The Natural Benefits of Hazelwood

What is Hazelwood

Hazelwood is a type of wood that is used in jewelry to help treat acidosis and naturally alkalize the body. This particular wood contains polyphenols which are known to have antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. When the wood has direct contact with your skin it helps to absorb the extra acid in your body therefore cutting down on issues such as eczema, acne, digestion, arthritis, acid reflux, migraines, heartburn and other symptoms related to over acidity. 

Hazelwood branch and female flower

How Do I Tell it is Working

The longer you wear your hazelwood the better. Some see relief right away, while others have such an abundance of acid in their body that it takes a while for them to become alkalized. Over time the flesh of the wood will begin to darken as the acid is absorbed. Do not be alarmed, this is completely normal and a good sign. Due to the woods nature to darken as they absorb the acid, the hazelwood beads may need to be replaced over time. Some see their first necklace darken very quickly, then subsequent necklaces have a longer life span. As you can see in the photo below, the far left one is a new hazelwood bead where the flesh is white. The middle bead has been used for a couple of months and is brown in color. The far right one is starting to turn black. When the flesh is a completely dark black color and no lighter flesh can be seen it is time to get a new necklace. 

Progression of used hazelwood

When Should I Replace My Hazelwood

Due to the woods nature to darken as they absorb the acid, the hazelwood beads may need to be replaced over time. Some see their first necklace darken very quickly, then subsequent necklaces have a longer life span. If you feel your hazelwood isn't working as well or you start to see symptoms return it may be time to replace the beads. Note: the flesh of the wood will be a very dark brown almost black before they need to be replaced. You may see the bark begin to chip, which does not always happen, but it is completely normal and will not hinder the woods ability to absorb the acid. 

The bark chipping off of the wood after prolonged use.

Care and Cleaning

Many ask if it is ok for their hazelwood to get wet. Water will not hurt the wood but it may damage the string that it is on and shorten the lifespan of your necklace. So keep that in mind when getting any of your strung jewelry wet. You may gently wipe the necklace down with a damp cloth if it needs to be cleaned. If your necklace happens to get wet and you are concerned about stretching, simply lay it flat to dry. 

Hazelwood and Amber Necklace

Hazelwood's History

Hazelwood jewelry originated in North America and is most commonly harvested from Canada. This particular wood has been used for many many years as a natural way to alkalize the body and help with teething pain in babies and young children. The Aboriginals are believed to be the first to discover the beneficial properties of hazelwood. The hazelwood is harvested by clipping off the tips of the branches then drilling holes through the center in order to string them on necklaces. 

Natural range of hazelwood

Allergy Concerns 

As an allergy family, I completely understand the concern and care that one must take when dealing with allergies of any sort. There have been no known issues regarding allegies to the hazelwood beads. They do not come in contact with the common allergen the hazelwood nut. If you have any concerns or questions about possible allergic reaction please contact me and I would be happy to answer any questions you have. 

If you are an F.P.I.E.S. family, you are well aware that F.P.I.E.S. reactions have no rhyme or reason and contact with hazelwood may cause a reaction that typical I.G.E. allergies would not. From our experience, we have not had any issues with hazelwood but we can not speak for other F.P.I.E.S. kiddos. If you are concerned about a reaction please message me and I would be more than happy to send you a single bead "at cost" for you to trial. 

   

About the Hazelwood in Amber Dreams Jewelry

All of the hazelwood I use is directly from Canada. The particular hazelwood that I use is all organic, harvested sustainably and grown naturally without any pesticides or chemicals. 

Hazelwood and Baltic Amber Bracelet by Amber Dreams Jewelry

For more information on hazelwood and amber jewelry or to set up a custom order please contact me! www.amberdreamsjewelry.com

Amber: Real or Fake

When shopping for amber you want to make sure that you are purchasing the real stuff! There are many fakes out there and sometimes it is hard to tell if it is real by just looking at it. Even to the trained eye, fake amber can be hard to distinguish. There are a few simple tests you can do on your amber to tell if it is in fact genuine baltic amber or if it is a fake.

WARNING: Some of these tests may be destructive to your jewelry. Test cautiously. 

Tests:

Solvents/Acetone: Fake amber, sometimes referred to as Copal and plastic will not hold up against solvents. You can take a small bit of acetone on a q-tip and rub it over the amber. If it is plastic or fake it will get tacky and you may even see the color of the bead run off onto the q-tip. True Baltic Amber will not be effected by it. 

Heat/Burning: Fake amber (plastic) will melt and smell of burnt plastic. If you have ever smelt burnt plastic it is a horribly nasty smell. Genuine amber will burn off like incense and have a pleasant smell of sweet pine. The smell of amber is very distinctive and you won't quickly forget it. 

Salt Water: Genuine Baltic Amber will float in salt water. Mix 1 part salt to 2 parts water and dissolve the salt completely. Then drop your amber into the mixture. Plastic and glass will sink while the amber will float to the top. (I do not recommend doing this to amber that is strung on a necklace) While you can, it may damage the string that the beads are on. If you decide to test an amber necklace this way, wipe the salt water residue off then lay it flat till it drys to prevent the string from stretching)

Static Test: Real amber will take on an electrostatic charge when rubbed in a cloth. (do this gently) You can charge the necklace and it will pick up tiny pieces of paper. Fake amber will not.

Taste Test: One of the easiest, non-destructive ways to tell real amber from plastic is to taste it. Sounds odd I know, but simply lick the amber. Amber will have no taste but the plastic will taste of...well...plastic. Plastic tastes gross. Have you ever chewed on the end of a pen cap? You know the taste. You can compare the end of a pen to your amber to tell the difference.  You will notice the pen has a distinct plastic taste while the amber will have no noticeable taste.

If in doubt ask! Always ask where the seller gets their amber and if they can prove authenticity.

Go like Amber Dreams Jewelry on Facebook to see the full video demonstration of the salt water test! 

Some of the Amber I personally use in my amber teething necklaces. The Amber floats to the top
while the plastic beads sink to the bottom.

Looking for a reputable place to purchase your amber and gemstone jewelry? Check out my shop at www.amberdreamsjewelry.com. 

All of the amber in my shop is purchased directly from certified amber distributors in Lithuania and Poland. Each batch that I purchase is tested to ensure only the best is used! 

Amber Dreams Jewelry is a line of handmade gemstone and amber necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. Each piece is designed specifically with my customers needs in mind. While many of my pieces are designed with a specific purpose, gemstones and crystals have multiple properties that may be helpful. Enclosed you will find a list of the gemstones I typically use and how they may help to restore balance physically, emotionally and spiritually.

List of Common Mixes

• Amber Teething Necklaces: Genuine Baltic Amber from the Baltic Coast strung on silk thread and knotted between each bead

• Anxiety/Stress Mix: Sodalite, Lava, Labradorite or Lepidolite

• Breastfeeding Support Mix: Moonstone and Blue Lace Agate

• BF/PPD/PPA: Moonstone, Blue Lace Agate, Amethyst, Lepidolite

• Birth/Labor Support: Amber, Amazonite, Lepidolite, Moonstone, or Peridot

• Pregnancy: Unakite, Peridot, Rose Quartz, Amber, Ruby, Chrysocolla or Moonstone

• Fertility: Moonstone, Carnelian, Rose Quartz, Jade

• Libido: Amber, Rose Quartz, Garnet, Carnelian, Agate, or Moonstone

• Strength, Courage, Love: Fire Agate, Coral, Hematite

• Digestive/skin Mix: Hazelwood, Amethyst, Snowflake Obsidian, Aventurine

• Allergy/Congestion: Azurite/Malachite, Aventurine

• Depression/Grief: Citrine, Amethyst, Amber
  
  
  
  
  

Please contact me if you do not

see the mix you need

I believe that all things were created with a purpose. The use of specific natural gemstones may help bring the body into balance so that it is able to restore health and provide comfort to the body.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Disclaimer: **These statements have not been approved by the FDA, I can not guarantee any results. These pieces are not intended to replace the treatment and guidance given by a professional doctor. They are to be used in conjunction with a trained  healthcare professional.

***The properties in this pamphlet were retrieved from
“The Crystal Healer” by Philip Permutt , “The Book of Stones” by Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian and www.healingcrystals.com

Gemstone Properties

Amber Dreams Jewelry is a line of handmade gemstone and amber necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. Each piece is designed specifically with my customers needs in mind. While many of my pieces are designed with a specific purpose, gemstones and crystals have multiple properties that may be helpful. Enclosed you will find a list of the gemstones I typically use and how they may help to restore balance physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Abalone shells have been found in archaeological sites around the world from Blombos Cave in South Africa to historic Chinese abalone middens on California's Northern Channel Islands. This gorgeous shell has been a sought after by collectors for centuries. It truly is beautiful and each piece is one of a kind. The Abalone shell has been tossed and turned in the ebb and flow of the ocean for many years. Through this process, its true beauty shines through. The Abalone shell is a perfect gift for those who have survived traumatic experiences, to let them know that while they may have been tossed and turned themselves, in the end, their true beauty shines for all to see.

Amber (Fossilized Tree Resin): Pain, Teething, Purifier, Luck, Detoxing, Hormones, Digestion, Acne, Infections, Healing, Calming, Absorbs Negative Energy, Depression, Grounding, Abused (Physical, Emotional, Verbal, Sexual)

Amethyst: Provides Safety, Helps with Homesickness, Business Success and Negotiations, Balances the Immune system, Hormones, Insomnia, Headaches, Migraines, Depression, Digestion, Addictions, Anger,  Centering, Grief, Anxiety, OCD, Balances Emotions, Calm and Focus, Self-Esteem, Addictive Behavior

Amazonite: Calms and Soothes the Mind, Nerves, Stress, Schizophrenia, Lack of Sexual Desire, Childbirth, Universal Love, Skin, Handle Negative Emotions, Manifest Hopes

Apatite: Good for teachers, communicators, trainers, writers, actors, singers, performers. Intellect, Seeing the Truth, Helps Aloofness, Mental Clarity, Arthritis, Suppresses Appetite, Understanding, Negativity, Accessing Inner self, Yin/Yang Balance, Vertigo, Weight Loss, Stutter, Peace,

Aquamarine: Protection, Brain, Study, communication, Courage, Calming, Compassion, Centering, Removes Blockages, Kidneys, Teeth, Eyes, Glands, Water Retention, Swelling,

Aventurine: Calms, Soothes, Prevents Energy Sappers, Muscles, Lungs, Allergies, Adrenal Glands, Heart, Relaxation, Skin, Relieves, Fear/Anxiety, Brings Prosperity

Azurite/Malachite: Helps Ego, Conceit, Arrogance, Vanity, opens up to Individuality and New Ideas, Joints, Skin, Bones, Circulation, Digestion, Stress, Asthma, Congestion, Anxiety

Blue Lace Agate:  Lactation, Eyes, Nails, Calming, Speech, Communication, Gentleness, Bones, Tired Eyes, Arthritis, Skin Growths, Stammer, Emotional Balance

Carnelian: Bronchitis, Digestion, Blood, Anger, Envy, Jealousy, Energizer, Relieves Laziness, Courage, Fertility, Banishes Sorrow, Balances Sexual and Creative Energies, a "Feel Better Stone", Brings on Vitality, Self-Esteem, Compassion, Personal Power, Helps Appetite, Eating Disorders, Anorexia, Respiratory Issues.

Chrysocolla: Stress, Digestion, Metabolism, Hips, Joints, Lungs, Assists with the development of baby, PMS, Hormones, Diabetes, Blood Pressure, Cramps, Muscles, Arthritis, and Lungs

Chrysoprase: "Feel Better Stone", Mental Health and Healing, Clears Mental Fog, Emotional Balance, Anxiety, Depression, Broken Heart, Acceptance of others and Self acceptance, Inferiority, Fear, Stress, "blows away clouds covering your heart and lets you look into your soul", 

Citrine: Emotional Detox, Relationships, “Feel Better” Stone, Digestion, Eyes, Thyroid, Heart, Dissipates Negative Energy, Self-Control, Shields Solar Plexus “Gut Feeling”, Stomach Disorders, "releases the hurt you may feel as a result of other peoples words and actions."

Coral: Promote Weight Gain, Emotions, Energy, Depression, Negativity, Combats The Fear of Impressing Others, Courage. Bones, Teeth, Digestion, Circulation, Malnutrition, Lethargy, Colic, Post-Operative Healing

Diopside: Compassion, Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Emotional Healing, Knowledge, Learning, Speech, Dyslexia, Headaches, Blood Pressure, Eating Disorders, Obsessive Behavior, Addictions

Fire Agate: Inspiration, Emotional Control, Release Fear

Fluorite: Brings order to chaos, decision making, concentration, relationships, eating disorders, promote weight gain, detox, anorexia and bulimia, mediation, over excitement, stress, colds/flu.

Green Fluorite: Clears negativity, stomach, intestines, colon, emotional upsets, cleanses the chakras, colitis, heartburn, sore throat, nausea, reflux.

Garnet: Blood and Anemia, Libido, Balances Sex Drive, Low Blood Pressure, Bones, Heart, Lungs, Courage, Awareness, Opens the Way for Change, Self-Devotion, Depression and Emotional Trauma

Hazelwood: Helps absorb acid and alkalizes the body, constipation, digestion, eczema, teeth, arthritis, nausea, heartburn, migraines and acid reflux

Hematite: Strength, Love, Courage, Anemia, Aches/Pains, Cramps, Insomnia, Nerves

Iolite: Reduces Fatty Deposits, Supports the Liver, Detoxing, Relationships, Money Management, Helps Irresponsibility, Facilitates Painless Change, Emotional Attachment, yin/yang balance, Living in the moment, Addiction, Alcohol-abuse, Fatigue, Cramps, Energy-balancing, Memory, Liver, Muscular/Skeletal, Revitalizing, Sleep, Abuse, Coping with big changes, Discernment, Intuition, Visualization

Jade:  Problem Solving, Skin, Heart, Bones, Hair, Digestion, Joints, Heart, Immune System, Muscles, Female Reproductive System, Fertility, High Blood Pressure, Infections, Period Pain, PMS, Compassion, Wisdom, Courage, Grounding, Brings Peace

Jasper: Helps Loneliness, Immune System Nerves, Digestion, Bile Ducts, Mineral Balance, Bronchitis, Backache, Cramps, Abdominal Pains, Colds, Flu, Jaundice, MS, Reaching your Goals

Jet: Stomach Pain, Migraines, Epilepsy, Common Cold, Calms, Depression, Fear

Kyanite: Throat, Muscles, Neurological System, Glands, Brain, Mental Stamina, Perseverance, Reason, Communication, Speaking Your Mind, "finding your voice," Weightloss, Calming, yin/yang balance, clears energy and mental blocks, Aging, Epilepsy, Muscle-Soreness, Stroke, Thyroid, Death/Transition, Emotional Blockages,

Lepidolite: Digestion, Nerves, Childbirth, Constipation, Addiction, Stress, Calming, Transitions (Death/Dying) Distrust, Depression, Addictive Personalities, Transitions.

Labradorite: Inspiration, Intuition, Digestion, Eyes, Anxiety/Stress

Lava Stone: Grounding, Calming, Stone of Rebirth, Strength, Courage

Lapis Lazuli: Depression, Relaxation, Immune System, Bones, Vertigo, Hearing, Detox, Backache, Mental Endurance and Creativeness,, Insomnia, Skeletal Pain, Illness, Muscles, Broken Bones/Fractures

Moonstone: Wisdom, Passion, Change, New Beginnings, Childbirth, Fertility, Female Support, PMS, Blood, Hair Skin, Eyes, Constipation, Safe Travels, Absorbing Nutrients, Detox, Pregnancy, Menopause
*June Birthstone, Wisdom, Passion, Change, New Beginnings, Blood, Hair Skin, Eyes, Liver, Pancreas, Pineal Gland and Hormones, Constipation, Safe Travels, Absorbing Nutrients, Detox, Stress, Aides in Personal Growth and Strength, Provides Calmness, Inspiration, and good fortune in love and Business.

Morganite: Wisdom, Clear Thoughts, Helps you see different perspectives, healing, blood, chest conditions, asthma, tb, emphysema, calming, good for love, meditation, fills the space left in the heart by loss through broken relationships or death, helps to overcome fear, anger, resentment, grief, loss, guilt, shame, promotes independence in women, lungs, nervous system, stress relief, encourages loving thoughts and opens one up to receiving love from others

Onyx: Decision Making, Luck, and Happiness in the Home, Bone Marrow and Feet, Grief, Lack of Self Control

Opal: Fever, Memory, Calming, Comforting, Happiness, Inflexibility, Insecure-Feelings, Release-Fear, Soothing, Stubbornness, may encourage happy dreams and changes. Self Acceptance, Self Love, Self Importance

Peridot: Mental Health, Balance Ego, Stress, Anger, Jealousy, Depression, Lethargy, Emotional Blocks, May help one to “Feel Better” both Emotionally and Physically. Combats Laziness, Breaking Bad Habits, Aides during Labor, Digestion, may help with Crohn’s Disease, Addictions, Eyes, Cancer, Acidity, IBS, Ulcers and Weight Gain, Nausea

Rhodonite: Mental Balance, Calming, Unconditional love, Self-love, Anxiety, Confusion, Stress, Heart, Bones, Schizophrenia, ME, Arthritis, Emphysema

Rose Quartz: Creativity, Calming, Forgiveness, Love, Eases Anger and Stress, Fear, Grief, Comforting. Complexion, Cold/Flu, Fertility, Female Support/Menstrual Cycle, Adrenal Glands, Heart, Blood, Circulation, Kidneys, Spleen, Aches and Pains, Burns, Sex Drive, Detoxing, Vertigo, a bubble bath for the emotions, helps resentment and the feeling of being emotionally wounded.

Ruby: Female Support, Menstrual Cycle, Passion, Mental Health, Anemia/Blood, Detox, Low Blood Pressure, Aids with Developing Babies, Creativity, Balances Energy and Promotes Good Dreams While Combating Nightmares and Distress

Sapphire: Stomach, Emotional Balance, Desire, See the Beauty Around You, Depression, Unhappiness, Hormones, Heart, Glands, Back, Infections, Nausea, Boils, Fever, Joy, Fun, Intuition, Wisdom, Ambitions, Dreams, Goals,

Seraphinite: Weightloss, Depression, Discover Your Purpose, Clears Blockages, Protective, Balance, Strength, Detoxing, Infection, Cancer, Cell-regeneration, Chills, Vitamin absorption, Joy, Self-healing, Inner-happiness, Personal Fulfillment, Promotes Peace

Sodalite: Brings Order and Calm, Metabolism, Insomnia, Autism, Diabetes, Development of Babies, Creativeness, Lymphatic System, High Blood Pressure, Aging, Calcium Deficiencies

Snowflake Obsidian: Digestion, Sinuses, Stomach, Anger, Loneliness, Detox, Eyes, Skin, Bones, Veins, Resentment

Sunstone: Fear, Stress, Protection, Strength, Energy, Throat, Cartilage, Feet, Spine, Ulcers, Poisoning, Rheumatim, Aches, Body Odor, Motivation, Vitality, Empowerment, Digestion, Stomach, Happiness, Harmony

Tiger’s Eye: Courage, New Beginnings, Intuition, “Gut Feeling”, Narrow Mindedness, Digestion, Gas, Nausea, Diverticulosis, Eyes, and Bones. Calm and Grounding, Reduces Rear, Depression, Negativity, Introversion

Tourmaline: Inspiration, Awareness, Calming, Self-Confidence, Release Fear, Balance, Removes Blockages and Obstructions Emotionally, Combats Breakdowns and Worries, Inner Self, Yin/Yang Balance, Focusing Energy, Mental Health and Healing, Schizophrenia, Low Blood Pressure, Detoxing, Bladder, Lymphatic System, Dissipates Negativity, Creativity,

Turquoise: Emotional Balance, Peace of Mind, Mental Clarity to Find Your Purpose. Muscles, Circulation, Absorb Nutrients, Detox, Weight Gain and Wind Pain, Headaches, Courage, Communication, See the Beauty Around You

Unakite: Encourages healthy weight gain, Fertility, Grief, Pregnancy, Health of Developing Baby, Living in the Moment and Accepting the Past, Good for overcoming self imposed blocks, Allows you to move forward, balances emotions and grief over the loss of an idea/dream/goal/concept/loved one.

If you have any questions please be sure to contact me through my Etsy Shop! I would be happy to help create the perfect piece for you!

____________________________________________

Disclaimer: **These statements have not been approved by the FDA, I can not guarantee any results. These pieces are not intended to replace the treatment and guidance given by a professional doctor. They are to be used in conjunction with a trained  healthcare professional.

***The properties in this pamphlet were retrieved from
“The Crystal Healer” by Philip Permutt , “The Book of Stones” by Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian and www.healingcrystals.com

The Road to FPIES

I can remember laying in bed with my husband, and my very pregnant belly, talking about how our lives were about to change forever. We were about 2 months away from meeting our little girl and we really had no clue what to expect. I laughed and teased him saying all we have to do is figure out how to keep her belly full and diapers changed and the rest we would learn as we go. How hard could it be? Eat, sleep, poop, cuddle, eat, sleep, poop, cuddle and repeat. Over and Over and Over. Little did I know how much I would "eat" those words cause getting her to eat was a complete nightmare from the beginning. During the entire pregnancy I was completely anti-formula. I mean, I was a full on nipple-nazi and I hadn't even breastfed yet. I was convinced that feeding your kid formula was the worst thing you could do to your kid. I thought formula feeding was lazy, dangerous and well, you can fill in the blank with whatever opinion you have ever heard about formula. I was THAT person. (For that, I am so sorry.) 

We were two weeks in and she was losing weight. A lot of weight. I was nursing around the clock, meeting with lactation consultants, you-tubing how to breastfeed, I was doing everything by the book...I was doing everything I could to get food into her little body, but it wasn't enough. Her pediatricians were beginning to get worried, but no matter how much we nursed, her body just wasn't getting what it needed. She was failure to thrive. It was horrible. Finally, her doctor told me I needed to start supplementing. I remember driving to the store in the middle of the night and standing in the formula isle bawling. My husband, mom and baby were in the car waiting for me and I was so torn. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know what kind to buy, I was just so lost on the whole subject. I never researched formula or alternatives to breastfeeding. I had no clue what to do but I knew it was give her formula, or let her starve. I about walked out of the store three different times before I finally sucked it up and faced my reality. I had to swallow my pride and buy the evil formula. The formula that I swore I would never ever give my child, ever. What I didn't know, was that evil formula would soon be a life-line. 

It took us a couple different brands before we found one that "worked" for her. The first one we tried she projectile vomited everywhere. I mean EVERYWHERE! I figured it was normal for some kids to not tolerate certain ones so we tried another, and another, and another. Finally we got her on Earth Best and she started growing and thriving again. My happy little kid was back. She was so content! I finally felt like I could breath again. I could finally enjoy her. I could finally enjoy being a mom and not stress about her food. I knew how much she was getting, the spitting up stopped and everything just calmed down. It was wonderful. 

She was on Earth's Best for about 3 months before we started introducing solids. She wanted nothing to do with them. She had absolutely zero interest and we didn't want to force it so we took a break. When we tried again at 7 months we new something was not right. She became a completely different kid. Our content happy-go-lucky child was gone. She was angry (at everything) stopped sleeping well, and was just miserable. We kept trying new foods thinking, "maybe she just didn't like it." But her symptoms just got worse with every bite we gave her. Her immune system seemed to just tank. 

The first time we gave her sweet potatoes it landed her in the ER. She ate an entire jar of earth's best sweet potatoes. It was the first time she had ever eaten solids and liked it. I was thrilled, I finally felt like we were getting the hang of it! Then the rug was ripped out from under me. About 2 hours after eating she starting projectile vomiting. I couldn't figure out what was going on, she had never been sick before. Vomit was everywhere. In her swing, on my bed, the floor, the walls. Every 5 minutes she would vomit again, over and over and over. After an hour of vomiting she was limp and turning pale and I knew something was horribly wrong. Then the vomit turned to bile and I called 911. After 2 hours of non-stop vomiting she was lethargic and dehydrated but by the time we had gotten to the hospital she was fine. She was tired, but acting like her normal self. The doctors just chalked it up to a bug of some sort and sent us home. I think they thought I was crazy but my gut was telling me there was something wrong. Something unusual happened that night and it wasn't a virus. 

A week later we decided to try food again. This time it was turkey and cranberries. Again, 2 hours after eating she started vomiting to the point of complete exhaustion. That was when I knew it was the food. We started doing research and talking to other parents who had experienced similar reactions with food.  We spoke with her pediatrician and after multiple blood-draws and an IgG test we were referred to an allergy specialist. That is when we finally got our diagnosis. Amelia was diagnosed with Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome at 15 months. We had our diagnosis. We finally knew what was going on but we didn't have all of the answers we were hoping for. Unfortunately, there is no cure for FPIES, but I will tell you it was a HUGE relief to finally have a doctor who knew what FPIES was and how to diagnose her food allergies. We finally had someone behind us who could guide us and help us determine which foods to try and which to avoid. It was the first step to finally getting answers and we were hopeful. 

*Update: At 16 months, She has no safe foods and is still on formula but she is happy and growing! We are confident that we will soon begin to find her safe foods and hopefully, someday, she will outgrow FPIES. Till then, we are going to help spread the word. about this rare but very real disease. 

**Update: Millie is almost 20 months and is successfully on an elemental formula called Neocate. We've also found her a great probiotic and she has blueberries and carrots as "tentative" safes!!!! Meaning we are still trialing them but so far so good! This is the first time she has had zero reactions this far into a trial so we are very hopeful. 

Thank you everyone for your prayers and happy thoughts. Your support and encouragement mean the world to us and we are so thankful for all of our amazing friends and family. Thank you for loving our daughter!