Oh goodness gracious. Sometimes life is just discouraging.
The beginning of last week I decided to try to give M some sunflower seed butter, as I thought most kiddos are not allergic to sunflower seeds. Well... I believe he had an allergic reaction to it (I should be super thankful that I'm not saying "he had a reaction and we ended up at the hospital"). If it wasn't the sunflower seeds then I don't know what it was that caused the increased eczema and bumps (whatever they should be called). Thankfully I was able to get into the allergist quickly and we go in a couple days.
This next trip to the allergist, hopefully I'll be armed with questions and hopefully I won't forget to ask questions before we leave. No... I haven't had that happen before... who would do something like that... o.o
This evening, I finally got to the grocery store. While I was there I realized if I think M is allergic to sunflower seeds, then I should probably check for sunflower seed oil. Did you know that sunflower seed oil is in a TON of stuff?? It is, take a look next time you're shopping or just when you're eating things. Several things I checked said they contained sunflower and/or safflower seed oil - and from what I've heard that just means they use whichever the company can get for cheaper at the time of making the batch of the product. Oh joy. I don't even want to count how many items that I picked up, read the ingredients, and then put back down. D-e-p-r-e-s-s-i-n-g...
My grocery trip and trip home at least had some positives too. I found some "Fig Newmans" which are wheat-free and dairy-free! (This was after I finally found the Fig Newtons and found they have dairy, whomp whomp). I tried them after we got home and they aren't bad; they definitely aren't your normal Fig Newtons, but they are yummy enough to eat (unlike some replacements, like personally I'd rather be without cheese than eat vegan cheese - yuck!!).
Via text, my mom encouraged me that we will get through this, that I should pray and that M is a healthy boy. I know she is right. It just may be difficult. I guess we are never promised an easy life. If someone has promised you an easy life, whatever they are telling you is a lie; this is a fallen world and so it will be full of problems and heartbreak, along with some amazing things too.
On my way home, I heard two songs that reminded me that I'm not created to be independent in my life. The first was Matthew West's "Strong Enough" and the second was Sanctus Real's "Lay it Down." Both are reminders that we will feel like we will encounter situations/problems that we won't feel suited to face and that the best thing to do is to depend on God to be the strength to persevere. Now that I've said that, I need to let go, or as Sanctus Real said, I need to lay my problems down at the cross. (by the way, if you haven't heard either of those songs you really should listen to the youtube videos of them that I've linked to this... just sayin').
This little momma needs to pack some lunches (mine and M's) as well as bags (again, mine and M's) for tomorrow so we can not be too late tomorrow morning.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Monday, August 11, 2014
The laundry is calling, I'm ignoring it
I'm going to take a moment to step on a soap box, please excuse me for that.
Since I've started walking with M in the stroller, I've realized how inconsiderate or oblivious people can be when driving through intersections with crosswalks. Some drivers never check to see if there are pedestrians, some look and then keep right on going. I must admit, I know that no one is perfect and I know that there have been times when I have failed to see a pedestrian waiting to cross because I didn't look well or because they were in my blind spot. When this happens and I'm driving, I feel really badly but there is no way to tell the pedestrian that - so maybe some of these people who have offended me lately feel badly, I should assume that's all of them that would be the best thing for my own heart.
I am trying to become a more considerate driver in regards to pedestrians and other drivers. Are you? We won't always be perfect, but hopefully if we all try to be safer around crosswalks we can keep people safe and avoid costly fines now that most states require drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Now I'm getting off my soapbox, and the baby is calling, he's more important than the laundry so I guess I'll tend to him ;)
Since I've started walking with M in the stroller, I've realized how inconsiderate or oblivious people can be when driving through intersections with crosswalks. Some drivers never check to see if there are pedestrians, some look and then keep right on going. I must admit, I know that no one is perfect and I know that there have been times when I have failed to see a pedestrian waiting to cross because I didn't look well or because they were in my blind spot. When this happens and I'm driving, I feel really badly but there is no way to tell the pedestrian that - so maybe some of these people who have offended me lately feel badly, I should assume that's all of them that would be the best thing for my own heart.
I am trying to become a more considerate driver in regards to pedestrians and other drivers. Are you? We won't always be perfect, but hopefully if we all try to be safer around crosswalks we can keep people safe and avoid costly fines now that most states require drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Now I'm getting off my soapbox, and the baby is calling, he's more important than the laundry so I guess I'll tend to him ;)
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer That's Worth Using
My hub got me started on coffee; my parents think I've lost my mind and my taste buds. It must be said that I don't drink coffee black, I drink frilly coffee - once hub was in the kitchen when I made myself a mug of coffee and he said "Um... why does yours smell and look like hot chocolate?" Well, it was because there was so much creamer and sugar in mine.
So one reason my most recent decision to drop dairy until M is weaned made me sad was that I had just made some of that 3 ingredient coffee creamer from pinterest. If you pinterest much, you've probably seen it; it's not a good link it's just a picture showing supposed homemade creamer with 3 ingredients next to some Coffee Mate. I made mine with 2 cups of milk, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, and caramel syrup; it was fabulously yummy (but how can you ever go wrong with sweetened condensed milk!)
I tried store bough coconut coffee creamer last time I went dairy free and it left me wanting, a LOT. I really didn't want to go back to that again. I didn't find it really worth using. Plus those non-dairy powder creamers, that are nothing short of yuck.
I got to thinking "there has got to be a way to make something similar to the pinterest recipe, but with non-dairy ingredients." I did a google search for "vegan substitute sweetened condensed milk" and I got hits recommending "cream of coconut." I decided I could mix that with soy milk. Tonight I tried this mix... and it was amazing!
At first I was worried because the cream of coconut looked like solid coconut oil on the top and I didn't know how I would get this solid mass to mix into my soymilk. But hub was smart and suggested that it might not be solid under. I started stirring and it was definitely just separated. If I were to do something different I would pour it into a bowl and wisk it really good - I had a few lumps left in the final produce :(
So do what I didn't, wisk your cream of coconut til smooth, then mix in 2 cups soymilk (or whatever milk you choose, I just have soy in the house). Next the next step is to enjoy and dry not to drool over it to much. I really think I could drink this straight, or eat it by the spoon-full. I cannot wait to make coffee in the morning!
** Just in case, I feel I should say... I am definitely not a nutritionist. I doubt this is a healthy alternative to other coffee creamers; this is just me sharing a recipe for something that is dairy-free. I didn't look how much sugar is in this cream of coconut but I bet it's not worse than sweetened condensed milk.
8/11/14 Update! I had this in my coffee and it was YUMMY! I think I would do one thing differently next time, instead of mixing in the coconut oil on the top of the can, I might try just taking it out. The oil separates after mixed with the milk too and then floats. I don't mind having a little coconut oil in my coffee, but it was a little much. I also tried this in my oatmeal and that was a win as well! (I have to divulge that I have been previously known to put international delight creamer in my oatmeal, so this wasn't a new thing for me, just different).
So one reason my most recent decision to drop dairy until M is weaned made me sad was that I had just made some of that 3 ingredient coffee creamer from pinterest. If you pinterest much, you've probably seen it; it's not a good link it's just a picture showing supposed homemade creamer with 3 ingredients next to some Coffee Mate. I made mine with 2 cups of milk, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, and caramel syrup; it was fabulously yummy (but how can you ever go wrong with sweetened condensed milk!)
I tried store bough coconut coffee creamer last time I went dairy free and it left me wanting, a LOT. I really didn't want to go back to that again. I didn't find it really worth using. Plus those non-dairy powder creamers, that are nothing short of yuck.
I got to thinking "there has got to be a way to make something similar to the pinterest recipe, but with non-dairy ingredients." I did a google search for "vegan substitute sweetened condensed milk" and I got hits recommending "cream of coconut." I decided I could mix that with soy milk. Tonight I tried this mix... and it was amazing!
At first I was worried because the cream of coconut looked like solid coconut oil on the top and I didn't know how I would get this solid mass to mix into my soymilk. But hub was smart and suggested that it might not be solid under. I started stirring and it was definitely just separated. If I were to do something different I would pour it into a bowl and wisk it really good - I had a few lumps left in the final produce :(
So do what I didn't, wisk your cream of coconut til smooth, then mix in 2 cups soymilk (or whatever milk you choose, I just have soy in the house). Next the next step is to enjoy and dry not to drool over it to much. I really think I could drink this straight, or eat it by the spoon-full. I cannot wait to make coffee in the morning!
** Just in case, I feel I should say... I am definitely not a nutritionist. I doubt this is a healthy alternative to other coffee creamers; this is just me sharing a recipe for something that is dairy-free. I didn't look how much sugar is in this cream of coconut but I bet it's not worse than sweetened condensed milk.
8/11/14 Update! I had this in my coffee and it was YUMMY! I think I would do one thing differently next time, instead of mixing in the coconut oil on the top of the can, I might try just taking it out. The oil separates after mixed with the milk too and then floats. I don't mind having a little coconut oil in my coffee, but it was a little much. I also tried this in my oatmeal and that was a win as well! (I have to divulge that I have been previously known to put international delight creamer in my oatmeal, so this wasn't a new thing for me, just different).
Friday, August 8, 2014
Random Cloudy Potpourri
So I skipped yesterday and now the hub is asleep on the couch and I'm not that tired, so it seems like a perfect time to blog a little.
M was actually due July 26th, but he had different plans - he intended on staying put forever, foot wedged in my ribs to prove it. I scheduled my just in case induction for the 4th, but about a week or so out, they told me who the doctor on duty that day would be I literally started crying on the phone. I did not have a great working relationship with him and didn't want him to deliver my baby unless that was my ONLY choice. So thankfully changed it to the 7th with check in the night before. When we got settled in on the evening of the 6th, guess who walked in! None other than the doctor I didn't want to deliver and he sent me home, whew! Apparently they have a point system and I was too far along (and had been for weeks) to have the first drug (cervidil I think) - the OB was mad and I'm pretty sure the last one to see me was in trouble for not changing my check in time to the morning of the 7th.
Bummed, we went home. The next morning I was excited but SUPER nervous. We got checked in and settled and started the dreaded, horrible, evil pitocin. My nurse seemed nice, but a little odd and since I knew nothing about anything we went with it. It was a very boring day until after they broke my water; I made it a little while, but after a little while when I couldn't hold my body still from the contractions less than a minute apart I asked for the epidural (if there is a next time it will happen sooner!). Then it got boring again. At 6 in the evening (after being on pitocin for about 12 hours) they finally told me it was push time. After just over an hour there was little to no change except in my nursing staff. Then I figured out my first nurse was just okay and my second nurse was amazing! Shelied exaggerated once and told me I would have to have a c-section if there was no change in 30 minutes (the doctor said we'd discuss it after 30 minutes). I owe that nurse for my not having a c-section. I am thankful the shift change happened when it did, otherwise I would have had to had a c-section, the first nurse just wasn't getting things done with me. It only took 3 hours and 26 minutes for M to finally cooperate and meet us and the world. (And by world I mean it, in the room when he was born there was the OB, midwife, my nurse, hub, neonatologist, and 2-3 nursery nurses). M promptly pooped all over the nurses that were trying to clean him (hahaha).
I wasa bit extremely upset at the time because the childbirth class teacher told me they did kangaroo care at the hospital, but they didn't; it felt like FOREVER before they let me hold him. In retrospect, I was spared the initial poo-fest (win!). My parents and grandma got to meet M, and my mom stayed with us while hub went to get food. It was a long rest of the evening until we finally got a clean baby and got taken to the mommy-baby room (like 1am).
It was only last night when I realized how LONG I was actually in labor. Last night in the amount of time I was in active labor we had dinner, put M to bed, let the dogs out, cleaned in the kitchen/picked up toys (hub did toys, I did dishes), watched some TV, I printed and traced a cloth diaper pattern, watched some more TV, and messed around on facebook/online. Three and a half hours is a LONG time! Glad that's not an every day occurrence.
I love when I get to share my passion for cloth diapers with others! I was excited to share them with my sister-in-law, and just today a friend came over to see our stash. I really wish I could open a physical cloth diaper store, the closet brick and mortar store to my house is at least 1.5-2 hours away, not realistic/convenient when you have littles. I would love to teach people about modern cloth and help them save money (in the long run) on cloth over disposables. I am looking forward to showing our stash with another friend in a couple weeks. I wish I could do that more.
Baby 1st B-Day!
Yesterday was M's 1st birthday. It's amazing that it seems like this year has gone SO fast, but then at the same time I can barely remember life without him. (Yes, I vaguely remember sleeping in... someday I will do that again and it will be sleeping after 8am). I tried to do some special things for M, we found him some new shoes, went to the pool and he opened his presents. He was totally uninterested in tearing the wrapping paper - which was a surprise to me. He loved his Little People farm, he (no surprise) likes to carry around an animal in each hand, but he also likes to play with the animals in the barn. He also had his first fresh peach and he was definitely a fan, even of the skin (yuck!). [On a side note, I totally miss living closer to the farmer's markets - it was so nice to be able to stop on the way home for some awesome produce.]Baby Actual B-Day!
Since it was M's birthday I found myself thinking about last year. Here's a mini birth story (promise I won't go into too many tmi details, but you can skip it if you want):M was actually due July 26th, but he had different plans - he intended on staying put forever, foot wedged in my ribs to prove it. I scheduled my just in case induction for the 4th, but about a week or so out, they told me who the doctor on duty that day would be I literally started crying on the phone. I did not have a great working relationship with him and didn't want him to deliver my baby unless that was my ONLY choice. So thankfully changed it to the 7th with check in the night before. When we got settled in on the evening of the 6th, guess who walked in! None other than the doctor I didn't want to deliver and he sent me home, whew! Apparently they have a point system and I was too far along (and had been for weeks) to have the first drug (cervidil I think) - the OB was mad and I'm pretty sure the last one to see me was in trouble for not changing my check in time to the morning of the 7th.
Bummed, we went home. The next morning I was excited but SUPER nervous. We got checked in and settled and started the dreaded, horrible, evil pitocin. My nurse seemed nice, but a little odd and since I knew nothing about anything we went with it. It was a very boring day until after they broke my water; I made it a little while, but after a little while when I couldn't hold my body still from the contractions less than a minute apart I asked for the epidural (if there is a next time it will happen sooner!). Then it got boring again. At 6 in the evening (after being on pitocin for about 12 hours) they finally told me it was push time. After just over an hour there was little to no change except in my nursing staff. Then I figured out my first nurse was just okay and my second nurse was amazing! She
I was
It was only last night when I realized how LONG I was actually in labor. Last night in the amount of time I was in active labor we had dinner, put M to bed, let the dogs out, cleaned in the kitchen/picked up toys (hub did toys, I did dishes), watched some TV, I printed and traced a cloth diaper pattern, watched some more TV, and messed around on facebook/online. Three and a half hours is a LONG time! Glad that's not an every day occurrence.
Cloth Diapers
I am so glad we chose to do cloth diapers. I don't know exactly why but for years I wanted to use cloth; I just remember thinking disposable diapers are gross because they basically don't degrade. Hub was not into the plan and was only finally convinced by a friend who got poop on him frequently when his son wore disposables - they started using cloth for the poosplosion protection and that protection was enough for hub to say I could try.I love when I get to share my passion for cloth diapers with others! I was excited to share them with my sister-in-law, and just today a friend came over to see our stash. I really wish I could open a physical cloth diaper store, the closet brick and mortar store to my house is at least 1.5-2 hours away, not realistic/convenient when you have littles. I would love to teach people about modern cloth and help them save money (in the long run) on cloth over disposables. I am looking forward to showing our stash with another friend in a couple weeks. I wish I could do that more.
Good Night :)
I'm not ready to go to sleep really but my eyes are done with today. Maybe I'll find my good glasses soon, that'd be nice.Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Don't freak the freak out!
Can you tell I used to watch Victorious with my nephews... cricket, cricket... well I'll just get onto it.
The past two days I've been trying not freak the freak out over all the things I won't be able to make/give for M because of his food allergies (dairy/egg/almonds + who knows what else). I've thought of some family favorites: lasagna, cashew chicken, pizza, lemon pepper parmesan crusted flounder, ICE CREAM, cheery cherry cheese pie, grandma's cheesecake, Chick-Fil-A (he can have the grilled chicken and fries)... I won't go on, it's depressing. ::sniff sniff::
Although it will become important that I think about what he eats, I need to be positive for a couple reasons. 1. I'm far too frequently a pessimist and it gets old, it's not fun. 2. I don't want to give him a negative attitude about his diet. 3. Self-pity parties make it more difficult to be used by God - He can do it, but you miss out on the benefits.
I need to focus on something so today for at least a little while, I started compulsively looking at what convertible car seat we should get for M - found a few to look into a little more. Hopefully tomorrow and the days to come, I can have the brain function and discipline to get into the Word instead of only focusing on these passing things of Earth.
Here's a few dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free foodswe M likes to eat:
J&Js Baby Meat Balls is the third recipe down on the page. I've been making these for M for a few months. They are super easy to make and reheat for later meals. These are an absolute staple in our house!
#6 on this list of 12 things to do with a can of black beans - I made roasted black beans tonight with dinner and they were NOM NOM NOM (translation: fabulously yummy) for me and M. I'm sure you could do this with non-canned but cooked black beans too. These could totally be a great snack because they're easy to pop 'em in your mouth and eat 'em, plus beans are a good source of plant protein.
Happy Family baby & toddler foods are quickly becoming a favorite for me and M. No I'm not eating them, I like that they are organic at budget friendly prices, plus they tell you on the label what allergens are contained in the product (unlike a certain big name baby food brand ::cough cough, Gerber, cough::). M seems to enjoy eating everything we've tried.
Maybe someone will benefit from me sharing these links :)
To encourage myself and any readers:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
The past two days I've been trying not freak the freak out over all the things I won't be able to make/give for M because of his food allergies (dairy/egg/almonds + who knows what else). I've thought of some family favorites: lasagna, cashew chicken, pizza, lemon pepper parmesan crusted flounder, ICE CREAM, cheery cherry cheese pie, grandma's cheesecake, Chick-Fil-A (he can have the grilled chicken and fries)... I won't go on, it's depressing. ::sniff sniff::
Although it will become important that I think about what he eats, I need to be positive for a couple reasons. 1. I'm far too frequently a pessimist and it gets old, it's not fun. 2. I don't want to give him a negative attitude about his diet. 3. Self-pity parties make it more difficult to be used by God - He can do it, but you miss out on the benefits.
I need to focus on something so today for at least a little while, I started compulsively looking at what convertible car seat we should get for M - found a few to look into a little more. Hopefully tomorrow and the days to come, I can have the brain function and discipline to get into the Word instead of only focusing on these passing things of Earth.
Here's a few dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free foods
J&Js Baby Meat Balls is the third recipe down on the page. I've been making these for M for a few months. They are super easy to make and reheat for later meals. These are an absolute staple in our house!
#6 on this list of 12 things to do with a can of black beans - I made roasted black beans tonight with dinner and they were NOM NOM NOM (translation: fabulously yummy) for me and M. I'm sure you could do this with non-canned but cooked black beans too. These could totally be a great snack because they're easy to pop 'em in your mouth and eat 'em, plus beans are a good source of plant protein.
Happy Family baby & toddler foods are quickly becoming a favorite for me and M. No I'm not eating them, I like that they are organic at budget friendly prices, plus they tell you on the label what allergens are contained in the product (unlike a certain big name baby food brand ::cough cough, Gerber, cough::). M seems to enjoy eating everything we've tried.
Maybe someone will benefit from me sharing these links :)
To encourage myself and any readers:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Monday, August 4, 2014
Now boarding, the allergy express!
My little family is about to go on a ride I never imagined taking. Chooo chooo!! All aboard who's going aboard, on the allergy express!
I previously said, "I can't imagine having food allergies" and I believe both myself and my husband have said "I hope M doesn't have any food allergies." Well, now I could just eat those words right up, but perhaps I'd be allergic to them...
For months I have suspected that M has a dairy allergy or sensitivity - I'll get into why later - but just recently decided it was time to find out. The short of it is my baby is allergic to dairy, eggs, and almonds - maybe more but that's all for now (we only tested dairy, eggs, soy, rice, coconut, and almonds). For the long of it, keep reading...
Not going to lie, I'm giving you fair warning that this is a long post, but if just one other momma reads this and either doesn't feel alone in what she's experiencing or feels more confident that she should follow her mom-stincts, then this is worth it to me. If no one reads it, then I'm just another chronic over-sharer on the web. Here goes!
October 2013, we went out to First Friday in town with some friends; it was hot and I felt guilty carrying around a sweating two month-old baby in a Moby that honestly just made hot and sweaty even worse for both of us. M behaved okay and fell asleep at dinner, he actually slept through the night. Looking back I think this was one of our first (of many since and to come) parenting fails. That weekend I noticed a rash nearly all over M, I thought for sure it was a heat rash but when it didn't go away I took him into the doctor's office. She said it was eczema and since it wasn't on his back it shouldn't be an allergy to detergent or food; she recommended aquaphor or something else "all natural" (since petroleum jelly is so natural... oh well). I found BabyGanics Eczema Cream and we were able to manage the eczema, but it became a constant.
Move on a little bit in the fall, I began to notice that M's poo was almost always green and sometimes had mucous in it. I read that green breastfed baby poo is okay, but it can be a sign of something wrong. I realized that the mucous coincided with increased dairy intake on my part - when I ate ice cream or yogurt, or had a big glass of milk. I asked the doctor we were going to at the time (a family practitioner), she asked if there was blood in the stool and when I said no she was unconcerned and continued to encourage me to get at least 5 servings of dairy a day. I however, continued to look into green mucousy stool as a potential indicator of dairy intolerance. (I have since learned from a friend that blood can be present in the stool and not be visible, it has to be tested).
In November, I quit drinking milk straight - I switched to almond milk (which I love by the way, yum yum yum). In December, I quit eating yogurt and ice cream (occasionally I would indulge but then I'd find what looked like a giant wad of snot in a diaper and feel guilty).
In late February, I decided to try to go dairy-free. Oh my goodness, that was HARD! Especially for someone who loves cheese (I could live on cheese). It was also hard because my birthday was in March and I had to find a cake/frosting recipe that was dairy free (by the way I finally found this: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/crazy-cake/detail.aspx It is SO yummy, my mom used a marshmallow fluff kind of recipe for the icing, I'll have to get it to share). Add to it that my husband brought me a box of Cinnabons after he was gone over my birthday; Cinnabons are like crack to me, I LOVE them. Every time I stayed off dairy, M's skin cleared up. Every time I fell off the wagon the eczema flared up again.
I am not a good eater apparently. After 2 weeks of dairy-free my favorite pre-pregger jeans fit again, but dropping a couple inches of waist-line while nursing in less than a month is probably not ideal. After maybe a month and a half I gave up. My milk supply had dropped to nada, I was barely getting anything when I pumped at work and was quickly demolishing the freezer stash. Typical formula is made from milk so supplementing with that would defeat the purpose of my eating dairy free. With reintroduction of dairy to my diet, the eczema came back but maybe a little better than before.
I decided, with some convincing from my boss (if you're reading this, THANKS!!), to switch from the family practice to a pediatric practice. Then came the 9 month appointment when I knew we'd be told M could have dairy products. I really liked the new doctor, but I didn't mention my dairy concerns. So I gave him cheese - he liked it - but saw some red spots on his face where it touched his skin. I gave him macaroni and cheese (he enjoyed it), grilled cheese (he devoured it) and yogurt (he seemed to like with slight reservation). Yogurt puffs left even bigger red welts on his face than cheese and I began to realize this wasn't going so well. Finally a bout of diarrhea (started by kiwi I think) forced the decision that dairy needed to be cut. After a week without dairy (including yogurt which is supposed to settle the tummy) the diarrhea subsided.
M just kept getting older and bigger (babies do that I guess, but it's sad and exciting all at once). Quicker and quicker we neared the 1 year mark that I dreaded for one reason - being told to give him whole milk. I knew I needed to have him tested before his birthday. I made an appointment and worried the doctor would think I was a crazy, over-anxious first time momma who didn't have a clue. But to my delight, she listened patiently asking a few questions as I went through all of this... then she agreed with my concern. She agreed he should see an allergist. WHEW!! I was thankful for sure!
I was starting to get nervous about the possibility that I was right; the possibility that my son may have food allergies. The appointment was getting closer but then there were these bumps... of course, I took him to the doctor again and he had hand foot and mouth. Timing felt like it couldn't be worse and I cried. I realized God might have a reason why we didn't get to go then, so I tried to stay calm. The blisters went away and we had our referral for the appointment.
I started to get nervous again... but this time I felt a little more calm about it, that maybe if this had to be one of our difficulties in life it would be doable. I realized that maybe God could use me, use M through this if he did have an allergy.
This morning came, the appointment time neared, we made it to the office on time (and I had actually showered!). But of course this couldn't go that smoothly, I forgot my wallet with my license and M's insurance card - thankfully they would allow me to get that to them afterwards. The screaming child in the back didn't help me feel any better. We went back and it was all going okay; however the doctor also seemed skeptical about whether my child had an allergy or just sensitive skin. She ordered the skin tests and the nurse came to do them. Well, talk about not fun, that was not fun. There may not be any needles, but scraping a child's back in multiple places and wiping possible allergens on the scratches, all while trying to hold said child still... that was fabulous! When they came to read them there were definite reactions; as I said he's allergic to dairy, eggs, and almonds. Thankfully not soy or coconut, so he will be able to have those alternative products.
I kind of skipped over this: I did have concern regarding egg, M's face broke out after I gave him hard boiled egg yolk. I had given him scrambled egg yolk the day before - either I didn't notice a reaction, it was slow or he didn't eat enough of it. I just didn't try this again, I figured I'd wait a month or two before trying again and then ask the doctor.
One difficult task I have found is finding egg-free/dairy-free snack and meal ideas for toddlers. I hope to keep blogging about how our ride on the allergy express goes - that way maybe, just maybe, another momma might come across some of the snacks, meals, recipes, and restaurant food we find and like (or dislike)! So much out there I find that's egg and dairy free is vegan; I'm not vegan or wanting to be (love me some steak, fish, chicken, pork... need I continue?), I just need egg-free/dairy free options to feed my little guy.
That's it for now. I'm going to go get the epi-pen into the diaper bag and see about getting the proper benadryl dosage. As Tigger says, TTFN! (Ta ta for now!)
I previously said, "I can't imagine having food allergies" and I believe both myself and my husband have said "I hope M doesn't have any food allergies." Well, now I could just eat those words right up, but perhaps I'd be allergic to them...
For months I have suspected that M has a dairy allergy or sensitivity - I'll get into why later - but just recently decided it was time to find out. The short of it is my baby is allergic to dairy, eggs, and almonds - maybe more but that's all for now (we only tested dairy, eggs, soy, rice, coconut, and almonds). For the long of it, keep reading...
Not going to lie, I'm giving you fair warning that this is a long post, but if just one other momma reads this and either doesn't feel alone in what she's experiencing or feels more confident that she should follow her mom-stincts, then this is worth it to me. If no one reads it, then I'm just another chronic over-sharer on the web. Here goes!
October 2013, we went out to First Friday in town with some friends; it was hot and I felt guilty carrying around a sweating two month-old baby in a Moby that honestly just made hot and sweaty even worse for both of us. M behaved okay and fell asleep at dinner, he actually slept through the night. Looking back I think this was one of our first (of many since and to come) parenting fails. That weekend I noticed a rash nearly all over M, I thought for sure it was a heat rash but when it didn't go away I took him into the doctor's office. She said it was eczema and since it wasn't on his back it shouldn't be an allergy to detergent or food; she recommended aquaphor or something else "all natural" (since petroleum jelly is so natural... oh well). I found BabyGanics Eczema Cream and we were able to manage the eczema, but it became a constant.
Move on a little bit in the fall, I began to notice that M's poo was almost always green and sometimes had mucous in it. I read that green breastfed baby poo is okay, but it can be a sign of something wrong. I realized that the mucous coincided with increased dairy intake on my part - when I ate ice cream or yogurt, or had a big glass of milk. I asked the doctor we were going to at the time (a family practitioner), she asked if there was blood in the stool and when I said no she was unconcerned and continued to encourage me to get at least 5 servings of dairy a day. I however, continued to look into green mucousy stool as a potential indicator of dairy intolerance. (I have since learned from a friend that blood can be present in the stool and not be visible, it has to be tested).
In November, I quit drinking milk straight - I switched to almond milk (which I love by the way, yum yum yum). In December, I quit eating yogurt and ice cream (occasionally I would indulge but then I'd find what looked like a giant wad of snot in a diaper and feel guilty).
In late February, I decided to try to go dairy-free. Oh my goodness, that was HARD! Especially for someone who loves cheese (I could live on cheese). It was also hard because my birthday was in March and I had to find a cake/frosting recipe that was dairy free (by the way I finally found this: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/crazy-cake/detail.aspx It is SO yummy, my mom used a marshmallow fluff kind of recipe for the icing, I'll have to get it to share). Add to it that my husband brought me a box of Cinnabons after he was gone over my birthday; Cinnabons are like crack to me, I LOVE them. Every time I stayed off dairy, M's skin cleared up. Every time I fell off the wagon the eczema flared up again.
I am not a good eater apparently. After 2 weeks of dairy-free my favorite pre-pregger jeans fit again, but dropping a couple inches of waist-line while nursing in less than a month is probably not ideal. After maybe a month and a half I gave up. My milk supply had dropped to nada, I was barely getting anything when I pumped at work and was quickly demolishing the freezer stash. Typical formula is made from milk so supplementing with that would defeat the purpose of my eating dairy free. With reintroduction of dairy to my diet, the eczema came back but maybe a little better than before.
I decided, with some convincing from my boss (if you're reading this, THANKS!!), to switch from the family practice to a pediatric practice. Then came the 9 month appointment when I knew we'd be told M could have dairy products. I really liked the new doctor, but I didn't mention my dairy concerns. So I gave him cheese - he liked it - but saw some red spots on his face where it touched his skin. I gave him macaroni and cheese (he enjoyed it), grilled cheese (he devoured it) and yogurt (he seemed to like with slight reservation). Yogurt puffs left even bigger red welts on his face than cheese and I began to realize this wasn't going so well. Finally a bout of diarrhea (started by kiwi I think) forced the decision that dairy needed to be cut. After a week without dairy (including yogurt which is supposed to settle the tummy) the diarrhea subsided.
M just kept getting older and bigger (babies do that I guess, but it's sad and exciting all at once). Quicker and quicker we neared the 1 year mark that I dreaded for one reason - being told to give him whole milk. I knew I needed to have him tested before his birthday. I made an appointment and worried the doctor would think I was a crazy, over-anxious first time momma who didn't have a clue. But to my delight, she listened patiently asking a few questions as I went through all of this... then she agreed with my concern. She agreed he should see an allergist. WHEW!! I was thankful for sure!
I was starting to get nervous about the possibility that I was right; the possibility that my son may have food allergies. The appointment was getting closer but then there were these bumps... of course, I took him to the doctor again and he had hand foot and mouth. Timing felt like it couldn't be worse and I cried. I realized God might have a reason why we didn't get to go then, so I tried to stay calm. The blisters went away and we had our referral for the appointment.
I started to get nervous again... but this time I felt a little more calm about it, that maybe if this had to be one of our difficulties in life it would be doable. I realized that maybe God could use me, use M through this if he did have an allergy.
This morning came, the appointment time neared, we made it to the office on time (and I had actually showered!). But of course this couldn't go that smoothly, I forgot my wallet with my license and M's insurance card - thankfully they would allow me to get that to them afterwards. The screaming child in the back didn't help me feel any better. We went back and it was all going okay; however the doctor also seemed skeptical about whether my child had an allergy or just sensitive skin. She ordered the skin tests and the nurse came to do them. Well, talk about not fun, that was not fun. There may not be any needles, but scraping a child's back in multiple places and wiping possible allergens on the scratches, all while trying to hold said child still... that was fabulous! When they came to read them there were definite reactions; as I said he's allergic to dairy, eggs, and almonds. Thankfully not soy or coconut, so he will be able to have those alternative products.
I kind of skipped over this: I did have concern regarding egg, M's face broke out after I gave him hard boiled egg yolk. I had given him scrambled egg yolk the day before - either I didn't notice a reaction, it was slow or he didn't eat enough of it. I just didn't try this again, I figured I'd wait a month or two before trying again and then ask the doctor.
One difficult task I have found is finding egg-free/dairy-free snack and meal ideas for toddlers. I hope to keep blogging about how our ride on the allergy express goes - that way maybe, just maybe, another momma might come across some of the snacks, meals, recipes, and restaurant food we find and like (or dislike)! So much out there I find that's egg and dairy free is vegan; I'm not vegan or wanting to be (love me some steak, fish, chicken, pork... need I continue?), I just need egg-free/dairy free options to feed my little guy.
That's it for now. I'm going to go get the epi-pen into the diaper bag and see about getting the proper benadryl dosage. As Tigger says, TTFN! (Ta ta for now!)
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