Just In Case!

Buying the minivan not only meant that we would all be able to go places together, it also meant that I could have a permanent compartment to fill up with low protein, non perishable "just in case" food items. I have to admit, the automatic sliding doors and 55 cup holders throughout were very cool but when I saw this little compartment I immediately knew how I would use it and I was sold!    

One day the kids and I were at a play date where I knew we would be having cupcakes.  I was sure to bring a low protein one for Z along with a few snacks.  (Have you seen these?  They work great!  I think they were made just for people with PKU!!!)  Anyways, this was our first visit to this home.  S and the little girl were in the same preschool class and up to that point my relationship with the mom unfolded at drop off and pick up time which was never really a chance for deep conversations!  She knew Z had PKU but I told her I would make sure she was all set for our visit.  I have learned since this experience that I should have been much clearer about if there would be any other food at all because when we got there she had very kindly prepared lunch too!  Based on the timing I had assumed we would have a cupcake snack then head home for our lunch!  Woops!  It all worked out just fine because I had some things in my "Just In Case" compartment and when I figured out what was going on, I calmly scooted out to the van to dig around and see what I could bring in and call lunch!  Ultimately, it was kind of a random little plate of food but Z never heard me scrambling and I was able to use some apple slices the mom was serving to everyone.  I presented it all to Z in a way that didn't make her or the mom feel bad either!  I kind of felt like a magician or something!  I know this situation was far from a crisis and could have been way more dire and dramatic and I could have easily asked the mom for more things too that would have worked for Z to eat, it wasn't as if we were stranded on a desert island or anything, but having my stash and my travel scale gave me great confidence!

Here's what I am carrying around these days: Gerber cereal bars, a container of pear/blueberry baby food (even though Z is almost 3 I still use these occasionally as if it were applesauce), fruit twists, and juice treats, Apple Juice, tiny boxes of raisins, fruit leathers, dry pasta and some MixQuick.  I almost forgot to mention our travel scale.  It has worked out great for us!  With Z getting bigger by the minute, I want to update and add to my on-the-go collection!  What kinds of things do you carry with you Just In Case?