A Sampling of Pictures from the 2008 O'Brien Reunion

Dan & Ian

The O'Brien Women

Dan & Ian

Darby & Keenan

Keenan, Steve, & Ian

Mr. Man

Frustrating

I still think Ian has a food allergy. I am unconvinced by the results of his blood test. (Especially since I begged for it even when Dr Lee said that they aren't entirely accurate and can have false negatives at this age).

Last night Ian had pudding - an hour later his rash was red and extended to his ear.

This morning (a half hour ago) I gave him yogurt - The left side of his face is broken out again.

I am going to keep track of what he eats when he breaks out. I have a feeling it could be more than just milk. I don't really believe that it's just eczema because I have seen it clear up and be gone for a week - a feat that has only happened when I've carefully read labels before feeding him. Since it's return and our revert to his old diet, the eczema hasn't left.

Plus, I'm "sign-oriented" - I had put this allergy out of my head for the last week. I opened up last months issue of Parents (hadn't gotten to it yet) and halfway through I stumbled upon an article regarding food allergies. In Ian's 21 months of life I haven't come across a magazine article with food allergies until now. To me that's a sign that I shouldn't just put this in the back of my mind. Even if I'm wrong, I will feel better having explored every avenue rather than suffer the guilt of having given him something that he shouldn't have been eating.

So for the next week, I will keep Ian on his old diet and document his menu and rash breakouts. Then, the following week I will adjust his diet to reflect possible allergies and go from there.

Wish me luck.

Kids Everywhere

I have become hooked on Jon & Kate Plus 8. Have you seen that show? It's on TLC and features a couple who first had twins and then had sextuplets. Thus, 8 kids. On one hand, it's refereshing to see a mom (Kate) who isn't Betty Crocker or June Cleaver. She has real issues, she gets impatient, she doesn't pretend to be Suzy Housewife and never argue with her husband. Most women can relate on some level. However, it's also annoying that she's ALWAYS impatient, ALWAYS nagging at her husband, and ALWAYS finds a way to be sarcastic and utterly grumpy. Can't the cameras ever catch in her a good day or does she just never have one? I don't know what it's like to raise 8 kids under the age of 7 but can't she at least find a little joy? This is precisely the reason that I am thinking about abandoning this show - she just makes it a little too negative every episode.

Here's the family website if you're curious: http://sixgosselins.com/

There's also Kids By the Dozen. This "reality" show features families of 12+ kids. It's also on TLC.

I'm not quite sure my obsession behind these shows but they're like a train wreck, I can't look away. Must know how they pull it off. If you want to know how to feed a party of 200 people for $130 bucks. Watch this show.

4th of July Fun

On the 4th, we went to my grandparents' house for a little family BBQ -


*Great Grandpa Don gave Ian the hose to "water" the yard and flowers...



Ian tried to "water" Grandpa Steve



Sitting on Dad's lap, enjoying corn on the cob



Showing off his cute do! (and yes, that's a baby belly in the background, lol)



Horsing around with Dad

Special of the Day: Morning Sickness

I am plagued with morning sickness. This last week I have been dealing with numerous bouts of it. I really hope this is temporary and does not last until September! I am feeling a repeat of the first 17 weeks. Even some foods are beginning to sound unappetizing again... :(

July 2007

I am nostalgic - I just looked at some pictures taken of Ian last July. I miss that little chubby baby :)

It's already July?!?

Ian's blood test came back with no glaring food allergies. Dr. Lee said he could still have a sensitivity to some foods though. (The blood test isn't always foolproof on a kid his age). However, no matter how many combinations we try, the rash is there, off and on. It could also be something environmental. Today, his rash is gone - yesterday it was there all bright, red, and dry. Also, Ian could just be a kid with eczema. So basically, no one really knows why he's breaking out. I give up, lol. We'll just keep treating the rash instead of looking for the source. I am a little disappointed that Ian has been back to his routine of midnight screaming. I am almost wondering if he should go back to the milk free diet - he slept sooo much better then and I am hesitant to acknowledge that as a coincidence. I guess it will be a watch and wait and see routine.

On the upside, as Shay predicted, I PASSED my 3 hour glucose test. Thank goodness. I didn't have to do that test last time so it was discouraging to have to do it this time. I am just thankful I don't have to worry about it now. Next dr appt is in 2 weeks and will be every 2 weeks after that until it's once a week. We are getting close to scheduling baby's birthday! Exciting!