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Awhile back, we had this two-week span where it seemed like we were just little medical wonders wandering in and out of doctors' offices and hospitals like it was the natural thing to do. It was crazy!
(Before you read on, please understand that I know we really have an "easy" life. My heart hurts for those who are truly walking the road of medical unknowns and devastating diagnosis. This post is not to whine but to chronicle the events of our family so when I'm old, I can read this and "remember when"...)
It all started with Maddox's six month well-baby check-up. Little baby had been growing like a weed and needed to start getting more food to balance out his height (93%) and weight (40%)! Long and lean...not like his mommy! I happened to mention to our pediatrician a symptom the boys were having, so we were back the next day with the boys. That visit sent us to the hospital for kidney ultrasounds (he said sometimes twins can be more susceptible to kidney issues).
No worries, that all turned out fine (they just need to avoid red 40 dye). However, in there somewhere, we picked up a little strep throat. Back to get all the older kids swabbed. Since McClain was already on the watch to get his abnormally ginormous tonsils out, this sealed the deal. Off to the ENT! A tonsillectomy was lined up for the following Monday. Back to the pediatrician for a pre-surgery physical. While there, the doctor thought Carson looked a little too pale. A quick check of his previous blood work revealed he had pretty low iron. More iron needed stat!
Meanwhile, a little stomach bug happened to weave its way through our family knocking people out one by one for a few hours at a time. Phew...make.it.stop...crossed my mind more than once during these days!
That Monday morning, very bright (actually still dark before the sun came up!) and early, we were all off for McClain's tonsillectomy. Thankfully, we were just about the only ones at the surgery center, so we all got to hang out in the back room.
So what's a mom do to get her kids well and healthy?
I headed to Costco, of course, and loaded up on even more berries, tangerines, bananas, greens, vitamins and pita chips. Oh wait, the pita chips are just a stress snack for me!
That's how we got back on our feet on the road to recovery!
These things are not new nor are they rocket science, but they are tasty and completely packed with nutrition! Plus, *everyone* loves our special treats!
Orange juice, frozen mixed berries, spinach, plain or greek yogurt, ice.
Use as much or as little as you like of these things. I usually just use a heaping cup of berries and yogurt, a generous splash of orange juice, and a couple of hearty handfuls of spinach. Top with a few cubes of ice and pulse away until smooth! Add a banana or a little agave nectar if it needs to be sweeter for your sweeties. (Don't ditch the spinach...I promise, they won't even care!)
Oven-Roasted Kale
(recipe from Whole Foods--we called then Kale Chips because that seemed more fun!)
2 T. olive oil (or less)
2-3 large garlic cloves, minced
sea salt and ground black pepper
1 t. toasted sesame seeds
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Rinse kale and pat dry. Remove thick ribs and roughly chop the leaves. Toss with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Spread out on a large baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring every five minutes. Leaves will be tender, crisp on the edges, and slightly browned. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Thankfully, everyone in our house is healthy again and our schedules have gone back to normal.
The only problem now...my left eye will not stop twitching? Who's going to play doctor for me? Ready for your advice...go!
