The Circus & Peanuts

Peanuts are an airborne allergen and just by breathing those in it could be very dangerous. For that very reason we are not supposed to have peanut products in our house or go places that have open peanut containers. So we cannot go to places like Texas Roadhouse where peanuts are everywhere and all over the floor.

A couple nearby towns were having a small traveling circus come.  We decided to go. It was just a large tent with a circus arena set up in the middle.  WHY oh WHY did I NOT think about the fact there may be peanuts there. It didn’t occur to me. We had gone to a much larger circus when Aubree was a baby and they had done away with peanuts because of allergies.

We were all settled in our seats and the Circus began. We had great seats. The kids were excited, laughing, having a great time.  Venders were going around selling cotton candy, popcorn, and all the toys that we cringe when we see them trying to sell. About a half hour into the show (the first show at this town) they announced that they were selling peanuts for the next 5 mins and there were prize vouchers in the bags. My heart stopped. In this hot, muggy tent they were about to be hundreds of people eating peanuts. I quickly took her out. I could not bring myself to risk it.  We tried to watch from the opening of the tent but she just could not get into it from that far away, plus it was making me nervous.  Luckily there was a nearby park so Aubree and I went there to play, while the rest of the group finished watching the circus. I explained to Aubree why we left. My AMAZING baby girl understood, and never once acted disappointed. Yet, how could a 3 year old NOT be disappointed with that?!?!?

Now I struggle with the fact that I SHOULD have known, I should have called, I could have caused her to have a bad reaction. Just sucks.  YES I believe they should have had it posted that there were going to be peanuts. But ultimately it is no one’s fault but my own. I as her mother should have checked in advance! Live and learn, but darn it. Not how I wanted today to go. It could have been worse; she could have actually had a reaction.  I am truly THANKFUL! She didn’t and I believe she didn’t because we got the heck out of there. Blah, Blah, Blah!

Preschool

Preschool…..

I am trying to decide for the Allergy factor alone if I need to go ahead and slowly start school with Aubree.  Hallie did not go to school at all until this past year. She just did PreK and it was 4 days a week. It worked out great for her. BUT I am not sure how I could handle always being in control of what Aubree eats to being away from her 4-5 days per week. She has two years before going to Kindergarten. Do I want to start 2 days a week this coming year then 3 days a week the following year?? That way we both ease our way into it. OR do I want to take these next two years and make sure she 100% understands all of her allergies and what she can eat??  I honestly am not too worried about the academic aspect of preschool. She is a bright girl and would be fine.   I don’t know. I don’t know.  I do know that I would have to be 100% Comfortable with the school/teacher before I would even consider it.  I am proud of how much Aubree understands what she is allergic to and what she can have. But she is still just 3 and looks for my direction a lot. My biggest fear is that an adult would tell her that a food is ok when it is not, and something would happen and I NOT be there! I would not handle that well.  I don't want her to feel like the "Freak" of the class and be embarassed. I don't want teachers to be annoyed at all the questions I am going to ask and how involved I am going to want to be. But this is MY baby and it is MY job to keep her safe!  I have even toyed around with the homeschooling option. There is so much to learn about life from the school setting. I guess I need to weigh my options.  I don’t know, I don’t know!!

This may sound like not a big deal to some….but it is a HUGE deal to us. My priority is to keep Aubree SAFE, happy & healthy!