Our Story

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This post has been a long time coming... and after our 4th ER experience, I feel compelled to share what is on my heart.

Many of you may know that my son has life-threatening allergies. At the time of this initial post, Lincoln was two years old, and so far, we had confirmed his allergies to dairy, eggs, peanuts and almonds, along with two common antibiotics, amoxicillin and azithromycin.

I know what you are thinking because I’ve been there too. OH allergies, cue the eye-roll, doesn’t he just get a stomach ache? Why are you always talking about his allergies?? He’ll grow out of them. It’s not that big of a deal.

I can tell you with full confidence that watching your child struggle to breath because their throat is closing up is a VERY big deal. It’s a very big deal when we have to constantly give our child Benadryl because someone has touched or kissed him after consuming something he is allergic to. Something as innocent as a kiss on the cheek can cause his face to swell and break out in hives.

We aren’t talking stomach aches, or runny noses. We are talking anaphylactic shock.

According to the CDC, 1 in 13 kids, or about 2 kids per classroom have allergies. I beg you to take allergies seriously and THINK before you ever offer a child ANYTHING to eat or drink, especially if they are not old enough to be able to verbalize their allergies. If you know a child that has allergies, please be cautious of your actions around them. It is exhausting to continuously monitor the food others have & bring around us, to watch every single cup that gets set down and to constantly ask people to wash their hands, mouth and lips before getting near our precious child.

I am asking you today to consider digging into the allergies within your children’s classrooms and do your best to never send your child with food that contains that known allergen- think treats, bus snacks, etc. Please consider educating yourself on some general symptoms like redness, swelling and hives and learn how to use an epi-pen just in case a child is ever staying at your house that might need you to act. Finally, just because you haven’t experienced it firsthand, please don’t assume that people with allergies have somehow created them in their minds and they aren’t life or death, because I can tell you, they are.

On this day in October of 2020, Lincoln accidentally had 1 sip of milk at daycare. 1 sip. That 1 sip caused him to throw up 7+ times, required an epi-pen shot (Typically $400 after insurance) and a trip to the ER where he was monitored for hours, given Benadryl, a steroid and nebs to help with his wheezing. (Most likely thousands of dollars)

I didn't share this story for any type of sympathy. I initially wrote this for awareness and understanding. Allergies are unfortunately a growing concern and I would never wish them on anyone. Please know that Brett and I are a resource if you or someone you know is trying to navigate this process. It’s a bit of a guessing game in the beginning and it can all feel very overwhelming.

In the words of Lincoln, “byeee guys, see you tomorrow.” Thanks for the love today!