eat with and play pick up games of baseball.  Occasionally, he would act like he was mad about stuff, but it would only take a moment for the magic of camp to win him over.  His grumpiness was no match for Tom O'Loughlin's rendition of "Desperado" (not the Eagles version) at campfire.  Now back home, Linus tried a new food.  He tried it for real and liked it!!  Thank you Gallagher!!

Some other parents and I reflected on what made this easier than other trips. The big thing was having someone else there providing meals and snacks and doing all the dishes and clean up.  The kitchen set up coolers full of water and lemonade along with easy access snacks.  This was great for everyone.  We didn't have to provide the activities, or bring the boats.  There was less to pack.  Since there's no electricity in the cabins, you don't have to even remember your charger.

I appreciated that the last day wasn't just about packing up and leaving.  We  still got more beach time.  I took a paddleboard out and felt the most peaceful I have in months.  The weather was beautiful, I didn't have to rush to get back, I could just be and breathe.  I needed this weekend to get away from the stress of life.  Upon reflection, I realized no adults were glued to their phones.  I occasionally brought my phone out to snap a pic, but with no way to charge it mostly stayed off.

If you're thinking about going to family camp, here's a few helpful hints:

• bring a medium sized rubbermaid bucket.  Use it to keep snacks safe from critters.  It can double as a bathtub for little people since there are only showers that stay on as long as you are pulling a cord.
• one family had one of those collapsible wagons.  Genius.  Great way to move your gear to the beach, or small children who would otherwise take too long.
• Sand toys. I'm so glad I brought ours.  
• A bag to carry gear to the beach/main camp.  
• pop-up shelter if it's predicted to be hot/sunny
• life jackets for the younger children.  Gallagher is mainly high school and middle school, so smaller life jackets were at a premium
• warm pants.  The mornings are cold even if it is hot the rest of the day.
• keep an open mind. Don't automatically assume something isn't worth your time.  Making it to morning reflection might sound like an easy thing to skip if you are tired, but it really is a part of the whole experience.  Adults and kids alike had fun with an advanced version of Simon Says.  Camp is what you make it.

It was a wonderful, relaxing weekend.  There was a community feel among all the families.  The kids woke up this morning in the best moods.  Linus was excited to wear his tye dye.  I caught him checking himself out in the mirror and giving a nod of approval.  His siblings of course followed his lead.

Eileen asked if we can go to Gallagher for 10 days next time.  Sorry Eileen camp is only 9 days long if you are in high school.  We'll definitely go back.  I only hope it doesn't get too popular!

That's my boy!

While at a fair Linus noticed a sign that said, "Man Cave.  My cave. My rules."  He was intrigued as I explained the concept of a man cave.  Apparently, he sat with it for a few days before asking why daddy didn't have a man cave.  He was disappointed to learn that Dave's man cave was his workshop.  Linus was not impressed despite it having two 3-D printers.  Always full of ideas, Linus began to dream.

                                     This kid is always thinking. I don't think his mind ever stops.

Last night he drew up his plans for his version of a man cave.  He has been on our case to improve/redesign the treehouse.  If we aren't going to build him an Ewok village, he would settle for the equivalent of a tiny house.

The bedroom.  You will notice the large flat screen (this mama says no tv in the bedroom) and the big ipad as opposed to an ipad mini.  It's go big or go home with Linus.

His man cave has an adic (attic) for his bike and a kitchenette.  The sign says "My cave, my rules" and features a beer mug.  You will notice that next to the kitchen is a washer and dryer with laundry detergent on top.  There is a storage closet full of cleaning supplies--spray bottles, broom, vacuum, swiffer, etc)

The living room features a Lego Dimensions (he is saving money for it right now), a Wii U, and an x-box.  I'm not sure why the remotes have cords.  Maybe he is feeling hipster and wants a little old school action.  What's that behind the recliner?  Oh, just a dirty laundry hamper.

When Linus showed Dave and I what he had drawn last night, Dave and I were highly amused.  Dave noted, "Well, there's no question he's your son."  Can I help it if I am raising a young man who values a clean, organized house, and understands the importance of cleaning up after yourself.  Linus' future partner is going to thank me some day.

Linus inherited my fierce independence and stubbornness. He is a planner.   And I am now learning that Linus has what I call the "Danny Tanner" trait.  I'm not worried.  He hasn't asked for his own dust buster---yet.

From the Mouths of Babes in July

Linus:  I want a new sister.
Eileen:  (in a singsong voice)  Sorry. You don't get one.

Robin:  Mama, I'm so glad (said while watching the waves and eating dinner at cama beach)

Robin:  I have to ask nicely.  (stick in hand by fire pit, hoping someone will give him a marshmallow to roast at 8 am)

Eileen:  I know why you want to put me to bed and then Linus to bed.  So you can get out all your toys from college and play with them.

Robin:  You're a big disgrace.  (listening to too much Queen)

Eileen:  You're just trying to make yourself a sly fox and me a dumb bunny.

Guess who got married!?!.......13 years ago

Woah.  We made it to the unlucky 13.  Yesterday Dave and I celebrated 13 years of married life. 

I find that our anniversary always causes me to reflect on life and how we ended up here.  This week Linus used his savings to purchase the LEGO Ewok Village.  It's become a group effort that has bonded us all together.  He even lets Eileen help.  Linus didn't realize you should only open one bag at a time and thus dumped the entire contents of the box into a pile on the floor. Oy.

I happened to glance at the clock and noticed it was about the same time I got married.  I'm pretty sure I never imagined that at the same date and time 13 years later I would be sitting on the floor attempting to construct a behemoth LEGO set. 

So happy.  So little.

I went into my photo archives and found a picture from the overnight when I officially started like liking Dave.  We didn't start dating until Family Camp over Labor Day weekend.

Hyak Lodge 5th Sesssion Camp Don Bosco, summer 2000.  Overnight to River Ranch.  I'm pretty sure we are playing "Bang Bang Maxwell Silver Hammer." JAK Klein is the other superstar counselor in the picture.

Look at that baby face on Dave.  Can you tell I'm struggling to keep up?

We celebrated yesterday with dinner at Palomino and then saw "A Gentleman's Guide to Murder" at the 5th Ave (I think we would both give it a thumbs sideways).  Dinner was lovely.  I asked Dave how he was feeling.  He responded, "Lucky."  I couldn't agree more.

This Girl is on Fire

Last year my aunt,  younger sister, and I participated in the Warrior Dash.  I was not sure what to expect.  We had a great time and vowed to do it again.  Fast forward many months and my aunt was all over making sure we signed up for the run again.  My aunt, Eileen, was not messing around.  She helped coordinate matching outfits for us this year.  While flames and bright orange aren't really my thing, it somehow felt appropriate.

Come race day, I was ready.

 I look like the biggest dork.

The flames were kind of awesome.  People definitely took notice.  At one point during the race, another participant saw us and said, "Oh!  Are you the guys with the flames?"  Apparently, word had gotten around about us.  

The race felt easier this year.  It was a little less hot, a little less dusty.  Sally's physical health was better so we were able to run the entire 1st mile (first mile lacks obstacles).  I love how encouraging everyone is during the race.  We saw a girl confront her fear of heights.  A volunteer even climbed up to help her.  We stayed and cheered her on while her whole body shook.  Once she made it we congratulated her and then continued on our way.

Once we got muddy, we got really muddy. Posing after many wet or dirty obstacles, but pre-mudpit action.

Crawling under barbed wire and through the mud.

Post mud swamp creatures.

After hosing off, we celebrated with our complimentary beer.  I am trying really hard to learn to like beer.  I tried the Shocktop honeycrisp wheat beer.  It was pretty awesome.  I may learn to like beer yet!

 Sally's boyfriend accompanied us and was there to take photos.

Our final act before leaving was to capture a picture of my aunt, Eileen, during a head stand in front of the warrior dash statue.  She is kind of my hero.

I took the longest shower when I got home.  My legs are covered in bruises and I was sore for a day. I was reminded that it really isn't enough to do cardio.  You have to do strength training. I need to stop paying lip service and just do it.  Next year my goal is to be less sore all over.  Cuts and bruises are cool.  Glory is forever.

Stars and Red Mustaches Forever

Last week was full--Theo Chocolate Factory, playdates, swim team, swim lessons, karate, therapy appointments, and a daytrip to Bainbridge Island.  All this after our trip to Great Wolf.  It was a good week, a fun week to be sure.

While on our trip to Bainbridge, Linus expressed interest in going camping.  I knew this is something Dave wanted to do and that due to things like swim meets, there weren't going to be a lot of opportunities other than our planned trip to Cama Beach.  A quick text to Dave resulted in a spur of the moment camping trip for the two of them to Republic, Washington and Curlew Lake for a little fossil hunting and camping.  I think it went alright.  They were both exhausted and dirty when they came home.  I kept Eileen and Robin busy with the zoo, swimming, grocery shopping, and playgrounds.

Finally, it was Monday of the long weekend.  I had no more to give. I planned a very lackluster 4th of July.  A couple of weeks ago I saw a recipe for a strawberry cheesecake poke cake in my facebook feed from the Tasty (a fun little website).  It seemed like the perfect 4th of July dessert and pretty easy. I made it the day before while waiting for the boys to return from camping.

Dave realized he needed to work on the 4th, but luckily it was Aunt Sally to the rescue!  Together we took the troops to the parade in Edmonds.  It is a pretty fun little parade.  I think the chair reservation system was a little out of hand (when there are no open spots to sit on the day of the parade an hour before, something is amiss).  We found a decent spot, made ourselves comfy, and enjoyed a Starbucks lunch.  Bacon Gouda, mmmm.

While waiting for the parade to begin, Linus completed the 100 burpee challenge.  The kids chased bubbles blown by a neighboring child.  The kids got lots of candy.  Linus' day was made when he got a high five from Darth Vader.

Having done the parade thing, we trekked home for naps.  My parents joined us for hot dogs, chips, watermelon, and sangria.  Due to exhaustion and dreary weather, there was no croquet this year.  Instead the highlight was probably facetiming with my sister, Beth, and her family, and learning that they are coming to visit in about TWO WEEKS!!

Having accepted that I was exhausted, had a head cold coming on, and needed to survive the rest of the week, I chose to be the lame mama who didn't take her kids to fireworks.  The kids surprisingly didn't balk.  I think they were tired too.  I personally was fast asleep by 9:30 and it was glorious.

Besides going to sleep early, the highlight of my day was getting Robin dressed.  He was in the silliest of moods and decided to make his shorts his hat.  Is there anything cuter than baby buns?

It wasn't a 4th of July for the record books, but not every holiday has to be the best one ever.  I gotta say though,  not going to fireworks meant that this has been the easiest July 5th ever since having children.