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.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
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.
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