In a Nutshell

Here is a recap of our week:

1. Annabelle had skin tests done on Monday to test for allergies. As I suspected, she is allergic to pistachios. Cashews actually came up clear, but we'll still stay away from those as the doctor said the two nuts typically go hand and hand. In other words, if a child is allergic to cashews, they are more likely than not allergic to pistachios. The coconut skin test also caused a tiny mosquito type bite as well, but the doctor didn't seem too concerned and said that a coconut allergy is very rare. He said she is one of the rare few who is allergic to a tree nut, but not allergic to all tree nuts. Most kids are allergic to all tree nuts if they are allergic to one. I have to schedule to have some blood drawn to confirm her allergies to the tree nuts though. That should be fun.

2. The allergist wrote her a prescription for an Epi-Pen which I am thankful to have based on the last time she actually had a pistachio. I didn't think she was allergic to them because she had them in the past, but after a sample at Sam's, she started getting a rash around her lips along with a cough, and her throat started to swell. I called the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta hotline, and they told me to call 911 immediately. I had already administered Benadryl, but the nurse said we needed to hang up, dial 911 and to not attempt to even drive her to the hospital. Fortunately, the swelling of her throat was already decreasing when I hung up the phone, so we didn't end up dialing 911. However, after a scare with cashews while visiting Andy's Granny in TN, I am thankful to now have a prescription for an Epi-Pen. After we had all been snacking on some popcorn, I looked at the package and noticed that it contained cashews. His Granny lives in the country, and I had left the Children's Benadryl at home. Fortunately, she didn't have a reaction at all.

3. Annabelle also had skin tests done to test for allergies to molds, cats, dogs and dust mites. He tested for dust mites since I told him we lived in an older home and that it seemed to me she is allergic to something in the house. Unfortunately, she showed no signs of allergies to any of those. I say "unfortunately" because I was really hoping she would be allergic to cats.

4. Annabelle has been doped up on antihistamines all week to reduce the itching caused by her extreme case of eczema. On Friday of last week, the dermatologist diagnosed her with nummular eczema which he said is difficult to treat. She also has Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome. It sounds rather life threatening if you ask me, but it is actually just a rash caused by a virus that she has apparently had recently. Per the dermatologist, it just has to "run its course." The rash related to the Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome could last for 1-2 months.

5. Annabelle's behavior is quite extreme as a result of the antihistamines. Atarax to be exact. The dermatologist wants her to continue on this medication until we see him again in January. I may lose my right mind! Her terrible behavior is really driving my patience. 4 year olds are not supposed to act like this on a daily basis.

6. Sophia's first tooth shined its way through officially on Tuesday! It is her middle, bottom, left tooth. If you are looking at her, it is her middle, bottom right tooth.

7. Sophia was very constipated Wednesday night. I called the Children's Healthcare hotline again when it seemed she was never going to push that mess out all on her own. The nurse on call recommended Fleet Pedia-Lax which is a liquid glycerin suppository. Since it is for ages 2-5 years, we were to use only half of it. I sent hubby to the store while I stayed home and tried to comfort a screaming Sophia. She finally fell asleep nursing in my arms. But, it did make administering the suppository that much easier. We went through this with Annabelle too when she was a baby, but Annabelle wasn't even in quite as much pain as poor Sophia. It is either that or Sophia is just a wimp! Poor baby! I hate to see them hurting! With Annabelle, the rice cereal caused her constipation. But, Sophia didn't start having constipation issues until I started her on the sweet potatoes, squash and green beans. Now does that make any sense at all?

8. Sophia is such an angel baby! An angel baby with a very definitive temper! I'm not sure what that means for her toddler years. Of course, her nights are still rough, so she ends up in the bed with us before the evening is over. I've never really wanted my children to co-sleep with us, but Sophia is making her way into our bed very quickly as her Mommy needs a little shut eye!