And Relief Came In The Form Of...

...peanut butter!

There are quite a few things, that I, (in particular, and humans in general) take for granted.  Things we have but could lose at a moment's notice.  For me, that moment was being told by Eli's pediatrician that he was severely allergic to peanuts.

Say it ain't so!

Okay, so even though this post is really about Eli and his well being, its underlying theme is my selfishness and eventual loss of peanut butter in my home.

In short, I love peanut butter.  I do.  I am not ashamed.  I love it.  There, I said it.  And not once did I ever consider that even though my love for peanuts and its associated products knows no bounds, that one of my children's health, perhaps his very existence, meant a total ban of peanut and peanut related products in my home.  This love (way short of obsession, mind you, even though I go on and on about the stuff) was stunted after tests came back revealing that among other things (everything, actually) Eli was super-allergic to peanuts.  What now?  Yep.  Go through the pantry and get rid of all things peanut-y.  Our whole way of life had to change.  We had (and still have) to carry epinephrine for Eli (just in case), we had to search ingredients or warnings on labels that said a particular item may have come into contact with nuts.  We can no longer go to ice cream shops, because as of this writing, Eli is still allergic to dairy.  But things are looking up.  He can tolerate some eggs.  (Another fav in the house!)  Small, very small portions baked into things, but baby steps.  After a visit to his allergist today, Eli tried real peanut butter (okay, it was Peter Pan, so that's as real as it gets) and LOVED it.  He says it's his favorite now.  

So interestingly, we go from zero peanuts to making sure the boy is eating some kind of nut A LOT.  That's so he doesn't fall back into not being able to tolerate peanuts.  

In the end (and we are no where near the end, mind you) Eli has made his Dad and Mom very happy.  Our dark night is almost at an end.  We can now enjoy (with a wary eye on Eli) peanut butter cookies, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and even peanut brittle!  

Good job, Eli!  We are proud of you.

See you tomorrow.

--Jonny