test results

We re-tested Maya for all of her allergies; skin and blood. She actually asked the nurse if she could help draw her own blood. The results were disheartening. Her milk levels went from a class 5 to a class 6.
Class 6 is the highest.
It seems like a lifetime ago when we first found out about her allergies, and it has been and will continue to be a long and difficult journey, especially as she becomes older and more independent.While we always stay hopeful, the reality that she will outgrow her milk allergy is more and more unlikely. However, we would be thrilled if it decreased even a little. Being sent home with a tummy ache would be an amazing alternative to what we are facing now. With more research happening all the time, it is likely that she would one day be able to tolerate a little dairy without life threatening reactions.
The good news from the test results was that her peanut allergy had drastically decreased, enough to try a monitored oral challenge. It seems ironic that the most severe and widespread allergy for most people is in fact her weakest. We did the oral challenge, my heart pounding the whole time, and she passed. Not even one tiny breakout.
CELEBRATE!
We are now slowly introducing peanut butter into her diet and no longer returning grocery items to the shelves that are contaminated with peanuts.
Her allergies now are: milk, egg, tree nuts (cashews), and several environmental allergies.
In other news, griffin thinks he is invincible and has discovered his passion for art. Too bad his favorite canvas is himself or anything other than paper. He also has mastered undressing himself quite proudly and strutting around in the nude. To say he is different than Maya would be a huge understatement. We are in uncharted waters with him, but it makes it so much more exciting. He is constantly making us laugh and is our source of endless entertainment.
We are s l o w l y getting ready for the move back to Utah and taking this prime opportunity to unclutter and simplify our lives. I cannot wait to enjoy a beautiful AUTUMN in Provo and escape this blasted desert heat.