Princess Update.

This week last year I took this photo of Sarah [we call her princess because she thinks she is one and it makes her smile.] It's hard to share it because it's just plain hard to view myself and to remember the heartache that we felt for her last year.

This time last year we were busy ripping out carpet and visiting specialists, just trying everything we could think of to ease the grip of this eczema. They say that it's inherited, but neither Tony or myself can come up with a single relative that we know with it now or who had it as a child [if you happen to be related to me and you know otherwise, I would love to hear from you.]

Three of my four children have eczema. I know there are many kids who have it much worse than mine do. I am thankful it isn't worse and that we have the tools and resources we need to manage it. This year Wyatt is doing great, but Eva has a good portion of her body affected [off and on.] Basically, what it means is that they are uncomfortable some of the time, sometimes more of the time, with lots and lots of scratching [and whining] going on. And, it means we spend a good chunk of time on skin care regimens, from morning to bedtime we have rituals. I have also heard that some kids grow out of it. I'm praying for that!

I can't tell you what a relief it is to see her look so good at the most difficult time of year for her skin. Just look at her! Look at the difference! Ah...but for those little hands.