We are about to start on a little journey with this one. She has had eczema since she was an infant. It started on her feet and has gradually moved up her body, disappearing from some places along the way. We have tried all manner of helps, as natural as possible. Wondered about food allergies/intolerances (there is a difference I have learned). Even asked ourselves about stress. Is it possible that a little person can be stressed enough to break out in a rash? Or is it her body that is stressed by something, not her little/big emotions?
We have always described Greta as our most spirited. Although, when I really think about it, Olivia was always just as quirky. She was just quieter about it. But I have learned something about maybe being too quick to categorize our kids. For a long time people have commented on "those Greta looks." And she can give you some of the funniest looks. And those looks just seemed to fit her personality. Those looks also happened to be related to the fact that she couldn't see very well. She was squinting or cocking her head to get a better view on things. She has glasses now and the squinting and cocking has stopped. The spunky has not stopped to be sure. But the funny looks weren't the spunky, so we learned.
Greta also has a reputation for being a hair moody. She'll tell you to your face she does not want to play with you... and with no good reason (or sometimes with very good reason). She cries whens he does not get her way. She stomps her foot and growls...repeatedly until you acknowledge her anger (She just wants her emotion recognized, not dismissed. Don't we all?) And we have been quick to say, "That's just Greta." Be clear, we discipline disobedience. But we also recognize her age and other contributing factors and we've tried to be diligent parents and look for those factors.
In our searching to help her eczema we came to the end of the path with our pediatrician and allergist. Both wanted to coat her in steroids, daily. I just felt like we need to try a few other options before we committed to that. I will fill you in on more of the details of how we got to this point later, but through a food intolerance test, we have learned of a list of foods that Greta's body does not tolerate. I would be skeptical of the list except the very week that we got the results, she had a bout with the eczema and we had feasted on some of those very foods. We are about to start a 5 week fast of those foods.
My guess is, even post food trial, this is little girl will still be spunky. But I am wondering what will happen with her eczema? What will happen with the belly pain she often complains of? Will she still wander out of bed in the morning, or sulk up in the afternoon, or fall apart in the evening saying, "I just feel grumpy!" Maybe. Some of these things are a part of the life of a 3 year old...and almost 39 year old. But we will see... I'll keep you posted.
(Documentation note: pictures taken in February, food journey started in June - still catching up the blog :)
