Well, we all know Meagan, right? My super sweet friend who is currently fostering to adopt. You can read both posts about her family’s journey fostering here.
When I called Meagan at the end of December and asked her if she would share her fostering story with us, I also asked her to share one other story as well, about her family’s gluten allergy.
Meagan and her family run a completely g-free house due to the fact that her six year old son Fount has a severe gluten allergy that he was diagnosed with as a baby. I thought it would be good for Meagan to share for several reasons…first of all, as a mom to a baby…Meagan had to turn to social media to get Fount correctly diagnosed, so perhaps there is someone out there right now who has a baby and you just can’t figure out what’s going on…maybe your kiddo has a gluten allergy??? I just know this post might help someone.
The second thing is that I know so many of you have gluten-free homes, so Meagan’s insight and recipes (hint, hint she makes my recipes g-free!) might be helpful too.
Here is Meagan sharing their story…
Hi,
friends! I’m Shay’s friend, Meagan, and I am thrilled to be with you again today. My
family and I live a predominately gluten-free life. Southern born and raised, I
spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my grandmother, making homemade
biscuits to learning things like: “Never forget to save bacon grease because it
makes all things better.” Amen. So, with that being my background, how in the
world is my family gluten-free???…Well, my son Fount, who is now six, had major
eating issues when he was born. He had a protein allergy and had to be on a
special formula…He had reflux. Oh, did he have reflux…When we started solids,
he started breaking out in tiny red bumps on his face, tummy, backs of his
arms, and the backs of his legs. These eventually turned into whelps. They
never went away, but would flair up at certain times. I used Aveeno (Oat) Body
Wash and Aveeno (Oat) Sunscreen, so he was flaring up at most meals, when we
would go outside, and after bath. Looking back, I should have put two and two
together, but I didn’t. It just breaks
my heart. At 9 months, after repeatedly going to the doctor and being told that
it was either a heat rash or eczema, I decided to listen to my mama gut and
reach out to the facebook world and low and behold, a friend of a friend
contacted me and basically told me the answer I had been searching for: My son
had a gluten allergy. My sweet, smiling
boy who always reached for fruits and veggies over everything else, did so
because gluten was hurting him. It took one full month for Fount’s skin to
clear up. I bathed him, head to toe, in Dove’s Sensitive bar soap and read
every book I could find on gluten and becoming gluten-free. I rearranged my
pantry and fridge to prevent cross contamination. I bought labels, allergy
stickers, and made it a habit to read ingredients. Needless to say, our life
completely changed. Over the years, Fount’s allergy has gotten worse. We carry
an Epi-Pen and Benadryl everywhere we go. He’ll never be able to eat gluten-
ever, but that doesn’t mean he has to miss out. Instead of staying overwhelmed,
I decided that sticking to what I know and giving it a gluten-free twist, was
something I could totally do.
friends! I’m Shay’s friend, Meagan, and I am thrilled to be with you again today. My
family and I live a predominately gluten-free life. Southern born and raised, I
spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my grandmother, making homemade
biscuits to learning things like: “Never forget to save bacon grease because it
makes all things better.” Amen. So, with that being my background, how in the
world is my family gluten-free???…Well, my son Fount, who is now six, had major
eating issues when he was born. He had a protein allergy and had to be on a
special formula…He had reflux. Oh, did he have reflux…When we started solids,
he started breaking out in tiny red bumps on his face, tummy, backs of his
arms, and the backs of his legs. These eventually turned into whelps. They
never went away, but would flair up at certain times. I used Aveeno (Oat) Body
Wash and Aveeno (Oat) Sunscreen, so he was flaring up at most meals, when we
would go outside, and after bath. Looking back, I should have put two and two
together, but I didn’t. It just breaks
my heart. At 9 months, after repeatedly going to the doctor and being told that
it was either a heat rash or eczema, I decided to listen to my mama gut and
reach out to the facebook world and low and behold, a friend of a friend
contacted me and basically told me the answer I had been searching for: My son
had a gluten allergy. My sweet, smiling
boy who always reached for fruits and veggies over everything else, did so
because gluten was hurting him. It took one full month for Fount’s skin to
clear up. I bathed him, head to toe, in Dove’s Sensitive bar soap and read
every book I could find on gluten and becoming gluten-free. I rearranged my
pantry and fridge to prevent cross contamination. I bought labels, allergy
stickers, and made it a habit to read ingredients. Needless to say, our life
completely changed. Over the years, Fount’s allergy has gotten worse. We carry
an Epi-Pen and Benadryl everywhere we go. He’ll never be able to eat gluten-
ever, but that doesn’t mean he has to miss out. Instead of staying overwhelmed,
I decided that sticking to what I know and giving it a gluten-free twist, was
something I could totally do.
We
have a large family and I can’t possibly be a short order cook. The kids
usually have a choice at lunchtime, but at dinner, we serve one meal and it is
always gluten-free. At first, I thought we would have to over-haul our diet completely, but instead, I’ve learned that we can still use our favorite recipes and just tweak them to be gluten-free.
have a large family and I can’t possibly be a short order cook. The kids
usually have a choice at lunchtime, but at dinner, we serve one meal and it is
always gluten-free. At first, I thought we would have to over-haul our diet completely, but instead, I’ve learned that we can still use our favorite recipes and just tweak them to be gluten-free.
Sweet Fount.
This is Shay again :).
So…Meagan gave her son Fount my new cookbooks and asked him to pick a cake and an entree for them to make for you guys to show you how easy it is to turn it gluten-free.
Just look…
Let’s all pause and give Fount credit for picking a very yummy supper. #smartkid
Sadie and Fount
Over on my foodie blog today, Meagan has mapped out exactly how to turn both of these recipes gluten-free. It’s easy! If you want to see pics of all of the ingredients plus the recipes, click here.
Sadie, Holden and Fount
If you know any gluten-free families, share this with them too. And if you are a mama or know a mama whose child has similar symptoms as Fount…maybe it’s time you look into gluten as the culprit.
See the yummy recipes here.
Happy Wednesday friends!
And thank you Meagan for sharing about both fostering and gluten allergies. You are one of my very favorite mamas out there!
Erika Slaughter says
I big time heart Meagan (and you too, Shay!). I'm headed over now to see those recipes!!
Narci says
Well, those look delicious!! I can't wait to hop over and check out the recipes!! Xoxo
Walker Crew says
We've been doing this with your recipes too! So simple and still just as delicious! Even taco seasonings are sold gluten free to use in your taco dishes! Thank you for sharing!
Meagan Ruse says
Yes! I love this! Trader Joe's sells a yummy one too!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Great post, girls!!!!
gh says
There is technically such thing as a gluten allergy. More accurately, it's a wheat allergy.
Meagan Ruse says
Right! Moat people who have this issue are strictly dealing with wheat. My son, Fount, does not have celiac disease, but is actually allergic to grains- what, barley, oats, etc. (except for corn) and flours. His allergy is severe so to just say it's a wheat allergy isn't covering it all for him. Not a lot of people have a gluten allergy, some have a gluten sensitivity, but his is a full blown, face swelling kind of allergy. We have had this confirmed by a pediatrician and take his epi pen and benadryl everywhere. It's crazy!
Meagan Ruse says
Sorry for all the misspelling! Getting kids ready for school 🙂
Stephanie Jennings says
We have a wheat, oat, barley allergy also. So, to just say wheat is not accurate. Our wheat is anaphylactic. Oat is not as severe. Thanks, Meagan!!!
Alicia says
I've been looking forward to this post! I'm now nine days gluten free! Yay me! Thank you for having Meagan share her story! And thank you for thinking about us gluten free peeps!
Meagan Ruse says
This is wonderful!!!
Katie says
You should check out Iowa Girl Eats – a blogger who developed Celiac disease after having her son around 2 years ago. Tons of wonderful gluten-free recipes! http://www.iowagirleats.com
CAR08CMR10 says
I LOVE this!! Mainly, I love how Meagan followed her gut instinct despite doctors minimizing the issue. WAY TO GO, mama!!!
Amy DiElsi says
We had a similar experience needing other mom's to help us get the right diagnosis and help for our infant son. My older daughter doesn't have any food allergies, but my son has life-threatening allergies to gluten, dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, beans, chicken, turkey, banana and avocado. It is tough and we have our epi pens with us at all times. Sadly, I meet more people with allergies every day. It is becoming more common. No one in my family ever had allergies until now.
Stephanie Jennings says
Thank you so much for this post, Shay!! My oldest son has a wheat, oat, barley allergy (also, egg and nuts) that we've been dealing with for 9 years. I just ordered your cookbook hoping there would be a way to adapt some of the recipes, so I was very happy to see this post. And, thank you to Megan for sharing this also!!! Our allergies are a constant struggle, so I am always looking for ways to help. Thank you!! Have a fantastic day 🙂
Lauren R says
I'm loving your cookbooks and will share this gluten free post.
Today on my gift guide I shared your cookbooks!
http://raneylife.blogspot.com/2016/02/valentines-day-gift-guide.html?m=1
I love that they are hardback but small and compact! They are perfect!
Megan says
I'm gonna go check out those recipes now!! We've been doing gluten free with the Daniel plan! Can't wait to check it out!
Debbie K. says
While I don't have to deal with any gluten allergies, I know I feel better when I avoid it. Thank you Meagan for sharing your story. And thank you Shay for always taking care of us!!
Shannon McPhedran says
The blog "Against all Grain" is another great g-free recipe resource.
Tracy Bullock says
My son has celiac and we have never heard of carrying an epi pen. I'm always on the lookout for new info that might help. I'm curious if you carry the epi own because your son has a skin reaction to wheat?? Has he ever accidentally ingested wheat to where you've needed to use the epi pen? Thanks for sharing your story! Tracy
Amy DiElsi says
I know you are asking Meagan, but wanted to share our story in case helpful. Our allergist told us celiac is different from an allergy to wheat, barley or rye, and my son's blood and skin testing showed he has an Ige allergy to the gluten. We have epi-pen for that, as well as, his other allergies. When he had a spoon of rice krispies, he immediately broke out in hives because there is barley in rice krispies (not listed in ingredients). Luckily we were able to stop the reaction before it progressed to trouble breathing. I love this chart for being able to recognize anaphylaxis. http://www.allergysupportcentre.ca/signs–symptoms.html
Meagan Ruse says
Celiac disease is different from an actual allergy. My son breaks out in hives, vomits, and his face starts swelling. We follow basically the same diet as someone would with celiac. We never leave home without benadryl or his epi pen. He breaks out immediately so we are usually able to stop the reaction with benadryl first. Of it goes straight to swelling, you don't mess around- epi pen it is!
Kelly says
Wow! My 17 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with severe gluten sensitivity, and reading about your baby reacting to the aveeno oat lotions explains so much of her eczema flares as a baby. I used those same products, thinking they were natural and soothing, not realizing they were aggravating the issue. There is nothing so heartbreaking as trying to solve the mystery of what causes little ones so much pain, how awesome that social media helped you figure it out.
Meagan Ruse says
Right! Bless your heart. When I look back at pictures of my son before we knew,I think, why didn't I see it?! Bit I just didn't. So thankful for mamas who reach out!
Kim says
Tracy, celiac is completely different from a gluten allergy. My daughter has celiacs as well but it's not life threatening. https://www.foodallergy.org/allergens/wheat-allergy
My son has been anaphylaxis to dairy since birth, he's 6 now. It is much easier now to
shop for both children than it was in 2009.
However we eat a mostly clean diet, tonight is Mexican stuffed peppers with refried beans & veggies dairy cheese for 3 of us, 1 with his dairy free cheese. It's easier & less confusing to eat clean with all the allergies! Pinterest has been super helpful in baking & I make an amazing gluten free dairy free pumpkin bread 🙂
Kayla says
Thanks for this, Shay. While I have a lot of other allergies, along with being gluten free, that make me real creative when making/ adapting recipes, I appreciate the attention to this issue! I've never been able to use your recipes, although, they all look nummy!
Aubrey says
Great teamwork, ladies! I'm so thankful that we are all growing more aware of food sensitivities and allergies. I'm also beyond thankful that our only serious allergies are kiwi (me) and strawberries (Annie). I'm in awe of parents who deal with pervasive ingredients (grains, nuts, etc) and always on the lookout for ways to support them and keep their kids safe!
Jenny says
Our family has went Gluten free over the last couple of years, and it's easier than I thought it would be. Gluten really only effects our daughter, but this Mama isn't going to make two different dinners each night, so we've put a twist on all of our recipes, so that everyone eats the same thing. It has been night and day, how she feels now compared to all the stomach aches she used to have every day.
Beautifully Seaside // Formerly Chic Coastal Living says
Great recipes! I have a few friends who have to eat gluten free so I'm going to pass this yummy post along to them! XO
Jennie K says
Meagan, is there a lotion you recommend? I have been using the Aveeno oat lotion & shampoo, and noticing breakouts on my son. I only breastfeed him right now, so I am going to try removing gluten from my diet also to see if that helps.
Amy DiElsi says
We love Cerave cream (one in the tub vs the pump), and Dove sensitive bar soap. Both were recommended by our allergist.
Meagan Ruse says
Yes, stop eating gluten and I would go dairy free too. I like Johnson and Johnson bath and lotion. It's what I went back to, after using aveeno. You can also try California Baby.
Marion says
We have them same issues with a child in our household but due to tons of environment allergies as well we deal with severe eczema so we use VaniCream. It can be purchases at Target.
Jennie K says
Thank you all!
Leigh says
Thank you for sharing Megan's story! I've had food allergies my whole life (my mom has them and so do several family members). But when my then infant son (who is now 4) starting have severe reactions to foods passed through my breast milk at 4 months old, it really through me for a loop. I'm so glad Megan got the help she needed. I've definitely grown as a cook in the last few years!
Megan Milbourne says
Yay! I love this post. I was misdiagnosed for years and didn't get the right diagnosis of gluten allergy until I was 21! Been gluten free and no longer sick for 5 years now! So happy for some new gluten free recipes. 🙂
Carl and Lindsey says
Yay, gluten free! I have celiac disease (an autoimmune disorder), just because we are gf doesn't mean we have to sacrifice flavor and good food.