Jumping In...

If you are taking the time to read this, I owe you a big dose of honestly right from the start. Meeting up with you like this... is terrifying. For a girl who loves keeping her two feet on the ground, taking a leap of faith into cyberspace is scary. But, if I've learned anything in the time I've spent navigating the world of food allergies, it's that FEAR is my worst enemy. It's actually not peanuts or eggs or milk, it's fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of the "what if's" and fear of making a monumental mistake that will hurt my kids. Fear paralyzes us from doing what needs to be done and prevents us from wringing the good out of life's inevitable curve balls. Fear is exhausting.

So, here you find me! I'm pushing back on what scares me, and I'm throwing myself out there. A major disclaimer here: I'm not a doctor, I'm not a nutritionist, I'm not an "expert" and I absolutely do not do everything right when it comes to my kids' allergies. But, I am a mom with two little boys whose lives depend on my vigilance and willingness to advocate for them. And, I've been at this for a little while. My hope is that you read something in these pages that will strengthen, encourage and give you the confidence to push back on your own fear.

And, what I'd really love... is to learn more along the way, also. What can you teach me? So much. I've never spoken to another food allergy parent without leaving the conversation feeling a little bit lighter and a whole lot smarter. True story.

Finally, if you are an angel watching from the outside - one of those priceless friends or family members who is supporting someone who is walking through this - you have no idea how much you mean to this community. We love you, we thank you, and I am so happy you're here.

All right, guys... let's do this!