Happy Holidays

As is probably apparent by the lack of posts lately, "Peanut Allergy Kid" is on a little holiday break. Between visiting family, illness, and even a power outage, I have been super busy!!

I hope everyone is having a great - and safe- holiday season. I'm happy to report we have been reaction free!

See you on January 5 when I return to my regular blogging schedule...

Tootsie Rolls are Safe

Last weekend someone at church gave Tyler a bag loaded with goodies. Naturally some of that included food. Before my husband allowed him to go through it, he let me inspect everything. The contents consisted of cookies and Tootsie Rolls.

The cookies were labeled for cross contamination so they quickly came out of the bag. The Tootsie Rolls, however, were not anything I had given him before. Even though most websites don't list allergy information, I checked anyway. I was so happy I did. Here is what it states:

All Tootsie products are gluten-, peanut-, and nut product-free. Tootsie does not use wheat, barley, rye, oats, triticale, spelt, or any of their components, either as ingredients or as part of the manufacturing process.

Corn and soy products are used during the manufacturing process.

Yeah!! A new candy option!!

Peanut Paranoia

Last Friday night was a Christmas party for my husband's work. It was a nice treat to have Grandma come and watch the boys and get away and not have to worry about the whole peanut thing. Or was it?

I told myself there would be peanuts at the party. What Christmas party doesn't have them? I reminded myself that Tyler was 20 minutes away. Nothing could happen. I wouldn't be eating any. But I still felt anxiety when dessert time came. I guess its just who I have become as a PA mom.

Before I got the chance to see what all sweets there would be, the hostess (a friend of mine) asked if I would help her put out a second dessert table. Of course, I agreed. She quickly handed me several big baggies and asked me to put the treats on plates.

I quickly reached my hand into the first bag, giving little regard for what it was. Then, as I pulled it out, I realized it was chocolate covered peanuts! I knew I couldn't stop my job (it would seem silly to those around, wouldn't it?). I just emptied them out as fast as I could. I didn't think to push my sweater sleeve up. So, it went into the bag, as well.

As I sat there eating, contemplating where all of the peanut residue could be, I was thoroughly enjoying a "haystack" cookie. I love these but have never made them. I heard the hostess of the party tell someone they had a little bit of peanut butter in them. Ahhh!! I had it in my mouth at that moment.

I knew the damage was done and I was one contaminated mom. I finished the cookie. Somehow it didn't taste as good after I knew what was in it. I kept telling myself not to touch my pants or my hair, which made me touch them even more it seemed.

In the end, I came home and took my clothes directly to the laundry room. I didn't want them to even be in the hamper. I felt like a mom who had committed a crime, despite my best efforts!

I'm happy to report, we were reaction free. It's amazing how crazy this whole peanut allergy thing can make us moms!

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas for the PA Kid

In case you haven't looked at the calendar lately, the holidays are right around the corner. I know, I can't believe it either!

If you are like me, you are always looking for educational and meaningful gift ideas for your child. I have worked up a list of great gift ideas for the little PA kid in your life. Whether you like books, clothes or safe food treats, I've included a little of everything.

Books
My top pick because my son loves this book so much. (You can read my review here.)

Other great PA books:

One thing I recommend to anyone that has a child with a peanut allergy is a medical ID bracelet. Not only does it alert people around them to their allergy, it also could be a lifesaver in a medical emergency. N-Style has some wonderful products that make it "cool" to have a bracelet.



"Heartthrob" bracelet for girls $14.95



"Catch a wave" for boys $14.95


They have a several more cute ones that are made for small wrists. Check out their total line for kids here.

They are having a sale that ends TODAY! More about that here.

Medical ID Holiday Sale

Just in time for the holidays, N-Style ID is having a sale that ends tomorrow. Here is what they are offering:

#1 We're giving a FREE Stainless Steel Link Bracelet (without an ID) with every purchase of a Beaded or Leather Bracelet purchased with an ID. These Stainless Steel Bracelets are interchangeable with the Medical ID purchased with the bracelet, so you can wear it for all-weather, all-conditions and occasions. A $12.00 value!

#2 We're offering a Buy-One-Get-One FREE on all Children's Bands-Purchase a Jelly Bands and Ultra Light Band with an ID and we'll throw in another band FREE!

#3 We're offering a FREE Gift Box with any order placed between December 12-15.

Remember, this is a limited time sale only. The Free items mentioned above are only valid until December 15.

To take advantage of these great deals, visit N-Style ID!

Allergen-Friendly Holiday Recipes

The folks at allergen-friendly Enjoy Life Foods sent me 3 fabulous recipes yesterday that are safe for the PA kid and look delicious!

I am the queen of frugality and think it is safe to say there are things you could substitute if you don't have all of the Enjoy Life products on hand. (For example, I trust Hershey's chocolate chips). The point is to have safe treats that are fun, too.

With all of that said, Enjoy Life has great products and I highly encourage you to try them if you haven't already! The great thing about their products is that they are free of all 8 major allergens. So, if you are dealing with multiple food allergies, they may become your favorite brand.

Festive Holiday Recipes from the gluten-free, allergy-friendly kitchens of Enjoy Life Foods.

Fudgy Swirly Bars
Yields: Approximately 20 Bars

¼ cup Sunbutter® Sunflower Seed Butter
½ tbsp Vegetable Oil (Candy Swirl)
½-1 tsp Vegetable Oil (Chocolate Layer)
½ tsp Brown Rice Syrup2 10-oz bags (3 cups) Enjoy Life® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
½-1 tbsp Sunflower Seeds (optional)


Candy Swirl
Mix Sunbutter with brown rice syrup; mixture will get thick. Add ½ tbsp vegetable oil and mix until well combined; mixture will thin. Set aside.

Chocolate Layer
· Grease an 8”x8” pan. Set aside.

· Place chocolate chips and ½-1 tsp vegetable oil in a microwavable container. Heat for 1 minute and stir. Heat for 30 seconds and stir again. Continue process until all chocolate chips are melted. Be careful not to overheat; chocolate may scorch.
· Pour chocolate mixture into the well-greased pan and spread evenly.
· Using a tablespoon, place dollops of the candy swirl mixture on top of the chocolate mixture. · ·
·Using a fork, swirl the tines gently through the candy swirl mixture dollops.
· Sprinkle with sunflower seeds if desired. Set aside to cool until firm. Once firm, cut into bars.
·Cover extra.

Cook’s Note: To cool faster, place in refrigerator until firm. Cover. Once removed from refrigerator, keep covered until Fudgy Swirly Bars reach room temperature. Enjoy.


Crunchy Chocolate Dipper Sticks
Yields: 10 Bars

1 pkg Enjoy Life® Sunbutter Crunch Snack Bars
1 10-oz bag (1½ cups) Enjoy Life Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
½ tsp Vegetable Oil
½ cup Sunflower Seeds, crushed (optional)

· Line a tray with parchment or wax paper. Set aside.
· Cut Enjoy Life Sunbutter Crunch Snack Bars in half lengthwise. Set aside.
· To melt chocolate, place chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwavable container. Heat for 1 minute, and stir. Heat for 30 additional seconds, and stir. Continue process until chips are melted. Be careful not to overheat; chocolate may scorch.
· Dip 1/2 of the Enjoy Life Sunbutter Crunch Snack Bar into chocolate. Gently tap dipped bar to remove excess chocolate. Dip into crushed sunflower seeds (optional). Set cut side down on tray.
·Set aside to cool until firm.


Cocoa Loco Peppermint Pleasers
Yields: 10 Bars

1 pkg Enjoy Life® Cocoa Loco Snack Bars
1/2 cup Peppermint Candy Canes, crushed1
10-oz bag (1½ cups) Enjoy Life Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
½ tsp Vegetable Oil

· Line a tray with parchment or wax paper. Set aside.
· Cut Enjoy Life Cocoa Loco Snack Bars in half lengthwise. Set aside.
· To melt chocolate, place chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwavable container. Heat for 1 minute, and stir. Heat for 30 additional seconds, and stir. Continue process until chips are melted. Be careful not to overheat; chocolate may scorch.
· Dip 1/2 of the Enjoy Life Cocoa Loco Snack Bar into chocolate. Gently tap dipped bar to remove excess chocolate.
·Dip into or sprinkle on crushed peppermint candy cane. Set cut side down on tray.
·Set aside to cool until firm.

How Do You Handle Siblings?

I received the following question from a reader:

Our PA & TA child is our middle child. Up until now, we have always treated our youngest (he’s 2), the same as our PA & TA son. How have you handled how you feed your younger child? I would appreciate hearing how you have handled this.

This is a great question and one I have struggled with quite a bit until recently. First, and you are probably not dealing with this, but Tyler outgrew his milk and egg allergy when Dylan (my youngest) was 16 months old. To prevent Tyler from eating or drinking anything he shouldn't, I didn't give it to Dylan. Plus, I wanted to hold off to ensure Dylan didn't develop an allergy. So, when Tyler was 37 months and Dylan was 16 months, I gave them both milk and eggs for the first time. I was a little nervous but it all turned out fine.

As far as peanuts go, obviously, I will not give those to Dylan. No one in our home eats them for Tyler's safety. In the beginning, Tyler thought Dylan had to avoid the same things he did. In the fall (when Tyler was 3.5), I started explaining to Tyler that Dylan could eat things he could not. I was just testing the waters and Tyler didn't seem to mind a bit. Then I started gradually giving Dylan things Tyler couldn't have in Tyler's presence. Of course, I always offered a similar food to Tyler. I honestly did not know how he would handle it. If he got upset, I would have stopped immediately. But, he could have cared less!! As long as I have something Tyler wants, he is fine.

My most amazing story is going out for ice cream once recently. I asked Tyler if he minded taking another treat if we got ice cream. I let him pick what he wanted. In the end, he played on the playground and didn't eat his special snack until we got home! I have been intentional with all of this. I have done it gradually. I have been trying to build a maturity about his allergy.

With all of this said, each child handles this sort of issue differently. Some children may be 8 or 9 before they can accept the fact that siblings can eat things they cannot. I think that is totally normal. The key is to do it gradual and let your son be the guide of how much he can accept. I wouldn't push things if he doesn't seem ready to watch his brother eat something he cannot. That is a lot to emotionally process.

Another issue this brings up is whether or not you need to avoid things with your youngest child. For my own peace of mind, I am choosing to have Dylan tested. Our allergist said he would test him when he turned two. Dylan turned two in October and I will probably wait until after the holidays. For our family, we just want to make sure Dylan doesn' t need any Epi Pen with him when Tyler's is away from him. That is a call each family needs to make for other children. I just don't want to find out the hard way that I have two children with food allergies!

I would love to hear how others handle this issue with their non-PA kids.

Fatal Food?

A food can be deadly? I can remember those thoughts racing through my head a decade ago. Quite frankly, I thought it might be an over-exaggeration on someone's part. Growing up, I knew one kid that had an allergy to red food dye. That's it.

Then I married my husband. He had a niece with a tree nut allergy. Then, a few weeks after we were married, his nephew had a reaction to a brownie I had personally inspected. I saw no nuts. His dad looked, too. Not nuts. We didn't know for sure he was allergic but since his twin sister was, his parents wisely avoided.

So my nephew ate the brownie. No problems. Then a few hours later, his mom passed by his room and heard him gasping for air. They spent the rest of that night in the ER.

We did not find out until the next morning what a terrible night they had. I felt horrible that his dad and I somehow missed the nuts. Come to find out they were ground up in the brownie!!

Once I knew I had a niece and a nephew allergic to something that could actually kill them, I did what I do best. I worried. Would my kids have a life-threatening allergy? Would I be forced to carry an Epi-Pen everywhere I went? I felt the chances weren't huge, but still, I worried.

Fast forward three and a half years. Tyler was born. I don't remember thinking much about food allergies during those very early days. I had no idea that what I consumed during my pregnancy or nursing could cause him an allergy. It didn't take long, however, before we began to fear food allergies. At six weeks the eczema started. It was a bit of a long journey before we discovered his multiple food allergies. Now, we just deal with one, but the worst of all: a peanut allergy.

Sometimes I still catch myself thinking: How can a food that I used to love kill my son? It's hard to wrap your mind around, yet I must.

Sadly, not everyone fully understand how deadly food can be. The road we travel with our children often leads to lots and lots of the educating of others.

But this is our reality. My youngest child shows no signs of any food allergies. Tests will confirm that soon. Poor Tyler just got the genetics I had feared. Yet, life goes and on and you adjust.

Does Early Exposure to Peanuts Help?

A new study came out recently on PA that contradicts much of what other studies have said about the allergy. I haven't blogged about it yet because medical studies that contradict each other frustrate me. Yet, I thought this new study was worth a mention, nonetheless.

The new study states that exposure to a peanut protein early in life could actually prevent the development of an allergy to peanuts. To be honest, I just don't buy it. In fact, one of the things that I have felt most guilty about since Tyler's diagnosis is the fact that he was exposed at nine months. Still, he has the allergy.

His exposure at nine months was the result of a young cousin that gave him a small peanut. We were at McDonald's and his cousin was trying to share the peanut pack he had for his McDonald's sundae. I was already ultra paranoid about what Tyler ate because he had severe eczema that I was convinced was tied to a food allergy (his pediatrician wasn't so convinced).

When I realized his cousin was handing Tyler food, I looked to see it was peanuts! I also noticed Tyler's jaw was moving so I knew he was eating it. I did not realize how terrible peanut allergy could be so I wasn't overly alarmed. I will admit my first instinct was to pry his mouth open and get it out. But, since family was all around, I knew I would look silly.

I can't tell you how many times I have replayed that moment in my mind and wished I had made a different choice. Thankfully, I no longer cry over it but guilt abounds, nonetheless.

This new study actually helps ease my guilt a little bit but I am not convinced the study is correct. In my own mind, I have just determined that it was God's will that Tyler have this allergy. My job, as his mom, is to protect him and help protect others like him.

The article (which you can read here) said that a new study will come out soon that states the biggest risk for a peanut allergy comes as a result of mothers consuming peanuts during pregnancy. Oh great, any guilt that the first study eased just came back...

What about "Hydrolyzed Proteins?"

I received the following question from a reader last week:

Do you allow Tyler to eat foods with "hydrolyzed proteins?"

I have read on a couple sites to avoid all items w/the hydrolyzed proteins since there is a relationship w/peanuts. We have avoided all of them.

I have asked FAAN about this, but they said there are different types and to read labels for peanut proteins, however, I was confused when I saw it on other sites to avoid all hydrolyzed.

Just curious for your thoughts...

This is a great question and not the first time I have received it since this blog started this past summer.

To answer it simply: yes, I do allow Tyler to eat things with hydrolyzed proteins. The reason I do is because companies are required by law to state if there is in fact a peanut protein in any generic term like "hydrolyzed protein."

The law that requires this labeling, The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), states:

...Such ingredients must be listed if they are present in any amount, even in colors, flavors, or spice blends. Additionally, manufacturers must list the specific nut (e.g., almond, walnut, cashew) or seafood (e.g., tuna, salmon, shrimp, lobster) that is used...

With that said, we only avoid nuts in our home. Approximately 20% of those with a peanut allergy also have an allergy to at least one other legume (peas, green beans, etc). If you even suspect this might be an issue with your PA kid, then I would advise avoiding anything with "hydrolyzed protein" simply because the FALCPA law only requires the labeling of the top 8 allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg, fish, seafood, wheat, and soy). If there is a legume other than peanut, there would be no way of knowing outside of contacting the manufacturer.

The information you are reading that says to avoid all ""hydrolyzed protein" is probably based on information prior to January 1, 2006 when FALCPA when into effect.

This is all within each parent's comfort level but, for Tyler, I do allow him to eat these products if peanut is not listed (and provided there are no possible cross contamination issues.)

Thanks for the question. That one is a sticky one. You are best to avoid something you are not sure about until you are completely sure it is safe. I hope I have helped you feel a little more comfortable.

Alternatives and Creativity Managing Food Allergies

It can be very frustrating, particularly around the holidays, how many things a peanut allergy cannot have. As we all know, the limitations go much deeper than just avoiding peanuts. My sister-in-law, who has two tree nut allergic children, gave me some great advice so Tyler does not feel like he is missing out on all of the treats.

For her children, if there is something they see that they cannot have, she offers to make something similar as soon as possible. If someone brings brownies to scholl, they know, if they ask, mom will make safe brownies in the next day or so for them. This has helped them not feel like they are being totally deprived.

Recently, I started keeping safe candy and cookies in my purse. I am amazed how many times we are in situations where I need an alternative. Tyler is always happy to come and get his special safe treat that he knows I have stashed.

For some of you that manage multiple food allergies, I know this can be challenging. We dealt with milk and egg up until early this year. Yet, I still managed to make cakes and cookies that he could eat. Sometimes a little creativity was needed but we were always amazed how I could make Tyler not feel left out.

One thing that became a issue at the end of our milk allergy was Parmesan cheese on pasta. I drown my pasta in it. I love it! So, Tyler wanted to have some, too. After much thought, I came up with a safe alternative that he loved. Want to know my secret? Flour!

Believe it or not, I just sprinkled a little flour on his pasta (not enough to have much taste) and it looked just like my Parmesan cheese. He was always so pleased with his special cheese.

Creativity (and a sense of humor!) is a pre-requisite for a mom of a food allergic child. If you don't learn to develop it, managing it will be much more mentally draining.

I do have my limits when it comes to creativity and sense of humor. I recently mentioned to a friend how much I miss pecan pie this time of year. Amazingly she had a recipe for for a pecan pie alternative. It's nut free and she claims it tastes exactly like pecan pie. The main ingredient: pinto beans!

I admit, I'm not brave enough to try this. If anyone else is brave enough to try it and share their experience, I'll be happy to pass on the recipe. But, make sure you have a little Bean-o on hand, too!