No PB&Js for Julian

Due to popular demand (based on the poll to the right), stories about the kids are being requested. The latest update is that Julian is allergic to nuts. It was confirmed yesterday by an allergist (we are obviously going to every doctor we can think of before we leave the country).

Great things in life he'll be missing out on:

...PB&Js

...Ritz PB crackers

...Pistachio Ice Cream (one of my faves)

...Melvin's PB & Vanilla Ice Cream concoction (some of you know what I'm talking about, so gross)

...Aimee's cookies & brownies with walnuts

...95% of a Thai restaurant menu

...Kare Kare

...and other things I can't think of right now!

I am happy it's not milk or eggs or the dreaded Celiac's Disease that many children battle. It's just that some of the things on the list above are so darn good.

www.foodallergy.org - Did you know that the FDA exempts highly refined peanut oil from being labeled as an allergen? Thank goodness because that's what almost all eateries fry their french fries in!!

Casa Rojas

We signed a lease today! Melvin and I just got back from a celebratory dinner as we're extremely excited we landed a 3-bedroom apartment when everyone we spoke to from Vancouver thought it'd be impossible.

Random thoughts are racing through my mind:

- We won't have to move twice (thought for sure temp housing was in the cards)!

- Our kids won't be displaced more than they already would be in a big move...

- We can start changing our accounts to the new address...

- The trip in early June will not be for apartment hunting, but it'll be to check out the new digs...

- Floor to ceiling windows, views from every room, pool/fitness center/kids playground/garden on the 2nd floor, community center one block away (this seems to be a big deal over there), 2 parking spots, organic produce market downstairs, waterfront one block away, 6-acre park across the street, restaurants/bars/clubs galore all around!

- Melvin told me he's going to miss Dominican food today; does this mean I need to learn how to cook moro & pernil??

- Our very close friends will be visiting us the first weekend we are there! How great is that??

Come visit us!! I ordered an Aerobed today :)

PS - Rol & Maeann, we can't thank you enough! We're going to that sushi place when we get there.