The Holidays are full of togetherness, laughter, and FOOD!
Before we had Aubree, I had never given it a second thought. We always made puppy chow, peanut clusters, peanut butter pie, white chocolate party mix, sugar cookies with icing, chocolate covered pretzels ect........all of that has changed! NO peanuts or peanut butter even allowed in OUR house! Yes, there is all of that stuff all year long but it is in excess during the holidays! Aubree, being 3, wants what all of the other kids have. Can you blame her? I have been determined to find “special” things for Aubree to eat that she will get excited about, that are similar to what everyone else has. We have done a lot of recipe changing, and creating our own. Some have worked out great, and some not so well! We go everywhere with a lunchbox. Is it always easy? NO. It does take a lot of extra time and work but MY Aubree Grace is so worth it!
Just think about all of the times you spur of the moment go out to eat because you don’t feel like cooking! Allergies changes that all! Restaurants are not the best place for people with multiple allergies! So I end up still having to make a meal for her and feel bad because I feel like she feels left out, even if she doesn’t give it a second thought. So, not really the carefree evening not cooking used to be! Another example: Just this week a family member was going to stop at a local restaurant to get take out for a Christmas gathering. We had not been there with Aubree. Usually I would just make her something but wanted to see if they had anything on the menu she could safely eat. I looked online for their Allergy info….NONE. Called them, got transferred to THREE different people, and then I was told if I come in and ask for a manager he could print me off something. I went in there and the Manager was very nice, but really was of no help. The info he printed off for me was not intended for customers but to assist them when talking to a customer with allergies. The print off recommended that she not eat anything out of the fryer because of cross contamination and also nothing off the grill for the same reason, NICE….that left very little. The manager was excited to hear she was not allergic to corn, they ONLY cook it with butter. Sorry to tell you sir, butter has dairy in it! We opted to make her a meal at home that was the same as what her older sister was getting.
I did not appreciate how easy and carefree my life was before Allergies entered it. It is a whole new world that I had never even thought about before. It is a world that usually you don’t think about unless you have to! Now, I am thankful that I have a happy, healthy little girl, that I am doing my best to keep safe! I am thankful for all of the knowledge that I have gained through this journey and hope to share some of the knowledge with others that may need/want it!
Aubree is surprising me every day with her knowledge about her Allergies and how most of the time she is perfectly content eating “her” stuff. I am proud of her. I know that is all she knows, but she still amazes me!
As Aubree's Nana, I am totally amazed at how well her parents are finding Aubree safe alternatives. Yes it is a lot of work but it does make Aubree feel she is getting the same type of food as other people. BUT Aubree does realize that she can only eat her version. Rice Krispie treats, chex mix, chicken nuggets, special recipes for her cookies and cupcakes are just a few of the foods with Aubree safe versions. We all continue daily to look for new food ideas for her. With so many different allergies it certainly is a challenge. Aubree Grace is worth all of the effort and challenge that goes into keeping her safe. We love her so much <3
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