On the mend

Well, Austin is finally better. Thanks for all your prayers. His fever was gone yesterday afternoon and he seems to be feeling better. He still has been rather crabby today, but with more spirit...I can tell he is on the mend. We are all thankful for that. We went outside and to the library today and Chris took Austin to the pool yesterday- which made him a very happy boy.

This is Bennett's favorite spot these days...holding on to my knee. He follows me around the house, wanting to climb up and be held. He is a big cuddler and loves to be close to Mommy.

Bennett still seems healthy. However, I think Bennett might have a food allergy. The past few weeks he has had this rash on his face that comes and goes and lately it hasn't gone away. Especially a few times right after meals it has seemed brighter red. It is rough and eczema-like. I have looked online and it seems to fit a food allergy rash. Sigh. He seems to feel fine, so that is good. But we are starting an "elimination diet" to try to determine what it might be. That means for 2 weeks he gets no diary, wheat, soy and eggs, among other things (like shellfish and nuts, which I have never given him anyway, and tomatoes and onions, processed foods with additives). I had gotten kind of slack in introducing new foods to him this past month...I had just given him new foods left and right, b/c he seemed to like them and do well with them. Now I feel bad about it. So after 2 weeks, we will slowly introduce these foods one at a time and see. For now I have to be really creative with what Bennett can eat...mostly rice or rice noodles, vegetables, fruit and meat. No bread, pasta, crackers, yogurt, eggs or anything baked with eggs, etc. I really hope he is not allergic to wheat, b/c it is in EVERYTHING.

Chris thinks maybe it is MSG (which he is allergic to) or food additives. We will let you know. I am glad he is only one and doesn't really realize all the things he is missing yet. If we put Austin on this diet, there would be some serious protesting. Anyone have any good recipes or food ideas for this small list of foods he can eat?