Updates!!!

It has been forever since I have updated this blog...and now that I have been reading other people's blogs...I really want to reorganize mine....mmm...maybe something to do in the hospital!!!

Robert's Progress...
Robert is doing really well!! He is saying more and more sentences...thats right folks...sentences everyday. I had him reevaluated for speech and they said he doesn't need speech services anymore. He can articulate all sounds required for 3 year olds and most sounds for 4 year olds. He advanced 8 months in communication in less than four!!! On top of that we are working on an ABC picture book (I will try and post some pictures.) He loves it. Ok...and this is BIG to me...he can count to 10!!! (ok, sometimes he skips 4...but he is close!)

Robert's Diet
Since my last post we went to see a nutritionist. It was a learning experience for sure. She wants Robert to eat gluten free, dairy free, corn free, and peanut free. Not so fun...we do our best at it!! Corn is really difficult. It is in many GF snacks and has many derivitives...and is in many unexpected things to prevent caking. So...I do allow corn in probably a couple of times a week. Peanuts, on the other hand, I think is what gives him a rash. So for now....NO PEANUT BUTTER. So hard...because it is such a good source of protein and is so easy. Luckly, he likes almond butter although not as much. Dairy...well dairy has never been his friend...so its pretty easy. Coconut milk ice cream at birthday parties and coconut milk in his cereal...doesn't really like cheese or yogurt...so that isn't a problem.

Cooking/Baking Progress

Currently Expereimenting with Quinoa Flour and Quinoa Flakes

So far I have only made banana chocolate chip muffins....they we definately the best texture of any GF baked "bread-like" food I have ever tasted. I made a few without the chocolate chips...and they were good but had a funny aftertaste...which went away with a little soy-free earth balance!! So must have chocolate chips or some kind of spread on them. But YUMMY!!!!

The only other NEW things I have tried (I have not felt much like cooking...so have been going with previous successes and and lots of salads) but I made kale chips and homemade potato fries. The kale chips were awful...I think they were overdone. The fries were delicious!!! I need a fry cutter now...that took forever.

Baby Jason
I am a little over 35 weeks now....and feeling really good. I have gained less than 20 pounds...which I give credit to the gluten free diet. I eat tons..probably more calories than before. I am having a bit of a scare right now. My mid-wife gave her mother a much needed kidney a few weeks ago....which is awesome and I totally understand. BUT...she came back to work last week but still isn't ready to be working. So they called and rescheduled m appointment with the back up OB....so I can meet her. Well...yesterday they called and said the back up can't make my appointment because she is going to be assisting on one of Janine's C-sections! So I need to see a nurse practitioner today...(they left this on my voicemail)...and I really do not feel comfortable about that! So...I will call them here in a few minutes and see what can be done. I may try and switch to the mid-wife I had with Robert...if she will have me. I would have kept her (she is amazing!!!), however, with all this going on with Robert I didn't feel like her offive was a good option (it is in the hospital...would have to drag Robert through the building...its far away)...we'll see. Prayers!!!

Haven't posted in awhile!!!

Wow...the past few weeks have flown by!!!! Robert is doing really well....today he bumped his head and said "ouch, that hurt!"....the longest sentence I have been able to understand!!! Horray!!!

Last night, I made gluten free potato chip encrusted catfish (I meant to buy GF cornmeal...but forgot it at the store). I am sure it was high in fat but it was delicious!!! Robert even ate some...he has NEVER tried fish....I was so excited. He is allergic to sardines and tuna (and slightly allergic to most other kinds of fish)....but he seemed to do okay on it (they didn't test for a catfish allergy?)....although he was kind of naughty last night.....which I think was my fault I let him stay up too late.

All and all things are going well...Scott and I are still trying to decide if we want Robert to go to Mother's Day Out in the Fall or if we should wait until Jan 2012. We are hesistant for two reasons....the extra bills/items needed that are coming with the delivery of this baby....make it a little bit of a monetary stretch for us (we have things we could cut out for education though) AND we are worried that he will just be getting used to the fact he has a little brother and then off he will have to go to school....two BIG changes within a month time may be too much for him. He is very sensitive and is the kind of kid that will feel cheated out of his Mom's love and attention. I do not want him to go through that.....but also do want him to gain some independence. SO...we have much to think about. Hoping to make a decide this weekend. I am starting to lean towards Jan 2012. Wish me luck!!

Robert's progess

Wow...Robert is saying more and more everyday...and his behavior is getting so much better (wow...I can go to the RR without him being upset!) This week he has said several of his friends name (without prompting him!) and has started to say some short sentences....

nin-night momma and daddy
hi/bye momma, daddy, papa,
its stuck!
my momma!
my shoes!
shoes on.
ready, set, go!


and probably a several more that I can not remember. So proud of him! AND....so amazed that changing his diet has made such a difference!

Going Gluten-Free

Last week, my son was diagnosed with a wheat intolerance. I had him tested because he hasn't showed much progress in developing speech, he was, in my opinion,  unsually needy...I mean by two I should be able to go to the restroom without it being a "end of the world" production. It wasn't like I was just easy on him and just let him get what he wanted all the time...it was more that I could tell something was bothering him and he needed me to comfort him. SO..I have been on the quest to find out why he needed so much comfort for quite sometime.

This blog is to write about his progress...it isn't just about nutrition. But about him becoming more independant, more comfortable, and growing into his age. By the way...I have decided to go gluten free with him...for two reasons. 1) I want to know if wheat has been why it has been so difficult to lose weight my whole life and why I am always SO TIRED...and 2)more importantly I want to be there with him...if his friends are having cookies or cupcakes and he can't have one...I want to be able to say "I know how you feel...we will make a GF treat when we get home...or we can have this snack I brought with us". This approach seems to be working so far. We went out to brunch on Sunday and Robert's PAPA had biscuits and his Great-Grandma and Dad had pancakes. I ordered an omlet and hashbrowns to share with him...and also brought his favorite cereal along for him to eat as well. He had NO problem with it...didn't even ask for the pancakes or biscuits. I was so relieved. : )

In the past week (since going GF) he has started to talk more..copy words, point things out and name them in books, and ask what different items are...by saying THAT??! So cute. I am so happy he is already starting to feel like learning and gaining a love for it.

He also starting to try new things...GF hot dogs, mashed potatoes, and even a little taste of fruits and veggies. Before all he ate was wheat, apple sauce (with other fruits mixed in) and some chicken (usually breaded in wheat). I hope his menu of likes continues to grow!

My next posting is going to be one I add to frequently...gluten free snacks we like and don't like..and probably a posting GF options at resturants. We have a trip coming up soon...should be quite an adventure!!