The Great Peanut Challenge Approaches

Three years ago, I would have banked on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches being a staple lunch in my house with kids. But after Alex developed his milk allergy, the allergist told me to avoid nuts in all forms until he was three. Actually, I could more accurately word that. She horrified me into believing that Alex getting peanuts, nuts, eggs, shellfish and milk would be a potentially deadly choice on my part until he turned at least three years old. He originally tested "positive" to eggs as well as the positive to milk. Please keep in mind that in the world of allergy testing, there are many false positives and inaccurate readings. Especially on the skin of an already sensitive skinned 6 month old. The egg allergy turned out to be a false positive. But we avoided it, nonetheless, until he was almost 18 months old. The nuts/peanuts were always a negative, but as a precaution for food allergic kids, we had to refrain. I was released by the doctor to try peanuts at the age of 2 1/2, but after seeing what a serious reaction to milk was like, I was too terrified to try it. I didn't want to spend my day/weekend in the ER. So I waited...and waited...and waited. And now, lo and behold...I have a three year old. At Alex and Abby's most recent well kid check up, the doc said it was time to give it a go. He told me to introduce both of them at the same time. With Abby having a zero allergy history, it would also be safe(r) for her.

So here I am...counting down the days until my great peanut challenge. I really don't enjoy the idea of being home by myself with two kids eating peanuts for the first time. One kid having a deadly reaction to milk was a disaster in itself. I can't fathom how scary it could be having two kids and dealing with that situation. Okay...so the likelihood of them having an allergy to peanuts is low just judging from the testing history (knock on wood), but still, I'd be more comfortable with Josh here. Two kids. Two adults. Better odds, ya know? Am I nervous? Unbelievably so! Will I chicken out once again and continue with soy-butter as a sandwich alternative? Chances seem to lean more towards that direction. But I hope I can get brave and just go for it. The first test will be a little peanut butter on the lip. One hour later, they will get their first taste of glorious peanut butter in the form of a pea-sized amount. Day two will be a teaspoon...day three a tablespoon...etc. I can feel my anxiety for the impending test building. "But Jessica," you ask, "don't you think you're overreacting just a tad?" Hmmm...yes. I'm sure I'm overreacting in a way. But after seeing your child slowly slipping away in his carseat as you are driving 90 MPH down the road trying to get to the nearest phone before he dies, can sorta put you on high alert for future food allergies. Ugh...wish me luck. Let the countdown to Saturday begin.