This is the send-off Anna Kate and I received on our way to an emergency appointment with the allergist this afternoon.  We are so blessed to have gotten in so soon, as under normal circumstances, the next available appointment was on 2/19.

Anna Kate is allergic to penicillin.  She had a reaction to the antibiotic she was on for her ear infections that we went to Urgent Care for on 1/27.  We are on a medicine regimen/schedule that will keep the outbreaks minimized so we won’t have any more scary days or nights.  The Cooks ER doctor thought she was allergic to almond milk, because we recently switched to that as a family, and he thought the rash looked like a food allergy, but we got confirmation today, she is not allergic to food.  We were directed to never give her penicillin again, and she should be good.  We are relieved.  Penicillin is way easier to stay away from that tree nuts; and just as relieved to have answers.  Her ears are still infected, so we will start a new antibiotic on Saturday that is penicillin-free that the Cooks ER doctor prescribed.

Noelle and Rose have been being great sisters, sharing the spotlight.  They have sacrificed time and attention and have been so understanding and loving toward Anna Kate.  Their hearts are so big for each other.  Noelle was really scared on Wednesday when she left for school and Anna Kate was being rushed to the emergency room.  Whew!  It was a tough week for all of us. 

Right now, Anna Kate’s outbreak isn’t 3D anymore and has settled down.  Her joints are still swollen but aren’t hurting.  She has mild itching and irritation but nothing as painful as last night.  She wanted to rip her skin off it was hurting so badly, and I’ve never been more defeated and sad as a mom.  I just took a deep breath after I wrote that last sentence.  We are in the clear.  We are good. 

Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers, emails, texts and phone calls!  We are ready to celebrate!!!

Rose is turning 2 this weekend!!!  Can’t wait to end our 8 doctor’s appointments in 7 day streak and put them in the rearview mirror.  Baby Rose is turning TWO… WHAHOO! 

*Didn’t take any pics of Anna Kate today.  We just spent the day cuddling.  She still has her head-to-toe rash, but looks as sweet and precious as she can be.