Oh, nuts!

Well, after successfully dodging it for 3 1/2 years of parenting, the dreaded food allergy bullet appears to have finally gotten us. Since Nathan turned one last week, I have taken more liberty at experimenting with various table foods. So, today I thought it would be fun to give him torn up chunks of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. He seemed to love it, and ate it right up. I knew peanuts were a "high allergen" food from the parenting magazines I read, so I was not too surprised (but also very un-thrilled) to find Nathan after his afternoon nap all red and swollen. His lips, earlobes and eyelids were swollen, and his face was red as a beet, so I took him to our (wonderful, wonderful, wonderful) pediatrician right before the office closed for the day. She confirmed that it is most likely a peanut allergy, and suggested we visit an allergist to be sure since this allergy can escalate into the very dangerous range, including breathing struggles. By the time she saw Nathan, he also had hives on his tummy and diaper area--poor little guy! She prescribed some meds to make him feel better and get the rash to go away, but it looks like we have some dietary restrictions in the future for our youngest family member. No Reese's Eggs for him this Easter--what a bummer!
So, as it turns out, the prescription is for Prednisone, a common steroid used for inflammation. This is the same med that Copland, our dog, is on for his ears. I was joking with Cliff that we have a female dog and female child who are both as healthy as can be. Our male dog, however, has ear problems, has been on special diets, etc. Our male child has cradle cap, eczema and an apparent peanut allergy. Who said females are the high maintenance ones???

Gina