going gluten free

jakey. 

sweet, busy, wild jakey.  our middle one.  things are always a little crazy when he is in the room.  he is like a whirlwind, he cannot be controlled or tamed. so different from his older brother, so incredibly strong willed.

I have always felt guilty because so often I get looks from people; you know those looks?  The look of "lady, why can't you control your child?"  The subtle hints on ways to correct him. 

And it's true, I do let him get away with things. but no one understands, no one really believes me when I say that I can't get through to him.  That he hits a wall, and just loses it. That literally nothing will help in those moments except waiting it out, or trying to distract him.

And then. hmmm... we stumbled upon an elimination diet when trying to figure out some tummy issues he had been having.  Take away gluten and dairy, and he is a completely different child. 

Still three, still strongwilled, still a handful.  But now, I can have a conversation with him.  He is "with us" and not "out-there-somewhere".    

It is amazing.  It is a huge answer to prayers. 

People wonder how we can keep him on this diet.  When nearly every food item now has to be avoided.  No goldfish crackers, Ritz crackers, chocolate milk... 

really, it isn't that bad.  really, it is a huge relief and so very worth it to keep him away from foods that were somehow causing him anxiety, agitation, and defiance, not to mention night wakings.

without question, we do everything we can to control his diet, so that we can dance with him... instead of around him.  so that we can laugh and talk and interact without constantly battling an out-of-control child.

we love our jakey.  he is precious, he is adorable.  sweet, compassionate.  and always will be just a little wild.

And... not nearly so wild -- the wee one. I can't resist this picture of baby Luke, fast asleep on the family room floor :)

 

 

Comments

[kimberly]

Hey friend! It has been a while. Just perusing blogs tonight. I did gluten/dairy/sugar free for a while and it does make a difference! So proud of you! It is hard, but doable. I am glad it is helping. It is so much better for all of us! I was looking at one of Mack's pics today and thought of you. Miss you!

[Amber]

I am in the process of researching diets for Ella Beth. With everything that her tiny body has been through the last two years, we are hoping that a change in diet will help! Did you take Jake to a nutritionist, or have you done most of the research/diet changes yourself? Any suggestions?

CUTE pictures. Love Luke's eyelashes. :)

[Wendy]

LOVE the pics!! You are THE BEST Mom for figuring out what Jake's little body needed and didn't need!! The difference was truly amazing and SO sad to think a change in diet could affect so many people's lives if they only could get the knowledge (hint hint to a well needed book written by a great writer)...good for all of you that God answered your long awaited prayers with this solution!! Way to go!!