First - my apologies to the grandparents - there are no pics of Harper today. It was a busy day and I put her to bed before I realized I never took her picture. (Bless her heart - I would REALLY hate the child to go one day of her life without being photographed. ha!)
But come back tomorrow - it's her 5 month birthday and the post will be ALL ABOUT HER!
Thanks for the compliments on my necklace from yesterday. I got it at Forever 21 for $5.80. (It suddenly got a LOT cuter, didn't it?)
Today was fun because Harper and I went and had lunch with a special blogger, Amanda. She and her sister Ashley are the ones who made the site www.prayforharper.blogspot.com when we were in the hospital. I didn't even know about it for a while after they had made it. Amanda's husband had to come here on business so she and their 4 beautiful children tagged along and we got to meet!
She gave me this AMAZING scrapbook
She printed out all the things people wrote on on the pray for Harper site and made an amazing book out of it. When I opened it up - I just started crying so hard. I thought that was the sweetest thing anyone has done for me - the website and the book. Amanda's son spent time in the NICU so she understands. This book is a HUGE treasure to me and I can't wait to read it to Harper when she grows. Such a wonderful reminder of the people who were praying for us during that time.We spent the afternoon at the doctor because we found out Harper is allergic to fish, eggs and peanuts. So I have started a diet avoiding these 3 and we will check back in after 3 weeks. We will also be re-testing her in about 3 months. I'm thankful she wasn't allergic to dairy and/or wheat because I think I can avoid these foods and continue to nurse. I'm hoping we can get this under control - (luckily I rarely eat fish except on beach vacations, HATE eggs (but unfortunately love desserts and other things eggs get cooked in), and don't eat a lot of peanuts - but it's the peanut oil and Reese's peanut butter cups I might miss. Goodbye sweets - maybe my hips will thank you after a few weeks! I guess this will go along good with the Crystal Light Challenge I am on!
And now I want to give you a few places to visit/pray for:
- Nancy is a girl who recently lost triplets on March 6th at 20 weeks. Out of her pain -she has created something to help others. She has made a site for grieving dads - because she realized there is not much out there for them. So if you know any guys who have lost children - please send them this. http://forumforgrievingdads.com
- I recently had you pray for a little girl, Lindsey, who got a heart transplant on June 5th. She has taken a turn for the worse and is now on ECMO. Please pray for her - you can visit her here.
- Natalie is someone who tried for 5 years to get pregnant only to lose her son full term due to a cord accident. She is pregnant again and is hoping to go see a specialist in cord accidents. Visit here to see how you can pray and help.
72 comments:
Such a sweet gift! I love seeing all your posts.
I was just going to say that I don't know you other than thru this site but you must have the biggest most caring heart of anyone I know. Always thinking about everyone else and wanting other people to do the same. Good for you!!
My oldest (almost 4) is allergic to peanuts. Feel free to contact me if you want to chat!
I just recently discovered Forever 21 and I'm in love! I love it even more because they put John 3:16 on the bottom of their bags. Super cool!
Blessings!
What a thoughtful gift. I'm sure Harper will treasure that forever. Can't wait to see Harper's 5 month post!
If you don't mind me asking: How did you figure out Harper was allergic to fish,eggs, and peanutbutter?
I am the same way about hating eggs unless they are baked into something! I hope little Harper grows out of the peanut allergy as well as the egg allergy so she can enjoy yummy foods when she gets older!
What a wonderful gift!
I would go crazy without peanut butter!!! Eggs and fish I could do without.....except cookign with eggs.....no mayo or ice cream for you either.....eggs are in lots of stuff.....hubby supervises in an egg factory and I am always amazed at what products their eggs go into.
That is the most incredibly thoughtful gift! What a treasure!!
Kelly - THANK YOU!!! You are so sweet to help put our site up on here. Also, what a beautiful gift you received from your friend today. You can cherish that forever :) Bless your heart :)
Nan xoxoxo
that books is so sweeet!! Wow, what a sweet, sweet friend!
I loved that necklace yesterday, but I love it even more after hearing the price! So sorry to hear about Harper's allergies but at least you know. I am sure that they told you, but peanut/peanut oil or made in a plant with peanuts effect a lot of foods. I had to read labels a few years ago for one of my students and I was amazed at all the thing that included peanuts. You will learn a lot through all this!
Oh my goodness!! I LOVE that scrapbook! I want to see every page!! Maybe someday...when you aren't busy...in like 18 years...you could take pictures of the pages and post them for us!! ;) Okay, probably not going to happen, but I would love to see them ALL!! :)
Glad you had a fun day! Can't wait for Harper's 5 month update! I just love those posts! They're so much fun!
Love you
i'm very sad for those people you have on your prayer list. I understand their pain all too well.
I love the scrapbook, how did she do the cover? or did it come like that and she just added Harper's name?
I'm asking because I have a friend who had a baby today ( rainbow baby!) and another one who is having a baby any day now if she hasn't already, I haven't heard anything though!) and I want to make them a gift!
Don't eat at Chick-fil-A. They cook their food in Peanut Oil. Sad, I know...and yet so delicious.
~charis
I'm sorry to hear that Harper is allergic to those things. That can be a challenge, but I wanted to share with you how you can still have cupcakes.
Take a box of cake mix--works best with chocolate--and mix it with one can of diet cherry soda. That's it. Mix until moist and cook at regular temperature. They are low(er) calorie and egg free.
hope that helps!
Love, love, LOVE the gold necklace :)
Meant to say I loved the necklace the other day, thanks for sharing where it came from. Mental note to ck there tomorrow and been meaning to go to Sam Moon too....
LOVE accessories.
And cute cute cute scrapbook!
Miss seeing Harper, but know that sometimes, too, you just need to post and run. My motto
Kelly,
My son is allergic to eggs, fish, and nuts also. I know what you are going through. He also has severe eczema. We believe he has more allergies but they keep testing him for the same things over and over again. Actually, they haven't tested him for fish but he broke out in hives after eating them so we are staying away. For her bday, use a regular cake mix and coke or diet coke for chocolate cake and sprite for a yellow cake. It doesn't taste the same, it doesn't taste bad, but they do not know the difference! and they aren't missing out!! Good luck!
My little Keira girl was allergic to eggs, wheat, and nuts when she was small, but outgrew somewhere along the way! (She's 4 now.) Maybe Harper will too!
=)
Wow, what an amazing gift to get!!! How awesome that Harper will always have that to tell her story and know that she has always been prayed about.
Blessings
The book was so thoughtful...what a great gal.
Will Harper outgrow peanut allergies or will this be ongoing?
If it is, prepare yourself to write notes and notify her teachers when she starts, preschool, kindergarten and so on. A lot of kids bring snacks to school with peanut butter. Poor little angel.
That is a beautiful gift, she will treasure that when she is grown.
You are so sweet and thoughtful, thank you for sharing those links. I will be praying for them and precious Harper...food allergies are SO, so scary!
My son, Will is allergic to milk, eggs, and peanuts. He is in a study at Children's in Little Rock that helps us better understand everything. I don't know if they are still taking patients, but it has been very helpful to us. Good luck with eliminating those foods. I was in the process of weaning Will when we found out (in a very scary way) so I didn't have to avoid foods. I'm praying for your adjustment to all of this:)
Sorry to hear about Harper's allergies. My son has had multiple food allergies since he was 6 months old and while it was a huge adjustment at first- I was still nursing as well- it is now second nature. Feel free to ask any questions. I actually blogged earlier about my son's allergies and getting ready for school today. Good luck!
I bet that book is amazing!! what a wonderful idea.
Kelly, my daughter was allergic to several things (chicken and eggs, vitamin A, sugar, vitamin B...) and has eczema. I know it sounds crazy, but we are seeing a natural health lady in our town that is clearing her allergies. I'd love to chat if you have questions. I'm sure there is someone near you who does the same thing-and you wouldn't have to change your diet. They clear her-forever!
I love your blog!
Jen :)
That book is the coolest, cutest thing EVER! What a special treasure for Harper to have.
1) love the necklace, and what a great price
2) sorry to hear about Harper's allergies.. my sister was allergic to eggs when she was little and outgrew it.
3) The scrapbook is the sweetest thing I have seen. How precious and thoughtful!!!
4) Have a great rest of your week and hugs to Harper!
You are so truely blessed to have such amazing friends and family in your life. You are such a loved and wonderful person and it shows everyday in your blog.
And I LOVE that necklace. I used to shop there all the time when we lived in Dallas and am missing that store! Such cute and cheap stuff! :)
Bummer for you....no Chick fil A!!!!! That makes me really sad for you!
That scrapbook is the most precious thing I have ever heard or seen. What a treasure!!
Hey Kelly,
I was thinking about you today after seeing your Tweet on Miss H being allergic to eggs. I was also allergic to eggs but eventually grew out of the allergy. Praying for you that it will be easy until she can be weaned. Well and then even after I guess!
At least you found out early. We thought Jack had a cows milk allergy and had him on soy formula and milk only to find out he was allergic to soy not cows milk! Sigh...live and learn I guess.
Take care
Mel
P.S. Brian Pantier is a grandpa!
What a wonderful scrapbook. I love that. It gave me tears just thinking about what a treasure that is.
I am so sorry to hear about Harper's allergies. I have close friends that are dealing with the same thing. You will become a big ingredient reader:)
Looking forward to seeing 5 month pictures. Wow...5 months already.
What a wonderful book, such a special gift to treasure and to share with Harper.
So sorry about the allergies but hopefully now that you know, Miss Harper will be happy all of the time:)
Will certainly be praying for those you asked for prayer for, such a sweet gesture on your part.
And MANY thanks for the 'button' you've added, I hope you know how very thankful I am for you doing this.
Blessings this evening and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22
Hi Kelly!
Thank you so much for doing the home tours! I really enjoy participating and looking at everyone else's rooms!
I have an egg allergy too and wanted to share a few of the things I do! I don't eat fried foods that have a batter, any baked goods from a bakery(even the icing, sometimes it has hidden egg whites-sad, sad, sad!!!), and I only eat ice cream from McDonald's and Chick-fil-A! Not bad at all!!! I saw where other people told you about the cake mix and diet soda(only 1 Weight Watchers point if you make 24 cupcakes!!!!). You can also use a can of plain pumpkin in place of the oil, eggs, and water! It increases the fiber count and in chocolate cake, you can't tell the difference! A layer cake didn't work for me though! It was a crumbled mess that tasted good, but looked AWWWFUL!!! I also use an egg replacer by Ener G. I buy it at Whole Foods. I have seen it at health food stores too. Vegans use it. Here is a link to where I blogged about it. http://miscbymichelle.blogspot.com/2009/03/im-allergic.html
It's not too bad avoiding eggs, but this Southern girl LOVES some chicken salad! I have tried whipped cream cheese, sour cream, and plain yogurt to replace the mayonnaise. It's close, BUT NOT THE SAME! Hellman's is Hellman's and there is no replacment!!!! Ha Ha!
You know, I prayed for years to have a healthier lifestyle.I was diagnosed with an egg allergy in my 30's. I believed my prayers were answered, because all my temptation foods had eggs-some pasta(whole wheat pasta doesn't have eggs!!!), baked goods, and ice cream. I have learned to make healthier choices, started walking, and lost over 40 pounds. God DOES answer prayers!!!!
I just wanted to share how I avoid eggs! Have a great week!
Michelle
What an amazing, precious gift! Wow! I know you're glad to know what's going on with Harper. Hope the adjustment goes well and that she feels better!
everyday i look forward to reading your posts and all the cute little things harper did throughout the day :)
That scrapbook is such a thoughtful gift.
I'll be looking forward to Miss H's 5 month bday post tomorrow!
Thank you so so much for including my friend Natalie on here. You are so kind.
I'm sorry Harper is allergic to those things. Hope you can get it all worked out. I LOVE that scrapbook, what a beautiful gift!
I've never got to comment on your blog before but I read it all the time. My 5 year old son has severe food allergies to egg and peanut and my 20 month old daughter has an egg allergy as well. I also serve on the board of directors of a food allergy support group in KY for parents of kids with food allergies. My son suffered with ezcema very very early and was diagnosed with food allergies as an infant and we found out later how severe they were. I am praying that Harper's allergies will get better! Please feel free to email me if you ever want to chat. We have tons and tons of egg/nut free kid recipes.
Sweet post - what a wonderful person to start the site and make the scrapbook. sorry about her allergies! :( I LOVE the necklace..I actually bought it the other day in silver & gold, im terrible!
What a sweet gift. I am sure Harper will enjoy looking back at that book when she get's older.
Happy Monday!
Christa
Really that necklace was only $5.80, I thought it was really cute on, but I think I like it even more now. I figured it was way expensive.
That is sucha great gift. Harper will love reading it when she is older.
So many people need prayers right now. It's just sad, but God prevails. I'll be praying for the families you mentioned and little harper with her allergies!
My daughter is allergic to peanuts and eggs too, plus tomatoes and bananas. Luckily she is 7 so it doesn't affect what I eta, but it does her! She is way picky and most of the foods she likes to eat contains one or the other of these! Not fun! Good luck with cutting them out especially the eggs- did not realize how many foods they were in until we had to cut them out of Lexi's diet!!!
No Harper today?? Oh my word! We'll let it slide just this one post. ha
I have a suggestion ... and maybe you were planning on doing this. But at the end of your home tour Friday's, it would be nice to see the outside of people's homes. Now that we've seen the inside, I enjoy looking at the "layout" of the house - and also the flowers and lawn decorations. So hopefully that's in the plan?!
Can't wait for the 5 month post!
I read your request for possible "party" ideas after the tour of homes winds up. Maybe a food party. Best easy dessert, best easy dinner, best healthy dinner, best party recipe, etc., etc.???? Just an idea!
The scrapbook is beautiful and somethign you'll always cherish!! How nice!
Awww, what a sweet gift!
Since you don't like eggs, but like to use them in baked goods, maybe you could try an egg replacer. My son is vegan, so when I need to use an egg for anything for him, I use that instead. I think the brand is Ener-G. We originally found it online, but then found it in the specialty/organic section of a regular grocery store in our area.
I'm looking forward to Harper's five month pics!
Hey...Two of my kids (ages 4 & 2) have peanut allergies so if you have any questions or anything, let me know. It's not so hard to avoid as babies, but when they become toddlers and every church function has PB&J sandwiches for the kids and good-hearted people give them food when they peek over the dessert table, it becomes a little unnerving. I want shirts or bracelets or something that say "Peanut allergy" in case I forget to tell someone when I take them places. haha Good luck!
My little Claire has milk protein allergies and since I am nursing, I have to stay away. I'll tell you, I thought, "No big deal, I don't really eat these things anyway". Wrong. It was SO hard for the first couple of weeks. Especially to stay away from Mexican food. Anyway, we made it work, and I hardly miss those foods. Except for the cheese dip. I know you can do it! It totally becomes second nature and she will feel so much better that it is more than worth it!
Kelly- I hate to hear about the peanut allergy, too.
Does this mean she will be one of those children that can't come within a mile of a peanut or she would go into shock or you need to carry around an epi-pen?
LOVE the necklace and its pricetag!! The scrapbook gave me chills all over! What a beautiful gift!! Hope Harper outgrows those allergies. the peanut one is scary to me!!
My daughter is allergic to fish. I really hope your doctor talked to you about cross contamination and also about reading labels. I know from experience some products are made in the same factory as fish (such as Ramon noodles) and can cause a reaction. If you were given an epi-pen I suggest always having one in your diaper bag whenever you go out because you never know when a reaction could happen.
If you need any kind of advice or have any questions e-mail me at pc_scforever@yahoo.com.
Sabrina
I have that same adorable plum tank you are wearing. I LOVE Walmart! (I bought it because I thought it had an Anthropologie look about it!)
Hi Kelly: Delurking to give you a word of encouragement on the food avoidance -- YOU CAN DO IT!! The first week or two are the hardest, but your tastes will change and it will get easier. Hang in there! My daughter is allergic to fish, all nuts, eggs and dairy - and I have successfully avoided them to continue nursing (she is 11 months.) I plan to wean her in a month or so, and I am really looking forward to EATING!
Hi Kelly,
I have never commented before but just love your blog. I visit often but after reading the last post about Harpers food allergies I felt compelled to share. My oldest son, Logan who is 3, has egg and peanut allergies. His allergies are severe and can't even eat any food that was processed on the same equipment. I have recently found an egg replacer called Ener G egg replacer and it's amazing! Bake/ cook from scratch and you can't even tell that no eggs were involved! I wish I had found out about this product earlier! I bought it directly from their website. I have made cookies, brownies, cakes, muffins...and am excited to try many more things! Now if they would only make a peanut butter substitute that is just as delicious!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions/ concerns. I also failed to mention that as an infant Logan also suffered from severe eczema but has since outgrown that....what a blessing!
We will keep Harper in our prayers and continue to just love on her she is such a blessing!
Whitney
sooo cute...love the scrapbook!!
What an amazing and thoughtful gift! Not to mention cute too!
I do love that necklace even more...I never go into Forever 21 - I think I will start!
Hey Kelly! My little girl just turned 3, but is also allergic to eggs (dairy & wheat). We all so suffer from all the skin issues. The funny thing about the eggs is it only bothers her if it is straight egg.... egg salad, devieled eggs, scrambled and 7 minute frosting. She eats all the cakes and breads she wants and it has never bothered her. Just a tip. Good luck. Some days I feel the skin is a never ending battle.
That scrapbook is amazing. What a sweet sweet gift.
I am so glad that you have found out what Little Harper is allergic to and what is bothering her.
Praying that you are getting more rest these days.
The MaryJane socks are sold at Trumpette, and are sold in sets of six in either 0-12 month size or 1-2.
Hi. My daughter is allergic to nuts and pumpkins. It is amazing how many products that peanuts are in. Make sure you read boxes. They use peanut flour in all kinds of cereals and other products as a filler. On a side note, you may want to stay away from soy since peanuts and soy are in the same family.
If anyone is out there and feeling heavy in heart over the april rose thing ... PLEASE visit Natalie's site. I had the amazing privilege of being in the hospital room with her, Rob and their families as they bid farewell to their sweet Branson Jack. I was allowed to help them in creating the bw photos you see on their site through NILMDTS. I know its so hard in light of other things but there are SO many families who NEED our prayers and support....
my 5.5 year old step son is allergic to peanuts, eggs and fish as well. they say that children generally grow out of the egg allergy and keep the peanut but he is the opposite...his peanut allergy isn't as severe anymore and his egg allergy is as prominent as ever. we carry an epipen with us EVERYWHERE. most food products are great about listing ingredients that are common allergens to people in BOLD! it's amazing some of the things that contain these products-praying that harper outgrows the allergies!!
My little girl is allergic to peanuts and eggs. I know there are probably a ton of people you could contact for advice, but I'll be glad to tell you about some of my go-to products (that I can only find at Wal-Mart!). I blog about food allergies sometimes, too, if you want to drop by (I tag them 'allergy' so they are easy to find).
My daughter is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, eggs and melon (who knew). My heart goes out to you. Children's Hospital has been my saving grace through it. Their dieticians are great, if you need a resource. Believe me, I know it's a drive (I live in NEA) but it's worth it. Oh, and Chick fil a is fried in peanut oil.
Kelly,
I have recently started following ur blog and i love learning about you and Harper!! She is the cutest thing!! I know you can't wait to read that scrapbook your friend gave you!! That was so nice.
Maybe Harper will grow out of some of those allergies too My friends little girl was allergic to quite a few food items when she was younger and has recently outgrown them.
Can't wait to read more soon!!
That scrapbook is so sweet. You and Harper are so blessed!
{ Lindsey }
http://greatfullday.blogspot.com
Love your purple tank in the picture today as well! Super cute!
Your blog is amazing! I learned about it from Jessica Crow's on Friday's!! You are an inspiration to tell people who needs prayer. Thanks for having this amazing blog for the Mom's who truely want to make a difference in their children's lives. God Bless You!
Wow, it's good you found out early. Our daughter is allergic to shellfish, eggs, peanuts & tree nuts. Have some yummy allergy free brownie recipes:)
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