Food allergy reactions get worse with every exposure and they can change very quickly. What look like "innocent" hives one day can be a life-threatening reaction the next. And with hives being a precursor to anaphylactic shock, we have epi-pens for Kayla. We have been carrying them for over a year and got 4 twin packs (totalling 8 pens). The twin packs are needed b/c sometimes one dose is not enough to last until you get to the hospital, so it's best to have a 2nd dose at all times. We have 2 in the house - one that stays in the house in the kitchen. The 2nd is in a pouch that goes everywhere that Kayla goes. We never leave home without it. We even take it for walks around the block. Then their babysitter has a set and my parents have a set at their house. Now, this is typical for people with epi-pens. And come September, we'll need a 5th to be kept at her school.

This being said, her pens are all due to expire in April. So...her Pediatrician called in a prescription for 4 new twin packs which we picked up 2 days ago. Of course, I when J got home I noticed that 1 of them expired in Jun of 07. So I called and notified them that I would be bringing it back to trade for one that expires next year. They were fine with this. J went to do the exchange today. When he was there, he was told that our insurance company notified them that we have been flagged for an Audit of the prescription b/c they believe our Ped over-prescribed the epi's. Huh? The very nature of this medicine means you need multiple ones to have everywhere your child is. I know this is not a new concept. Please - it's not like she prescribed a narcotic! Give me a break! So now I have to call next week and complain to the insurance company, blah...blah...blah. I'm sure it won't do any good, but it always makes me feel better to give them grief. They sure are quick to give us grief.

Well, at least on a lighter note, we had a great day at gymnastics despite the bad weather. It's really cold again and it's been sleeting all day. Luckily this morning, there was rain mixed in so the roads didn't get bad until this afternoon when we were able to hibernate. Kayla did amazingly well this week. Every week she is more and more independent. If you remember, she's in a transition class which is leading up to her being in the no parent involvement 3 year old class in September. Next week, they are actually kicking us adults out of the room. I may have to go in a time or two if Kayla calls for me. But that's basically what the teachers want. But today, I sat on the sidelines the whole time and she only called for me once and it's b/c she needed help doing something. And I'm happy to say she's finally fully warmed up to and actually likes the male teacher. She now lets him help her do things, like backward rolls. That's a very big deal for her. It's bittersweet to see her grow up so much. And after he gave her the stamps on her hands after class she said "Thank you Mr. Ryan". Oh - what happened to my little girl? And where did this big girl come from?

So the girls are in bed and J is outside ridding our driveway of the ice that has accumulated today, just so more can fall through the night. He always hates to wait to the end - he does much better when he can tackle some of it during the storm. So I'm off to have a relaxing evening - maybe watch some TV and read a book and maybe even have some dairy-infested hot cocoa. Yum!

I hope some of you are enjoying some warmth tonight. I'm jealous of those who are!