Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas 2008


Christmas was good, Nathan had so much fun opening presents and playing with his new toys!!

For Christmas Eve dinner Nathan had Ham, potatoes, corn. He loved his ham, I have never seen him eat so much meat. I am thinking he likes salty foods because he also really loved the black olives.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Christmas Baking







Nathan and I made Rice Krispy Houses and decorated them. It was nice to find something that he wasn't allergic too and came in a box kit so we had everything we needed. I think he liked eating the gumdrops more then decorating. We had fun!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Nathan and Santa


Nathan liked Santa and talked to him, I was surprised. The bank I work at has this Santa come to the main branch every year for an employee family holiday party. The kids get a really nice hardcover book from Santa and Nathan was in love because the book they gave this year was The Polar Express and there was a holiday display done with a train theme and the kids get punch, cookies (I just brought a cookie for him from home so he wouldn't be left out), Christmas tattoos and tons of candy canes. It was fun!

Friday, December 5, 2008

Phone Call from the Doctor

I just received a phone call from Nathan's allergist, the actual Doctor - not the nurse. I was shocked that she was calling me on a Friday afternoon.

She had the results to Nathan's blood tests from last week and she had the results from his previous blood work to compare.

Peanuts/Nuts: She said that his peanut allergy went down so it is low. Peanut allergy is not the one I care about, avoiding peanuts isn't hard, I can find lots of foods that don't have peanuts. He doesn't need peanuts to survive.

She said his Almond went up, again who cares and he is not allergic to pecans at all but he is young and doesn't care about nuts so we just avoid them all!!

Milk: This went down and is the lowest of his allergies, good news and since it went down he has a better chance of possibly growing out of it.

Egg: MOST ALLERGIC TOO. Eggs went up for him and it is the highest allergen for him. Not good news since the chance of possibly growing out it is less. Great, how is going to go to school and eat birthday treats, every cake and cookie is made with eggs, no Sunday mornings of eating an egg breakfast or french toast. His life flashed before my eyes when she read this to me.

Wheat: Went down, but not too much. Wheat would be nice to get rid off because again every, noodle, cracker, cookie, bread, cake etc. is made with wheat flour.

I asked her when and which ones are low enough to food challenge? She said lately the food challenges she has done have been disappointing. The numbers are low but the reactions are still there. Like a False-Positive. She wants to take blood again in the Spring and decide from there. Also she would like to wait until he is a little older and can tell us if he has a reaction that we can't see such as tingling lips, etc. Makes sense.

Then on the weight questions again!! Maybe I will just feed him potato chips and candy everyday, he will have to gain and then maybe everyone will leave me alone!!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Urgent Care

I picked up Nathan from daycare at 4:45pm and the teacher tells me that Nathan complained of his arm/wrist hurting at 4pm. They didn't see him fall and they put ice on his wrist, wrote up an accident report. When I was there he was still complaining his arm hurt and wouldn't use it.

When we got home, we looked at him and decided he needed to get to urgent care to get checked out. We think he has the "nursemaid elbow" again (he had it in June). The Doctor said that she agreed and it is the same arm. She tried to "pop" it back into place and he cried, so hard. She thinks he heard a pop but he wasn't immediately better like last time. She thinks that it might take longer to recover because it took longer to get treated this time. We went to the waiting room and watched him play to see if he could use his right arm again and at first he didn't bust after a while he did. We went home.

I told daycare that if ever complains of his arm hurting to call me right away. He could just hurt it from swinging his arm too hard.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Merry Christmas!!


We want to wish you a Very Merry Christmas!!


Love,

Jeanette, Steve and Nathan

Allergies in the family

I found out that on my husbands side of the family there are allergies, his cousin had some allergies when he was younger and his nephew who is 5 years old was recently diagnosed with a peanut allergy and has Asthma.

I don't wish any of Nathan's problems on anyone but I am glad to finally know where Nathan is getting he allergies and asthma from. Everytime the Doctors would ask us if it is in the family we would say "no" and they would give us strange looks. It just makes more sense now.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving twice this year, once on Thursday with my family and then on Friday with my husbands family. It was nice Thanksgiving and everything went well with Nathan, no allergic reactions.

At my parents house, he ate turkey and then we just set aside other foods (Corn & Green Beans) before they were buttered. He ate LOVED the Black Olives and I made a small batch of mashed potatoes with rice milk and his butter, but he didn't care for them. What child doesn't like mashed potatoes?

At Thanksgiving with my in-laws on Friday, we made him Turkey with hash browns, he loves hash browns. He also ate, some veggies & jell-o. He ate a ton that night.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Follow-up Allergist Appointment

Well, we went back to the Allergist today to follow-up on Nathan's Asthma and he stopped coughing and is better now, or until he gets another cold. Of, course she was late again and made us wait again and we had a busy day off appointments. This time see seemed to have more information and records on him and she was a little friendlier than the last time.

We talked about his weight as we do at every single Doctor appointment (these Doctors make me feel like I don't feed my child because he doesn't gain much weight) and she asked more about his food allergies. Asked If we had seen a nutritionist, etc.

Then we asked about when we could test and find out if his allergies are getting worse or better. And she said we could go to the lab and give blood today. We did and they had such a hard time finding Nathan's veins as they always do, so they had to put heat packs on him and we had to wait longer. When they finally found his veins and took his blood, he cried...so hard. It made me cry.

So now we wait for the results.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Excited about Pancake Mix

I went to this Gluten Free store last weekend and found a pancake mix called: The Craving Place - All Purpose Pancake and Waffle Mix. It is Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Nut Free, Egg Free, Dairy Free and Bean Free. It does contain corn. It was so easy to make, just add water. You can also add fruit, oats, etc. The mix can also be used for Biscuits, Pie Crust, Shortcake and Flatbread. It is not sweetened.

The best part is Nathan LOVED them and ate 4 pancakes, the most he has eaten of anything in a while.

This same company also makes some other mixes. I haven't tried them yet.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

New Allergy Doctor

We have been having so many problems with the billing department at Children's Hospital that we decided to take Nathan to a new Doctor who is in the Aurora network. The new Doctor is close to home which is a plus.

Today was the first visit with our new Dr. and she was running late, which bothered me. I am not sure about her yet, it was our first appointment and she was really blind-sided since she doesn't have his records yet. She seemed a little disorganized and stand offish. The nurses seemed nicer to him then the actual Doctor.

Our visit was mainly for his Asthma because he has had night after night of coughing. No one in this house has slept the last 3 His meds are not working and he does have a cold. We went over his medication list and she decided to change his asthma meds and gave us a RX for reflex. I never filled the RX for reflex, I really don't think the coughing is from reflex and I don't want to over medicate my child. His coughing did stop without the reflex medication.

She wants see us next week for a check up on how he is doing.

I am determined to find a good allergist that I am comfortable with and that is compassionate and good to Nathan. He or She also HAS to be in our Network.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Dairy Free, Nut Free Advent Calendar


Now that Nathan is two, I wanted to start some Christmas traditions such as an Advent Calendar, I remember the excitement of every day before Christmas opening a little door and finding a chocolate until Christmas arrived.

But now with Nathan's allergies, I was worried about continuing the tradition. I found a website called Amanda's own confections. The price of a calendar is $9.50 not including shipping. I saw a regular calendar at the grocery store tonight for a $1.50. Seems like so much to pay. I bought a silver Advent box with doors and plan to fill it with my own treats and candies.

I just can't justify paying that much.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Birthday Party


It happened. Nathan was invited to his first birthday party and I wasn't prepared.


A little girl (his girlfriend) in Nathan's class at daycare, invited Nathan to her birthday party. The party was at a inflatable air jumping place.
We played for 1 hour and then went to the party room for a 1/2 hour where they were serving cupcakes. YIKES cupcakes and I didn't have any for Nathan. I felt horrible!!! I just wanted to cry. I dug through the diaper bag until I found a couple of animal crackers and the mother offered a banana and a gift bag for him (which had some fruit treats he could eat). Nathan was ok, he didn't seem to mind that the other kids were eating cupcakes and chips (all the kinds that Nathan was allergic too).

I have learned my lesson, the hard way - I will NEVER take him to a party without a cupcake!!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Train Fest


We took Nathan to Trainfest today, he LOVED it. Trains are his favorite so he really enjoyed looking at all the model trains.
We left when the show ended, but he wasn't happy about leaving.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Food Allergy Article in the Newspaper.

This was a good article in the newsaper about food allergies.

By Erin Richards of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: Nov. 2, 2008

One M&M, swallowed whole, and little Noelle's skin turned as red as a Cortland apple.
A month later, after eating soy ice cream, the 2-year-old turned colors again and started drooling, prompting her mother to inject a syringe full of epinephrine into the child's leg. Karen Tylicki of Mukwonago has no idea why her daughter's body treats certain foods as if they were poison. Tylicki, like parents of a growing number of food-allergic kids in Milwaukee and elsewhere around the country, is familiar with the fear, uncertainty, grief and sorrow that frequently accompany the condition.

Add hope to that list. Thanks to a La Crosse clinic that's gaining attention for its work desensitizing patients with food allergies, Noelle, now 6, can ingest almost 2 ounces of milk without a reaction.

The spike in the number of kids with food allergies - an 18% increase nationwide over the past decade, according to a newly released study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - has prompted many schools and day-care facilities to develop new safety measures.

At the Children's Community Center, a day care facility in Menomonee Falls, director Nancy Larson said the jars of peanut butter that were once standard in every classroom have been removed because of the increase in peanut allergies.
"If someone forgot their lunch, we always used to give them peanut butter and crackers," Larson said. "Now we purchase soy butter."

In Waukesha Public Schools, District Nurse Twyla Lato said schools aren't "peanut-free" because that gives children a false sense of security. Nevertheless, the number of kids in the district with food allergies is startling: 545 students last year, compared with 481 in 2003-'04.
At Grafton Elementary School, Principal Jeff Martyka said that five years ago he didn't have any students "on epinephrine," the adrenaline-like drug that severely allergic children are supposed to carry with them at all times. Now he has seven.

Jamie Dempsey, 6, is one of them. Although he brings his lunch to school, his allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts and sesame are so severe that he eats on a sanitized lunch tray to avoid getting any of the offending substances on his skin. In the classroom, Dempsey and his classmates have hand sanitizers on their desks.

"It's hard - trying to strike a balance between providing awareness and not provoking anxiety in people or coming across as a high-maintenance mom," said Monica Dempsey, Jamie's mother.
Food, emotions linked Food and emotions are so intrinsically linked that dealing with the pitfalls of food allergies can seem like a disability at times, parents say.

Tara Williams, of the village of Belgium in Ozaukee County, said her family went through a period of mourning when her then 11-month-old son, Brett, was diagnosed with allergies to eggs, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, sunflower and coconut.

"You start thinking of all the kid things you envisioned doing as they grew up - going out for pizza, ice cream on a hot summer night, even just having them leave your eyesight without worrying," Williams said. "You go through anger and sadness. Everything will be fine for a while, and then he'll have a reaction out of the blue, and you're all upset about it again."

Theories abound about why more children are suddenly allergic to more foods. Michael Zacharisen, a physician in the Allergy/Asthma/Immunology Clinic at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa, said none of them - the "we're too sanitized" theory, the "antibiotics leaching in the gut theory," for example - has been proved.

"Food allergy has lagged a bit behind other research because it doesn't have pharmaceutical funding," Zacharisen said.

Research on potential treatments is more promising. At Duke University, subjects in a study are being given tiny amounts of liquid or powder peanut protein to see if they can build up a tolerance over time.

Allergy Associates of La Crosse has also championed the practice. The clinic sees more than 10,000 patients a year who come for "sublingual immunotherapy" - or the placing of tiny drops of the allergen under the tongue to stimulate the oral mucosa. According to the clinic, 43 states are using the La Crosse method to treat patients with food and other allergies. Mary Morris, the clinic's lead allergist, said the goal is to minimize the effects of an accidental exposure.

Patient Noelle Tylicki, who started kindergarten this year in Genesee Depot, will increase her dosage of milk one last time in January. She has completed the desensitizing program for eggs.
"I have to give her wings at some point," her mother said. "She has to be able to fly by herself."

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

It Is Just Not Fair

Today at daycare the teacher told me that the kids (all but Nathan) made houses out of graham crackers and cream cheese. She said that Nathan sat there and colored. I feel so bad for him, that he was excluded, but there was no way that he could do that activity because he is allergic to the cheese and the crackers.

I guess this is another hard time - dealing with food allergies.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Business Trick or Treat


We went to a nearby town tonight (like we do every year) and Nathan went trick or treating. He was really good at it tonight. He wasn't as shy as last night.
Just about every piece of candy he got - was chocolate and had nuts or it was tootsie rolls (which contain milk)!! I was so annoyed by all the candy he won't be able to eat, I guess that is more for the great pumpkin to take from him.
I was to the point that when someone did hand him a piece, I was like thanks - he's allergic to it and walked away. I will admit I have lots of anger built up inside because of all his allergies and I just needed to let it out tonight.
He did get a toothbrush from a dentist, that was very nice and useful.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Halloween Party and a Trick or Treat




Tonight we had a Halloween Party to attend that was through our park and recreation dept. Nathan was all dressed up in his Dragon Costume and went on a Trick or Treat path collecting candy and little trinkets from people dressed up as characters. It was cute. Then there was a story time by the bonfire.
It went well, most of the candy was allergy-free and Nathan could keep it. There were a few chocolate kisses and some licorice I needed to remove from his bag. Not too bad.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Dancing King

I just love this video of Nathan dancing to his favorite song, So What by P!nk. He just starts dancing everytime this song comes on the radio.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Nathan Helped Make Cookies He Can Eat




Today I made sugar cookies, I got the Wheat Free, Egg Free, Dairy Free dough from our bakery and I rolled it out cut it into pumpkins and baked them. Then I used store bought frosting (some have milk so I have to read the ingredients) colored the frosting and frosted the cookies. Then Nathan and I decorated them. He had fun, especially eating them. A special treat.

Friday, October 17, 2008

M&M'S Ingredient Label Made Me Mad


While at work I went to the vending machine and got a bag of Peanut MM's. I look at the ingredients even though I know Nathan can't have them, I am just used to looking at them. We in BOLD letters it reads:

ALLERGY INFORMATION: MAY CONTAIN ALMONDS.

This made me angry. What about the Peanuts and milk which are both listed in the ingredient list. I can't believe Mars didn't list in bold in the allergy information. I think this is very misleading and if I didn't know better and just looked at the allergy information and gave it to my child, it could have been a deadly mistake. I am going to call or email Mars about this. Now I wonder how many other labels I just looked at the allergy information and not the ingredients. Sometimes the ingredients are strange and I don't know what they are so I rely on the allergy information to tell me what on the main 8 allergens the food contains.
Click on picture to enlarge and read the ingredients

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Allergy Drops???

I got an email (probably spam) about ImmunoTherapy Allergy DROPs and by placing these drops under a child's tongue they can help/cure food allergies.

Qutoed from the email:
Much the same as traditional Allergy SHOTs, Your Child’s Allergy DROPs contain FDA Approved pure Extracts of “Let Likes Cure Likes” Allergens i.e. Weed, Pet, Dust to which the Patient is actually Allergic To ! Slowly over a 80 Week Protocol, Allergy DROP Allergen Extract Concentrations are increased, allowing the Bodies Immune System to rely on its inherent recuperative abilities and ReCalibrate itself, thereby neutralizing Your Child’s Allergies at the Disease Source, No longer triggering Allergy Symptoms, eradicating Allergy
Complications and Producing Lasting, if Not LifeTime Benefits.


I wonder if this is something that could really work and isn't a scam. I have heard of this before but wonder why a Dr or allergist hasn't mentioned it to us.


Friday, October 10, 2008

Professional Pictures
















I just love these recent pictures done at Nathan's school. They did a wonderful job and Nathan looks really cute, ok maybe I am biased.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

The Flu Shot

Last flu season was the first time we could give Nathan the shot - he was old enough. Well, because of his food allergy to egg, we were told it was best to go to the allergy clinic to have the shot administered, they could then watch for reactions. That went ok and he was fine.

Today, I take Nathan for the Flu shot and since he is two, the nurse said he could have the nasal vaccine, but then she asked if he has Asthma. Yes, he does, so he can't have the nasal vaccine. So he then had the shot done in the arm. Poor guy.

Allergy Free Caramel Apple Dip

I finally found a recipe for a caramel apple dip that is milk-free and safe for Nathan. I haven't tried it yet and seems like it could be sweet, but I will try it and see how it turns out.

1/2 cup sugar
3 Tbsp. light corn syrup
2 Tbsp. margarine
1 cup vanilla-flavored soy or rice milk

Directions:
Stir frequently approximately 10-15 minutes until it turns a caramel color.
Let mixture cool down slightly, then use as a sauce for whole apples or a dip for apple slices. Makes enough for about two apples.

Source: Kids with Food Allergies

I could also make baked apples with Cinnamon and other spices that would make a good fall treat that is safe.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Our Visit to the Fire Department


Today, I took Nathan to the local Fire Department to see the trucks and meet the fireman. It is Fire Safety week.

He really had a fun time, of course I had to keep him away from petting a dog they had, but they had a man dressed as a Dalmatian and Nathan just loved him.

We also looked at a paramedic (which Nathan has already been in one when he was 9 months old) because he needed to be rushed to the hospital after an allergy attack. I don't want him to think paramedics or fire trucks are scary, I want him to understand they are nice people who help you.

Photo: Nathan and a fireman.

My Letter to Whole Foods

I wrote a letter to Whole Foods Market requesting a new store near my house. I am not sure it will get me a store nearby but it can't hurt. Here is my letter.

To: newstore.requests@wholefoods.com
Date: October 5th, 2008
Subject: New Store Location

To Whom it may concern:

I am writing to request a Whole Foods Market in my area. My son has severe food allergies and we need to by most of his food at special health food stores. We love Whole Foods but the closet store is over 40 miles away. We are in the middle of the Milwaukee, WI store and the Madison, WI store. A store in Waukesha, WI would be great, this would be in the middle of your two current stores. Waukesha is a big county with approximately 380,985 residents and is the fastest growing county in WI. For more information on my county please visit:
http://www.waukeshacounty.gov/default.aspx

My family and I deserve to have a store near us with healthy, natural and organic food.
Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Jeanette


Auto Reply I received:

Hello,

Thank you very much for your interest in Whole Foods Market and obvious support of our company. We appreciate your desire to have one of our stores located in your area. Your email will be forwarded to the Store Development Team for consideration.

For store opening information and store locations visit our website at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/. Click on Stores.

Sincerely,

The Real Estate Team

Saturday, October 4, 2008

The Great Pumpkin


Halloween is upon us and it will be the first Halloween that Nathan will actually understand enough to go Trick-or-Treating. He will recieve all kinds of candy and that will include lots of candy he won't be able to have. Anything chocolate, and/or peanut butter and wheat he won't be able to have.

But, I have a plan.....the night after Trick-or-Treat, Nathan will put all his bad candy (the stuff he can't eat) into the pumpkin bucket. Then while he is sleeping the Great Pumpkin will come and take the bad stuff and replace it with good stuff. This can be safe candy, coloring books, halloween toys, etc.

It will be a special tradition we will start for him this year.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

My Food Allergy Support Group

Tonight, was the first night of my food allergy support group since Spring. I have changed location from the health food store to the library. We had a pretty good turnout We never ran out of topics to talk about. It is just so good to get together with other moms who are going through the same thing and can really understand. I found out some new foods to try with Nathan.

I am really looking forward to our next meeting, next month.

Our Bakery - Molly's Gluten Free Bakery

Every Wednesday (my day off) we go to Molly's Gluten Free Bakery in Hartland. Everything they bake is Gluten Free which is also wheat free for Nathan's wheat allergy. But they also will make some items dairy and egg free upon request.

We order bread every week and occasionally get cookies, muffins, cupcakes and french bread. We are going to try a apple pie. They are the bakery who bakes Nathan's birthday cakes every year.


Monday, September 29, 2008

Aunt Nene helps with Nathan's food


Aunt Nene has been so nice to help with Nathan's food. She has graciously baked brownies, oatmeal bars, apple muffins bean and rice enchiladas dishes. She is a wonderful cook and baker and it is all safe allergy free food. It has helped us out so much since I am not a baker - other than box mixes.

Thanks to Aunt Nene!!
Photo: Aunt Nene holding Nathan when he was 4 months.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Pumpkin Farm


Today we visited a pumpkin farm, it was really fun. Nathan loves pumpkins!! We went on a hayride and while we were on the hayride, I started to think about him having a reaction to hay, he didn't at that time.


There were two petting zoo's with goats and sheep and I did everything I could to keep him away from those animals, I kept having flashbacks about the reaction he got from the animals at the zoo on his first birthday. He listened and was fine with not touching them. He was more interested in riding "the train" it was a tractor pulling a bunch of barrels with the kids in them. He loved that!


They had a picnic dinner and Nathan could eat the hot dog (with no bun), fruit and chips. No salads or their cookies, I gave him one of his own cookies.


Tonight I noticed his eyelid was red and looked like eczema, probably got a reaction from something at the farm.


Friday, September 26, 2008

Bland diet and food allergies

Nathan woke up in the middle of the night and threw up. We cleaned him up, changed his clothes, gave him some 7up.

The next day he is hungry and wants to eat. Usually when I was sick the best thing was Saltine crackers. Nathan can't have those, they have Wheat. It is a challenge to try to find foods that comfort a tummy but that are also safe and allergy free.

I did have some glueten free pretzels and gave him those, they are bland. At least he can have rice, potatos, bananas, applesauce, jello, guten free toast, chicken broth and chicken.

Just another thing to think about.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

MILK - A Four Letter Word

We were at a restaurant today and we ordered a kids meal, I asked the lady at the counter what was included in the kids meal and she said a cookie and MILK or juice. When I heard her say MILK, I must have given her the strangest, kind of dirty look. I thought to myself, MILK is like a four letter word to me, we don't use that word......it can kill my child.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Making Lunches for Nathan

Packing lunch for Nathan can be so hard, I usually just give him the leftovers from the night before, poor kid eats the same thing all the time.

I found this great article on Parents.com about lunch ideas and most of them Nathan can eat or I can subsitute a few items.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

What I feed Nathan? A Look Into Our Pantry






I took some pictures of my pantry, I actually have separate shelves for Nathan's food. This way it is easy for me or anyone else who is here watching him to to know where his "safe food" is.

Most foods I shop at the health food stores for (he eats a lot of natural and organic) and some foods I can get at the local grocery store.

The foods I keep stocked in the pantry are: Soy Milk, Rice Milk, Nana's cookies, De Boles Gluten Free Noodles, Gluten Free Bread, Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips, Gluten Free Pretzels and Pizza Breadsticks; Gluten Free Breakfast Bars, Canned Vegetables, Beans and Fruit Cups; Jell-o Cups, Egg Replacer, Rice, Gluten Free Cereals and more.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Cookbook

I received a cookbook today that I ordered. It list more than 250 allergy-free recipes, but I really wasn't too impressed with the cookbook. A lot of the recipes called for unusual ingredients that I don't even know where to purchase.

Why is it so hard to find a cookbook that just has recipes that are allergy-free? I don't want to substitute to many ingredients, substituting milk or something like that is ok.

Maybe I need to write a cookbook, one that lists recipes for dinner meals that the whole family would like and that is normal, just doesn't call for dairy, eggs, wheat or peanuts.

Stuffed Peppers and Sloppy Joes are 2 meals that I can think of off the top of my head that you really don't have to substitute ingredients.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

BAD Resturant for Peanut Allergies

My husband and I were out and we decided to try a new restaurant for dinner, since we needed something quick before we picked up Nathan from Grandma and Grandpa's house.

We stopped at this new burger place called Five Guys Burger and Fries. There were 2 signs on one of the doors - that I didn't see, because we went into the other door.

We Serve Bulk Peanuts in Open Containers



and
Due to the possibility of
servere allergic reaction
in some neighborhood children,
please DO NOT take
peanuts or peanut shells
outside of Five Guys.
Thank you, Five Guys Enterprises, LLC


Now that is great that they have signs, if you see them, like I didn't. I am so thankful we didn't have Nathan there with us. A child with peanut allergies could die just walking into that place.


They also had signs hanging up inside saying:
Fries Cooked in 100% peanut oil.
Nathan will never eat there. It's sad because the burgers and fries were good.

It's September Already

I can't believe the Summer is over and kids are back to school.

We had planned to send Nathan to a new daycare and he was to start today. The new daycare had a Nurse and Chef. They would be able to prepare him meals and I wouldn't need to pack breakfast, lunches and snacks everyday. I was really excited about this new daycare but when I met the teachers, I wasn't pleased. I just didn't get a comfortable feeling.......so, I decided to keep him at the daycare he is at and pack his meals everyday. After I thought about it more it really seems like the best for Nathan - then I know what he is eating because I packed it.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Labor Day Swimming

Today is Labor day, it is very hot out and the last day the public pool is open, so we decided to go swimming.

They had an announcement that all their snacks and drinks are $.5o due to being the last day they are open. I told Steve to get in line and get something for Nathan. I told him Nathan could have a Slushie, Skittles, etc. - just something he isn't allergic too. Well, there was nothing left that Nathan could have. They had ice cream bars and chocolate - the 2 things Nathan couldn't have. I felt bad for Nathan when Steve came back empty handed. At least Nathan didn't quite understand and I am always prepared with "Safe Snacks".

This is just the beginning of the challenges we are going to face in the future.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Allergy Free Playdough

Most people have no idea that "Playdough" has wheat, but Nathan has a wheat allergy so I am searching for a good playdough recipe. These two seemed to be the easiest without strange ingredients. I haven't tried them yet.

Cooked Playdough (baking soda and corn starch)
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup corn starch
3/4 cup water

Have your child mix the baking soda and corn starch in a pot. Use hands to make sure all the lumps are broken up. Add water. The adult should put the pan on the stove over medium heat and stir constantly. As soon as the mixture gathers together, remove from the heat. When it cools, have your child knead it into a smooth playdough.

Note: Don't over cook this playdough or it will crumble when the children use it.

Alternative Recipe for childrens playdough
2 cup cornstarch
2 cup baking soda
1 1/4 cup cold water

Gradually add water until smooth. Heat, stirring constantly until mashed potato consistency. Turn onto plate, cover with damp cloth, let cool. Knead dough.

Found New Foods


I was online and read that Amy's Kitchen has a new line of frozen kid's meals that are allergy free. The ""Baked Ziti Kids Meal"" is made with light tender organic rice noodles toppped with a dairy free cheeze and Amy's pasta sauce. Broccoli and sauce, rice focaccia & a delicious apple crisp complete the meal. This is good news, I called Whole Foods and they carry them. As soon as I can get there, I will buy some and see if my picky toddler will like them.

Then while I was at my grocery store in their Natural Food Section, I found the Allergaroo allergy-free kids spaghetti meals. Pre packaged and ready to serve for those busy nights after I get home work and don't have time to make dinner.
Editited to add: Read the ingredients, I think I found out that there were nuts in it.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

"Peter Can't Eat Peanuts" by Nadine O'Reilly

The author of this book, Nadine O'Reilly sent me this book to review and it is wonderful book for pre-schoolers. It really explains food allergies to them in a way that isn't too scary but in a way they will understand it. I will start reading this to Nathan, I think he will really enjoy it.

Here is the link to Peter Can't Eat Peanuts on Amazon.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

The Asthma

Along with Nathan's allergies, comes Asthma and for the most part it is under control. But today it has been bad, he coughed the entire car ride to daycare and it was non stop. It just makes me cringe to hear him cough so much.

He did pretty good throughout the day (according to daycare) and when we were at the park. But when we laid him down for bed he starting coughing again non stop. Some of the coughs are so bad that he gags, my poor baby. We did double up on his Asthma medications, but that is all we can do. So I will lay in bed, listen to his coughing and just cringe.

I don't know the trigger which bothers me, it was foggy and cooler today.....could it be the weather?

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Food Allergy Walk - Madison WI


Today we drove to Madison to particapate in a Food Allergy Awareness Walk. The Food Allergy of WI (FAAW) coordinated this wonderful event.

We walked 1.5K walk with check points that offered water and allergy-free foods. Then afterwards there were vendor boooths with free product samples. We found some new foods.

Vendors included:

Allergaroo - founder was there with free tasting of her pre-made dinners in Microwaveable pouches.

Epi-Pen - Gave out free bottles of water, tee-shirts, hats and nylon bags.

Nutricia NA -Makers of the Neocate formula

Enjoy Life - Free food samples and coupons for products.

Wildtree Foods - Food samples

Whole Foods - Free banana's, oranges and apples.

And other samples of crackers, PerkyOs, DariFree milk, Sunbutter etc.

They also had a DJ, balloons, face painting, free back massages, a jumping house and auctions.

Insurance Companies

Ever since our battle with food allergies started we have so many problems with our insurance companies, and we are on our second one presently.

First it started with Nathan's Epi-Pen, they didn't cover it. Now does this make sense? Don't you think an insurance company would cover a $150 medication rather than letting our son be hospitalized? I mean that is an easy brainer. If he needs his Epi-Pen and doesn't have one, he will be at the ER, has to cost more than the $150 Epi-Pen. Well, after a letter from our Pediatrician they decided to cover the Epi-Pen. Like we would just want one for no reason, they needed the Dr. to tell them it is medically necessary. DUH!!

Then Nathan was prescribed a special amino acid-based elemental formula (Elecare) that is very expensive about $200 a month. The allergist suggested we send the insurance company a letter to get it covered. We did and were denied.

It is sad that insurance companies don't cover these kinds of medical needs. I just joined a coalition to promote healthcare coverage and reimbursement of elemental formulas. They are called Children's Magic, http://www.childrensmagic.org/

Saturday, August 2, 2008

The State Fair


We went to our State Fair today. I was very nervous about going with Nathan, what could he eat and would it be safe, should I just bring some food from home?

I gave him some corn on the cob without butter, so that was good. Then I ordered a hotdog with no bun (everyone looks at me strange when I order this) which came with a bag of chips. That was ok. Then my husband and I wanted to have a cream puff (and of course that was a bad food for Nathan), then Nathan will want some (lately he wants what we eat). But I thought ahead a brought a brownie for him and he didn't even notice us eating a cream puff.
We went on the big slide, Nathan really liked that. He kept saying "more" after we went down.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

The Bee Sting

While Nathan was playing outside at day-care, he got stung by a bee (or so they think). They said they saw a bee flying around him and he was crying, but didn't actually see it sting him. They immediately gave him Benadryl and called me. They also have an Epi-Pen for him, but he didn't seem to show any kind of reaction so either the Benadryl was enough to counter the reaction or he isn't allergic to Bee stings.

The poor guy was so afraid of any fly that came near him tonight. We were outside eating dinner and a fly came near him and he just freaked out. I hope he forgets about it and it passes otherwise he will be afraid to be outside.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Nathan wears a Medical ID Bracelet


A while back I bought Nathan a medical alert chain bracelet, but it was too big and he really didn't want to wear it. Then I bought a soft cloth band medical bracelet and he seemed to like it, he is almost proud off it. I took it of for pictures one day and he wanted it back on, so that is good.
The bracelet reads:
Front: Food Allergies
Asthma
Back: Dairy, Eggs, Wheat and Nuts
My cell phone number

Monday, July 21, 2008

Nathan’s 2 Year Wellness Check

It was a good thing Nathan had a doctor appointment today; he definitely had pink-eye and a cold.

He is doing well otherwise; he could gain a few more pounds. Nathan weighs only 22lbs. and he is 33 inches tall. The pediatrician asked about his speech, development and nutrition. Nathan understands most commands and knows what you are saying to him. He seems to be on track. Lately he is speaking so many new words and even a few short sentences.

The words Nathan speaks are: Hi, Bye, Ball, Balloon, Bubbles, Truck, Stuck, All Done, Mama, More (with the sign) Please (he says peas) and "I got it" are a few.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Happy Birthday Nathan


Nathan is TWO!! We made it a year with food allergies. When Nathan got up we gave him his birthday presents from us. He got:

Golf to Grow set
Thomas the Train trains
Leap Frog’s Refrigerator Alphabet Set
Shake N Go Race Car
Monkey T-shirt
Fisher Price First Glove and Ball set
Book
Mr. Potato Head
Aqua Doodle

I really wish we could get him a dog for his birthday, he loves dogs so much. Maybe we could look into a non-allergic dog someday.

After Nathan’s nap we took him to Wirth Pool in Brookfield. It was a beautiful day out and we all had a great time. Nathan had fun in the pool and the fun sandbox. We stayed a couple hours then headed home for dinner. I noticed one of Nathan’s eyes looking pink puffy and gooey – looked like pink-eye.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Nathan's 2nd Birthday Party


The day didn’t start out the best; it was raining hard all morning.

Then I was off to the bakery to get one cake and the grocery store to get another cake and a few other items. I chopped onions, decorated the garage with Thomas the Train and red and blue decorations. He doesn’t really know Thomas the Train he just loves trains and since we live right by a track, he gets so excited when they pass.

At 4:00pm the guest started coming and the weathered cleared up; it turned out to be a perfect day, sunny and warm. Nathan had a great time, all our family came. Plus his little friend Maddux – they are the same age. They played together at the sand table, then took turns riding the Jeep and played ball together.

We cooked out Brats and Hotdogs, for sides we had: Baked Beans, Chips, Fruit Salad, Pasta Salad, 7 layer salad and a potato dish. Most of the food was allergy safe and Nathan could eat. I got him a cake from the gluten free bakery that he just loved, the frosting was really sweet. Even his friend Maddux who can have regular cake ate Nathan’s cake; I thought that was so sweet. As for the adults we ate an ice cream cake. I just feel guilty eating something that Nathan can’t have, he didn’t even notice.

Nathan got alot of great gifts. He got a BBQ bubble machine, Train table and Thomas the Train set, a Sit N Spin, Brewer T-shirt, Book, Bond and Money.

The party ended around 8:30pm, we cleaned up the garage and went inside.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Peanut Free Baseball Game

I was approched by another allergy group to help write letters to the Milwaukee Brewers to get a peanut free night or a peanut free section at Miller Park. I spread the word and I am collecting letters from other allergy moms I know.
I feel so strongly about this issue and I don't want a child to miss the memories of going to a ball game with daddy because he or she is allegic to peanuts.
I really hope the Brewers will listen to the letters they recieve, other baseball teams in other cities have done this so it is not impossible.

Here is my letter to the Brewers:

Dear Mr._________

Our son has peanut allergies and going to a Brewer game is something that is almost impossible to do. This something so simple for any other child, but for my child it is not possible. Some of a child’s fondest memories growing up are going to a baseball game. Please let all children have a chance to have those memories.

Most people don’t think of a food allergy being serve and think well if they just don’t eat then they are fine. That is not the case. I have to be so careful that my son doesn’t even touch something that has food residue on it. We do take many precautions to keep him safe and we are always washing and wiping his hands. Food allergies, including peanut can be deadly for some children and even though we carry his Epi-Pen with us all the time, we are not guaranteed he is going to be ok.

I hope you will consider having a peanut-free night or even having a designated peanut-free section for all games at Miller Park. This would let be a way of giving the less fortunate children a chance to see a Brewer Game and really help raise allergy awareness.

Sincerely,
Steve and Jeanette


Now Nathan has been to one game, I don't know how serve Nathan's peanut allergies are. I wasn't able to relax and enjoy myself at the game. I don't know if he will go again unless there is a peanut free section or evening.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Daddy's Kisses

Nathan and I were playing today shortly after daddy left for work and I noticed some "spots" on Nathan's cheeks. I panicked! I thought what did he eat? How did he get spots on his cheeks. Then I remembered daddy gave Nathan kisses just after he ate breakfast including milk in his cereal. It is just the little things that you don't think of that can cause a reaction.

Friday, May 23, 2008

A Possible Attack

After I picked Nathan up from daycare we can home and walked outside, like we usually do. Steve was out golfing so it was just Nathan and me. We stopped to talk to a neighbor who has a dog and Nathan reached out and pet the dog. He didn't get saliva on his hand so I assumed he was ok. We finished our walk and then came in the house. Shortly after being in the house, Nathan was drooling and had lots of saliva, so much that he started gagging and chocking on his saliva. I called the Dr. and gave him some Benadryl. He was crying and I couldn't come him down. Couple minutes later he was fine, I really think he had an allergy attack from the dog. Just when I thought he was doing fine, we have a relapse.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Allergy Awareness

We just received our allergy awareness bracelets, they are the rubber band bracelets. I can start helping get the awareness out.

I also found out about an allergy awareness walk in Madison in August that I can raise money for and we will go walk for a cause.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Food Allergy Awareness Week (FAAW) May 11-17th


It is allergy awareness week. I really wanted to have some kind of fundraising at work to help raise awareness and get donations but work has cut back on the kinds of fun raising we can do.

I think maybe next year during allergy awareness week I will go to Nathan's daycare and read books to the children about allergies, they are books geared for young children in a story they can understand. Then I will hand out stickers about the stories we read. I will try to do this every year and even when he is in school I can come to his classroom. It is a great way to raise awareness with the young kids and his fellow classmates.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Doggie is my friend

Today is Mother's day and we went to my parents. They were taking care of my sister's dog a beagle named Rocky. Rocky was in a cage and Nathan loves dogs, well every chance Nathan got he was over by Rocky, sticking his fingers in the cage, talking to him, giving him toys, etc. You know what....NO reaction at all. I know that Nathan had to have some dog saliva on his hands and didn't react. Last time he was around Rocky and Rocky licked him, he broke out in hives. Does this mean his dog allergy is getting better?? We can only hope.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Nathan's First Baseball Game


Today we went to the Brewer game at Miller Park. It was a night game (we got free tickets) so we didn't stay for the whole game. Nathan seemed to have fun and liked all the excitement, he didn't like the fireworks though. He got a Brewer monkey stuffed animal and he loves it.

I brought some food for Nathan and planned on getting him chips and a hot dog at the game. When we were ordering I noticed they did have fries so I asked the lady at the counter what was in them and what kind of oil do they use (can't have peanut oil) and she said they were just potato's and the oil wasn't peanut. I trusted her and ordered some, we also got Nathan a hot dog to eat with his cucumbers I brought from home. He got the kids meal hot dog without a bun and it also came with potato chips.

So then DH (Dear Husband) says I am going to get a bag of peanuts. Are you kidding me??? Nathan is allergic to peanuts (we don't know how severe), I was hoping we weren't sitting next to someone that was eating them, we weren't. It is funny how when we were watching the game I watching at what people sitting near us were eating. I need to relax more and enjoy the game.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Charity for Nathan

I set up a webpage for Nathan at Firstgiving.com to help raise awareness, fund education and maybe even a cure for food allergies someday.

Please take a moment to donate through this secure site. http://www.firstgiving.com/nathanwittmann

Even if it is $5.00, every little bit adds up.

Thanks.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Download song from itunes to help charity

I need your help, and you don’t want to miss this!

Download country music sensation Trace Adkins’ live recording of the hit single “You’re Gonna Miss This” from iTunes between March 27 and April 10, 2008 to support the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network.

Here is the link and more info
http://www.foodallergy.org/TraceAdkins/iTunes.html

Thanks so much.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Luckly he didn't have a reaction...

Today while Nathan was having a snack at daycare his arm got bit by another child. The child who bit him was eating and luckly Nathan didn't have a reaction.

This is just another worry for a parent who has a child with a food allergy. Even someone who just kisses Nathan's cheek after having an ice cream can cause Nathan to have a reaction. We just have to be so careful.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Trace Adkins appeared on “The Celebrity Apprentice"

Trace Adkins appeared on “The Celebrity Apprentice” raising awareness for the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), and will reprise his role as the 2008 National Honorary Chair of FAAN’s Walk for Food Allergy.

I was really disapointed tonight that Trace didn't win the Apprentice because I really wanted his charity (FANN) to receive the donations. It was a good show and watching Traces' special about his daughter and her allergies hit so close to home that it made me cry.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Day-care made a HUGE mistake

Daycare called me at work (yes the dreaded call) and said Nathan was having an allergic reaction. I left work and got there as fast as I could. They aready gave him Benadryl. His eyes were swollen, face was red and bumpy, his ears were so red, he looked awful. They told me that he didn't have anything other than his food (I brought). They went outside and didn't do any kind of craft today. I was really puzzled as they were....wondering what caused this. THEN I get a call later from the Director that Nathan ate a piece of cheese (DAIRY). They thought it was his. Apparently, a mom brought it in for a child and someone at the center put it into Nathan's lunch bag. I just don't know what to think or do!! I am mad, but who can I blame?? Nathan has RICE cheese that looks just like regular cheese. The director said the cook was gone for the day and she will talk to her tomorrow.

I need to think of a way to prevent this from EVER happening again!! I was thinking of buying green dot stickers and applying them to every item of Nathan's lunch and telling daycare that if it has a green dot it is safe. I don't know, what am I going to do??

They have been so apologetic and feel horrible this happened. I can't really be mad at them, but it could have been life-threatening. Luckily, he was ok.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Letter to a Restaurant

When we visit a restaurant that we haven't taken Nathan too, I like to contact the restaurant ahead of time to find out about foods that are safe for him. Here is an actual letter to Potbellys.

From: Jeanette
Phone Number:
Sent: 3/10/2008 9:24:13 PM
Comments: We plan to visit your restaurant soon and our son has food allergies. He is allergic to Dairy, Egg, Wheat and Peanuts.Can you please send me a list of items that are free of these ingredients?

Reply:

Hello Jeanette ~Thanks for writing to Potbelly. I'm excited to let you know that we have a revised nutritional analysis that answers all of your questions. You can find it on our website, www.potbelly.com, under the Nutrition Tab on Our Food page. There is also a downloadable pdf file on Allergens. I hope this helps.

Best regards,
Laura Berrones
Speaker of the House
Potbelly Sandwich Works

Monday, March 10, 2008

Nathan's Allergy to Dogs and Cats


Not only is Nathan allergic to foods but is also allergic to dogs and cats. We used to have a cat until Nathan was 7 months old and the cat died. It was months later we found out about his allergy to the cat. Nathan had very bad eczema and we never knew why, I think the cat really made his eczema worse.

Here's the thing....I am an animal lover always have been, I always grew up with a cat or dog. It is killing me inside that we can't have a pet. I know the safety of my child comes first so that is why we never got another pet. I sometimes have the feeling that a woman gets when she wants a baby and can't. I wonder around the pet store looking at the animals for sale and I just want to cry.

Nathan seems to be an animal lover too, dogs mostly. He loves them! If one comes on TV he gets very excited and tries to touch the dog. When we are out for walks he runs up to our neighbors dogs and gets so happy and excited. How will I tell him someday that we can't have a dog because they make him sick.

EXAMPLES OF ALLERGY TO ANIMALS:

My sister has a dog and when Nathan was around the dog he did ok until the dog licked him. Then Nathan would break out in hives where the dog licked him.

We were at the Zoo last year and Nathan was by the goats that you could feed, we as soon as Nathan had goat saliva on his hand and arm, he broke out into hives. I had to give him Benadryl to stop the rection.

Another thing that makes it hard for us is going to peoples houses with pets. We have been invited to playgroups but could not attend because they have a pet. It is hard.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

The Oat Challenge


Nathan had his Oat challenge today and he passed, this is great news!! We were at the Allergist for a long 3 hours. Nathan ate Oatmeal for his challenge he seemed to really like it...Maple and Brown Sugar.

Now that he passed both Oat and Soy he is down to 4 food allergies instead of 2.

They said they won't test again now for another 6 months to 1 year. Too long, I just wonder if we challenged more, he could pass them.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Soy Challenge

Today Nathan had his Soy challenge, we were there for over 3 hours and during naptime so it was a difficult 3 hours. I brought Soy Pudding to use for the test, they put some on his lips waited 15 minutes to see if he would show a reaction, then on his tongue waited 15 minutes, then he actually ate a spoonful waited, etc. He really loved the Soy pudding and didn't show any kind of reaction. So he Passed! Yay!! This is great and opens a whole new door of foods he can eat. He can now drink Soy milk instead of the exspensive formula.

We go back for the Oat challenge next in 2 weeks. His numbers for Oats is higher than the numbers for Soy, so there is a less chance of passing - but I am optamistic.

The Dr. listed to his lungs and said Nathan sounded good and is breathing good. His Asthma has gotten better since they did the 5-day steroid 2 weeks ago. He is still on Flovent and Zyrtec daily.

They weighed him and said he weighs 22lbs 2oz., but he was weighed with all his clothes on and his shoes, so I am sure his weight is really less. His height is 31 and 1/4 inches.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Close Call

Today, I was eating a sour cream chip dip and set the cover was on the table behind me, Nathan can't reach so not a big deal. But today he did reach the table and he took the cover of dip and started licking the dip!! As soon as I realized what he was doing I took it away from him. My first thought was get the Epi-Pen and Benadryl but then I decided to wait and see, I realy didn't notice anything!! I mean his hand was blotchy but it could be chapped. I don't know how much he really did eat but it had Dairy and Soy in it. Very close call.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Soy Challenge Rescheduled

We had so much snow today, they closed everything. The allergy clinic called and wanted to cancel the appointment and we said "no", we will still come in the snow. Then they told us to come eariler because they were closing. So we got there ASAP. We told them about Nathan's asthma and coughing alot at night and then they told us they were not going to do the Soy challenge. I think they just wanted to go home and used the asthma as an excuse not to do it. I knew we should've waited until after the appointment to tell them about his attacks. So no challege, just alot more asthma meds. The challenge is rescheduled for Wed. 2/20.

We did have a woman come from Birth to 3 program to evaluate Nathan today, she should have some results for us next week. We are mostly concerened about his speech or lack of it.


.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Who would have thought?

As I was looking at the children's Valentine cards at the store today, I noticed that they have these cute little containers of playdough that you can give to other kids as an alternative to papercards. Nathan won't be able to play with a can of playdough because it has Wheat as an ingredient. I do have a recipe of a wheat-free playdough that I will have to make him, just not the same.

Food allergies just don't stop at the food that he eats but also food that he touches.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Follow-up to allergy appointment

The allergy nursed called and said his blood work came back and his numbers are down for soy and oats so we scheduled a "challenge" for both of them in February. I really wish we could challenge wheat since this is a hard one to avoid. Anyways, this is great news. If he passes the challenges, he would no longer be allergic to these foods.

Each challenge is scheduled two weeks apart and I need to bring soy and oat food items to the appointment. They will test the food on his skin then his lips and if no reaction, then they let him eat it. We will be at each appointment for 3 hours.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Mealtime Stress

When it comes to mealtimes, I try to be creative. I want to give Nathan a balanced meal, including a fruit and/or veggie, a meat and a carb. such as rice, potato or corn noodles. I try to space out the food choices as best as I can so he isn't eating the same item all the time and even though there isn't that much of a variety of foods he can have. He is getting to be more of a pickier eater than he ever was which makes mealtimes even more stressful.

Today at lunch, my plan was to give him a cucumber and as I started to cut it, I noticed it was rotten. This usually is not a big deal, but to me on this particular day it was. I seriously lost it and I broke out into tears. I didn't have a back-up plan - I didn't have another vegetable in the plan - what was I going to give him - I am the only one who cares about what he eats and if I didn't, who would. I am the solely responsible for his growth and nutrition. All the weight is on my shoulders and today it just got too heavy.

He just ended up eating his ham and bread with some fruit and no vegetable.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Nathan's 18 month appointment

Today was Nathan's 18 month appointment. His stats are as follows:
Weight: 20lbs. 13 1/2oz.
Length: 31 inches
His weight is so low he is off the chart and height is ok, he is growing, so that is good. His head is growing fine and he is in the normal range. Brain growth is good, he will be a smart boy.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Allergy Appointment

Today Nathan is 18 months old.

This week we had a follow-up on Nathan's allergy's. The nurse weighed Nathan and he weighs about 19lbs. They Dr. is concerned about his weight, he is 18 1/2 months old and only weighs 19lbs. I told her he had a bad cold recently and because of that he didn't eat as much as normal. He probably lost a little. The Allergist suggested we come back in a month for a follow-up, if he doesn't gain then she wanted to refer us to a GI specialist.

They also asked all the usual questions such as "Has he been exposed to any allergens?". He has, I accidentally gave him some corm pops cereal that had wheat and some fries that had soy and gluten. Who would think?? The good thing is that we didn't notice any kind of reaction. The reaction he would normally have from wheat and soy is breaking out in hives or a rash. We didn't see any skin reactions. That is great! The allergist decided to do a skin test but then after asking if Nathan has taken his Zyrtec lately, which he had, they decided a blood test would be the most accurate. So off to the lab we went and I watched again as they stuck needles into Nathan's arm to get vials of blood. It is so heart wrenching to watch, how can that much blood come out of a baby's arm.

They told us the results would be available in a week and we need to call. It is going to be a long week of waiting.

I just think "what if", what if he didn't have allergies or his allergies just magically went away one day. Like some kind of miracle.

I pray and hope.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Hope for a Healthier 2008

Hoping that 2008 is healthier and maybe some of his allergies can be less severe or gone. I am hoping they will re-test him. We have been good at avoiding his allergens and he really hasn't shown any reactions lately, not even a rash.