Luke's Initial Allergy Diagnosis

We've been struggling with Luke's eating for as long as I can remember. I can't even remember a time when he didn't have some sort of rash or gross diapers or something. We've known for awhile that it had to be an allergy to something, but whatever that "something" was has remained elusive. We started with a milk elimination diet, thinking that milk protein was the most likely culprit. It didn't work, so thinking it was a skin reaction, we eliminated fragrance and coloring from all products that touched his skin and clothes. Still nothing. Most recently we've been treating him with benedryl, claritin, and prescription strength hydrocordozone cream, working under the assumption that it was probably multiple allergies and we should just treat the symptoms. It was a solid plan, but even treating the symptoms didn't work. It's like he's developed a resistance to benedryl. Not good...

Finally, enough was enough and we opted to have him allergy tested after his last major breakout. He had hives for four solid days without any improvement. The initial blood panel came back yesterday, and it was both unexpected and not good. We were expecting a whole host of environmental allergens (mold, pollen, trees, etc) but instead it came back with some serious food allergies. He's moderately allergic to peanuts and cats as well as being mildly allergic to bananas and eggs.

I don't really have much more to say about it right now. We're adjusting to an entirely new diet for him, but we're still waiting for the final opinion from the allergist. We see the allergist in a few weeks, so we can hopefully get more perspective on where we need to go from here. Our biggest concern is the peanut allergy, which can lead to a serious reaction, and the cat allergy, which could result in us having to get rid of Tana. I'm not even ready to think about giving up my cat yet. Too sad.

Now we have to wait and see, which I'm horrible at.

Valentine's Day

First things first- we finally got some fish in our new tank, and this is where the boys spent a large portion of yesterday. They love it!

Most of our Valentine's Day was pretty low-key. I wish I was the type of mom who made heart-shaped pancakes and decorated the entire house, but I never even think about it. With the exception of Christmas, I'm pretty low-key when it comes to the holidays. Sorry boys! However, when Darreck got home from work, we dropped the boys off at Cody and Mandy Lowe's house and went to the bi-stake dinner and dance. Normally a big, huge gathering wouldn't really be our thing, but it was a free meal and it was fun to see some friends. The food was okay, the speaker went on way to long, and we had to leave before the dancing started, but we still had a good time. The conversation was good, and I got to spend some time with my honey. It's hard to party too hearty when your night has to end at 8:30. Getting the boys to bed is the priority at this stage in our lives. There will be many more years with candlelight dinners for two.

Max's Class Party and Our Tax Return Treat

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, but Max got the holiday started right today at his school party. He had such a good time! Max usually attends the afternoon session, but they combine with the morning class for party days. He gets so excited to see his "extra" friends and enjoy the treats- even though he rarely eats them. Kid doesn't have much of a sweet tooth, not that I'm complaining. In fact, we sent him with packages of Goldfish crackers just for a little something different.

My favorite part of the day was Max's treat bag, which he made with a little help (read: a ton of help) from dad. Watching them make it was a frustrating process. Darreck had a distinct vision and wouldn't let Max help much, but it was all Max's vision. It turned out so cute.

We also spent a very small portion of our tax return on a family treat. We got a new fish aquarium! Darreck and I had an aquarium in college and goldfish since then, but it was time for something bigger and better. We got a 16 gallon take and have started to populate it with fish. It might sound corny, but I'm so excited! I love the water and fish tanks; it's completely soothing to me. It's also my idea of the perfect pet- they don't shed and I don't have to clean up poop. Love it!

And just for good measure, one cute picture of Luke's crazy morning hair!