This post is mainly for me. A reminder (as if I'll forget) that I have survived the last 18 days. No, nothing traumatic has happened, well, physically anyway. It all started New Year's Eve when I realized something had to change. I could no longer handle the chaos, the constant ups and downs of a certain 8 year old, whom I love deeply.
We have always known, well actually since he was around 2, that Tanner was going to keep us busy. This is when we learned that is was best to keep him off of artificial dyes. Not that his body is allergic to them, but he becomes a different child once he has ingested them. You think no big deal, right? When was the last time you read the back of children's motrin, for example? I'll spare you the list of things we avoid.
And because we needed an extra challenge or two, it appears he may need to come off of gluten and casein. I have poured over books, medicine journals, articles, testimonies from other parents, and the advise of a nutritionist. Apparently, children that have a sensitivity to preservatives, additives, high fructose corn syrup and dyes (raising my hand here) can also have the same reaction to flour and milk products. Do you feel my frustration yet? If not maybe this will get you there. Not only does it seem to affect one of our children, but both. Yes, you read it right. Tanner and Ainsley both.
This new realization has brought on more challenges than I thought I could handle. I now fix 3 homemade meals a day. We are trying to avoid flour products right now, just to see if it's the gluten alone. Milk products are next. Oh, can't wait! Much scarsam here!!
Don't get me wrong I'm not complaing and I try not to let my frustration show (at least for Tanner to see). And while this poses a huge amount of time on meal planning and trips to whole food stores, we will adapt and be healthier in the long run.
I will say that we have noticed a difference in Tanner. He is adjusting well. The hardest thing for him right now is drinking only water and milk.
Happy Tuesday,
Melissa
