Comments on: “I wish…” http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/ A food allergy food blog and resource for moms (and dads) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:46:08 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Elizabeth http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-6211 Elizabeth Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:29:17 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-6211 I can totally relate! My son (milk, egg, nut allergies) goes to a private school who orders their hot lunches from area caterers and restaurants. There is no way I can be guaranteed that these foods are safe for him. So... he is stuck with the usual sandwich, carrot sticks, fruit snacks etc. every single day. It is Christmas time whick means parties and treats all around. Imagine my relief today, while I was at the bookstore and I found your book! I couldn't believe there was a book suited for our exact same allergies! I couldn't get home fast enough to try it out! I made the "banana choclolate chip muffins" for his snack today! They were so much better than my old recipe that I tried to adapt. I can't wait to try more. What a blessing to find you! I'm not great in the kitchen anyway and can use all the help I can get ;-) I can totally relate! My son (milk, egg, nut allergies) goes to a private school who orders their hot lunches from area caterers and restaurants. There is no way I can be guaranteed that these foods are safe for him. So… he is stuck with the usual sandwich, carrot sticks, fruit snacks etc. every single day. It is Christmas time whick means parties and treats all around. Imagine my relief today, while I was at the bookstore and I found your book! I couldn’t believe there was a book suited for our exact same allergies! I couldn’t get home fast enough to try it out! I made the “banana choclolate chip muffins” for his snack today! They were so much better than my old recipe that I tried to adapt. I can’t wait to try more. What a blessing to find you! I’m not great in the kitchen anyway and can use all the help I can get ;-)

]]> By: cheryl http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5941 cheryl Mon, 07 Dec 2009 03:52:14 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5941 Hi, I am so glad I found your website! My son is allergic to wheat, soy, dairy, and eggs, so you can imagine what I through on a daily basis! He is now 9 and He still has not had a decent birthday cake that he liked. I have tried many recipies. I will be ordering your book I hope I find things he will enjoy. His school is pretty good because I have to provide all meals. But it was kind of funny when he had a class party and a parent bought him cupcakes just without the frosting! Hi, I am so glad I found your website! My son is allergic to wheat, soy, dairy, and eggs, so you can imagine what I through on a daily basis! He is now 9 and He still has not had a decent birthday cake that he liked. I have tried many recipies. I will be ordering your book I hope I find things he will enjoy. His school is pretty good because I have to provide all meals. But it was kind of funny when he had a class party and a parent bought him cupcakes just without the frosting!

]]> By: smilinggreenmom http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5934 smilinggreenmom Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:37:43 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5934 I forgot to mention that I have a mom blog on living with allergies and living a green and natural life! I would love for you to come visit me!!! It's smilinggreenmom.com :) I forgot to mention that I have a mom blog on living with allergies and living a green and natural life! I would love for you to come visit me!!! It’s smilinggreenmom.com :)

]]> By: smilinggreenmom http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5933 smilinggreenmom Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:36:49 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5933 I can relate to this so much. Our four yr old has had severe food allergies and Eczema since he was a baby and it just breaks my heart to see him sad over something he can't have. I try to make allergy free duplicates all the time but when this is not possible - it can make them feel left out. His Bellyboost probiotics have helped so much with what he can tolerate now though and he looks and feels so much better. It has been an answer to our prayers for sure. Thanks for sharing your story- I am sure food allergies will become more difficult in our family as he gets older and has to make these choices on his own. Yikes. I can relate to this so much. Our four yr old has had severe food allergies and Eczema since he was a baby and it just breaks my heart to see him sad over something he can’t have. I try to make allergy free duplicates all the time but when this is not possible – it can make them feel left out. His Bellyboost probiotics have helped so much with what he can tolerate now though and he looks and feels so much better. It has been an answer to our prayers for sure. Thanks for sharing your story- I am sure food allergies will become more difficult in our family as he gets older and has to make these choices on his own. Yikes.

]]> By: Jana http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5928 Jana Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:56:10 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5928 My son's in his fourth year in college - at the beginning of his sophomore year in high school I started contacting the university of his choice that he would like to live in the dorms there but would need to work with someone about eating in the dining halls. Three years later when he entered as a freshmen he was expected to find safe processed food available in their convenience store (they didn't do special orders). Not easy when anaphylaxis to milk, egg, nuts, peanuts, tree nuts, coconut and shellfish. It took us the whole year to get them to agree they were not providing the board service we were paying for and to refund that portion. We had to provide all his food, microwave, freezer and fridge to squeeze in his dorm room - he ate alone in his room every meal. He lived like that for two years and is now in apartment. I'm still bitter (can ya tell?!) that he couldn't participate in dorm living due to this life-threatening condition. Don't get me started on his elementary, junior high, high school experiences - of course I was super involved in all aspects but he still was excluded from a ton. Sigh. Just our reality. For the most part we deal fine with it but at times it really, really, REALLY bites. Best wishes My son’s in his fourth year in college – at the beginning of his sophomore year in high school I started contacting the university of his choice that he would like to live in the dorms there but would need to work with someone about eating in the dining halls. Three years later when he entered as a freshmen he was expected to find safe processed food available in their convenience store (they didn’t do special orders). Not easy when anaphylaxis to milk, egg, nuts, peanuts, tree nuts, coconut and shellfish. It took us the whole year to get them to agree they were not providing the board service we were paying for and to refund that portion. We had to provide all his food, microwave, freezer and fridge to squeeze in his dorm room – he ate alone in his room every meal. He lived like that for two years and is now in apartment. I’m still bitter (can ya tell?!) that he couldn’t participate in dorm living due to this life-threatening condition.

Don’t get me started on his elementary, junior high, high school experiences – of course I was super involved in all aspects but he still was excluded from a ton. Sigh. Just our reality. For the most part we deal fine with it but at times it really, really, REALLY bites.

Best wishes

]]> By: Lisita http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5926 Lisita Sat, 05 Dec 2009 04:40:52 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5926 Well said! It's so frustrating seeing your child not enjoying a 'normal' life, or at least the life you always dreamed they'd have. Well said! It’s so frustrating seeing your child not enjoying a ‘normal’ life, or at least the life you always dreamed they’d have.

]]> By: stephanie http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5925 stephanie Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:51:54 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5925 In response to Ruth: I totally agree with that our kids cope better than we might initially think they will. Most of the time James doesn't seem a bit bothered with his alternate treats or hearing that something isn't safe. I think of all the health problems kids can have and feel pretty lucky that we are *only* dealing with potentially life threatening food allergies. However, the few times that something has made him sad...those times are hard. Even more so because I see all the times that he is such a good sport about it all. I think one of the hardest things about being a parent is learning you can't protect your kids from all heartache...it's not good for them...but it is still a hard & emotional lesson to learn sometimes. In response to Ruth:

I totally agree with that our kids cope better than we might initially think they will. Most of the time James doesn’t seem a bit bothered with his alternate treats or hearing that something isn’t safe. I think of all the health problems kids can have and feel pretty lucky that we are *only* dealing with potentially life threatening food allergies. However, the few times that something has made him sad…those times are hard. Even more so because I see all the times that he is such a good sport about it all. I think one of the hardest things about being a parent is learning you can’t protect your kids from all heartache…it’s not good for them…but it is still a hard & emotional lesson to learn sometimes.

]]> By: Ruth http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5920 Ruth Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:39:59 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5920 I do enjoy reading these posts, and it does bother me that so many social events revolve around food. However, I have had allergies to peanuts, tree-nuts, fish and shellfish my entire life and to be honest don't recall feeling excluded much as a kid. I think we need to realize our kids may cope better than we think they do. We feel bad because we have tasted the things they are "missing out" on. There were times I couldn't partake in whatever was going around, but it was just something I accepted, and people always felt bad for me, but I was Okay with it. Our kids with their food allergies are different, because they can't eat everthing that's passed infront of them, and that's okay. I have always provided my daughter with a special treat after an event where she has missed out on something (if we weren't prepared ahead), and it works well. It doesn't have to be a food substitution, a toy, or in her case a magazine makes up for things quite well. I do enjoy reading these posts, and it does bother me that so many social events revolve around food. However, I have had allergies to peanuts, tree-nuts, fish and shellfish my entire life and to be honest don’t recall feeling excluded much as a kid. I think we need to realize our kids may cope better than we think they do. We feel bad because we have tasted the things they are “missing out” on. There were times I couldn’t partake in whatever was going around, but it was just something I accepted, and people always felt bad for me, but I was Okay with it. Our kids with their food allergies are different, because they can’t eat everthing that’s passed infront of them, and that’s okay. I have always provided my daughter with a special treat after an event where she has missed out on something (if we weren’t prepared ahead), and it works well. It doesn’t have to be a food substitution, a toy, or in her case a magazine makes up for things quite well.

]]> By: stephanie http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5919 stephanie Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:26:22 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5919 Hi Kelly, I just bought your book, which is rare for me to do. I love the library and love searching blogs for recipes to convert or for flat out vegan recipes to try. We've known about my son's dairy, egg & peanut allergies for 5.5 years now and finding recipes for treats has been one of my favorite challenges. I have lots of them so why would I need a cookbook? But I picked up your book and LOVED it. Like you said in the intro, it's full of basic and yummy recipes that I will use over and over. Sometimes I don't want to search, and now I don't have to. Thank you. I really love your book...I can tell it was truly written for a mother by a mother. Also, our nearest Starbucks will gladly sterilize the steamer thing and make James a soy hot chocolate. (the syrup is safe, at ours, anyways) Might be worth checking into if you haven't already. He does love to be able to get a hot cocoa when we are at Target. :) Hi Kelly, I just bought your book, which is rare for me to do. I love the library and love searching blogs for recipes to convert or for flat out vegan recipes to try. We’ve known about my son’s dairy, egg & peanut allergies for 5.5 years now and finding recipes for treats has been one of my favorite challenges. I have lots of them so why would I need a cookbook? But I picked up your book and LOVED it. Like you said in the intro, it’s full of basic and yummy recipes that I will use over and over. Sometimes I don’t want to search, and now I don’t have to. Thank you. I really love your book…I can tell it was truly written for a mother by a mother.

Also, our nearest Starbucks will gladly sterilize the steamer thing and make James a soy hot chocolate. (the syrup is safe, at ours, anyways) Might be worth checking into if you haven’t already. He does love to be able to get a hot cocoa when we are at Target. :)

]]> By: kellyrudnicki http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5918 kellyrudnicki Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:55:30 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5918 I love all these personal stories and especially love hearing that your kiddos are enjoying the recipes! It truly makes my day. Dianne, I completely agree with what you said about sometimes being resentful, especially because these FA kids ARE so tolerant of their condition. Erin, loved that your son enjoyed the pumpkin pie. That recipe always gets rave reviews, and I made a pie special for John once we got home from Thanksgiving vacation. Actually I think it was more for me....Hannah, I DO cook every breakfast, lunch and dinner for my family, and have a stack of great family meal recipes, but nothing is more fun for me than creating endless baking recipes. It's truly a passion of mine, and I think baking is often the harder beast to tackle when cooking with food allergies. Anyone can grill a chicken, right? But baking is a science and I get a lot of joy of developing family favorite recipes that work. Finally Amy...wow! You're a chef and they didn't BEG you to make the feast or at least consult with you? Lol. Seriously though, I couldn't agree with you more (see my previous posts about too much food in school). The dairy and egg allergy always stumps parents and teachers, especially in schools that are "peanut allergy aware". I personally would have those on the planning committee go to this site, get the recipes for hot cocoa, muffins and even pancakes. They're easy and fast, yummy and will include your daughter. I love all these personal stories and especially love hearing that your kiddos are enjoying the recipes! It truly makes my day. Dianne, I completely agree with what you said about sometimes being resentful, especially because these FA kids ARE so tolerant of their condition. Erin, loved that your son enjoyed the pumpkin pie. That recipe always gets rave reviews, and I made a pie special for John once we got home from Thanksgiving vacation. Actually I think it was more for me….Hannah, I DO cook every breakfast, lunch and dinner for my family, and have a stack of great family meal recipes, but nothing is more fun for me than creating endless baking recipes. It’s truly a passion of mine, and I think baking is often the harder beast to tackle when cooking with food allergies. Anyone can grill a chicken, right? But baking is a science and I get a lot of joy of developing family favorite recipes that work. Finally Amy…wow! You’re a chef and they didn’t BEG you to make the feast or at least consult with you? Lol. Seriously though, I couldn’t agree with you more (see my previous posts about too much food in school). The dairy and egg allergy always stumps parents and teachers, especially in schools that are “peanut allergy aware”. I personally would have those on the planning committee go to this site, get the recipes for hot cocoa, muffins and even pancakes. They’re easy and fast, yummy and will include your daughter.

]]> By: Amy http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5916 Amy Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:35:42 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5916 Hi I just read through the Christmas party plans for my 6 yr old's class prior to reading this post- couldn't have come across a better venue to vent. While her class is peanut, tree nut free, my daughter also happens to be dairy and egg allergic. Unfortunately, the christmas party (for which I was not able to attend the planning meeting) is a pancake breakfast complete with juice and milk to drink, muffins, sausages and hot cocoa.... uggh-sounds like an allergic reaction waiting to happen! Since it's all planned do I bring up my grievance or just come bearing my daughter's personal buffet...? I am a trained chef and cook everything for my daughter and all her classmates all the time but come on! Can we not just celebrate the season without so much food!????? Hi
I just read through the Christmas party plans for my 6 yr old’s class prior to reading this post- couldn’t have come across a better venue to vent. While her class is peanut, tree nut free, my daughter also happens to be dairy and egg allergic. Unfortunately, the christmas party (for which I was not able to attend the planning meeting) is a pancake breakfast complete with juice and milk to drink, muffins, sausages and hot cocoa…. uggh-sounds like an allergic reaction waiting to happen! Since it’s all planned do I bring up my grievance or just come bearing my daughter’s personal buffet…? I am a trained chef and cook everything for my daughter and all her classmates all the time but come on! Can we not just celebrate the season without so much food!?????

]]> By: Hannah http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5914 Hannah Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:54:30 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5914 Hi Kelly! I was just wondering if you have thought about a cookbook that focuses on meal-type food rather than sweets and treats? I have 20 month old twin boys with several severe food allergies and I am always frantically searching for safe meal foods for them that appeal to their toddler taste buds. Hi Kelly! I was just wondering if you have thought about a cookbook that focuses on meal-type food rather than sweets and treats? I have 20 month old twin boys with several severe food allergies and I am always frantically searching for safe meal foods for them that appeal to their toddler taste buds.

]]> By: Erin http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5912 Erin Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:55:52 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5912 oh...how I completely understand and know the feeling... Sometimes our kids do need a little spoiling when you consider how much they have to miss out on. :) BTW...I made your pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. It was a hit. My son brought a slice to preschool when they had their feast. He made a special declaration to his class..."This is my special pumpkin pie that my Mommy made just for me." :) He said it like his pie was magic compared to everyone else. It made me feel good too that he liked it. :) Thanks for the recipes! oh…how I completely understand and know the feeling… Sometimes our kids do need a little spoiling when you consider how much they have to miss out on. :) BTW…I made your pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. It was a hit. My son brought a slice to preschool when they had their feast. He made a special declaration to his class…”This is my special pumpkin pie that my Mommy made just for me.” :) He said it like his pie was magic compared to everyone else. It made me feel good too that he liked it. :) Thanks for the recipes!

]]> By: dianne http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5910 dianne Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:12:11 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5910 Hi Kelly, all of us who love kids who have food allergies get it; we have all been in situations like the one you describe, where our kids have to miss out and do things differently to stay safe. It is so hard for them to understand sometimes, and when they don't complain and act so good about it I am so proud of them yet at the same time I feel so resentful that they have to be so grown up at such a young age. Like you, we focus on the positives and all the things that we can have, so thank you for giving us even more goodies to enjoy! Hi Kelly, all of us who love kids who have food allergies get it; we have all been in situations like the one you describe, where our kids have to miss out and do things differently to stay safe. It is so hard for them to understand sometimes, and when they don’t complain and act so good about it I am so proud of them yet at the same time I feel so resentful that they have to be so grown up at such a young age. Like you, we focus on the positives and all the things that we can have, so thank you for giving us even more goodies to enjoy!

]]> By: Laurie F. http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5909 Laurie F. Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:29:42 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5909 I know how you feel! It breaks my heart when I pick up my son from preschool and he tells me what all the kids had for their treat and he always has to eat what I send in. Birthday party days are the worst! I really hope he outgrows his allergies! I know how you feel! It breaks my heart when I pick up my son from preschool and he tells me what all the kids had for their treat and he always has to eat what I send in. Birthday party days are the worst! I really hope he outgrows his allergies!

]]> By: Mama Jomama http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5906 Mama Jomama Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:05:44 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5906 I try to remind our son that this is hard for now, but someday he'll be able to have anything he wants, as someday there will be vaccinations and cures for allergy sufferers. Also, I try to give him the perspective that there are kids with very tough challenges out there. We know kids with Down syndrome, celiac, diabetes and cancer and that puts not having lunches at school into perspective. Yesterday, we saw a picture of a kid with prosthetic legs doing karate. Now that's courage from which we can all learn! I try to remind our son that this is hard for now, but someday he’ll be able to have anything he wants, as someday there will be vaccinations and cures for allergy sufferers. Also, I try to give him the perspective that there are kids with very tough challenges out there. We know kids with Down syndrome, celiac, diabetes and cancer and that puts not having lunches at school into perspective. Yesterday, we saw a picture of a kid with prosthetic legs doing karate. Now that’s courage from which we can all learn!

]]> By: kellyrudnicki http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5904 kellyrudnicki Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:29:36 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5904 Thanks EVERYONE for your wonderful stories...I know you all can truly understand why these types of days and conversations can be difficult. I was recently interviewed for a profile, and the reporter asked what I most enjoyed about writing. My quick answer was my blog readers, as well as the other blogs I visit. It is precisely that support system that means so much to me, and makes this journey with food allergies a little less isolating. Thank you for always commenting with your wonderful and supportive thoughts. We're all in this together! Thanks EVERYONE for your wonderful stories…I know you all can truly understand why these types of days and conversations can be difficult. I was recently interviewed for a profile, and the reporter asked what I most enjoyed about writing. My quick answer was my blog readers, as well as the other blogs I visit. It is precisely that support system that means so much to me, and makes this journey with food allergies a little less isolating. Thank you for always commenting with your wonderful and supportive thoughts. We’re all in this together!

]]> By: Carla http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5903 Carla Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:20:52 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5903 Hugs to you & John Kelly. I fear that Charlie is also starting to hit the age where I can't "sell" it to him anymore - there are times I've resorted to "I know, it's not fair and it stinks" and then I've done the same as you - given him an extra big treat that I know he can have! Thanks for all the yummy recipes - I'm having a hard time keeping my house stocked w/those Snickerdoodles - they disappear as fast as I can make them! Hugs to you & John Kelly. I fear that Charlie is also starting to hit the age where I can’t “sell” it to him anymore – there are times I’ve resorted to “I know, it’s not fair and it stinks” and then I’ve done the same as you – given him an extra big treat that I know he can have! Thanks for all the yummy recipes – I’m having a hard time keeping my house stocked w/those Snickerdoodles – they disappear as fast as I can make them!

]]> By: Liz http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5901 Liz Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:01:11 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5901 This post is exactly why finding your site and cookbook are so important to me and my family. Thank you. This post is exactly why finding your site and cookbook are so important to me and my family. Thank you.

]]> By: Jean http://www.foodallergymama.com/2009/12/02/i-wish/comment-page-1/#comment-5898 Jean Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:46:58 +0000 http://www.foodallergymama.com/?p=1003#comment-5898 My grandson is severe to all nuts and slight to dairy (we can revisit dairy in 2 months) I have spent countless hours on the phone and the net searching safe foods. My daughter in law found you and what a blessing. I now have your cookbook, a new mixer and am ready to go. We went through 3 brands of soy milk before we found sun rich now he will drink milk again. Our cosco is supposed to carry it in shelf save juice box containers which I need to check out. Kelly our many thanks to you and love to your son.. Having to carry an ephi pen everywhere we go is scarry. Jean My grandson is severe to all nuts and slight to dairy (we can revisit dairy in 2 months) I have spent countless hours on the phone and the net searching safe foods. My daughter in law found you and what a blessing. I now have your cookbook, a new mixer and am ready to go. We went through 3 brands of soy milk before we found sun rich now he will drink milk again. Our cosco is supposed to carry it in shelf save juice box containers which I need to check out.
Kelly our many thanks to you and love to your son.. Having to carry an ephi pen everywhere we go is scarry.
Jean

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