Maxwell had his annual food allergy testing today. These particular appointments used to push my sanity to its limit. Sitting in a tiny, hot room with two little kids for hours while Max was pricked and then we waited. To be blandly given the news that peanuts and tree nuts could kill him.
Now it's easier. I've been through it eight times. I know the drill. I know that peanuts, pistachios, cashews, and walnuts will be deemed lethal. I pretty much get that, as much as I want him to outgrow his dairy and egg allergies, this won't be the year. I don't expect much.
So, today, when he tested negative for almonds, Max and I grinned at each other and then we both burst into tears. He apologized for crying and buried his head in my lap. I didn't let myself think about all the high positives still ticked across his chart and enjoyed the moment. Almonds! Almond extract in cookies. Roasted almonds as a snack and new protein source. Granola bars with almonds. Almond milk.
"We'll start with a sliver," I said. "Tomorrow. During daylight."
He nodded and we high-fived.
What a sweet development for us.
Extremely cool..touchingly recreated for us. Thank you!
Posted by: M | November 22, 2011 at 04:27 AM
Mmm, delicious smoked almonds. I have no experience with food allergies, so I can only imagine how terrifying it must be to have a child who could die from something as innocuous as a peanut butter sandwich.
Now he can have almond butter instead.
Posted by: Averil Dean | November 22, 2011 at 08:02 AM
What wonderful news!
Posted by: Bev | November 22, 2011 at 08:33 AM
Oh yay!! This makes me so happy for you and your boy!
Posted by: Laura from the Chi | November 22, 2011 at 08:36 AM
I'm so happy to hear this!!!!!! almonds are so much better than other nuts anyway!
Posted by: Leslie | November 22, 2011 at 08:49 AM
My Alice has severe food allergies - the tree nuts, the peanuts, you know the drill far better than I (since she's only 3 at this point). So I am seriously CELEBRATING over here for you and your boy, that is just fantastic!
Posted by: Whimsy | November 22, 2011 at 03:06 PM
Awesome!
Posted by: Rachael | November 22, 2011 at 07:53 PM
Having family with allergies, I celebrate with you on this awesome milestone! Here's to hoping that the next test yields even better results for you and your son! :D
~Ashlee
http://ashleesch.com
http://theDragonsHoard.bigcartel.com
Posted by: Ashlee | November 23, 2011 at 09:58 PM
Almond milk was a life-saver for us when dealing with dairy & soy allergies.
Posted by: Karen (formerly kcinnova) | November 25, 2011 at 05:14 PM
Aw that's great! What a sweet reaction to having some good news for a change! I have a Max who is in third grade who outgrew his nut allergy a couple of years ago and a little sister named Claire who is also noticeably tall. Love your blog! Enjoy the almonds!
Posted by: Jen | November 28, 2011 at 06:18 AM
How fantastic!
Posted by: Catherine | February 02, 2012 at 02:58 AM