H1N1 - Vaccinations in the Schools

I applaud the efforts of the Health Department, CDC and public school systems in bringing the FREE H1N1 vaccines to our schools. 

The school has sent home a package, and if I sign the consent form my daughter can receive the immunization for free.  For parents who want their children to have this, and who are financially struggling (that's all of us, right?) or have struggles with finding the time to take their kids to the doctors, this is wonderful.  Their choice seems fairly clear.   (Well, except that any reactions are likely to happen within minutes to hours after receiving the vaccine, and I am just wondering who will be carefully monitoring the kids during this time?  The teacher with 25 students in her class, all of which act weird everyday?)

But many parents have concerns about vaccines of any type.  There are also the kids like my 3 year old that can't have vaccines because of allergic reactions. 

And, then there are the parents like me.  The ones that don't ever get flu shots, as I think it's better for us to build up our immunity naturally.  And, the ones that are worried that the vaccine hasn't been studied enough.  I fall into both categories.

I actually think I actually already had H1N1:  See "H1N1:It's in Loudoun- Party Anyone?"  At the time of that posting, I was not planning on my kids getting the vaccine, even if it was ready in time.  But, since then, I keep hearing stories of kids - friends of friends of mine - dying from this flu.  Dying.  Kids.  I keep asking "Was the kid healthy BEFORE they got sick?  Did they have underlying issues?" and my friends look at me like I am trying to decide if I care about the kid dying.  OF COURSE I CARE.   My heart is grieving for those parents.  I think no parent should ever have to bury a child.  Ever. Including me.

Since I can not take back their pain, I am just trying to assess the risk here; the risk for my kids.  I really don't know what to do.  I would rather have my kids be exposed and build up immunity naturally.  I CAN'T let the youngest have the shot (or nasal mist, I don't think).  But, should I let my first grader?  I would never forgive myself if she died and I could have prevented it.

The info sent home from the school is not helpful.  It says they are probably offering either mist (a live attenuated vaccine) or shots (inactivated vaccine).  Both require two doses, a month apart. The nasal mist does not include Thimerosal.  Both have risks, and "rarely" cause death.  (Rarely?  Seriously?  Isn't that the same odds if they get the Flu?)

Better yet, it says if your kid does get really sick or die from it, your liabilities are legally limited; but they set up a federal fund to pay for the medical costs associated with a bad reaction.  I am not even sure what I should think about that.

What are you going to do?  On Facebook and Twitter, I posted this question and the answers I got included thoughts like:

-They'd never get my daughter to have the shot!  Maybe the nasal mist.

-There are concerns about the nasal mist.

-Don't want my kid to be the guinea pig.

-My kids are getting them; ASAP.

-I don't know which is worse, leaning towards allowing the vaccine...I have friends who's kids have gotten H1N1, and it is bad in Tennesee.
-My daughter's getting the vaccine (if the scratch test goes well), and she's even allergic to eggs! (Note: they have cautions if you have life threatening allergies to eggs.)
-Suggestions for researching the topic on other sites (listed below).
-Concerns about it being based in "egg", sometimes from people who don't like that concept, other times b/c of parents whose kids are allergic to eggs.
-Concerns because some use fetal tissue in the vaccines - I didn't know that, by the way (but this person indicated you can ask for the "ethical" version).
-Concerns about it being based in mercury (if it is, I didn't see that information anywhere).
-Responses that indvidiual doctors and nurses have responded, well, with just as much of a divided response as anyone else.

Of course, I also got comments from some comments with parents who aren't that educated or have been misinformed and said things that were just plain silly (those are the only ones that concern me).  But, of the educated adults, it's pretty divided.

And, then there was the reaction from my husband "Don't you dare let them give that to Rachael.  I've watched the whole thing on the news every morning and I think they rushed it.  I am not letting my kids have it."  While my husband gets a vote, it may not be the deciding one.  I will completely override him if I become convinced that it is better for my children.  Oh the other hand, he normally defers these judgements entirely to me, and doesn't even have an opinion most times.  This time, he has a strong opinion.  I have to seriously consider that.

I want to hear what you're planning to do, and why.  Please, share your thoughts. 

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Important Update:  I got my hands on another pamphlet floating around, "A Guide For Parents." It is from the CDC, Virginia Department of Health, and Dept of Health and Human Services.  It says that the antiviral meds that can treat this disease are most effective if started within the first 2 days of coming down with H1N1.   So, my typical "you must be sick for 3 days before we go to the doctor" theory is going out the window.  I think I will be one of those freaky parents who rush their kids to the doctor's office for testing at the first sign of every sniffle, and I will insist my children get the medicine and not wait and see if they can fight it on their own.  That is not the kind of mom I like to be, but these are my babies here.

I took my kids in for a regular checkup and discussed it with our doctor, she strongly encourages the vaccine.  Since my kids are healthy, she recommended the nasal mist.  I asked her "what if" and asked her about the effectiveness of the antivirals.  She reiterated that they MUST BE STARTED within 2-3 days of getting sick to ensure effectiveness!!!  This is critical and not being widely discussed.  Please, spread the word!  At her practice, if you come in with flu like symptoms they will test you - the initial test can be done in 8 minutes in their office.  They send a second specimen to the CDC for confirmation and study, but if the initial test comes back positive, they give the antivirals immediately.  It's a 5 day course. As your doctor about their policy.

I told her I typically have a "you must be sick 3 days" policy before we go to the doctors.  She chuckled a little and said that is normally why she likes me, but warned "Don't be messing around like that this year.  This is something to take very seriously. Whether or not they have the shots, if your kids get a fever bring them in immediately."

Then, I watched a doctors show on afternoon TV.  Consistent with everything else I've learned, the major differences between a cold and flu are that with a flu, you have a fever, muscle/joint aches a dry cough (not post nasal drip cough) and maybe tummy problems.  It is nearly impossible to know if you have the seasonal flu or H1N1 without testing.

Ironically, at the end of the day I decided we'd forgoe the shots and monitor carefully, and do lots and lots of preventative stuff.  My husband came home and said he thought about it and maybe the kids should get the vaccines.  I looked puzzled and told him I had been leaning towards not doing the vaccines.  He laughed and said, whatever you decide I will back you 100%.  What is a parent to do?  It's a tough call this year.

Regardless of where you stand on this issue, remember we're all just trying to do what we hope and believe is right for our children. Even if we disagree with each other, I respect your thoughts, and I pray for the safety and well being of your children and those you love. Please do the same for me.

***

If you are undecided, these are the resources the school provided:

http://www.flu.gov/

www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu

www.cdc.gov/flu

www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/parents

http://www.vaers.hhs.gov/

Email: flu@loudoun.gov

Some parents recommended these sites:
http://www.momsagainstmercury.org/
http://www.nvic.org/
http://www.909shot.com/
http://www.vaccineeducation.org/

Trying To Lead

I was a Girl Scout for a short time as a child.  My leaders, while they tried and their hearts were in the right place, didn't create much opportunity. 

My first leader was a nice lady, our meetings were afterschool at her house.  She had a special needs son who was there and no one to help her manage him or her other daughter during our meetings.  We did a lot of coloring.  That's really all I remember. 

My second leader was a single mom who kept missing meetings because of her work schedule.  Eventually, she had meetings on Saturday mornings, but I could only meet every OTHER weekend because I went to my dads on alternating weekends.  So, I dropped out.

It was quite a disappointment.  I did a lot of the stuff to get badges (on my own), and I wanted to be a good little Girl Scout.

Committed to making sure my daughter had a better experience, when Rachael entered Kindergarten, I stepped up and offered to be a co-leader.  I had no idea what I was in for!  OH, THE FORMS!.... It's a paperwork blizzard!... and they refer to things like A130, B240... huh?  What's that?  They didn't tell us exactly what to do and the program for earning "petals" was not very structured. ("Daisies" are the K & 1st grade level of Girl Scouts, and they earn petals to complete a flower as they complete the main goals.) As I tried to learn things, the rules were changing.  It seemed "Daisies" were an exception to everything.  It was so frustrating.

One of my closest friends is a leader, and has been for a long time.  I asked her how she could stand it.  She said she does it because she loved it, not for her daughter.  I just didn't get that at all.  I was doing it for my daughter.

But, then, something amazing happened.  I was in the grocery store and one of my girls saw me.  She was so excited.... and came running to me, yelling, hugging, bragging to the entire store.  Then it happened again when I was at school for something, and then it kept happening.  One day I came home and there was a banner on my lawn that said "The Best Girl Scout Leader Lives Here".  Then, they started giving me presents - pictures, trinkets, homemade poppyseed bread.  Let me tell you.... it's all worth it.  Every single silly GS rule, every lettered and numbered form. 

Being a leader is a heart melting feeling.  Who needs drugs with a high like that?

I admit, there was so much to learn, last year I felt like I was just following along.  This year, I'm (at least trying) to really lead.  We're off to a great start.

We had our registration meeting as a potluck dinner at a local park.  We have an agenda; a strategy; and a great group.  I lost a few girls who moved, but most of my troop returned (maybe I did do something right last year?).  And, we're adding a couple new girls.

In October, we have 2 troop meetings, a SHARE fundraiser (to provide scholarships for those that need it), a leader meeting, and an outing to a Pumpkin Patch/Petting Zoo.  Most month's have a calendar that looks pretty much like that.... and there is paperwork to do for everything... and emails, and calls... and my girls will squeal when they feed the animals, and giggle while they decorate their pumpkins, and hug me at least twice each time I see them.

If you're ready to volunteer, as a leader or even in a lesser capacity, go to the national web site, http://girlscouts.org/ to find opportunities in your area.

Soccer, Soccer Everywhere!

If you happen to get up and out early here in Loudoun, you might wonder where everyon's going in such a hurry so early on a Saturday morning.   Let me tell you - Fall Soccer is in full swing, and the traffic is heading to one of the many soccer or other sport fields in the county.

The Loudoun Youth Soccer Association has "teams" starting as young as age 3.  My little Devon is involved.  Each Saturday morning, we head out to the field early.  At this age, they don't play real games, although there is a rumor that at the end of the season they will have a scrimmage of some sort - I can't imagine that, but I'll have my video rolling for sure. 

They have their little uniforms... my son often won't wear his uniform shirt and instead opts for a Spider Man undershirt and a sweat jacket.  Oh well.  We get to the school where they play, and get out onto the field.  It's not just my kid that is a little apprehensive.  They all head onto the field, each one clinging to the legs of an adult - usually one of their parents, but not always. After a few minutes, most of the kids let go and get into the rhythm.... although my Devon refused last week, and we sat on the sidelines and watched the whole time.  I wouldn't let him partake in the team snack at the end of the game, saying it was only for the kids that played.  He cried the whole way home - bet he plays next week!

It's actually a great program.  Everyone is friendly.  I am impressed with the coaching.  At age 3, they are simply getting the kids to learn to move the ball.  They play red light/green light with the ball; they practice little kicks and big kicks, and dribbilng the ball around cones.  They usually all play with their own balls, although last week they did do a few exercises using only one ball for the team.  The kids are never told they're doing anything wrong.  They get positive encouragement the entire time.

At this age, we have one "practice" a week, same time, same place. At older ages the schedule becomes hectic.  One of the girls on our street is in first grade and she has practice on Monday and Wednesdays and a game on Saturday!  The practices are same place/same time, but the game places and times vary.  As it stands, I can't imagine that. 

Being a kid today in Loudoun is nothing like it was when I was growing up.  If we played soccer, it was because two kids bumped into each other and one had a ball.  I don't remember anyone that played on an actual soccer team.  Now, most everyone's into it. 

There are so many opportunities for kids today.  My kids are both in swimming lessons twice a week, and in church activities, and one is in scouts and the other in soccer.  Our schedules simply couldn't take anymore! Dressing and equipping the kids and busing them from place to place every day is a full time job.  Yes, many of these activities take money.  But, there are scholarships available for most.  You'd be surprised how involved your kids can be with very little monetary involvement if you're on a tight budget.

Either way, it is worth it.  My daughter, in first grade, has friends everywhere she goes.  The kids are learning great values in these various activities.  They learn team work, being honest and fair, friendly and helpful, courteous and respectful, how to get along with others, how to support their communities, how to follow directions and even how to lead.  These values will hopefully serve them well throughout their lives.  We all have to learn these values somehow, but in these activities it is much more fun that learning later in life, the hard way.

And, for those of you curious, yeah, I kinda like being a soccer mom!

Something's Fishy Around Here

The National Aquarium at the Baltimore Inner Harbor is about an hour from Loudoun County - an hour and half from Leesburg (where I live).  It's a fabulous place for kids and adults alike, and makes a great day trip!

My kids (3 and 6) had never seen real sharks (although we all watched the Discovery Channel's shows on Shark Week, with great fascination).  So, on Monday we just got in the car and went of on a adventure.  They were so amazed at the Inner Harbor - the art, the fountains, the navy ships, the high rises, the treats and goodies being sold everywhere - that it was hard to actually get them in the door to see the aquariam.  But, I eventually did. 

They had a total blast looking at the fish and seeing the sharks.  Thanks to the movie Nemo, they could (sort of) recognize a few of the fish, and they got very excited when we saw clown fish and stingrays. Seahorses and turtles were also quite popular.

The aquarium offers a "4 D" movie.  I've been to many, and usually like them OK, but I have to admit that in this one, the special effects were a little overdone (my opinion).  You found yourself focusing on the effects rather than the movie.  I don't even know what the movie was about.  Small children will be scared by these affects, and certainly by the sudden gasps of the audience members.   If you're with school aged  kids, you might want to go ahead and pay for the movie.  It infuses a little blood pumping action in the middle of your tour, and perks them right up as they are getting a little run down touring the tanks.

The aquarium now has a really awesome "Jellies" exhibit.  Jellie fish are beautiful, and let's face it, there's really no better place for them than in a tank where they can't sting me!

Without a doubt, however, the highlight of the day was the dolphin show!  (I have imbedded a video at the end of this blog post of part of the show.  Please forgive the amateur videography, but enjoy the show!)  Rachael now wants to be a dolphin trainer when she grows up. 

In total, we spent about 4 to 5 hours inside the aquarium, and it was easy to do. Then, we grabbed a little dinner and headed home. I'll be planning another trip back to the Inner Harbor with them soon. Perhaps we'll plan a day to go to the "Top of the World" to enjoy the view and to go out on a boat and explore the ship museums. Or, maybe we'll plan a sports day and go to a Orioles or Ravens game and the ESPN zone. Perhaps we'll just wander the water line and shop, stopping to watch the live entertainment on the street and grab a snack. There is much to do there, no matter what your tastes are. The Inner Harbor makes for a wonderful day trip with the family, with a date or even by yourself. But, bring your walking shoes and cash for parking - you'll need it.

For more information on the aquarium, visit http://www.aqua.org/.
 
Watch the video of part of the dolphin show here: 

Feeling a little "LoCo"? Go out for a change!

PLEASE NOTE: This post has been updated and is being republished!

Maybe you've felt a little "loco" today and just need a break from the "same old - same old"; or maybe you've got something to celebrate (if you look hard enough there's ALWAYS something to celebrate).  Consider gathering the kids and going out for dinner tonight.  Kids eat free (somewhere) every night of the week here in Loudoun.

EVERYDAY
Green Turtle - for the summer, kids eat free everyday with purchase of an adult meal.
Preet Palace - kids under 5 eat free from the buffet every day of the week!


MONDAY

Tropical Smoothie - with a combo meal

Mediterranean Breeze - ALL DAY long
Eggspectatons - Kids under 12 eat free w/purchase of adult entree
The Dock at Lansdowne - With purchase of adult meal

TUESDAY

Picante - The Real Taco!
Red, Hot and Blue - 5 to 8pm w/purchase of adult entree
IHOP -w/ an adult meal from 4:00- 9:00

Main Street Wings -w/ an adult meal

CiCi’s Pizza – w/ one adult buffet for dinner (plus free tattoos!)

Moe’s -w/an adult meal from 5:00 to close

Dock at Landsdowne - With adult meal

Applebee’s - kids eat for .99

Friendly's
Chick-Fil-A - With the purchase of an adult meal.
Lone Star Steakhouse - Two kids eat free off of the kid's menu all day w/the purchase of any entree.
Mezza Grille Mediterranean - Kids eat free all day on Tuesdays w/the purchase of an adult entree.

WEDNESDAY
Bob Evans
Los Toltecos  - Kids under 10 eat free every Wednesday evening.
The Original Steakhouse & Sports Theatre - For every one adult entree purchased, two children eat free on Wednesdays.

THURSDAY

Moe’s -with an adult meal from 11:00-4:00pm

FRIDAY

Spicy Pickle w/adult meal

SATURDAY

Spicy Pickle w/ adult meal
Chicken Out Rotisserie  Kids eat free every Saturday & Sunday with the purchase of an adult entree.

SUNDAY

California Tortilla -with an adult meal from 4:00- 7:00pm

Moes - w/ adult meal 11 to 4
Chicken Out Rotisserie Kids eat free every Saturday & Sunday with the purchase of an adult entree.


Other Noteworthy Notes:

The Web - I've linked to each of the main web sites for these restaurants.  Check out the locations and see if there are other specials advertised there. 

Social Media is catching on - most of your favorite businesses are testing the waters with Fan pages on

Facebook - visit their fan page to see if they have any specials advertised only there.  I've found lots of Facebook only specials.  Right now, TGIFs has 2 incentives (1) a "BYOB/bring your own buddies" coupon (all your buddies get $5 off their entrees) and (2) By Joining their "GIVE ME MORE STRIPES" club, you get a "skip the line" pass and a "free appetizer or free dessert" coupon.

There's a website where you can buy coupons for select restaurants: http://www.restaurants.com/  Often, you still have to spend a minimal amount, so they are not true "gift certificates", but my friends have used this site and find that it's well worth it.

Birthday Clubs / Kids Clubs - many local restaurants offer birthday clubs or kids clubs.  Check their web sites to find out.

And, for more info…check out these websites:

http://www.kidsmealdeals.com/ 
http://www.our-kids.com/public/s/?f=2&s=136
http://www.our-kids.com/public/t/?f=2&s=105

Most importantly - please add comments for any places I may have missed.  This is an "improved" version of a list I am circulating that was passed to me.  So, your additions or comments are important.

Enjoy!

What's In Virginia?

When I was 16, my dad sent me with a friend on summer vacation to California. We did just about everything there. We went to the theme parks and stayed in Anahiem; we went to Long Beach and stayed just blocks from the beach; we visited Hearst Castle with it's tiles made of 14k gold; we took the Yaht to Catalina - despite the storms; we saw and experienced fast paced LA; we even stayed on a houseboat overnight with my friend's uncle - he lives on the boat and had a girl in every port. I really think we did it all. It was an amazing trip and I was in awe. But, it had to be the camping trip to Yosemite that made the biggest impact on me.

Four members of our party simply didn't fit in the RV we had, so we were ousted to find refuge in a rented TeePee. I was one of the four. At night, the park had a huge bonfire among the teepees, and downed Redwoods were positioned around the fire for seating. We'd bring hot dogs and marshmallows to roast, gather round and sip our hot chocolate; chatting with people from all over the world.

One night, there were about 20 strangers gathered round the fire, and we were going around the circle, each saying where we were from. It seemed everyone was from some wonderful place that I could only dream of seeing. When it came my turn, I said I was from Virginia. "What's In Virginia?" came a voice from the crowd. At 16, I wasn't sure how to answer. It had been a long trip at this point, and I admit to being a bit homesick. "My dad" was all I could really think of; but I knew that's not what he was looking for.

Luckily, another voice from the crowd came. This one announced that she once had to drive through the state of Virginia. She said the whole time she drove through, she kept thinking she must be in a National Park, because it was so beautiful.

Beauty is what is in Virginia. I thought that was a good answer.

On that trip, I met people who'd never seen a live Panda Bear; never swam in the ocean; never watched fireworks with the backdrop of the Washington Monument. I met people who had lived many places, and mostly, that was because they had to move - to find work. I learned about wild fires, mud slides and tornadoes regularly threatening to take people's homes. I learned I was very blessed, and very privileged, just because of where I live.

That night, when I laid down to sleep I had a new thing to be thankful for. I was thankful for my home sweet home. I live here in Northern Virginia; in the shadows of perhaps the most powerful city in the world. I get to experience all 4 seasons to their fullest; visit the Smithsonians, the National Zoo anytime I wish, see the National Monuments, and experience history everywhere I turn. I can see the mountains from my home, and I can get to the beach in just a couple hours. And never, not once, have I ever had to leave to find work, or worry that a natural disaster would take my home. Life here is good.

But, I have to say, even to this day when I hear "What's in Virginia?" My first thought is "My dad."