It has been a good week for the boys. D has been calmer and more accepting of things he doesn't like. J gained weight this week, hurrah! He continues to speak more and read more. Both boys BMs have generally been good, D being loose only after sneaking raw vegetables. I think I will skip raw vegetables for awhile and go straight to cooked fruit. I think the problem is with his bite and being unable to chew well. Another idea is to shred any vegetables I want to feed him raw. Something to think about. . .
I still need to get out the juicer. No real excuse.
Probiotic: D - 3 per day; J - 2 1/2 per day. We are moving towards therapeutic dose (D-5 or maybe 6; J-4)
The boys are eating: beef, chicken, pork, lamb, avocado, carrots, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, onions, peppers, acorn squash, butternut squash, zucchini, peas, green beans, brussel sprouts, yellow squash, tomato, eggs (raw yolks , soft-boiled, or scrambled), almond butter, walnut butter, garlic, rosemary, basil, marjoram, sage, thyme, oregano, parsley, bay leaf (small amounts of the herbs in soups or casseroles), ghee, olive oil, coconut oil, sauerkraut, dill pickles.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Week 8
Once again I'm late with a weekly status post. Since my brother's death I've often just been plodding along. I've been able to keep going with their diet, but adding new things (juicing, cod liver oil) has been a bit beyond me. I did start adding finely chopped celery to their soups, they are tolerating it well. We also began cooking their pancakes in coconut oil (partly because we are nearly out of ghee!) and that has also been well tolerated. I am limiting the number of pancakes, though.
Probiotic: D - 2 1/2 per day; J - 2 per day.
J's weight is holding. I'm hoping for a gain this week. Now that he is speaking more, he is also asking for seconds when he's still hungry so we don't have to guess.
D's OCD has been a little less the last couple of days. He still doesn't want J getting out books or toys, but doesn't completely lose control when we let J play or read anyway.
Probiotic: D - 2 1/2 per day; J - 2 per day.
J's weight is holding. I'm hoping for a gain this week. Now that he is speaking more, he is also asking for seconds when he's still hungry so we don't have to guess.
D's OCD has been a little less the last couple of days. He still doesn't want J getting out books or toys, but doesn't completely lose control when we let J play or read anyway.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Day 55
It has been a busy week. I've also suffered from a migraine, so have spent much less time on the computer than usual.
D has become more accepting of his appliance this week - or Dad's threats were effective. He is still challenged with wanting everything in its place, making it difficult for J to read or play. I suspect the days when his OCD is worst are from die-off, but we've been pushing through for the most part.
J is reading much better - and wanting to do more of it (in spite of D!). He has also been writing notes on his magna-doodle. As we are understanding more of what he says, he is responding by speaking even more. He still does not answer questions well, however, and needs more modeling.
I meant to get out the juicer earlier this week, but put it off. Since Robert has the day off tomorrow, that might be a good day.
I've also been putting off cod liver oil. It is sitting in the refrigerator, mocking me. Hopefully we'll be able to start this week.
D has become more accepting of his appliance this week - or Dad's threats were effective. He is still challenged with wanting everything in its place, making it difficult for J to read or play. I suspect the days when his OCD is worst are from die-off, but we've been pushing through for the most part.
J is reading much better - and wanting to do more of it (in spite of D!). He has also been writing notes on his magna-doodle. As we are understanding more of what he says, he is responding by speaking even more. He still does not answer questions well, however, and needs more modeling.
I meant to get out the juicer earlier this week, but put it off. Since Robert has the day off tomorrow, that might be a good day.
I've also been putting off cod liver oil. It is sitting in the refrigerator, mocking me. Hopefully we'll be able to start this week.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Week 7
With everything happening in our lives - my travel, one daughter back to community college, school starting for the boys I hardly know what we're doing in regards to the boys' diet and program!
We've increased Biokult: D - 2 1/4 per day; J 1 3/4 per day. Having both boys on biokult with their doses slightly different can be a little confusing, but on the other hand - it adds to 4 per day! We're just over halfway to our therapeutic dose.
I made more bone broth yesterday, and I am cooking up chicken legs today and will end up with some broth. I won't need to cook broth for at least a week.
Looking back over their diet the last few days - it's time to make pancakes. Pancakes always seem labor intensive to me - so I avoid them. J could use the extra calories, though. For dinner one night I did more of a stir fry with the veggies. Robert and I were very tired of boiled. The boys seemed to handle it okay, but I don't think I'll be cooking them that way very often.
Daniel is having more challenges with his appliance. I'm pretty sure his teeth/mouth get sore since we were just in for an adjustment. He often brings us the appliances, though, which is a great improvement over what he used to do with them! He also seems to be removing them without bending them so badly - I guess he's getting more skilled.
The boys are eating: beef, chicken, pork, lamb, avocado, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, onions, peppers, acorn squash, butternut squash, zucchini, peas, green beans, brussel sprouts, yellow squash, tomato, eggs (raw yolks , soft-boiled, or scrambled), almond butter, garlic, rosemary, basil, marjoram, sage, thyme, oregano, parsley, bay leaf (small amounts of the herbs in soups or casseroles), ghee, olive oil, sauerkraut, dill pickles.
We still haven't started cod liver oil - I need to stop putting it off. The next step in the diet is juicing! Sometime in the next couple of days they each get 1/3 cup of carrot juice. Hopefully they won't turn orange from too much carrot!
We've increased Biokult: D - 2 1/4 per day; J 1 3/4 per day. Having both boys on biokult with their doses slightly different can be a little confusing, but on the other hand - it adds to 4 per day! We're just over halfway to our therapeutic dose.
I made more bone broth yesterday, and I am cooking up chicken legs today and will end up with some broth. I won't need to cook broth for at least a week.
Looking back over their diet the last few days - it's time to make pancakes. Pancakes always seem labor intensive to me - so I avoid them. J could use the extra calories, though. For dinner one night I did more of a stir fry with the veggies. Robert and I were very tired of boiled. The boys seemed to handle it okay, but I don't think I'll be cooking them that way very often.
Daniel is having more challenges with his appliance. I'm pretty sure his teeth/mouth get sore since we were just in for an adjustment. He often brings us the appliances, though, which is a great improvement over what he used to do with them! He also seems to be removing them without bending them so badly - I guess he's getting more skilled.
The boys are eating: beef, chicken, pork, lamb, avocado, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, onions, peppers, acorn squash, butternut squash, zucchini, peas, green beans, brussel sprouts, yellow squash, tomato, eggs (raw yolks , soft-boiled, or scrambled), almond butter, garlic, rosemary, basil, marjoram, sage, thyme, oregano, parsley, bay leaf (small amounts of the herbs in soups or casseroles), ghee, olive oil, sauerkraut, dill pickles.
We still haven't started cod liver oil - I need to stop putting it off. The next step in the diet is juicing! Sometime in the next couple of days they each get 1/3 cup of carrot juice. Hopefully they won't turn orange from too much carrot!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Intro Stage 4
It has been a busy week. The boys had visits to the osteopath and orthodontist and I've been doing catch-up.
Both appointments went very well. The boys are a lot more willing to be still and let the doctor do her job. Carmen Hering (our osteopath) told me that there are a lot of changes going on. J is experiencing some healing in his hip/thigh - an injury from 3 years ago. D is going through healing/growth everywhere - lots going on beneath the surface. This confirmed the feeling I had been getting: that even though D has not shown as many outward changes as J, the diet is doing lots. Reminds me of the bamboo tree. . . Mamta Shah (dentist/orthodontist) was also pleased. She tried to put in an extra bump to help D's appliance stay down properly - I'm not sure if it took. J is still wearing only the upper appliance. She wants to have some progress made with the upper jaw before starting the lower.
The last few days the boys have been eating mostly soup - or the equivalent separately. I'm glad they have decided that cooked vegetables are good eaten cold. For our appointments I packed meat and veggies for them to snack on in the car. We still need to plan of feeding them something every couple of hours.
I did buy some organic dill pickles for them to try - they seemed to enjoy them. I may need to look into making my own pickles. (Noooo, not another thing to learn!!) They've also been having sauerkraut with supper. They make faces, but eat. We are now officially on Intro, Stage 4. The only food I skipped altogether was fermented fish. Between the 'yuck' factor, concerns about mercury and having the time to make it, the effort just didn't seem worth it. Maybe later on we'll try it (or find some organic somewhere). Robert enjoys sardines so he would probably eat it even if no one else did.
Both appointments went very well. The boys are a lot more willing to be still and let the doctor do her job. Carmen Hering (our osteopath) told me that there are a lot of changes going on. J is experiencing some healing in his hip/thigh - an injury from 3 years ago. D is going through healing/growth everywhere - lots going on beneath the surface. This confirmed the feeling I had been getting: that even though D has not shown as many outward changes as J, the diet is doing lots. Reminds me of the bamboo tree. . . Mamta Shah (dentist/orthodontist) was also pleased. She tried to put in an extra bump to help D's appliance stay down properly - I'm not sure if it took. J is still wearing only the upper appliance. She wants to have some progress made with the upper jaw before starting the lower.
The last few days the boys have been eating mostly soup - or the equivalent separately. I'm glad they have decided that cooked vegetables are good eaten cold. For our appointments I packed meat and veggies for them to snack on in the car. We still need to plan of feeding them something every couple of hours.
I did buy some organic dill pickles for them to try - they seemed to enjoy them. I may need to look into making my own pickles. (Noooo, not another thing to learn!!) They've also been having sauerkraut with supper. They make faces, but eat. We are now officially on Intro, Stage 4. The only food I skipped altogether was fermented fish. Between the 'yuck' factor, concerns about mercury and having the time to make it, the effort just didn't seem worth it. Maybe later on we'll try it (or find some organic somewhere). Robert enjoys sardines so he would probably eat it even if no one else did.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Week 6
Yesterday ended week 6. It was an unusual week, with me away for half of it.
The boys probiotic is now at D - 2 capsules; J - 1 1/2 capsules. We've also started having sauerkraut with some meals. I'm looking into other fermented foods to add. I want to wait 3 or 4 weeks before trying yogurt.
With me away the girls did well, but there were a few things I wouldn't have done. Peanut butter was accidentally used in the pancakes and their vegetables were a bit more limited. Also they had extra scrambled eggs. As a result I noticed D was more prone to whining/mini tantrums and J has been quieter. He also has little bumps on his arms - almost a rash. I'm planning on doing mostly soup/stew for a few days to get them back on track.
The boys probiotic is now at D - 2 capsules; J - 1 1/2 capsules. We've also started having sauerkraut with some meals. I'm looking into other fermented foods to add. I want to wait 3 or 4 weeks before trying yogurt.
With me away the girls did well, but there were a few things I wouldn't have done. Peanut butter was accidentally used in the pancakes and their vegetables were a bit more limited. Also they had extra scrambled eggs. As a result I noticed D was more prone to whining/mini tantrums and J has been quieter. He also has little bumps on his arms - almost a rash. I'm planning on doing mostly soup/stew for a few days to get them back on track.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Day 37
I have been busy. I am leaving tomorrow for 3 1/2 days and there was much prep work to be done. I am hoping I get regular reports from home so I know how they are doing!
Started sauerkraut. It will be ready when I return. Made a couple quarts of chicken broth to add to the 2 quarts of beef bone broth already made. Cooked up squash. Made walnut butter (they may or may not be brave enough to intro that while I'm gone!) Made lists, planned meals, and packed.
I've gotten a couple extra hugs from J. He has had a lot more energy the last day or so. D's BM's have firmed up again. They are holding steady with program, maybe making slight improvements. It will be interesting to see if I notice any changes after being away. Sometimes a break makes you notice things.
Started sauerkraut. It will be ready when I return. Made a couple quarts of chicken broth to add to the 2 quarts of beef bone broth already made. Cooked up squash. Made walnut butter (they may or may not be brave enough to intro that while I'm gone!) Made lists, planned meals, and packed.
I've gotten a couple extra hugs from J. He has had a lot more energy the last day or so. D's BM's have firmed up again. They are holding steady with program, maybe making slight improvements. It will be interesting to see if I notice any changes after being away. Sometimes a break makes you notice things.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Week 5
Due to a death in the family my day was filled with extra challenges and tasks. I was still able to get some GAPS stuff accomplished.
Separated out the ghee. To make my life easier I put the last 1/4 cup or so into a separate container, knowing some of the bottom layer was there. I marked it for Robert's use - so he doesn't feel guilty being generous with it for eggs or vegetables. Robert also blended the fat and marrow from the bones I used for the broth. It's great how much help he gives me (especially since that job grosses me out a bit and I'm not sure I could manage it) and I'll be able to add some to their soups and maybe pancakes.
Upped their probiotic today. D - 1 3/4 capsule; J - 1 1/4 capsule, (approximately, I am just not stressing about being exact). They get 1/2 first thing in the morning and 1/2 before bed.
D had a loose BM today. Not sure if it was the extra probiotic, or if he snuck extra carrots. Will keep an eye on him tomorrow. J has stayed regular. Both boys have been showing more energy this week. There has been a lot less laying on the couch during the day. (Sometimes I almost miss that!) J's weight is holding steady - maybe up just a little. We're also getting a bit more speech, especially from J. He has been commenting on what he sees. 'Look' has become a much more common word around our house.
The dental appliances have stayed in the last couple of days. We noticed that D is more bothered if food is caught in it - no surprise there. We're trying to remember to check it right away after meals, but he is often in a hurry to go play.
The boys are eating: beef, chicken, pork, lamb, avocado, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, onions, peppers, butternut squash, zucchini, peas, green beans, brussel sprouts, yellow squash, tomato, eggs (raw yolks , soft-boiled, or scrambled), almond butter, garlic, rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano, parsley, bay leaf (small amounts of the herbs in soups or casseroles).
Sometimes I think I ought to try some new vegetables: Kale, beets, eggplant, and bok choy come to mind - but I've never cooked them, so have been avoiding them. I guess I'll need to look up some recipes and gather my nerve.
Separated out the ghee. To make my life easier I put the last 1/4 cup or so into a separate container, knowing some of the bottom layer was there. I marked it for Robert's use - so he doesn't feel guilty being generous with it for eggs or vegetables. Robert also blended the fat and marrow from the bones I used for the broth. It's great how much help he gives me (especially since that job grosses me out a bit and I'm not sure I could manage it) and I'll be able to add some to their soups and maybe pancakes.
Upped their probiotic today. D - 1 3/4 capsule; J - 1 1/4 capsule, (approximately, I am just not stressing about being exact). They get 1/2 first thing in the morning and 1/2 before bed.
D had a loose BM today. Not sure if it was the extra probiotic, or if he snuck extra carrots. Will keep an eye on him tomorrow. J has stayed regular. Both boys have been showing more energy this week. There has been a lot less laying on the couch during the day. (Sometimes I almost miss that!) J's weight is holding steady - maybe up just a little. We're also getting a bit more speech, especially from J. He has been commenting on what he sees. 'Look' has become a much more common word around our house.
The dental appliances have stayed in the last couple of days. We noticed that D is more bothered if food is caught in it - no surprise there. We're trying to remember to check it right away after meals, but he is often in a hurry to go play.
The boys are eating: beef, chicken, pork, lamb, avocado, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, onions, peppers, butternut squash, zucchini, peas, green beans, brussel sprouts, yellow squash, tomato, eggs (raw yolks , soft-boiled, or scrambled), almond butter, garlic, rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano, parsley, bay leaf (small amounts of the herbs in soups or casseroles).
Sometimes I think I ought to try some new vegetables: Kale, beets, eggplant, and bok choy come to mind - but I've never cooked them, so have been avoiding them. I guess I'll need to look up some recipes and gather my nerve.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Stocking Up
The scrambled eggs were a hit! So far no negative reactions from either boy. We'll skip them tomorrow and try one again on Monday.
The bone broth looks really good. I haven't yet checked to see if it gelled, but it looks lovely in the jars. I put some carrot peelings in with the bones, salt, peppercorns and Apple Cider Vinegar so the broth has a light golden tint. The bones are in the fridge, hopefully we'll get the marrow, etc. off them tomorrow to puree for the boys. I think we should be able to add it to soup just fine.
Robert has done lots of chopping prep for me over the last couple of days. I am blessed.
I still haven't gotten the sauerkraut started. I did buy a jar of organic at the health food store, so we would have something to use, even if it is less effective.
More prep to come: Chicken broth, ghee, walnut butter. . . We are all learning lots of new skills. Lately D has been watching how we are making his food.
The bone broth looks really good. I haven't yet checked to see if it gelled, but it looks lovely in the jars. I put some carrot peelings in with the bones, salt, peppercorns and Apple Cider Vinegar so the broth has a light golden tint. The bones are in the fridge, hopefully we'll get the marrow, etc. off them tomorrow to puree for the boys. I think we should be able to add it to soup just fine.
Robert has done lots of chopping prep for me over the last couple of days. I am blessed.
I still haven't gotten the sauerkraut started. I did buy a jar of organic at the health food store, so we would have something to use, even if it is less effective.
More prep to come: Chicken broth, ghee, walnut butter. . . We are all learning lots of new skills. Lately D has been watching how we are making his food.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Day 32, Intro Stage 3
Today looks like it's going to be a prep day. Lots of vegetables to chop, sauerkraut to prep and bones to start simmering for broth. Also a day to look ahead and do some meal planning.
Tomorrow I'm hoping to give the boys scrambled eggs for the first time. I'm sure they'll appreciate something new for breakfast. (Pancakes are never breakfast - I just can't flip pancakes first thing in the morning. They end up tiny pieces or burned!)
D has backslid with his appliance. He took the lower one out twice yesterday - and then the upper one was out first thing this morning. Did he know I'd been relaxing thinking the issue was settled???
The girls gave me a day out a couple of days ago. They handled all the cooking, plus some program. It really helped my attitude. Also, it is reassuring to know they can handle things as I may need to leave town for a few days in a couple months - and I want the boys to keep making progress.
Tomorrow I'm hoping to give the boys scrambled eggs for the first time. I'm sure they'll appreciate something new for breakfast. (Pancakes are never breakfast - I just can't flip pancakes first thing in the morning. They end up tiny pieces or burned!)
D has backslid with his appliance. He took the lower one out twice yesterday - and then the upper one was out first thing this morning. Did he know I'd been relaxing thinking the issue was settled???
The girls gave me a day out a couple of days ago. They handled all the cooking, plus some program. It really helped my attitude. Also, it is reassuring to know they can handle things as I may need to leave town for a few days in a couple months - and I want the boys to keep making progress.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Week 4
Yesterday marked 4 weeks since starting Intro.
This week we added avocado, almond nut butter and lots of spices. We upped their probiotic: J-3/4 capsule per day; D - 1 1/4 capsule per day.
The girls are holding steady with the amount of program they are doing with the boys. I am encouraging them to add another session. My time for school/program varies with how much I have prepped in advance, but things are slowly coming together.
They seem to have accepted their appliances fairly well. D took his out yesterday - there was meat caught in it after supper.
Their energy has been up and they seem to be sleeping pretty good. I haven't seen any more signs of a rash on J and he has had regular BM's all week. Yeah!! Both boys still occasionally have undigested food in their stool - I have come to the conclusion it is at least partly due to poor chewing because of their misaligned bites and weak tongues. We'll be keeping an eye on that as our time with the lightwire appliances continues.
This week we added avocado, almond nut butter and lots of spices. We upped their probiotic: J-3/4 capsule per day; D - 1 1/4 capsule per day.
The girls are holding steady with the amount of program they are doing with the boys. I am encouraging them to add another session. My time for school/program varies with how much I have prepped in advance, but things are slowly coming together.
They seem to have accepted their appliances fairly well. D took his out yesterday - there was meat caught in it after supper.
Their energy has been up and they seem to be sleeping pretty good. I haven't seen any more signs of a rash on J and he has had regular BM's all week. Yeah!! Both boys still occasionally have undigested food in their stool - I have come to the conclusion it is at least partly due to poor chewing because of their misaligned bites and weak tongues. We'll be keeping an eye on that as our time with the lightwire appliances continues.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Pancakes - Intro Style
With some family effort we had pancakes today!
Almond butter (homemade - more like nut mash), butternut squash puree, eggs, salt, cinnamon & nutmeg. Robert cooked them in a pan with lots of ghee. (He has the most patience and surest hands for flipping.) They came out really good, the girls and I are still trying to figure out what they remind us of. They smell a little like snickerdoodles. The boys each had 2 small ones. If they don't have any negative reactions they can have a couple more tomorrow.
Everything else is holding steady. In a few days I want to add cod liver oil to the boys diet. I debating whether I want to add it to food - or just make them take it plain. I'll need Robert's help for the latter.
They've had a bit more energy today. I guess we've had a lull in the die-off. Their appliances don't seem to be bothering them as much, either.
Almond butter (homemade - more like nut mash), butternut squash puree, eggs, salt, cinnamon & nutmeg. Robert cooked them in a pan with lots of ghee. (He has the most patience and surest hands for flipping.) They came out really good, the girls and I are still trying to figure out what they remind us of. They smell a little like snickerdoodles. The boys each had 2 small ones. If they don't have any negative reactions they can have a couple more tomorrow.
Everything else is holding steady. In a few days I want to add cod liver oil to the boys diet. I debating whether I want to add it to food - or just make them take it plain. I'll need Robert's help for the latter.
They've had a bit more energy today. I guess we've had a lull in the die-off. Their appliances don't seem to be bothering them as much, either.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Adding Flavor
What to say about the last couple of days?
Increased their probiotic by 1/4 capsule per day.
Added sage, thyme and oregano (tonight) to their meals. Robert is thrilled to have extra flavor, it makes it easier to eat what they are eating. Found out the avocado I just bought wasn't ripe (can't believe I didn't check!) so no more avocado for a couple of days.
D is now leaving his lower appliance in during the day, but we still occasionally find him without it first thing in the morning. We don't know if he's removing it before he falls asleep, in his sleep, or if he wakes up in the night to take it out. He tosses it down on the floor, luckily its usually next to the wall where it can't get stepped on.
Realized that it has been over 2 weeks since the boys asked for any foods they can't have. I don't know if they are resigned to the situation or if they are feeling better without those foods. I still plan on keeping previously favorite foods and forbidden sweets out of the house. (The girls have some things the boys don't like that well in the extra fridge in the shop. Robert and I borrow from their stash sometimes.)
Increased their probiotic by 1/4 capsule per day.
Added sage, thyme and oregano (tonight) to their meals. Robert is thrilled to have extra flavor, it makes it easier to eat what they are eating. Found out the avocado I just bought wasn't ripe (can't believe I didn't check!) so no more avocado for a couple of days.
D is now leaving his lower appliance in during the day, but we still occasionally find him without it first thing in the morning. We don't know if he's removing it before he falls asleep, in his sleep, or if he wakes up in the night to take it out. He tosses it down on the floor, luckily its usually next to the wall where it can't get stepped on.
Realized that it has been over 2 weeks since the boys asked for any foods they can't have. I don't know if they are resigned to the situation or if they are feeling better without those foods. I still plan on keeping previously favorite foods and forbidden sweets out of the house. (The girls have some things the boys don't like that well in the extra fridge in the shop. Robert and I borrow from their stash sometimes.)
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Day 22
Yes, today is day 22, not 23. Somehow I got my days mixed up last week.
The boys have seemed a bit tired today, probably a bout of die-off. I gave them some extra garlic yesterday.
It's time to start Stage 3 of Intro! Tonight with our pork roast (which is nearly done) I'll be giving the boys a teaspoon of avocado. Hopefully they will handle the extra fiber okay, and like it at least a little since avocado adds calories to their diet.
Our ND program is progressing. The girls are getting more done, and I'm even managing to do a little every day. One thing we work on with the boys is their processing, both auditory and visual. Before GAPS D could only remember a sequence of 2 digits to repeat back. Now he is doing 3!!! J is working at about a 4. To learn phonics properly you need to process at 5. The boys are learning to sight read, but their low processing level has made it slow going.
The boys have seemed a bit tired today, probably a bout of die-off. I gave them some extra garlic yesterday.
It's time to start Stage 3 of Intro! Tonight with our pork roast (which is nearly done) I'll be giving the boys a teaspoon of avocado. Hopefully they will handle the extra fiber okay, and like it at least a little since avocado adds calories to their diet.
Our ND program is progressing. The girls are getting more done, and I'm even managing to do a little every day. One thing we work on with the boys is their processing, both auditory and visual. Before GAPS D could only remember a sequence of 2 digits to repeat back. Now he is doing 3!!! J is working at about a 4. To learn phonics properly you need to process at 5. The boys are learning to sight read, but their low processing level has made it slow going.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Week 3
It's been 3 weeks since we started intro. D seems to be focusing better, has better self control and I've noticed his eyes are tracking things better. J is having more regular BMs and is also focusing a bit better. I've adjusted to the cooking and learned to ask for help with chopping, etc. as needed.
We had ghee for the first time last night - I don't know what the boys thought, but Robert was very appreciative of the flavor on his vegetables. Tonight we had leg of lamb slow-cooked in the oven with vegetables, garlic and rosemary. Really good. The boys got to try brussel sprouts as well. They ate everything, but I think they liked the meat better than the veggies! I also now have some lamb broth for soups this week. Or maybe to have them drink on its own. They drank it down better than they have some of the other broths.
The boys are eating: beef, chicken, pork, lamb, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, onions, peppers, butternut squash, zucchini, peas, green beans, brussel sprouts, yellow squash, tomato, garlic, rosemary, eggs (raw yolks or soft-boiled). They are also getting sauerkraut juice (1-3 tsp) and probiotic (D - 1 capsule, J-1/2 capsule) every day.
We had ghee for the first time last night - I don't know what the boys thought, but Robert was very appreciative of the flavor on his vegetables. Tonight we had leg of lamb slow-cooked in the oven with vegetables, garlic and rosemary. Really good. The boys got to try brussel sprouts as well. They ate everything, but I think they liked the meat better than the veggies! I also now have some lamb broth for soups this week. Or maybe to have them drink on its own. They drank it down better than they have some of the other broths.
The boys are eating: beef, chicken, pork, lamb, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, onions, peppers, butternut squash, zucchini, peas, green beans, brussel sprouts, yellow squash, tomato, garlic, rosemary, eggs (raw yolks or soft-boiled). They are also getting sauerkraut juice (1-3 tsp) and probiotic (D - 1 capsule, J-1/2 capsule) every day.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Keeping On
Today I finally accomplished a couple of things I've been meaning to do for a week! I got my ghee ready - yeah! It was a little trickier than it sounded - either that or my hands just aren't steady enough. And - I finally peeled a tomato and added some to their soup. I waited awhile to add tomato because I've wondered if D reacted in the past. Hopefully there won't be any problems.
Robert brought home a couple of meats the boys haven't had since we started intro - leg of lamb and a pork roast. I'm not expecting any problems and I'll like the variety. I take that back - they had pork loin 3 or 4 days ago. I don't think they've ever had lamb, though.
D is still taking out his lower appliance occasionally, but seems to be accepting it better.
Robert brought home a couple of meats the boys haven't had since we started intro - leg of lamb and a pork roast. I'm not expecting any problems and I'll like the variety. I take that back - they had pork loin 3 or 4 days ago. I don't think they've ever had lamb, though.
D is still taking out his lower appliance occasionally, but seems to be accepting it better.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Day 17
I haven't posted in a couple of days. A combination of being busy and not feeling quite up to par. Hopefully I've turned the corner and will be back to my usual self.
Forgot to make the ghee, so I'll be doing that today. I also have some bone broth in the slow cooker to put into jars. I feel like we've been stuck of Stage 2 of Intro forever. I think it was a good idea not to add new things right before or after getting the boys fitted with appliances, though.
The boys had their appointment with the osteopath 2 days ago. She was very pleased with how they are doing. J is going through a lot of changes. Since the visit he has had fewer tummy aches. I think the visit also helped D with his appliances. He still takes the lower one out occasionally, but seems to be leaving it in longer. I talked with the orthodontist and she said he is removing it because it is in the way of his tongue. Apparently his tongue has not been resting up at the roof of his mouth like it should and the lower appliance is in his way. She also said his tongue might actually be getting tired/sore and he wants a break from having to lift it up. Having his tongue stronger and staying in the right place will help his speech.
Forgot to make the ghee, so I'll be doing that today. I also have some bone broth in the slow cooker to put into jars. I feel like we've been stuck of Stage 2 of Intro forever. I think it was a good idea not to add new things right before or after getting the boys fitted with appliances, though.
The boys had their appointment with the osteopath 2 days ago. She was very pleased with how they are doing. J is going through a lot of changes. Since the visit he has had fewer tummy aches. I think the visit also helped D with his appliances. He still takes the lower one out occasionally, but seems to be leaving it in longer. I talked with the orthodontist and she said he is removing it because it is in the way of his tongue. Apparently his tongue has not been resting up at the roof of his mouth like it should and the lower appliance is in his way. She also said his tongue might actually be getting tired/sore and he wants a break from having to lift it up. Having his tongue stronger and staying in the right place will help his speech.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Week 2
It's been 14 days since we started intro. Overall things are going pretty smoothly. I increased their probiotic this morning. J had a little tummy ache (possibly related) and we didn't notice any differences from D.
Tomorrow they'll get their first dairy in 6 weeks, ghee. Ghee is clarified butter which contains no milk proteins.
D is doing better with his lower appliance, but is still drooling a lot. We have a call in to the dentist to see about having her put a couple more little bumps on the teeth to help hold the wire still. We think the fact that his tongue can wiggle the wire is one reason why it bothers him.
Tomorrow they'll get their first dairy in 6 weeks, ghee. Ghee is clarified butter which contains no milk proteins.
D is doing better with his lower appliance, but is still drooling a lot. We have a call in to the dentist to see about having her put a couple more little bumps on the teeth to help hold the wire still. We think the fact that his tongue can wiggle the wire is one reason why it bothers him.
Friday, July 24, 2009
The beginnings of straight teeth
We're back from the dentist. Both boys cooperated well with getting the lightwires put in, though J was only able to get the upper jaw done. The lower appliance will wait a month, hopefully his molars will erupt a little more and make things easier.
Since we got home, it has been a bit of a challenge. The lightwire appliance is removable, for cleaning, etc. and D has been removing his. Hopefully he hasn't managed to bend it so it doesn't do its job.
All adults in the house are a bit stressed trying to keep an eye on him - the last time he took out an appliance he tossed it in the garbage! I guess we know his opinion on metal in his mouth. The last couple of hours he's been leaving it alone, so hopefully the worst is over. If I can manage it, I'll take some pictures of their ALF appliances to post.
Since we got home, it has been a bit of a challenge. The lightwire appliance is removable, for cleaning, etc. and D has been removing his. Hopefully he hasn't managed to bend it so it doesn't do its job.
All adults in the house are a bit stressed trying to keep an eye on him - the last time he took out an appliance he tossed it in the garbage! I guess we know his opinion on metal in his mouth. The last couple of hours he's been leaving it alone, so hopefully the worst is over. If I can manage it, I'll take some pictures of their ALF appliances to post.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Another Day Another Soup
Day 10
No new foods today - just same old same old. I put a roast in the crock pot for dinner, and hopefully lots of leftovers for tomorrow.
We've held steady with diet and probiotics the last couple of days because tomorrow is likely to be interesting. The boys are getting their teeth fitted with ALF (Advanced Lightwire Functional) appliances. It's been pretty obvious for awhile that the boys were going to need to get their teeth straightened, but I really dreaded traditional braces - and I didn't think D could handle getting the impressions made. Lightwire was recommended by our osteopath, and since D has made great progress in self-control and tolerance of situations he doesn't like we went forward. Both boys had CT scans done so the orthodontist could see just how the bones of their skulls fit together and design the appliance appropriately. If you do a search on Advanced Lightwire Appliance you can get lots of information about the philosophy behind them and their advantages to traditional braces. We're hopeful that getting their jaws better aligned will help both their speech and their digestion.
No new foods today - just same old same old. I put a roast in the crock pot for dinner, and hopefully lots of leftovers for tomorrow.
We've held steady with diet and probiotics the last couple of days because tomorrow is likely to be interesting. The boys are getting their teeth fitted with ALF (Advanced Lightwire Functional) appliances. It's been pretty obvious for awhile that the boys were going to need to get their teeth straightened, but I really dreaded traditional braces - and I didn't think D could handle getting the impressions made. Lightwire was recommended by our osteopath, and since D has made great progress in self-control and tolerance of situations he doesn't like we went forward. Both boys had CT scans done so the orthodontist could see just how the bones of their skulls fit together and design the appliance appropriately. If you do a search on Advanced Lightwire Appliance you can get lots of information about the philosophy behind them and their advantages to traditional braces. We're hopeful that getting their jaws better aligned will help both their speech and their digestion.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Day 9
Great news today! I weighed J and he has gained 2 lbs back! When we first took out dairy he lost about 3 lbs. as I learned to compensate for that lack of calories. As we've been giving him food more often, and being more generous with the fat in cooking the weight is coming back. He still looking really skinny, but it seems we've turned the corner.
Another calorie source - After cooking up the chicken for broth I had Robert blend the skin, soft cartilage, fat and some meat together and I've been adding it to soup. They eat it fine (probably because they are clueless as to what is in it. I know another Mom who does GAPS puts the blended carcass into sausages. I think I might try that as well.
I'm getting into a routine making soup - now I just need to expand things a bit. As we add some more foods I'll be able to make some more interesting meals. Luckily the boys really don't care what is put in front of them. D has even stopped asking for foods he is not allowed. He did sneak some raw carrot the other day (probably while I was cooking) and it went through him undigested. Proof his guts need some more healing.
Another calorie source - After cooking up the chicken for broth I had Robert blend the skin, soft cartilage, fat and some meat together and I've been adding it to soup. They eat it fine (probably because they are clueless as to what is in it. I know another Mom who does GAPS puts the blended carcass into sausages. I think I might try that as well.
I'm getting into a routine making soup - now I just need to expand things a bit. As we add some more foods I'll be able to make some more interesting meals. Luckily the boys really don't care what is put in front of them. D has even stopped asking for foods he is not allowed. He did sneak some raw carrot the other day (probably while I was cooking) and it went through him undigested. Proof his guts need some more healing.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Week 1
Robert and I went out to dinner last night with our PSP Board. It was great being out with friends and not worrying about what the boys were eating, etc. Jen and Liz took care of things which was a real blessing.
Yesterday afternoon I started a new batch of sauerkraut, here's hoping it turns out. I found out it is much easier to get liquid from the shredded cabbage if you add the salt before you knead it. I also ran half the cabbage through the juicer, just to make things easier.
Today I've been a bit tired, so we've been using up the leftovers. It's cooking time again tomorrow!
We're at the end of our first week of intro. The boys have (mostly) stopped asking for foods they can't have. They seem a bit more tired than usual, but overall things are going well. I'm adjusting to the amount of food I need to cook, and learning to ask for chopping up help as needed. Robert did 2 onions and 2 green peppers yesterday.
The boys are eating: beef, chicken, carrots, cauliflower, broccolli, onions, peppers, butternut squash, zucchini, peas, green beans, garlic, eggs (raw yolks or soft-boiled). It seems like I'm missing a veggie, but that is quite a few things.
Yesterday afternoon I started a new batch of sauerkraut, here's hoping it turns out. I found out it is much easier to get liquid from the shredded cabbage if you add the salt before you knead it. I also ran half the cabbage through the juicer, just to make things easier.
Today I've been a bit tired, so we've been using up the leftovers. It's cooking time again tomorrow!
We're at the end of our first week of intro. The boys have (mostly) stopped asking for foods they can't have. They seem a bit more tired than usual, but overall things are going well. I'm adjusting to the amount of food I need to cook, and learning to ask for chopping up help as needed. Robert did 2 onions and 2 green peppers yesterday.
The boys are eating: beef, chicken, carrots, cauliflower, broccolli, onions, peppers, butternut squash, zucchini, peas, green beans, garlic, eggs (raw yolks or soft-boiled). It seems like I'm missing a veggie, but that is quite a few things.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Day 5
Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho it's off to the store we go. Went to the Natural Grocery Store in El Cerrito to buy meat today. I got 2 chickens, quartered, and 3 lbs of frozen, organic beef bones. While we were there I also got eggs and carrots. It's nice that they'll cut up your meat for you. They've also got some nice stuff there (pricey, but looks delicious!) that we might try when the boys are back to eating roasted and grilled meats.
So - chicken for supper, along with butternut squash, carrots and broth. I'm cooking both chickens, hopefully the meat will last a couple of days! I'll also have a couple more quarts of broth. This batch I'll get to freeze, since I still have some from the last batch in the refrigerator.
The boys got a soft boiled egg this morning, cut up in their soup. I increased the amount of sauerkraut they're getting and continued the probiotic at the same level. Reactions are staying mild and manageable.
I haven't written about the boys educational/theraputical program, mostly because I have been so focused on food. If I'm not cooking it, I'm planning or buying. My head only holds so much information these days. The girls have been doing most of the program getting done the last 2 weeks. They are ramping up the number of activities they can do - and will get a pay increase soon. I get my computer time while they are monitoring the boys Samona Sound Therapy. The sound therapy has really helped D's hypersensitivity to some sounds and J's ability to distiguish beginning and ends of words.
Robert and I have been reading to and with the boys. Their attention span is better and they are recognizing more words.
So - chicken for supper, along with butternut squash, carrots and broth. I'm cooking both chickens, hopefully the meat will last a couple of days! I'll also have a couple more quarts of broth. This batch I'll get to freeze, since I still have some from the last batch in the refrigerator.
The boys got a soft boiled egg this morning, cut up in their soup. I increased the amount of sauerkraut they're getting and continued the probiotic at the same level. Reactions are staying mild and manageable.
I haven't written about the boys educational/theraputical program, mostly because I have been so focused on food. If I'm not cooking it, I'm planning or buying. My head only holds so much information these days. The girls have been doing most of the program getting done the last 2 weeks. They are ramping up the number of activities they can do - and will get a pay increase soon. I get my computer time while they are monitoring the boys Samona Sound Therapy. The sound therapy has really helped D's hypersensitivity to some sounds and J's ability to distiguish beginning and ends of words.
Robert and I have been reading to and with the boys. Their attention span is better and they are recognizing more words.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Eating Like Hobbits
General consensus in our house is that the boys have become Hobbits. They need to eat 6 times a day. I often leave a pot of soup/stew simmering on the stove so they can have something quickly. They have also decided that carrots, cut into sticks and cooked, are just fine cold.
I went to WalMart yesterday and bought some Pyrex storage bowls w/ lids. I also bought more wide mouth glass jars. Now I just need to get into the habit of prepping more in advance.
Today we'll include more sauerkraut juice and egg yolk in their meals. We've also added butternut squash to the foods they are eating. Hopefully that will help their bowels.
I went to WalMart yesterday and bought some Pyrex storage bowls w/ lids. I also bought more wide mouth glass jars. Now I just need to get into the habit of prepping more in advance.
Today we'll include more sauerkraut juice and egg yolk in their meals. We've also added butternut squash to the foods they are eating. Hopefully that will help their bowels.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Starting Stage 2
It's Day 3 of our Intro diet.
This morning I moved into Stage 2, stirring a raw egg yolk into their hot soup at breakfast. They looked at it dubiously (yellow broth???) but ate. I also continued with the probiotic and sauerkraut juice as we have not had any severe negative reactions. The boys have been a bit tired and J has a slight rash on his arms. It's funny what you see when you're looking. I mentioned the rash to Robert and he said, "He's had that before. He just gets a rash sometimes." When he said that, I realized it was true. Since his digestion is poor, sometimes he has more toxins than he is getting out of his system the usual way and he ends up with a rash. So. . . an issue for J that the diet will hopefully fix - that I didn't even realize he had.
A couple of weeks ago I bought 4 lbs of organic, grass fed, beef femur bones from the Natural Grocery store in El Cerrito. I cooked them in the crock pot for a day, and last night Robert and I strained the beef bone broth and put it into jars. Next time I think I'll only cook it for about 12 hours. Since they'd been cut so the marrow showed it didn't need as long and the marrow didn't look as good. I'm going to need more small containers to freeze daily portions. At the moment it is in jars in the refrigerator. Bone broth is a good source of calcium, which the boys need as we are not doing dairy right now. They'll drink warm broth with encouragement as long as most of the fat is skimmed off.
Shopping is nearly a daily task. I'm still learning just how much they eat. I think the boys ate over 1 1b of carrots yesterday. So far they've had: beef, chicken, carrots, zucchini, onion, peppers (green & orange), broccoli, cauliflower, garlic and today green beans. I'm being cautious with the garlic as I know D reacts when he gets a lot. We'll need to add more garlic gradually.
They also had a little raw spinach yesterday - the girls forgot that for right now we're cooking everything.
This morning I moved into Stage 2, stirring a raw egg yolk into their hot soup at breakfast. They looked at it dubiously (yellow broth???) but ate. I also continued with the probiotic and sauerkraut juice as we have not had any severe negative reactions. The boys have been a bit tired and J has a slight rash on his arms. It's funny what you see when you're looking. I mentioned the rash to Robert and he said, "He's had that before. He just gets a rash sometimes." When he said that, I realized it was true. Since his digestion is poor, sometimes he has more toxins than he is getting out of his system the usual way and he ends up with a rash. So. . . an issue for J that the diet will hopefully fix - that I didn't even realize he had.
A couple of weeks ago I bought 4 lbs of organic, grass fed, beef femur bones from the Natural Grocery store in El Cerrito. I cooked them in the crock pot for a day, and last night Robert and I strained the beef bone broth and put it into jars. Next time I think I'll only cook it for about 12 hours. Since they'd been cut so the marrow showed it didn't need as long and the marrow didn't look as good. I'm going to need more small containers to freeze daily portions. At the moment it is in jars in the refrigerator. Bone broth is a good source of calcium, which the boys need as we are not doing dairy right now. They'll drink warm broth with encouragement as long as most of the fat is skimmed off.
Shopping is nearly a daily task. I'm still learning just how much they eat. I think the boys ate over 1 1b of carrots yesterday. So far they've had: beef, chicken, carrots, zucchini, onion, peppers (green & orange), broccoli, cauliflower, garlic and today green beans. I'm being cautious with the garlic as I know D reacts when he gets a lot. We'll need to add more garlic gradually.
They also had a little raw spinach yesterday - the girls forgot that for right now we're cooking everything.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Starting Intro
After many postponements (for various reasons, some valid some not) we have started our first day on the GAPS Intro diet. Briefly, that means the boys are eating vegetables, meats, broth and fats. They also had 1/2 t. of saurkraut juice in their soup this morning. I am hoping to be able to move through Intro fairly quickly since it is hard to get enough food into Justin and he doesn't need to lose weight.
The rest of us are not doing GAPS right now. I decided that too much cooking would be involved - and some people can have some pretty dramatic symptoms as their guts heal. I decided to wait until the boys have gone through the first several steps and stabilized before we girls join them. Based on my research I think we would really benefit.
The rest of us are not doing GAPS right now. I decided that too much cooking would be involved - and some people can have some pretty dramatic symptoms as their guts heal. I decided to wait until the boys have gone through the first several steps and stabilized before we girls join them. Based on my research I think we would really benefit.
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