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.
Showing posts with label status. Show all posts
Showing posts with label status. Show all posts
Friday, May 27, 2011
Friday, October 29, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
