Janet and all,

I too, have been wondering about this. Because Zenya is our first and only child it’s so hard to know what is typical of toddlers. Last week, Zenya had 2 tantrums in 2 days. I was a bit scared and worried. One she refused to have her teeth brushed and the other she didn’t want us to take off her clothes that she had an accident in. She hyper ventilates, gags quite a bit and has even vomited. Then when she’s calming down she sort of shakes as she breathes! Scary! Until I realized that both of those days she hadn’t slept well at nap time for various reasons AND the build and suspense of her birthday party was just too much for a 2 year old!! She’s been fine since (except for a high fever and vomiting and needing an injection 2 days after the party). It definately helped me to talk to other moms and dads who have been there. My sister told me her youngest daughter (non CAH) throws herself on the floor and bangs her head on the floor!! That would definately freak me out. I’m trying to know how best to handle these episodes. I do know her levels are on the high side of acceptable. Anyway, thanks for writing about this. It is so hard to know what is normal and what is meds or CAH. Good luck with Olivia! It sounds like you’re doing the right things by staying calm. I need to work on that one. I’m calm outside but inside she’s pushing all my buttons! Hang in there! Julia