Saving Money and the "what's for dinner" blues

Being new to the whole coupon scene I find saving any amount of money a good day. We don't really stock pile much food and the items that are on coupons we really can't have due to the Dairy allergy or just to much sodium. Prepacked foods that fall under the coupons most if not all have some form of dairy in it, or are just so unhealthy for toddlers that I can't justify purchasing it for when I am to lazy to cook.

I have been trying to cook simple, quick and of course dairy free meals. How has been possible for us since we live on pretty much a single income and I have been taking care of both our food allergy son but also his non food allergy big (15 months older) sister? Some days are a simple pasta dinners or more interesting crock pot meals, for days where i am either to busy or to tired to try to take care of dinner.

Here are some ways that I am able to save money and maybe some of them might help your or your friends family to be able to provide food.

1) Wic- Now I know that there is a stigma to this government program, but let me say that they have been a very important part to our success as providing food for both of our kids. My son was allergic to not only animal dairy but all animal dairy including my breast milk. We went through 6 different formulas till we were able to find one that he was able to keep down at least some of when he was eating. He was born with a few medical issues making feeding him and giving him nutrients he needed to survive. The most expensive of these trail formulas was $75 a bottle and the bottles were smaller then the size of a small Gerber formula container. Wic was always able to give us the formulas we needed and now that he  is over a year old they are now giving us his toddler formula as well. His current formula is $19 a can sure that sounds doable but he was going through 5 cans a month and still is that formula alone cost roughly $95. That is JUST his formula they also give my daughter her milk, beans, bread, eggs, juice, and we get a monthly allowance of $16 for fresh fruits and veggies. If you qualify for Wic and are having issues with being able to provide healthy vitamin filled foods I suggest really looking into this program. Because of them my kids and my family are able to eat fresher better foods in a processed unhealthy world.

2) Rewards cards- I use Winn-Dixie for a majority of my shopping. Though it is more expensive then Aldi which I also shop at and Walmart that I refuse to shop at due to quality, Winn- Dixie has a great baby perks system and the amazing FUEL PERKS. The perks system is really simple sign up for the free Winn Dixie card. I signed up for both fuel perks and baby perks. For every $50 or if you purchase items that have fuel perks attached you get money towards gas off at Shell locations. Baby perks gives you coupons every month for items that you purchase a lot plus coupons for Diapers, Wipes, baby food, and baby item/bath product every packet. As well as every $25 you get money towards baby perks. With this alone I save tons of money, not to mention reward members also get certain foods on sale like fresh fruits and veggies even meats.

3) Coupons and Coupons site- I also use coupons from coupons.com as well as coupons that come in the smart source we get in the Thursday paper. I also have started to use Saving star which has a fresh fruit or veggie as a featured product for coupons. Today the healthy item is 20% off broccoli. This site is connected to my Winn Dixie card so when I purchase the item it gets taken off at the register.

4) Pinterest- I bet some of you are thinking, "How can a site that makes you want to put pom poms on pine cones for a Thanksgiving centerpiece help you save money on food?" It is really simple and one of my biggest money saving secrets. When I go shopping I stop at the Meats section and see what is either on sale or cheap. Then I log onto pinterest through the stores wifi and type in the piece of meat and recipes. If I find something that sounds good, that I have either all the ingredients for or most of them, and if it is a dairy free or easily turned into a dairy free meal, I buy it. Not only does it keep cost down but keeps the kitchen interesting. Just yesterday I made a meal of Pork Neck bones in a Jamaican style int eh crock pot with onions, vinegar and spices. I only had to buy the ginger, onion and pork neck bones at the store everything else i had. The neck bones came 2 to a package it was $3.58 for one and the other was $3.18. It feed 6 people and the whole meal was under $9 for everything. And the most amazing part is that it was really really good and fresh.

Hope that this list of things you find helpful. I really love using pinterest. It works with all diets and that is pretty cool if you think about it.

In the end everything I do is so I can see these two amazing people smile and I know that we may not have much but I know that they are eating well and not all this unhealthy cheap easy foods. I don't like being on government assistance but I will do what ever it takes to keep my kids healthy. That is what is most important.

Food Allergy Savings, How FARE can help you save money and your family

I don't know how many people know about FARE. FARE stands for Food Allergy Research and Education. It is a great program and their website has a lot of great information on many food allergies. But one thing that many people don't know is that FARE will help you pay for certain things you or your child need. If you need to get a medical alert bracelet or in our case dog tag they will cover some of the cost. If you need to get extra epi pens for school FARE will help by giving the school epi pens! Along with some really good printed materials. Also at least in my state of Florida, the child can legally carry their epi's with them at school. 

I highly recommend going to the FARE website and taking a good look around. You can find their site here. 

You can become a member and even participate in the annual FARE WALK. We did this for the first time back in June. Was a lot of fun for the whole family and learned about a lot of important things I had not even thought about before going there. 

Little guy might have a new allergy

So this last week has been a bit tough on my little guy and myself. I had to rush him to the night time doctors and it was determined he had an allergic reaction, but not from dairy because he doesn't eat dairy, so the doctors have told me to go back to the allergist and get more test done.

It all started after dinner we removed his diaper and gave him a bath with his big sister(2.5 years and 17 months) he was fine dried him off and got him into a night time diaper and pjs. A few minutes later he started to cry and he had pooped himself, so my mom who was with me the whole time goes to change his diaper she then calls for me slightly panicked and told me something was not alright. my little guys rump was bright red, had lumps and white marks all over him. We quickly got him cleaned up a new diaper, I grabbed the diaper bag, his epi pens and ran to the doctors.

The first thing they did was check his oxygen levels to make sure he wasn't in any a serious medical state. When it was determined he was alright we were able to be slower and more medical with him.

Long story short, though it is already slightly long, he has a new allergy appointment next week and will be tested for bananas, red, yellow, and wheat.

Dairy free in the kitchen

My husband has been back to work now for a week. With the company he works for he can be home anywhere from 5 to 8pm and sometimes though not many even later. I remember one time before he deployed he came home after 10pm. Anyway, due to his work eating out is not as easy as it was before he went back to work. It has made me cook a lot more at home then ever before. It is more then that though, I now spend a minimum of an hour at the grocery store most of the time I am reading labels, of some of our old staples then standing their in the store trying to figure out how to make my husband's favorite foods into something our son can eat. This is not easy. I wish that there was an app that you could just scan the barcode of and it would flash green for its dairy free, yellow if it is used on shared lines or in a place that has dairy and red for it has dairy in it. To bad i am not in anyway techie enough to do this.

This past week I have made a number of dairy free meals some keepers some tweaks and some never again. So far my greatest success has been the chocolate pudding.

Using nothing but 1/4c sugar, 1/2c dark chocolate Hersey's cocoa powder and 1 box of silken tofu. All you have to do is put it in a blender and then let it sit in the fridge. Everyone loved this, my daughter a picky 2 year old, my son the dairy allergy child, myself, my mom and my dad. The only one who did not like it was my even pickier husband. After a quick consult with my vegetarian best friend, I figured out that the "sour" taste he was having was due to his not liking of dark chocolate. He is willing to try it again but with a "milk" chocolate substituted for the dark. I like dark chocolate, so if you do to then you should really try this delicious dairy free dessert.

I know think I am going to post some of my more fun meals once a week. Maybe tasty Tuesdays or something like that.

4th of July Extravaganza

Hope everyone had a good 4th of July. If you are like me it can be a time of stress and uncertainty for your food allergy little one(s). Every year we go to the city's fireworks show at the local park. This was my son's first year going and we were really on guard with everything, mostly cause you have to be. He couldn't go into the bounce house with his sister because other little kids had ice cream all over their faces or were eating pizza or popcorn and we couldn't chance the cross contamination. We did let him sit at the door and get bounced, he love it. We made sure he didn't get touched by random people as well, and he had his medical alert dog tag on at all times outside his clothes while we were anywhere near people. We also had plenty of wipes and sanitizer with us.

I packed the kids safe food as well. I made them veggie pasta and we also had grapes, sliced apples with peanut butter, and marshmallow peeps ( DAIRY FREE). As for me and my husband and my parents we did what we always did, bought subs from a local shop and bought fresh squeezed lemonade at the park. Good Times.

The best part of the night of course the fireworks. My little guy did great for his first time, we did have a few issues with the really bright fireworks but that is due to his light sensitivity. And he past out in the stroller on the way back to the shuttle bus. His big sister stayed awake till we got her into the car seat to drive home. It was a good night.

FOOD ALLERGY ALERT ~ American Waffle Company

American Waffle Company of Clayton, Delaware is voluntarily recalling 480 cases of Gluten Free Blueberry Pancakes with Best By or Sell By 07/31/15 because the product contains undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk may be at risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The recalled 14.4 oz. LiveGfree Gluten Free Blueberry Pancakes were distributed in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, West Virginia and Wisconsin and sold in ALDI Stores in these States.

The product comes in 14.4 oz. box and marked with Best By or Sell By 07/31/15 on the top or bottom display panel.

There was one reported illness and upon our investigation we found that the product contained undeclared milk.

The voluntary recall was initiated after it was discovered that the milk-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not declare the presence of milk. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the Company's production process.

Consumers who have purchased these LiveGfree Gluten Free Blueberry Pancakes and consumers who have product affected by this voluntary recall should discard it immediately or return it to their local ALDI store for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the American Waffle Company at awc@american-waffle.com or by calling (855) 384-9004, Monday-Friday 8:00 to 5:00 EST. During off hours, leave a voice mail and it will be returned.

Jeremiah's Italian Ice ~ DON'T EAT list

Jeremiah's is a homemade Italian ice and and gelatio establishment. This place has a bit of a different list for their allergens. Since they make so many flavors they found it easier to list what you can not eat as opposed to what you can eat.

So this list that follows are the flavors you CAN NOT eat. Repeat do not eat these flavors if you have an allergy to dairy.

• All Ice Cream & Gelatis
• Cafe Latte
• Cake Batter
• Chocolate Chips (in chocolate ice)
• Cookies & Cream
• Scoop Froggy Frog
• Mochaccino
• Pumpkin Pie
• Bahama Freeze
• Coconut
• Key West Tropical 
• Parrothead Paradise
• Pina Colada 

It is still important to let the makers know that you have a dairy allergy in case there are new flavors that are introduced. Remember do not eat this flavors listed above. If you have  a place you would like me to try to find the information to please let me know in the comments below.

Our 1st major issue while eatting out

Today we went to Applebee's. As you know if you have been reading my blog I did a food list of this restaurant so how could I follow the list and still my son have problems when he ate there. Simple, Cross Contamination of the FRYER OIL!

I gave him 2 chips from the chips and salsa he proceeded to vomit this horribly thick goop. I picked him up out of the high chair and rushed him into the bathroom to make sure he didn't vomit anymore in front of other customers again.

The waitress, food runner, manager, and hostess all came over to see what happened and if he was okay, since we had said that he was allergic to dairy and had checked to make sure that there was no butter or anything on his food. What we were told was that the fryer oil is shared with anything that needs to be fried. Things like Mozzarella sticks and pot stickers all go into the same oil.

The staff apologized profusely. Everyone kept coming over to make sure he was alright, I luckily did not have to epi him since he got it out of him so fast is my thought.

So remember if it is fried always ask if there is a separate fryer and separate oil. If the answer is no, I would say stay away.

Restaurant Food List ~ Logan's Steak House

Logan's is a steak house restaurant which can be dangerous if you also have a peanut allergy as they serve peanuts at every table and allow people to throw the shells directly onto the floor of the restaurant.

If you don't have a peanut allergy then this is a great family place to eat. It is nosey but the food is priced well and they normally have specials.  Here is a list of the items that are listed as dairy free from the company itself. The list was not available online but if you write an email you can get any allergen list emailed to you.

• Smokin' Hot Wings
• Baby Back Ribs Basket
• Country Fried Chicken Tenders
• Mild to Wild Wings ( only in the flavors of sesame ginger, mild buffalo, bourbon BBQ, Cajun dry rub, and Caribbean jerk)
• Award Winning Chili ( no Cheese)
• Anything & Everything Salad
• Roadhouse Salad
• Mesquite Wood Grilled Chicken Salad
• Grilled Steak Salad
• Grilled Shrimp Salad
• Fried Chicken Salad
• Kickin' Logan's Chickin'/Steak Salad ( don't toss with roadhouse ranch dressing)
• The Logan
• 6 & 8oz Sirloin
• Teriyaki club steak
• 11 7 18 oz NY strip
• 6,8 & 12oz Filet
• 12, 16 & 20oz Ribeye
• 16oz T-Bone
• 220z Porterhouse
• Chopped steak (plain)
• Logan's Grilled Chicken (no dressing)
• Southwest BBQ Chicken (no cheese)
• Teriyaki Grilled Chicken
• Mesquite Wood Grilled Salmon ( no garlic dill sauce)
• Mesquite wood Grilled Pork Chops
• Country Friedn Chicken Tender Dinner
• Mesquite Wood Grilled Shrimp Skewers
• Santa Fe Tilapia ( no cilantro chipotle sauce)
• Half and Full Logan's Famous Baby Back Ribs
• The Route 66 Burger (no cheese)
• Roadhouse Deluxe Burger (no sauteed mushroom or cheese)
• Bacon & Egg Burger
• Seasonal Vegetables (Broccoli) GRILL SPICE ONLY
• Grilled Vegetable/ Grilled Mushroom Skewer
• Brewski Onions
• Crispy Onions
• Baked Potato (plain only)
• Logan's Sweet Potato ( cinnamon sugar only)
• Coleslaw
• Potato Chips
• Fries
• House Salad 
• Ken's Amazin (Burger) Sauce
• Ken's Red French Salad Dressing
• Ken's Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Ken's Honey BBQ Sauce
• Ken's Horseradish Sauce
• Ken's Tarter Sauce
• Kraft Golden Italian Marinade/ Dressing
• Kraft Classic Dijon Mustard ( Grey Poupon)
• A-1 Steak Sauce
• Heinz Tomato Ketchup
• Ventura Cocktail Sauce
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning
• Grill Spice
• Seasoning Salt
• Blackening Season
• Cinnamon Sugar
• Fry Seasoning
• Rib Rub
• Liquid Phase

The items in orange are the meals and everything else is sides, appetizers, and dressings. 
All Burger Patties need to be grilled plain ( No margarine or butter) You can substitute Mesquite -wood grilled chicken at not additional charge.

Make sure all steaks are grilled plain and that they don't add any margarine or butter after grilling.

Make sure to substitute something else for the Bed of rice or cinnamon apples. Also please note that bread is not listed on the dairy free menu.

As always make sure to tell your server of your allergies, and ask questions. If you have a restaurant you would like me to find information on please let me know in the comments.

Wes' Wheyless Wonders ~ FARE Walk

We as a family will be walking in this years FARE Walk for food allergy research and education. With 15 Million people effected by food allergies there are many reasons to donate.  This is out team page named after my soon and his food allergy. If you would like to donate or if you are in the Central Florida area and would like to join our team (we have 2 spots left) click the link below. 

Wes' Wheyless Wonders's Team Page for 2014 FARE Walk - Orlando

Milk Allergy Alert: Noh Foods of Hawaii

    
NOH FOODS OF HAWAII, of Honolulu, HI and Gardena, CA is voluntarily recalling its 2 ounce, 4 ounce, and 3 lb. (48 oz) packages of “Hawaiian Coconut Pudding” because they may contain undeclared dairy product.

People who have allergies to milk or dairy products run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The recalled “Hawaiian Coconut Pudding” has been distributed nationwide in retail stores and through mail orders. The product comes in a 2 ounce, 4 ounce, and 48 ounce yellow and white package with the following UPC numbers:



073562000504 for the 2 oz package
073562000559 for the 4 oz package
073562000511 for the 48 oz package (3 lbs)
The company received a consumer complaint and although no serious injury or illness was reported, they have initiated a voluntary recall of this product or the concern only to those individuals who have allergies to dairy.
Concerned consumers who have purchased any of these items are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact NOH FOODS OF HAWAII at 808-944-0655 or 310-324-6770 between the hours of 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Production for the product has been corrected with notations “Contains: MILK”

May is Food Allergry Action Month

May is the official month for food allergy awareness. The set upon week for all the Food Allergy Awareness is May 11th through the 17th. Today is May 1st. So today the action calender which you can download here, says to spread the word. So, here is an infographic that FARE is sending out to spread the word.

What is the word you ask?

It's okay to eat differently!

Restaurant Food List ~ Applebee's

Applebee's are practically everywhere. So, it is no surprise that someone has asked me to find information for them. Applebee's has a wonderful allergen list. They have broken down their menu for multiple food allergies, including but not limited to Soy and Peanut allergies. The restaurant has stated that they use a shared kitchen with cooking and preparation of food items and places like the fryer use both dairy free items as well as dairy items. The company also states in bold that because they use a shared area that they can not guarantee that the food items can be completely free of allergens. So to me this sounds like the biggest problem here is cross contamination, but then again that is a major issue everywhere.

Here is a list of the food items that Applebee's says is dairy free.

• Chips & Salsa
• Riblet Basket
• House Sirloin
• New York Strip
• Ribeye
• Steak & fried Shrimp
• Steak & Honey BBQ Chicken
• Steak & Riblets
• Citrus Lime Sirloin
• Grilled Onions
• French Fries
• Fruit Side
• Mexi Rice
• Crispy Red Potatoes
• Fried Shrimp Side
• Grilled Shrimp 'N Spinach Salad (needs certain dressings)
• Grilled Oriental Chicken Salad (needs certain dressings)
• Honey Mustard Salad Dressing
• Thousand Island
• Hot Bacon Vinaigrette
• Classic Turkey Breast Sandwich
• Pico de Gallo
• Honey Barbecue Sauce
• Guacamole
• Tarter Sauce
• Chipotle Mayo
• Marinara Sauce
• Wing Sauce
• Salsa
• Bruschetta Sauce
• Balsamic Glaze
• Black Bean Corn Salsa
• Signature Slider Sauce
• Mayonnaise
• Chunky Roma Pepper Relish
• Chimichurri Sauce
• Kids Fried Shrimp
• Kids Steak
• Kids Chicken Grillers
• Kids Hot Dog
• GoGo squeeZ Applesauce
• Kids Steamed Broccoli ( no butter on the kids version but is on the adult version)
• Kids White Rice
• Kids Fries

As always you need to let your server know that you have a dairy or any other food allergy. Foods in orange are actual meals, everything else is mostly sides and sauces.  If you have a restaurant you would like me to find information for let me know in the comments.

Unexpected benefits of being dairy free

So if your like me and have to now figure out how to take all the dairy out of your or your child's diet. I have been noticing that my child has started sleeping very quiet since I started taking dairy out of his diet. He used to snore and make these really weird noises while he slept and now it is so quiet and still that I have to check on him by putting my hand on his chest to feel him breathe. I wanted to know why, and after some research I found that when you remove dairy from your diet after having respiratory issues it lessens the problems rather quickly.

This got me thinking. What other benefits are associated with dairy free living.

1. The respiratory issues lessen rather quickly
2. loss of weight occurs
3. Your sense of taste will be stronger
4. decreased likelihood of developing osteoporosis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease

I am not a doctor or claim to be. I have done a lot of research on this through the Internet as well as contacting a professional nutritionist on the subject.

Restaurant Food List ~ Seasons 52 SPRING menu only

Seasons 52 is a fresh grill and wine bar that lets you enjoy  a seasonally-inspired menu in a casually sophisticated ambiance. This means that their menu changes every season and bits and pieces every week are different specials. The restaurant has complied a list of safe foods to eat for the spring season for the non dairy community. You can find other list here. This is one of the few places I have found so far that actually has a good assortment of actual meals which is really great in my mind. They have been expanding rather quickly so odds are Seasons 52 might be closer to you then you think. 

• Flatbreads (can be made without cheese toppings) 
• Gengler Farms Organic Edamame
• Hummus Duo
• Tuna & Avocado Sushi Roll
• Organic Field Greens 
• Organic Baby Spinach  (request without gorgonzola cheese) 
• Sesame Grilled Salmon Salad (request without lemongrass mayonnaise)  
• Maui Tuna Crunch 
• Vegetarian Tasting quinoa (request without cheese on taco) 
• Rocky Mountain Buffalo Burger (request without truffle cream and without blue cheese)
• Grilled Turkey Burger (request without cheese) 
• Oak-Grilled Beef, Chicken Breast Market Fish can be made to order using salt, pepper,
   extra virgin olive oil, with new potatoes, roasted asparagus, baby carrots (request plain) 
• Cedar Plank Atlantic Salmon Red Bliss potatoes, vegetables (request without dill sauce)
• Grilled Boneless Rainbow Trout roasted potatoes, asparagus, baby carrots, grilled lemon
   (request without dill sauce) 
• Caramelized Grilled Sea Scallops roasted asparagus (request no risotto and no lemon butter)
• Plainville Farm Turkey Skewer grilled vegetable-farro pilaf, Zinfandel BBQ glaze 
• Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon fresh vegetables, roasted mushrooms (request roasted potatoes) 
• Roasted Asparagus
• Broccolini
• Cremini Mushrooms
• Roasted Baby Carrots
• Leaf Spinach
• Red Bliss Potatoes
• Fuji Apple Slaw
• Quinoa-Citrus Salad
• Fresh Fruit

The items listed in orange are actual meals. The other items are sides, and appitizers.  Remember the most important thing is to always tell the server that you have an allergy to dairy.

Restaurant Food List ~ Auntie Anne's Soft Pretzels

Auntie Anne's Allergen Statement
Please be advised that our products contain known food allergens and sensitivities. We strongly recommend that anyone with an allergic condition or sensitivity to nuts, gluten, or other food allergens NOT consume our products. 

This is from their site. You can view more information here, as well as how to contact them if you have any further questions. 

Dairy & Eczema

Did you know that dairy intolerance and allergy is the most common food related triggers that cause eczema?

But, what is eczema? It is a skin condition that produces welts and small blisters on the skin along with inflammation. Eczema is commonly found in infants and is most likely outgrown by adulthood. Children with eczema typically have parents that suffer from allergies or asthma, according to MedlinePlus. 

Eczema is not treatable, but it is manageable by eliminating the various triggers that cause it to flare-up.  

Minor cases of eczema are treated by applying hydrocortisone creams and taking an oral antihistamine. Extreme symptoms may require a prescription from a doctor for a corticosteroid lotion. 

I find that if my child has itchy skin from eczema applying a cool compress to the areas and putting the kid in loose fitting clothes helps.

The Story of my son, Wes.

I figured since I started this blog for my son, so when he is older he has something that can help him, and something that can help others, I should probably tell you about my son. 

We were told that we needed to enjoy as much time as we could with him. That's right we were told that Wes COULD DIE. Being told that your child might not live is horrible, your whole life crashes down around you and it makes it hard to breathe let alone think.

This on top of my husband deploying was a really bad time. We knew that at 3 months old that when my husband deployed that it could have been the last time he saw him alive.When Wes was born he seemed fine a nice pink color, good set of lungs, all his fingers and toes. Then on his 1st full day of life he had his circumcision. Afterwards, things started to get a bit weird. He started to turn yellow, and became jaundice.

He also was having problems keeping his body temp. up. He stayed that way for about 2 weeks after we left the hospital but he was still perfect. Yellow, but perfect. Then something started happening. We were told to give him as much skin to skin time to try and raise his body temp. We always had him in just a diaper on my or my husband's chest wrapped in a blanket.
We just wanted him to get warm. Then the feedings started to go wonky. He started vomiting all his food up, he didn't eat, and he became really weak and just slept for close to 20 hours a day. The house, the chair, the sofa everything smelled of regurgitated milk. We were scared and horribly worried, and during all this we still had Alice to think about and take care of.
 Thank goodness my parents were close by. We had to go to the doctors at least every other day for weight checks and formula changes.

We stopped breast feeding, he went on I think 5 or 6 different formulas, but he just kept vomiting and in turn he just kept loosing weight. He soon became nothing but skin and bones, he couldn't even lift his arms.Every other day we would go to the doctor checking his weight changing his formula. We were sent to a pediatric surgeon, who in turn sent us to the ER for an MRI and a barium exam. It was discovered that Wes had an underdeveloped esophagus, which is why everything he had would come back up. He was given anti ulcer medication for his throat.  At 3 months old he had just gotten over his birth weight.

At 5 months old we found the first of the formulas that started to stay in his system. Similac Soy Formula. Then we switched it and started having even more success in Gerber Soy Concentrate formula. As it turns out liquid formula worked better then powder. He finally was able to go to the doctor once a week and then once every 2 weeks, and then once every 3 weeks. Through it all he was always smiling. At 8 months old Wes went to the doctors again and we were so happy to hear that he made a complete turn around. The doctors actually told me that they were not expecting him to make it as far as he did.
My little boy my little fighter was finally getting better. He was finally able to start eating baby food and he has been thriving since. So much so that my little guy is now in the 85% for weight.  At 11 months he started big people food, and working on using a sippy cup. Wes is now 13 months old and in 1-3 more months he will get to meet his daddy again and hold his hand, and interact with him other then just sleeping on his chest. 

So there it is there is the story. Sorry it was so long. We now know that he was born allergic to milk, even milk from me. I just wonder if he didn't have all these other problems that masked the allergy how much faster he would have gotten better. I know that I had done the best for him without knowing all the facts. He is now a happy little guy, chasing his big sister around the living room trying to get hugs. And chasing me with his bowl trying to get more snacks (dairy free of course). 

Unexpected Sources of Milk

Today I bring you more information from the FARE website. You can view more information about FARE here.

When we go shopping we now know that we have to read labels really carefully to keep ourselves and our LOs (Little One) safe from milk by products, milk itself, and possiblities of cross contamination.

But, what about those shopping list items that may not be as easy to spot? Here is a few things to keep in mind when you go to the grocery store.

• Deli meat slicers are frequently used for both meat and cheese products.
• Some brands of canned tuna fish contain casein, a milk protein.
• Many non-dairy products contain casein (a milk derivative), listed on the ingredient labels.
• Some specialty products made with milk substitutes (i.e., soy-, nut- or rice-based dairy products) are manufactured on equipment shared with milk.
• Some meats may contain casein as a binder. Check all labels carefully.
• Some medications contain milk protein.
• Shellfish is sometimes dipped in milk to reduce the fishy odor. Ask questions about the risk of milk contact when purchasing shellfish. 

 And you also need to make sure when you go out to eat, always make sure that you say NO BUTTER!

• Many restaurants put butter on steaks after they have been grilled to add extra flavor. The butter is not visible after it melts.

When we ate out for Easter, we had to make sure that they cooked my son's eggs dry. This is not their normal practice but once I told them that he was allergic they even cooked his eggs on the gulten free side of kitchen and away from all other milk products. 

O'Soy ~ Oh No!!

I was so happy when I saw at my local Winn-Dixie that they had a yogurt that was soy, dairy free and "vegan". Since my son loves creamy foods and now that he can't have them I picked up a set and couldn't wait to give it to him.

O' Soy is from Stonyfield company.

He loved it. I was happy, then he started having a bad reaction to it. I called the company number on their website which said they were open M-F 8-6pm, to see if there was any possibility of cross contamination since they make a lot of whole milk yogurts as well. 

The phone's computer said that no one was their due to them all being in training. So I wrote an email and waited I received an email about 4 hours later. This is what I received, remember I wanted to know about cross contamination.

Hello,

Thanks for reaching out with your question. Our O'Soy organic soy yogurt is
a lactose-free, non-dairy source of calcium and protein. It's great for
those who want a delicious way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of soy,
and one 6-oz serving of O’Soy provides 7g of soy protein. Additionally,
we're happy to say that O'Soy is certified vegan.

We hope this is helpful, please don’t hesitate to give us a shout if you
have any other questions. Thanks again for getting in touch.

Sincerely,

The folks at Stonyfield

Please note that this is what it says on the package of yogurt, hence why I purchased it to begin with. So I tried again.

Thank you for telling me what your package says, but as I originally asked I wanted to know about the possibility of cross contamination with dairy products. 

I wrote that email a few days ago. Considering that they responded the 1st time only 4 hours later and it was more then 4 hours till 5pm on a Thursday, and it is now Saturday. I take this as they do not want to answer in fear of ruining their "Vegan" status.

*Please note that the last statement is only my opinion and is not in anyway related to the company.*

So please be careful if you or your child is really allergic to dairy, in my own opinion I would not chance this product.