The story is too traumatic for me to tell right now, and I need to go to bed, but more than that, I need prayers sent Anna Kate’s way.  We took her to the emergency room this morning because she was in anaphylactic shock from what we believe to be an allergy to almond milk.  After the morning in the ER, lots of strict advice, meds and instructions, we aren’t taking our eyes off of her for 72 hours, you can be sure of that!  Keeping her breathing is my top priority.  It’s sounds bad.  It was bad.  That’s all there is to it.  We had the worst morning of our lives as parents, and I will never ever forget the panicked drive to the hospital and the fight to keep Anna Kate with me! 

After we were discharged and the meds had kicked in, she got to make a mailbox for Valentine’s Day!

 

Noelle’s best friend, Bailey, has very bad allergies… the kind that are extremely dangerous, like what we are thinking is the road we are now traveling with Anna Kate.  You can’t understand the pain, the terror, unless your little one has been there.  I always felt such deep compassion, love and sadness for Amanda (Bailey’s mom), but today I get her in a whole new way.  She is my heart friend!!!  I couldn’t have made it through today without her.  And Bailey… Oh my goodness.  He’s Anna Kate’s hero now.  Who knew a 7 year old had this in him!  His heart is huge and his understanding is beyond his years.  He wanted to make this video for Anna Kate because he knows how scared she was today.  These little guys are all of our heroes!  I’m so proud of him for being so strong and turning something so very difficult into inspiration and hope for other frightened kids.  We love you, Bailey.  Thanks for making our day!!!

These pictures were taken tonight, 1 hour before her next dose of medicine.  She was already needing it more than words… I wanted to show you these pictures because it is legitimate.  She is suffering.  She is in real pain.  She needs comfort.  Thank God she’s asleep right now, so I could beg you all to pray for our girl.  Pictures tell a thousand words.  Her entire body looks just like this, even behind her ears, neck, up and down her arms and legs, everywhere.  And it hurts.  Itches like fire.

We are trying to flush everything out of Anna Kate’s body and are forcing fluids and foods we know she is not allergic to.  This break-out at 11PM was a nightmare and nearly sent me wanting to go back to the ER (which is not a fun place to be, you all know that).  We got her to sleep for the moment.  Waking up in 5 hours to check her breathing and symptoms, but of course, my pallet is right beside hers tonight.  Wouldn’t have it any other way.  Cutie Kate’s with me to stay!  We did it.  I’m proud.  We’re home and safe, and pray tomorrow holds healing.  Join me in prayer… you are our community.  Our family.  Our friends.  We need you right now to gather round our Anna Kate in spirit and lift her up to the most high, Creator God.  No child should have to suffer.  I’ll post an update as soon as I have one.  We’re trying to get her into the best allergist in the area… hopefully sooner than later.  She’s still in a lot of pain.  Thanks for caring and being there for our family.  This blog is my place of happiness and escape, but my girls are my happiness and escape, and this is all about them, so I’ve laid it out there for you guys to pray for comfort, answers, peace, and rest.