someone hug me!!!

[Christine Haskell]

LOL!
but seriously, i am a little on the weepy side....we pre-register Quinn for pre school this morning!

what!?!?! yes! my baby will be in pre school in august! oh my! what happened?????

and i am a little nervous too...if you aren't familiar, quinn has several severe (life threatening) food allergies. so the thought of him out of my care, EATING somewhere else is frightening too! i know it will be okay, it is a really wonderful place.

okay, deep breaths....;)

[Christie Frachioni]

<<<HEALING HUGS>>>

I know what you mean, Christine. One of my best girlfriends has a son with several several allergies, too. And, yes, they've already had an ambulance ride from school this year. BUT, because the staff at school knew what to look for, had an "epi-pen", and didn't hesitate to call 9-1-1, everything was alright. They still aren't sure what caused his reaction, as they are all aware of his allergies, and are fairly certain he didn't come in contact with any known allergins that cause problems. Of course, my girlfriend was absolutely FRANTIC to get the call to meet them at the hospital. BUT, everyone was prepared to act appropriately, and all was well. That's the key: Preparedness.

It's SO scary having a little one and relenquishing control to others. And, there will always be that "nagging voice" in the back of your mind that will keep you passively nervous. BUT, it DOES get better.

I hope this comforts you more than scaring you. You're going to slowly have to "let go", and this is the first step. Luckily, it's in a somewhat "controlled" environment with intelligent and caring people who will know what to do in an emergency.

[Sandersmr]

My niece fortunately has outgrown her food allergies - with the exception of peanuts. After she had a pretty bad reaction at a family reunion - she thought she was eating "candy" when it was indeed trail mix, she learned that she can't eat peanuts. So she helps the teachers remember - she's in first grade this year and they have been through this now for 2 years of public school and daycare and pre-K before that.

Talk to the teachers, the school nurse and anyone else you think needs to know about the allergies. Audrey know she has an epi-pen, although I don't think she realizes it's actually a <shhh> shot.

Of course the bad thing about peanut allergies is that she can't eat peanut butter. And that's what the cafeteria normally serves when the kids can't find anything else they want to eat. Audrey is a picky eater so her teacher will help her find bread and cheese to make a cheese sandwich if needed.

I was over visiting for Halloween two years ago - she was just about to turn 5 at the time. She came in from trick-or-treating and sorted her candy to what Daddy could have and what she could have. She didn't have anything with peanuts in her pile, and in fact Daddy got a few extras that didn't have peanuts either.

So, what I guess I'm saying is if you haven't already, work with Quinn to start identifying for himself what he can and can not eat. Then have the teachers as a backup.

As far as your baby starting school - just think of all the scrapping time you'll gain!!! Plus all the new opportunities -first day of school, school programs/plays, school art work...

[Debb Cozzi]

Oh big, big hugs are coming your way sweetie....it is so hard seeing our little ones grow up and sometimes even harder entrusting them to the care of others. My little Austie has life-threatening allergies to bee stings so I know the level of anxiety that accompanies that wave goodbye every morning. I just want to encourage you to prayerfully share those fears with our loving God...he will comfort you and bring you peace.

In the meantime, come here and let me give you a great big (((((hug))))) .....
and here is a hankie! :) :)

[Sandersmr]

<giggling at Debb> "little Austie"???!???! Oh man, I bet he hates when you call him that!

[MommySpice]

I sent you hugs on Hello, but I'll send them here as well! God has it under control! I promise! much love to you!

[Christine Haskell]

i have to say that i am really truly wiping my tears right now....you all are so kind and warm and helpful....i just love all of my new friends and family!!!! thank you for your kind thoughts and encouragement!!!

we have been teaching quinn since we found out about all of his allergies (peanuts, dairy, eggs & strawberries) that there are things he cannot have...when ever we are at a party, and there are bowls of snacks, he always brings me over to each one and asks if they have "moo moo" in them. he is very aware that he can get sick from foods. he is a bright kid (i know i am biased, but a lot of strangers tell me this too) and i think that has to help.

[Kim Wright]

Watching your child move on ... most especially into a new world that you can't be a part of is so hard! I wish you didn't have even more worries than the majority of us! I know the first day is probably over by now ... but I'd be surprized if your worry lessened for quite some time. Take deep breaths and smile brightly (because he takes his clues from you) and pray! Then girl come here where we can all reach out and hold your hand and give you TONS of hugs! So here's mine ((((Hugs)))) and my prayers as well!

[Stacey Stehley]

Christine!!!!!!!! I know a little of what you're going through. We don't have the allergies to deal with (at least not yet, that we know of!) but I did have to send my BABY off to kindergarten this year. That's some hard stuff, my friend. We know they have to grow up, but it's hard to let them go. It's much harder on Mommy, believe me.

[Stephanie]

hugs christine!

[Donna]

((((((((((((((((((CHRISTINE))))))))))))))))))))))) )))))))

GROUP HUG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We're praying for you and your son. I know God knows exactly what is best for him. We'll always have a listening ear!

[Birgit Kerr]

Ohhhh Christine !!!! {{{{HUGS}}}}
I can only imagine what it feels like ... I am still a few years away from that, but still ... it must be so hard to let go, especially in the beginning when all the anxiety is stilll so present. But it will be ok and like you said ... he's a bright kid, he'll amaze and astound you, no doubt.
And you have still a few months to get used to the idea too ;)

[rlma]

(((((Christine))))) I too am a few years away from that but can sympathize with what you are going through. It is so difficult to trust anyone with your little ones. My daughter's first day with a nanny was sooooo difficult for me! I will pray that everything goes smoothly for you!

[joannknnrd]

Ohhhh Christine! I felt the same way when I signed our baby up last year. She too, has some health concerns, that I worried about being addressed in part time pre school. But now, she's thriving and loves school. She even has a boy friend (shudder). Best of luck to you and your little one!

[umajo]

big hugs all will be okay :):)

[twinkerbell]

Ah man! Big (((HUGS))) for you! I can't believe that my daughter will be starting at Kindergarden this fall! It will be an interesting time for me I think. I'm sure your baby will be fine!

[lilysmama]

well lily certainly doesn't have all of the troubles with allergies to deal with, but i do understand not wanting to leave them in the care of someone else! the first day we left her at "school" i literally felt like my heart was being ripped out. i had heard people say that before, but didn't realize that it was really possible to feel that way. she was about 15 months old when she started there and after about 4 days of crying when we left (both lily and me!) she was absolutely loving it. now she is M-A-D when she has to miss because of sickness or the weather or sometimes even just a holiday or weekend....lol! she begs to go if we say there is no school today. it is daycare/preschool run by the school district i work in and there are only 7 kids in lily's class ages 2-5 and they are all teachers' kids, so it is more like a school than a daycare! today when she had to stay home because of the snow, her exact words were, "i NEED to go to my schooooooollll to see my fends (friends in lily-speak). they need to see me and they miss me. i yuv (love) ms. linda and i want her to teach me and be my boss today." i almost died laughing...so much for wanting to spend a day at home with mama! i hope her love of learning and school lasts forever!! ok - that was probably my longest post ever! geesh - sorry!! :) christine - it'll be harder on you than on him...he will do great and he is in good hands. i'll say a little prayer for your family and wait to hear your funny first few days stories! thanks for sharing with us!

[Christine Haskell]

thanks again...to all of you! you are just soooo wonderful!

[vanillalatte]

(((((((((((((((((((CHRISTINE!))))))))))))))))))))

My "baby" started first grade this year. I had such a hard time with that myself, I can only imagine how you must be feeling knowing your son's sensitivities. My older daughter had a girl in her second grade class who had some extreme food allergies, too. Every time anyone sent treats to school, we had to tell the teacher ahead of time what we were sending. The teacher would let the mom know and then if it was something the little girl couldn't have, her mom would send a separate treat to school for her. I always tried hard to find something that she could have.

Christine, it sounds as though you've prepared him well and as you said, he's a smart little guy who is aware of his limitations. He'll do great!

[mommysmemories]

I am a Kindergarten teacher. This year, I have a little boy who is allergic to many things, also. His mother send in treats for him to have whenever there is a party (she sends several at once, then I let her know when we start running low). We haven't had any trouble so far (I'm knocking on wood!).

Then, on top of that, my son started kindergarten this year (not at my school, and he's my second, so it wasn't *quite* so bad!). In November, he was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome, and I began reading about changing his diet to control his symptoms. This is working very well so far. He doesn't eat at school, but he does eat at daycare. I have given them a list of foods he cannot have, and I take my own bread for him. They have been really good about working with us. I will also be sending his own treats to school, since I foresee chocolate cupcakes (which are on the "no" list) in his future with Valentine's parties this week! :)

I truly believe the Lord sent that little boy to my class this year to cushion my fears when I learned my son's diagnosis. He certainly does take care of me, and He will take care of you and your son, too! :)

[Christine Haskell]

hey kendra...thanks! what have you adjusted in his diet? just curious :)

[Whisper Pink]

((((((((((((((((Christine)))))))))))))))
It has been years since I sent my boys off to pre-school...too many to count!!! It is hard but we are here for you, when does he start??? I know no one can care or love him like his Mom!!! Try to remember it will be a good experience for him and that God is watching out for him and You!!! and we are all here giving you (((((((((hugs)))))))) support and prayers during this time!!!

[Frani_54]

(BIG HUG) I know it's a milestone for any mother, but I'm sure it's doubled for you....I do have to say most good pre-schools are very aware now a days about food allergies....so I'm sure the little one will be in good hands....