Baden reminded me it has been a long time since I have posted, so I'll type up where we are.
Both boys are doing well, their attention span is much better and their speech is more clear. They still do not talk much, and we may need to look into that in the future.
I've been in a bit of a holding pattern with their diet and have even slipped a little with healing foods like juicing and garlic. I am hoping to re-do intro in July and get back on track.
Why wait until July? We are in the process of planning a long road trip - about 3 weeks, I think, so now is definately not the time for major die-off. The next couple of weeks I'll be cooking extra and freezing for taking along as well as looking up places to shop along the way. Relatives at the halfway point have volunteered their kitchen so hopefully I'll be able to make more broth, etc. My hope for the trip is to keep to full GAPS plus red potatoes with as little restaurant food as possible. Being realistic there will be some cheating, especially at the birthday celebrations (though I intend substitutes to be available and my family is supportive) and this will be a chance to see how much healing has occured.
Keeping up with program will be interesting. I want to have cd's (preferably educational) for in the van and I would like to continue with as many exercises as we can. From my last trip I remember that having a program session in the hotel room actually helped the boys settle in since it was 'normal'. One boy in a detox bath while the other had Samonas, etc. meant that more of our routine got done on the road and they were able to sleep better.
I'm also hoping to have some deep cleaning done in our home while we're gone, so any odors, etc. will be gone when we get back.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Friday, October 29, 2010
Long trips
I wrote this a couple of months ago right after visiting my Mother who lives over 800 miles from us for 2 weeks. I drove each way, spending one night in a hotel, with my 2 GAPS kids (aged 12 & 10) and my adult daughters (not on GAPS). I realized today that if I wait until the grammar, etc. is just right I will never post. Go ahead and ask if something just doesn't make sense.
Overall, things went very well. My planning included 2 coolers, one for using while traveling, the other for the stop in the hotel room. We packed cooked roast, cooked vegetables, cooked and frozen sausage patties, sauerkraut, pickles, yogurt, pumpkin seeds, nut butter pancakes and for the trip up - vegetable soup, frozen. My mother had called asking how I made my broth and prepared some in advance so I didn’t need to pack more broth, though there would have been room for a at least a quart if it had been necessary. My daughters also packed some snack food for themselves and myself - primarily foods the boys never really liked before GAPS (yogurt cups, tortilla wraps). We brought along a crock pot, electric skillet and hot pot. I only used the crock pot, though, as the boys were quite happy eating the meat and veggies cold and didn’t want to wait.
I discovered that with a quality cooler and ice pack, freezing the soup not only wasn’t necessary, it was a liability. It took forever to thaw the soup so I was very glad I had packed lots of meat and veggies, since they got the soup for breakfast instead of supper! As I type this up, it occurs to me I could have thawed/heated the soup more quickly in the electric skillet, but at the time, tired from driving my brain just didn’t go there. I went through a drive thru for the girls and I (the first time the boys have been in the car when someone did that in a year!) since we were running late. I ordered a fruit salad (apple slices and grapes w/ yogurt) and they got fruit (a treat for them) while the girls had the yogurt so they didn’t mind us having things they couldn’t.
We stayed at a hotel with a refrigerator so everything would stay cold without having to get a lot of ice. I don’t like ice in coolers because the bag always seems to leak and there is water everywhere. Since the girls and I are not doing GAPS we also chose a hotel with free breakfast. We took turns going to the lobby for our breakfasts (a bit heavy on carbs for me, but the girls were thrilled with stuff we do not have in our house). I had parked near the back entrance, so the boys ate in the hotel room and were never near the lobby.
While we were traveling the boys got their soup/broth morning and evening instead of through the day. They probably got a bit less than usual, but overall I was very happy with our travel. As they have gotten older they need fewer stops for running around so we mostly just ate in the car and kept going. I was very glad to have meals waiting when I arrived. I am blessed with family who are willing to help out and ask how to prepare meals. For our trip home Robert called to get instructions for cooking a roast in the crock pot since he knew we would all be tired.
Overall, things went very well. My planning included 2 coolers, one for using while traveling, the other for the stop in the hotel room. We packed cooked roast, cooked vegetables, cooked and frozen sausage patties, sauerkraut, pickles, yogurt, pumpkin seeds, nut butter pancakes and for the trip up - vegetable soup, frozen. My mother had called asking how I made my broth and prepared some in advance so I didn’t need to pack more broth, though there would have been room for a at least a quart if it had been necessary. My daughters also packed some snack food for themselves and myself - primarily foods the boys never really liked before GAPS (yogurt cups, tortilla wraps). We brought along a crock pot, electric skillet and hot pot. I only used the crock pot, though, as the boys were quite happy eating the meat and veggies cold and didn’t want to wait.
I discovered that with a quality cooler and ice pack, freezing the soup not only wasn’t necessary, it was a liability. It took forever to thaw the soup so I was very glad I had packed lots of meat and veggies, since they got the soup for breakfast instead of supper! As I type this up, it occurs to me I could have thawed/heated the soup more quickly in the electric skillet, but at the time, tired from driving my brain just didn’t go there. I went through a drive thru for the girls and I (the first time the boys have been in the car when someone did that in a year!) since we were running late. I ordered a fruit salad (apple slices and grapes w/ yogurt) and they got fruit (a treat for them) while the girls had the yogurt so they didn’t mind us having things they couldn’t.
We stayed at a hotel with a refrigerator so everything would stay cold without having to get a lot of ice. I don’t like ice in coolers because the bag always seems to leak and there is water everywhere. Since the girls and I are not doing GAPS we also chose a hotel with free breakfast. We took turns going to the lobby for our breakfasts (a bit heavy on carbs for me, but the girls were thrilled with stuff we do not have in our house). I had parked near the back entrance, so the boys ate in the hotel room and were never near the lobby.
While we were traveling the boys got their soup/broth morning and evening instead of through the day. They probably got a bit less than usual, but overall I was very happy with our travel. As they have gotten older they need fewer stops for running around so we mostly just ate in the car and kept going. I was very glad to have meals waiting when I arrived. I am blessed with family who are willing to help out and ask how to prepare meals. For our trip home Robert called to get instructions for cooking a roast in the crock pot since he knew we would all be tired.
Traveling on GAPS
I have been asked about traveling on GAPS so I will try to write down some of the things I’ve learned. The first thing is not about travel, but cooking. Always cook more than you need for the current meal.
The second is having a very loose definition of travel. If we are planning to be away from our home for more than 45 minutes I bring food.
I try to organize appointments so I am leaving right after a meal so I only need snacks. If we’ll be away from home long enough that a meal will be missed I try for lunch - as that is often leftovers anyway so I don’t need to prepare things, just pack them in the cooler.
For a short trip (under 3 hours) a small amount of cooked meat and veggies is usually sufficient. The boys are at a stage where they just want food, temperature is not important. Therefore we tend to put everything into the cooler and just have it cold. If the trip unexpectedly lengthens, they can split a Lara Bar (an occasional treat) or they can have small amounts of fresh fruit. In real emergencies any restaurant (even fast food ones) will give you a plain burger patty on lettuce. /The food has probably been treated in ways that are illegal, but since my boys aren’t overly sensitive they don’t suffer obvious setbacks. I have only had to take advantage of restaurant food once, though, since I started planning for delays.
If the trip is 3 hours or longer I bring more meat & veggies, and add in pickles, nut butter pancakes, and cucumber slices and pancakes. Only during intro did I bring soup in a thermos. Trying to eat soup in the car was kind of difficult, plus then there were bowls and spoons to deal with. I much prefer finger foods on the road. Extra foods are a little fruit or nuts and/or part of a Lara Bar. I plan for mini meals on the road every hour and a half to two hours. Longer trips just mean bigger coolers, or sometimes 2 small ones.
Being away from home tends to be tiring for me, so I make sure there is soup warming in the crock pot or oven so they can have some as soon as we get home. Unless someone else is cooking the next meal I also try to make sure that is in the crock pot or completely prepped and only needs sticking into the oven.
The second is having a very loose definition of travel. If we are planning to be away from our home for more than 45 minutes I bring food.
I try to organize appointments so I am leaving right after a meal so I only need snacks. If we’ll be away from home long enough that a meal will be missed I try for lunch - as that is often leftovers anyway so I don’t need to prepare things, just pack them in the cooler.
For a short trip (under 3 hours) a small amount of cooked meat and veggies is usually sufficient. The boys are at a stage where they just want food, temperature is not important. Therefore we tend to put everything into the cooler and just have it cold. If the trip unexpectedly lengthens, they can split a Lara Bar (an occasional treat) or they can have small amounts of fresh fruit. In real emergencies any restaurant (even fast food ones) will give you a plain burger patty on lettuce. /The food has probably been treated in ways that are illegal, but since my boys aren’t overly sensitive they don’t suffer obvious setbacks. I have only had to take advantage of restaurant food once, though, since I started planning for delays.
If the trip is 3 hours or longer I bring more meat & veggies, and add in pickles, nut butter pancakes, and cucumber slices and pancakes. Only during intro did I bring soup in a thermos. Trying to eat soup in the car was kind of difficult, plus then there were bowls and spoons to deal with. I much prefer finger foods on the road. Extra foods are a little fruit or nuts and/or part of a Lara Bar. I plan for mini meals on the road every hour and a half to two hours. Longer trips just mean bigger coolers, or sometimes 2 small ones.
Being away from home tends to be tiring for me, so I make sure there is soup warming in the crock pot or oven so they can have some as soon as we get home. Unless someone else is cooking the next meal I also try to make sure that is in the crock pot or completely prepped and only needs sticking into the oven.
Update
A lot has been going on since I last posted. I remember I started to update once, then accidentally deleted everything I had typed. I decided it just wasn't time yet to post.
The boys are doing well. At about the 9 month mark on GAPS we had evidence of dead parisites in their BMs. Immediately we had weight gain for both boys, but especially Justin. He is now hovering right around 60 pounds, though with fall I am beginning to suspect a possible recurrance. I am planning on upping coconut oil, garlic and pumpkin seeds which is what worked last time.
We are now eating some butter and goat's milk yogurt. They don't like the yogurt all that well, mostly they have it in soup. We've added lettuce to the cucumber for raw veggies, Daniel is chewing better as his teeth move, but still has a ways to go. I need to add more leafy veggies to their diet and I also want to add in kefir and beet kvass. I still struggle with adding new things - I am hoping to get myself on GAPS to help with this issue.
Our neurodevelopmentalist is very happy with their progress. Even inconsistent program due to extra cooking has had good results as they are so much better able to focus.
The boys are doing well. At about the 9 month mark on GAPS we had evidence of dead parisites in their BMs. Immediately we had weight gain for both boys, but especially Justin. He is now hovering right around 60 pounds, though with fall I am beginning to suspect a possible recurrance. I am planning on upping coconut oil, garlic and pumpkin seeds which is what worked last time.
We are now eating some butter and goat's milk yogurt. They don't like the yogurt all that well, mostly they have it in soup. We've added lettuce to the cucumber for raw veggies, Daniel is chewing better as his teeth move, but still has a ways to go. I need to add more leafy veggies to their diet and I also want to add in kefir and beet kvass. I still struggle with adding new things - I am hoping to get myself on GAPS to help with this issue.
Our neurodevelopmentalist is very happy with their progress. Even inconsistent program due to extra cooking has had good results as they are so much better able to focus.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Week 9
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.
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.
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.
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