A SURPRISE Gluten and Dairy Party for Harry!

So, y'all know that Harry has not really eaten much gluten, dairy and soy for the past 5-6 years. And for the past 2 years, he had not had a drop of those foods. So at every single birthday party where there was cake and ice cream and pizza~ he could not have them. Sometimes, I sent coconut ice cream or a gluten free/dairy free cupcake.  But often, Harry preferred not to have anything rather than have something "different." It has been VERY VERY hard on him. Think of the snacks at school for every occasion (cupcakes, pizza, etc).  Harry could not have them.  Think about all of the snacks parents bring to soccer and baseball games (pretzels, crackers, granola bars, etc).  He could not have those either.  I don't think he had ever had a Chic fila nugget or a girl scout cookie in his life.

Well, two weeks ago, his gastroenterologist told us to start re-introducing gluten and dairy in order to complete some tests.  This week, Harry will have his stomach biopsied and they WANT him to eat gluten and dairy before that test (and some others).  

At first, Harry was petrified to try these foods because he could still remember how sick they made him years ago.  But slowly, we got him to taste cheese and bread.  When his buddies at school found out he could eat regular food they were so excited for him and they excitedly told their parents..."Harry can eat regular food for a few weeks."  One of the Dads jokingly suggested that I give Harry an "unbirthday party" so that he could eat all of that birthday food he has missed over the years.  I responded by saying, "that is a great idea BUT I have Kate's party this weekend and my Mom is visiting and we have a lot going on."  But then I thought about it and I realized that next week, the doctors might tell Harry that he can never eat these foods again for the rest of his life.  I also thought about what a tough week or two of testing he has coming up and I realized that this party could really boost his spirits. 

So, I e-mailed the parents of his close friends from school and begged them to keep the "Got Gluten? Got Dairy?" party a secret until the day of the party.  Almost all of the kids came and it was a complete surprise.

I did not even tell my Mom or Will until right before the party!  We sent Harry to play at a neighbor's house and immediately ordered pizza, chicken wings and I bought stuff for root beer floats.  Another Mom brought cupcakes:)

He was very stunned and confused since it was Kate's birthday party that morning and his birthday is in December.  He asked "why are y'all here?"

Double fisted eating chicken wings

{this one is for you Miss Shana!  He is LOVING his Pizza:)}




With all those boys around, I guess Kate felt the need for a tiara:)






Several of the boys brought gifts (which was a TOTAL surprise to us).  They brought things for Harry to keep him busy at the hospital this week such as sports magazines, comic books, trivia books and madlibs.  They also brought their favorite snacks that Harry has never tasted such as Cheetos and thin mint cookies. I actually got teary-eyed when I realized the parents thought to do that.  Harry is very loved by his friends as well as by us.



I wish I had snapped a photo while all the boys where still there...this is about half or more.

The boys ate, drank root beer floats and played kickball in an empty lot down the street.  They had a BLAST!  I LOVED being able to do this for Harry.  It was truly one of my favorite moments as a Mom.  And the best part is... Harry feels FINE after eating all of this food so we have high hopes for his tests this week:) We all love you so much Harry!!!!!

P.S.  He had one test today and all the food allergy pricks were negative!!!  They have also placed actual food patches on his back and we will take them off Thursday night to see if there are any longer term reactions.