Updated allergy test

Jack had his second allergy skin test today. The first one was 3 years ago (I can't believe it's been that long!), so his allergy doc suggested a retest just to see if he was still testing positive to nuts and such. He did indeed test strongly positive to peanuts, walnuts, and pecans again, but nothing else. I had him tested for fish (not shellfish, which we already know he can eat safely, but regular fish since he's gotten sick to his stomach several times after eating it, and I thought it there might be a connection), but he didn't react to fish at all.

So, he definitely still has to carry around the epi-pen and avoid peanuts, walnuts, and pecans, however his allergy doctor here was very confident that Jack should be able to eat other nuts, like cashews, almonds, brazil nuts, etc. with no problems at all (he was tested for those today, and they came up totally negative). Jack's doctor actually encouraged us to let him try those nuts, as long as the package doesn't say that it might also contain traces of the "forbidden" ones. Jack was excited about it and asked if we had any safe nuts at home that we could try right away, but David is in VA for business for a couple of days and I think I'd rather wait until he's home just in case Jack does have some sort of reaction!

So, we'll keep on doing what we've done since we found out Jack was allergic to nuts. Thankfully he's never had any kind of nut reaction since the very first one, so whatever we're doing seems to be working. If he can eat almonds and cashews safely, that would be an added bonus for snacking or desserts at home, but for all intents and purposes I would still tell people he's allergic to all nuts, just to avoid any confusion in case someone accidentally forgets and gives him the wrong kind.

Other than that, we're all doing well! Homeschooling is progressing well so far. Jack is more eager and a little less stubborn about it than last year, which makes it much more pleasant. :). Thomas is doing very well with pre-K stuff like reading lessons, math, and handwriting skills. Peter sits and colors for about 15 minutes, and then wanders off to cause some sort of mayhem or another, but is generally pretty manageable. I'm more tired at the end of the day, but I'm enjoying it much more than last year (so far)because I'm using the curriculum I picked, and I'm a bit more organized and relaxed at the same time, if that makes sense.