Lunch holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, my mom and I would go out to lunch to talk about break ups, Disney trips, the future, really anything! We would share an appetizer of cheesy french fries (our guiltiest pleasure) and talk forever. Lunch dates with my mom make up some of my favorite memories and continue to be one of my favorite things to do on a rainy afternoon, with my momma (shout out to the best mom ever 😉 )

When Olivia was born, I was SO excited to add her to our little outing! But I would be lying if I told you that this was an easy feat. When we first found out about her food allergies, going out to lunch was over! My mom and I would look at menus and see nothing but cheese (we miss you cheese fries!) and nuts on salads, desserts and even in pesto pasta! Resteraunts went from my favorite place to be, to my worst nightmare!

But with time, my mom, Olivia and I figured it out. We have a few select resteraunts that we trust to let Olivia be in the booths – for us these are Ninety Nine Resteraunt, Longhorn Steakhouse and BGood to name a few!

But the other day, I did what seemed so scary at first. I took Olivia out to lunch – just me and her! I felt like I was giving Olivia what my mom had given me growing up – that alone time together to talk, laugh and eat with one another. I was so nervous and of course, FaceTimed my mom multiple times, but we did it! Olivia was reaction free, I enjoyed a delicious Zoodle bowl and Olivia climbed all over the seat while enjoying her chickpea pasta and meatballs.

Here’s to not letting food allergies define you. We are strong together. We must be prepared but paranoid. Can’t wait to have so many more lunches! In the meantime, we will just keep patching!