Random

I gave this post the title I did because it's going to be just that..random.  So, here it goes.....

First of all we had an absolute blast in Indianapolis Labor Day weekend with my parents and my brother, his wife and their kids.  We did so many fun things.  We went to the zoo, took a horse and carraige ride (which Noah is still talking about!), rode these crazy bikes where 4 people can petal (2 in the front, 2 in the back and the kids in a basket on the front) and so much more.  The boys had a great time.  Aiden has some pretty spectacular meltdowns which were probably a combination of teeth coming in and being tired.  Aiden is just like me, not good tired or hungry.  Reese got his hand sucked into the elevator door and Noah picked up an almond in the elevator.  AN ALMOND!!!  Of all of the things that could be on the elevator floor it had to be an almond.  Of all the kids to pick it up it had to be Noah.  My brother noticed and quickly took it from his hand.  I held his hand in the air until we got to the bathroom and scrubbed it until it was practically raw.  You know that saying, "A vacation with kids isn't really a vacation"?  Well, that certainly has some truth to it.  By the time it was over I was exhausted.  So much fun though!

Second, Devyn is doing much better.  The biggest difference came from taking dairy out of my diet.  She is happier, sleeping better and not screaming (at least not from her tummy hurting).  The probiotic drops seems to be helping as well.  She is finally sleeping longer at night.  Last night she fell asleep around 9:45 and didn't get up until 4:10 to eat.  It was heaven.  Sunday I ate broccoli with cheese without thinking.  That night she was up every 2 hours crying.  Yep.  It's dairy my friends.  She's still not the happiest baby on earth, but she is WAY better.  I think she'll be like Reese and be happier when she is on the move.

I also am thinking I need to do some advocating for new laws about food allergies and restaurants.  While we were on our way to Indy we stopped at McDonald's to feed the boys.  Big chain restaurants tend to be the safest places to eat.  It was a nightmare.  It was disgusting for starters, but even worse no one could give me any idea about where to find a list of allergens in the food and they were completely rude and visibly annoyed that I even asked.  I was furious.  They obviously don't know me and don't know that I can't let things go.  I looked at the health department's website to file a complaint (yes, I'm serious).  You can only file complaints about the cleanliness of the restaurant or getting sick from the food.  I find that unbelievable.  If the way they prepare their food and their lack of knowledge about food allergies isn't a responsibility of the health department how am I supposed to know where it is safe to eat and not?  There are currently no laws regulating it.  Only 2 states have laws about food safety when it comes to regulating that maganers be trained to deal with the issues and allergens be clearly listed and available for consumers.  (I actually learned that from a documentary I watched on Sunday).  It made me realize that I'll have to do something or nothing will get done.  So, I contacted FARE (food allergy research and education).  They advocate for people with food allergies, work on finding cures for food allergies, etc.  They even have a section for how to work on laws in your state.  I think I've found a new mission.  I refuse to let people dismiss the seriousness of Noah's allergy and the allergies of many other people.  He can't speak for himself, so I will speak for him.