I am posting this everywhere I can so I can get as many answers as I can before I lose internet again! If you've seen this before, I apologize. Here is my dilemma:
We have not heat, hot water, stove, refridgeration, or family nearby. I need advice on what I can feed my 17 month old son that doesn't involve going out every night. Is there a almost healthy meal I can feed him? He eats fruit, but rejected the jelly sandwich I offered (no peanut butter yet, he has milk and egg allergies so I'm hesitant.
Also, what activities can be done in the near dark? We are both climbing the walls. He keeps pointing at the lamps and saying hot...off (he thinks lights are called 'hot', my fault, I kept telling him they are hot with out calling them lights or lamps). The candles are making him cough and wheeze more so I'm using battery powered christmas candles. He isn't really interested in his toys, which he can barely see.
I have an ipad and he is pretty much mastering the toddler games, even though I swore I wouldn't allow those things so young.
I'm not that creative and am also a spoiled princess, so I'm not sure how to handle all of this. I wonder how everyone else is dealing with this (or those who have dealt with this situation before).
Add to it all, he has asthma and I can't use our nebulizer at night when he needs it the most. I feel like I'm trapped in a Dickens novel.
Luckily everything at work is fine so we are good during the day. Gawd I miss my internet connection!! And cable. And food. In that order.
Edit: I did head the warnings and have water, candles, crackers etc, just think that maybe something else might be nice, maybe something I haven't thought of, gerber graduates is a good idea. I'm back at work as of today, so we arrive home in the dark, grilling isn't an option, neither is a walk, which is usually part of our routine when it's not dark early.
I emailed the mayor a few minutes ago (really really small village), he said that I have use of the police station to plug in the nebulizer when I need it at night. Otherwise I'll neb him at daycare. Last night was rough with my son's wheezing so getting that taken care of was a priority. I will give it 24 more hours then go to a shelter if it isn't back on, OR we will camp out in my office which is warm and has electricity--just kind of gross.
Open the drapes, really?
Edit 2: We are being discouraged from going for walks because of the down electrified wires and trees branches that are still falling. I just don't think it would be wise to take a toddler out in the dark under those circumstances.
I guess I should have left out my long vent and just asked the straight forward questions, what kinds of things would you do with your toddler and any interesting non-cooking recipes I can try. Everything else, I'm dealing with, just like everyone else.
I'm not sure where the anger and condescension is coming from. I realize there are others in this situation who have been through this and worse, that's why I'm asking! Everyone around me is and we are talking too, I just thought I would open the conversation up to get creative ideas on the net. But I guess that's what happened when you put things out there, I shouldn't be surprised. Anyway, I did get some ideas about meals and activities, so to the people who gave thoughts without patronizing me, thanks.
We got power back after 6 days. I was packing to stay somewhere else as it came on. It turned out that I the stove worked, I just had to light it every time I used it, so I started just boiling water to heat my apartment. I have a standing place to go should we lose power again. My son was struggling with respiratory issues because of the cold air, not the candles, so waiting it out is not an option.
I went out and bought lanterns and a radio in case it happens again when it isn't cold. I also plan to get a portable charger so we can power small appliances.
That was a real lesson in life. From now on I know what to do.
Sorry T., I'm kind of spoiled too, so I can sympathize. If my power were out that long I'd go freakin' crazy. Do you have a grill you could use? Or could you go get a charcoal grill to use outside? And a cooler? You can heat up all kinds of canned stuff using that, hot dogs from the cooler, etc.
As far as entertainment, I'm with you, I'd be lost. Hope power gets restored soon!!
If you have a grill outside, you can cook soup or anything that comes in a can. Never use a grill inside.
Thank goodness you do not live in Queens, 80 houses on fire - those people lost everything - thankfully, you just lost power and that will be restored soon. Just an inconvenience that many of us are experiencing.
The damage from this storm is devasting on the shoreline in CT - So many people lost their lives and homes
I am glad that you are one of the lucky ones!
T.:
I'm sorry. You need to go to a shelter that will help you.
did you not prepare for this? Get food and water in advance? did you not heed the warnings and go to a website to find out what you needed to prepare for this storm? You state you are a princess - well - girl - time for you to become the queen. Get your act together.
During the day it should be not dark in the house. Open the drapes and let the sun in.
Collect your diapers and what you NEED and go to a shelter. NOW.
Hopefully the power won't be out that long, but I know there is a LOT of devastation in parts of New York and New Jersey... I'm glad you are relatively safe, anyway.
Here are some other food suggestions....
Canned veggies aren't too bad cold... some kids don't really like hot foods, anyway.... canned green beans, canned peas (yuck, I know), canned carrots... all are pretty easy to eat by that age.
Just about any canned food is fully cooked, and can be eaten cold... not as appetizing, but it is doable.....
Canned fruit, like peaches or canned fruit cocktail are good....
ripe bananas broken into chunks?
Cereals.... just about anything that he can pick up and self-feed would be good...
Cubed cheese?
Do you have a cooler you can put some ice in and keep a few other things that need it cooler? You can buy ice every day, if necessary.
Yes, the problems with the asthma and needing the nebulizer is a real issue... thankfully you have found out that you can come to the police station as needed to give him his treatments.
Someone suggested the gerber graduates, that is a good idea, too....
Game suggestions.... sing some of the older singing games, like row, row... hold his hands and "row" him back and forth.... the kids usually love that!
Any of the older singing games.... "I'm a little teapot", "Wheels on the bus", "Eensy Weensy spider" ....heck, any Christmas carols... make up hand signs to go with them....(I know, it is too early for Christmas, but in a situation like this, any songs will do...)
Do some fun "make believe" have you both crawl all over the floor, acting like a cat or a dog...... Peek-a-boo behind a blanket.....
Ask the people at the daycare for some songs and finger-play suggestions.. they might have some fun ideas for you, or a book you can borrow.
Good luck!
omg I can't believe some of the responses. I hope you are ok. I have no suggestions as I've never lived in NYC so I don't know the mood/temperature of that city in its primal non plugged in state!
But as far as entertaining a toddler, break out the paper cups and plates - those are great building toys. You can also give him a pad of sticky notes and let him go at it sticking them everywhere. Give him a broom and point to spots on the floor he can sweep...he doesn't have to sweep up anything, just let him use the broom. Also, give him a spray bottle full of water and let him wash the windows...you might have to follow him with your own rag. And don't underestimate the power of a box of tissues...let him pull them all out and then try to put them back in. Its hilarious. You can do the same thing with a roll of toilet paper (not on the roller)...unravel a bit and see if he can ravel it back up.
Good luck. Stay safe and healthy!
Go through all of your cupboards and see what you have. You might be surprised.
The moon has been pretty bright. Open up the blinds for some light to stumble around by if needed.
A pots and pans drumset with wooden spoons might annoy the heck out of you, but it'll keep kiddo busy. Find as many different clangy noisy things as you can for him to beat on. Put on the radio if you can and help him play to the beat.
I'm sorry you're going though this. Praying it gets better soon. ♥
No suggestions, but lots of empathy and hope being sent to you and all those in the area. My son and daughter are living in NY and NJ and are also doing their best. Many folks are sending their prayers and donating what they are able to the Red Cross. My best to you.
I agree that you need to call your local fire dept. (non -emergency #) and find out where a local shelter is. The Red Cross should be able to help also.
For his neb-treatments, you just need somewhere where you can plug in the machine and chill for 20 mins. Could you drive to the ER and give him the treatment in the waiting room? Maybe a Starbucks or McDs would let you hang out?
Food: Did you stock up on any dry foods or jar foods - cheerios, fruit, crackers?
As for activities - flash light game. glow in the dark necklaces
Call the Red Cross and ask if there's a shelter near you where you can go until your house is livable. Call your doctor to get food ideas for your son. Do you go to church? You should be able to get some help there, so call your pastor or priest. You're being very clever with the battery candles. You can tell stories and sing songs in the dark, as a starter. Not ghost stories. Video games are permissible when it's an emergency! You're not in a Dickens novel - you're in a "choose your own adventure" book!
i am sorry you are going through this. our area has been affected a lot by sandy.
as for entertaining the child, let him play with blankets, pillows, make obstacles, read books, play with blocks etc.
food, toddler graduates is good, get applesauce, bananas, crackers, canned soups etc can you borrow a generator from someone?
we have been without power in florida in august with newborn twins for 2 weeks. i know what's it's like, and like you, i did not like it, but we survived. i remember hitting up a lady at the grocery store with questions an she had offered to have me take my newborns at her house to bathe them. you know what? i did. people open their hearts and homes in difficult times. do not apologize for feeling the way you do, but i apologize for anyone accusing you for feeling that way.
good luck mama
I am sorry you are having a hard time. I live in Florida so its drilled into us what we should have onhand etc. Those north of us have really no experience and may or may not follow advice or really know how to deal with it. You have the water and the basic necessities thats good. Now you just need to get the depression out of what you are dealing wiht at home. Is there no way you can go to a hotel/motel for 2 days? I have family in Ny so I know there are areas with power. You will not be secluded have access to news and even electric for your baby and your life. I'm sure your depressions is affecting your baby they feel it but do not know how to react. Have you done shadow puppets yet? We use to shine the flashlight on the wall and make birds etc. From experience for a next time if it accurs you will know to also have a battery powered radio. Just hearing voices can help.
Call you dr and ask them to get you the meds he uses in a nebulizer in an inhaler and a breathing chamber w a mask for your son. You can see if that will work while you have no electricity.
My son doesn't have asthma but was using a nebulizer with coughs. One dr recommended trying an inhaler since he was squirming so much with the nebulizer. It is so much easier now to give him the meds when he needs them with the inhaler and chamber. Plus I don't have to lug the nebulizer when we go away just incase he might get a cough.
They are not the healthiest option, but my daughter loves the Gerber Graduate meals. I don't now the contents though so they may not be good for your son. She got the meals when we travelled and loved them. They are precooked so you don't need to microwave, although it suggest 25 seconds in the microwave, but I've given them to her without heating up and she ate them up. I know it's cold, but is your neighborhood walkable? Can you just take him out for a walk to get him out of the house?
You say your office is kind of gross but to me would be better than being without power all night. I would take blankets up there and toys and that way at least you don't have to take him anywhere when he needs a treatment. But that's great that they told you you can use the station if needed.
Yikes. I would go to a shelter if I were you. It's warm, their is food, and beds, and I am sure you can use the electricity for the nebulizer. Take what you need and go. Their is absolutely nothing wrong with needing extra help and a warm shelter. Especially with children. You don't want him to get sick.
As far as food, applesauce, cereals like Cheerios, bananas,and gerber has a lot of premade foods for young kids. I would stock up on those.
Prayers to you and yours.
Um, really, you really don't know what to do to take of yourself and your child.
I have lived weeks without power, etc. due to natural disasters. With a child with chronic asthma. Our fridge was a cooler - I got new ice every day, and our stove was a grill. Our AC was an open window, our hot water was heated up in a large pot over the grill burner and poured into the tub. It is a pain,but doable.
You said the local police department has power - go there.
I am sure there is a local shelter set up - go there.
You said you could stay at your office - go there.
Do any of your friends have power - stay with them.
Or check into a hotel for a few days.
As for food options - call your pediatrician and check with them since your child has allergies - safest way to go on that one.
Why is a walk not an option to get out of the house? Take a flashlight or two and go stroll. Get your neighbors to go with you if you are scared.
It sounds like your town is well on its way to being normal again - police, work, daycare all up and running.
Have you never lost power to your home before? Claiming "princess" will not endear you to anyone who has been in a similar situation.
I am sorry you are struggling, but there are resources available to your - you listed them yourself in you post.
I have been in Hurricanes, tornades, snow storms, ice storms. It sucks. For Hurricane Ike we were without power in Houston in September for 13 days! Yes, 13 days without air conditioner, refrigerator, lights, air conditioner, ice cubes, air conditioner. You see my theme here? It was HOT! I bought a ton of water, can soup, non perishables. After 13 days, if I looked at another can of soup, I was going to barf! I also bought several battery operated lanterns and radio. We played board games at night and listened to the baseball games on the radio. The lanterns were the best investment we made. We used our camping grill and cooked stuff in the backyard.
When we lived in Kentucky we had a nasty ice storm. Lost power for about a week. We put sheets up on the doors to keep the heat from the fire place in the family room. We all slept on the floor and kids were super little at the time. I totally understand being bored. He needs to run off some of the energy. I think at this point with his health issues, its time for a shelter.
I am not unsympathetic to your situation. Been there, done that and have the t-shirt. But everyone on the East coast is having problems and the power isn't coming back on for a few days. Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about that. You are going to have to go with the flow.
I think power outages are even more unbearable when you have a baby, toddler, or picky eater. My son would at least eat fruit when he was a toddler, so that made it a lot easier. We used to read books to him. The repetitive kind are the best, because they are kind of sing songy and the child can join in. We'd make funny faces and bounce him on our leg for a pretend horsey ride. Then we'd tell him that we are going to play pretend camping.
A shelter is your best bet right now.
They are estimating some places will be without power for a week.
I just got back my power and internet. Hope things are better for you now!
If you can let your power company know that electricity is medically necessary they might prioritize your house.
Go to va shelter. That is what they are there for. Just be grateful you are not hurt or have lost a family member. I am not far from you. They are saying at least another week before power restored. By then we all will have adjusted.
I am sorry people (who, by the way, were not located in the hurricane path--I looked at where they were posting from) are so high and mighty that they questioned whether or not you prepared properly. I just got power back after 4 days. I prepared. I have a generator. And guess what? When you have kids and you go through something like this, it stinks. Kudos to you for trying to do right by your kids and reach out and ask questions. Hope you are all doing ok.
On a related note, I have a friend that lost 2 relatives in Staten Island. So it irked me today when I overheard someone in a store say, "well, they were told to leave". Really?
It sounds like you may have been prepared, but weren't expecting this to happen. If you need medical care for your son, get somewhere you can plug in. As far as activities, you need to get creative. Kiddo's and you will need to cope with the same meals because that's unfortunately what happens.
I suggest you buy a generator or two. We have two and we had gas for both of them when the storm hit us. We lost power for 15 minutes and we heard neighbors firing up their generators. It's nice to have to run the essentials if necessary.
I'm also spoiled by convenience, but if it's this bad, you need to take steps to get your family to a shelter to make it through. Count your blessings, you have your family and home, many don't.
