Splash down waterpark

Today mommy and Aunt We We took me to a water park. At first I didn't want to go. Mommy said water park, I said town park? No sweetie, you'll see. They decided to take me to Splash down. The internet said it was the biggest park in the area. Why drive to the beach when you have it right here. Of course when mommy and Aunt We We drove up they started laughing. Not so big and certainly not a beach but whatever, we're here let's give it a try. I got in free because I'm still 2. We got a locker, put our stuff in it, grabbed some lounge chairs and headed to the toddler area. At 1st I wasn't quite sure about it. But mommy took me up to a water slide and encouraged me to slide down it. I landed in the pool, got up and laughed. AGAIN!!!

I also tried out the lazy river. Mommy jumped on an inner tube and I rode on her lap. Aunt We We had her own inner tube. We were cruising down the river at full speed. Then I hung out in a wadding pool. It was about 2 feet tall. I could stand and practice going under the water by bending my kneed far enough for my head to go completely under. Aunt We We was really impressed with my new skills and mommy was so proud of me. Mommy didn't bring her camera so we don't have any photos to post but she said next time she'll have it.

We had a great time. Mommy wants to take me to another water park before the summer is over.

The POOL!!!

Man I am loving the pool. Today I went under the water at least 20 times all on my own. Part of the pool is roped off for swim lanes. Since no one was swimming laps, I would go up to the rope and mommy would tell me that she will count to 3 and when she gets to 3 to close my mouth so she could put me under the water, under the rope and come up on the other side. 1, 2, 3.....under and up.....I DID it!!!! I'm really getting good at this. I can't wait to show my dad!

Oh by the way, Amanda the life guard is really cute. I told her she was my girl. She laughed.

Pool

Today mommy and I went to the pool. While we were hanging out this little girl swam up to mommy and started getting mommy's attention. Mommy was amazed at how well she was swimming under the water. Mommy asked her how old she was and she said 3. Mommy looked at me and said look Cody, she's 3 and she's swimming under the water. I told mommy that I'm NOT going UNDER the water. Next thing you know, this little girl kept swimming and swimming around mommy so I had no choice. I went under the water. Mommy immediately clapped as I came up and said "I DID IT"!!!

Mommy's note: I'm really proud of Cody. He was a little nervous at first but he was determined to go under and show me that he could do it. I'm proud of Cody regardless if he can or can't go under the water. He's the best little boy anyone could ask for. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera today but I will get this on video soon.

Shopping for big boy beds

Today mommy took me shopping for big boy beds. She really doesn't like that I'm sleeping my crib still but unfortunately she just can't make up her mind on what bed to buy me. I know it sounds crazy but buying a headboard and footboard is expensive so she wants to make sure she likes it cause I'll have it for several years. Mommy is leaning toward a bed from Pottery Barn or the Stanley furniture "Young America" collection. Daddy like the Matrix bed. It's kind of like a bunk bed but without the lower bed. Along with the wooden frame, the bed comes with material drapes over the bed to make a castle. Some of these beds include ladders and slides. It's a neat concept and don't get me wrong.....I loved it! But mommy is not so sold. Daddy is but not mommy. :)

Love the pool!

A chat with the nurse

As you all know, Cody went to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland on June 10th to see a very well known allergist, Dr. Wood. I waited 6 months for this appointment and unfortunately didn't have the appointment that I dreamed about for all those months. The doctor is very knowledgeable and professional and he took Cody's case very seriously which did make me happy. After the appointment, Cody had blood drawn and the doctor said I would hear from him in 2 weeks. Thankfully, my long (almost a month) wait is over. I was pleasantly surprised with the information that the doctors nurse gave me. Here's the 411. :)

We can now introduce corn, oat and soy 1 at a time in small servings. We are to monitor him for any kind of rashes, hives, itching or anything out of the norm. I thought I was giving him soy but it turns out that soy letchium is not a true soy. They want me to introduce him to soy flour and soy. As for corn, I can give him corn chips or corn kernals itself. Again in small servings but not at the same time I try the soy. Lastly, I may introduce oats to him like oatmeal or a special gluten free cereal called oatie o's. I'm beyond excited. To gain 3 types of foods to try is amazing. Our prior allergist had us avoid strawberries, blueberries and all beans and peas. We are allowed to now give him all beans (black, pinto, white, green, etc) and peas which again opens up a whole new array of foods. I'm giggling with delight.

Now we still have to avoid peanuts, tree nuts, egg, wheat, gluten, all fish and shellfish. I am fine with avoiding these foods.

The best and most surprising news from this whole conversation is that Cody will be doing a WHEAT CHALLENGE !!!!! I can't believe it. They feel that since his wheat numbers were going down (from 86 in 2008 to 46 in 2009) and the knowledge that he has potentially eaten wheat products that they feel there is a need for a food challenge. I'm beyond amazement because I never expected this good news. Of course he may not pass it but at least they are willing to try.

So to make a long story short, the conversation with the nurse was so informative. She had my 5 page narrative on Cody's complete medical history and she was actually quoting my information to me over the phone which meant alot since I worked really hard on it. I certainly didn't plan for it to be 5 pages but I wanted to make sure that I had all his history including all medicines he has taken, creams I've applied, bath soaps/shampoos, (which may clarify his eczema issues), all the foods he's eaten, avoided, all his blood tests, skin prick tests and whatever else I felt was important. Cody is our child and my job is to make sure he is healthy and happy. I'll travel wherever I have to to keep him safe. He's a wonderful little boy who deserves a chance at a great life. If it has to be a food allergy life then so be it. But if not, this momma is going to do some awesome cooking and he'll be the 1st to taste it all. :)

Thanks to everyone who has listened to me complain, whine, my ups and downs, good news and bad news. Without you all I wouldn't have the support system I so need to stay strong and learn as much as I can about food allergies.

HUGS and KISSES!!

GOODNIGHT MOMMY AND DADDY

Cody just called us from grandma and grandads house. He was calling to tell us goodnight. His sweet little voice is just too cute. Ken and I totally adore our little Cody. Goodnight sweetie, we'll see you soon.

Food allergy meeting

Since Cody is out of town, I had an opprotunity to meet up with our food allergy support group at Mike's American Grill.

Off to grammies house

Mrs. Lusina is on vacation for 6 weeks so mommy and daddy met grandma and grandad in PA so that they could watch me for the week while mommy works. I know I'm going to have a blast at grammies house cause my tractor and sandbox are there. We goto the town park, the pool and I get to run all around their big yard. It's so much fun there.

Thank you grandma and grandad for watching me this week.