This past month has been an absolute blur, my sweet boy. In some ways I think there will be two categories to life now - before April 2018 and after. And April 17th will go down as my scariest day of mothering to date, by far! Your anaphylactic allergic reaction. Your new peanut allergy diagnosis. Toting around an EpiPen. Having to start and stop breastfeeding. But we are on the other side of it now and still have you here to squeeze and kiss and love on...plus all the things you shamelessly do to the baby of the family. We are definitely pouring it on extra thick.
Otis Perry, you are 9 whole months old today and in many ways I feel like we are having to start over from here on out, figure out our new normal as a family. I will forever be so sorry that I didn't know. But now I do. Obviously, it is not hard at all to give up food, but functioning under the pressure of protecting you from exposure because allergies are such a maddening guessing game is making it difficult to keep our chill. But trust me when I tell you that I will live to protect you and care for you while still giving you room to grow without limitation. Your dad and I are already in constant prayer over how to manage this without forgetting the faith in which we rely on for all things. No bubble for you buddy; we are just going to do our very best. Your life is so precious and we enjoy every ounce of the little boy that you are!
We love you so, sweet Otis!
P.S. Please just think I'm cool when I haul off and punch an inconsiderate middle school mom 10-12 years from now.
