visas & allergies

It is August and we are finalizing all of our preparations for the big move. I can't believe it is already here. This summer has flown by and Maya is already 6 months old and almost crawling! She's still very small for her age (5th percentile) but is so active and happy. Brett calls her his little capuchin monkey.

We took her to an allergist last Friday for concerns about hives and allergic reactions she was getting from milk products (formula). She was so funny at the doctor's office; smiling and happy, completely unaffected by the nurse scratching her back with common allergens; she just wanted to play. Everybody loved her. She is always bringing out the best in people with her magnetic, charming personality and crazy attitude about life. I hope that continues throughout her life. On to the bad/disappointing news: dad's childhood food allergies were passed on! We found out she is allergic to milk, egg, peanut, and dog.

{sigh}

"She'll grow out of it," is everyone's response, and I can only hope that comes true and that they don't become worse. So, yes, my baby girl has an Epipen Jr. and it makes me so sad. All kinds of thoughts keep running through my head...what do I make her for her 1st birthday without eggs and milk? How will she survive her young childhood without Grandma's famous chocolate cake and a (real) warm chocolate chip cookie? I know I'm probably over-reacting, so we're taking it one day at a time. I am not supposed to wean her off nursing as soon as I would have liked, but I know that's probably a good thing. We just have to be careful of what we eat and hopefully it won't last forever! At least she doesn't realize what she's missing, me on the other hand....

We are looking forward to a British holiday season. Hopefully we'll receive our visas soon, (so we can actually go!) which will be the last big thing we need to do. Overwhelmed...anxious...nervous...excited...happy...all of the above, we actually can't wait to have our own place again! It will be sad to say good bye to family and friends, but hopefully we can convince people to come visit...any takers? We do have a one-bedroom apartment!