Monday, November 16, 2009

Allergy Testing

On Hannah's second birthday, I shared my concerns about Hannah's reaction to eating peanuts/peanut butter with her pediatrician. She would basically break out in hives around her lips after consuming food containing peanuts. Dr. Hall ordered some blood work testing, and my suspicions were correct--Hannah has a peanut allergy.





The next step in the process was to visit an allergist to determine the severity of her allergy and also to develop an action plan. We had our initial visit about a month ago and Dr. Song requested some skin testing which we had done today. He also prescribed and Epipen Jr which still feels kind of weird to have in her diaper bag and tell caregivers about.

Poor, poor Hannah!!! They prepared about 12 tests to be done on her back. Rather than have her lay on the cold table, I asked about having her lay on her stomach across my lap. I thought that she might feel a little more secure that way. She was such a trooper! The nurse drew all kinds of dots and letters on her back and then BAM (twice)! Hannah burst out in tears and it was so hard to not be able to pick her up off of my lap and give her hugs and kisses. She had to lay that way for 5 minutes, which felt like eternity! She cried and cried, but remained still and cooperative.

I am very, very happy to report that Hannah is NOT allergic to anything else they tested (shellfish, fish, soy, and tree nuts). She did test positive again for peanuts, but the doctor said it was on the lower end of the spectrum so he thinks she might have a chance of outgrowing the allergy. It is such a blessing that Hannah ONLY has peanut allergies. They have been very easy to avoid now that packaging is labeled very clearly and Hannah really doesn't know what she's missing.

Anyways, it was a bit of a difficult visit this morning to the doctor, but nothing a chocolate milkshake and cheeseburger from McDonald's couldn't fix :)

Monday, November 9, 2009

The Iceman Cometh!!

This weekend our family headed up to Traverse City, Michigan, for the 28-mile Iceman Cometh mountain biking race.

Here's my cute husband at the start in Kalkaska, Michigan. There were 4500 riders this year (largest ever) and I think that makes this race the 3rd largest in the country according to some people I overheard talking.


















Hannah's wishing daddy "Good luck!."


















We enjoyed playing in the leaves while we waited for daddy to take off from the starting line.











Playing in the dirt was also a lot of fun!









Hannah and I stopped at a cute little playground on the way to pick up daddy.









Here's Caleb rounding the corner at the finish line at Timber Ridge! Hannah and I made it just in the nick of time!














Caleb finished 10th in his class at 2 hours and 32 minutes! Way to go, honey! You can see for yourself here (Caleb was in the Beginner's Class, men ages 25-29).

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Typical Day with Hannah

We love dance parties on rainy days!

Happy Halloween!!


















We're a few days late on this posting, but wanted to share Hannah's special night of trick-or-treating with you (all 3 of you, that is! LOL).

Halloween Sorting Activity

The teacher in me is starting to come out again lately. I found this idea on another blog and just HAD to do it with Hannah.




















She liked everything except the spiders. I think it's a great activity for fine motor and sorting skills. Also, I'm trying to get Hannah used to different textures because she seems a little resistant to putting her hands into unusual things.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Paypakes and Chucky Larms

Huh? Our favorite two (technically three) words that Hannah's having a hard time saying right now. Too cute!


Here's the translation--

Daddy: Hannah, what did you have for breakfast?
Hannah: ?
Daddy: No, what did you really have?
Hannah: Paypakes (pancakes)
Daddy: No, what's in your bowl?
Hannah: Cereal
Daddy: What kind?
Hannah: Chucky Larms (Lucky Charms)

Birthday Party

Hannah went to her friend Jameson's 2nd Birthday Party last Saturday. She had so much fun with all of the kids and toys, especially the balloons. She's playing "Ring Around the Adeline" in the video :)