Tuesday, 31 March 2009

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Earlier today I hosted an Easter party for Frunty and some of his classmates afterschool. Pit helped me tidy up in order to get ready in the after lunch and then we went and got Frunty and his friends, Sophie, Inkeri and Leander. Unfortunately, two other classmates' folks didn't get back to me and I don't even know if they received the beautiful egg-shaped cards that my kids made to invite them.

It was a glorious day, a little warmer in the afternoon, so we all walked slowly home, taking the long way so we could enjoy some more sunshine. Caroline helps me walk the kids safely from the school to our home. She was surprised I took a longer route but hey, it is nice to do something different sometimes.

Once we arrived at our door, I went over the rules before entering. Take off our shoes, wash our hands/go pipi and sit down for homework. We all had to do "devoirs" before we could start the party. Frunty had problems concentrating so eventually I put him on the deck to finish his devoirs so the party could finally start. With only 2 hours, we can't be goofing around too long with homework!

With the kids still at the table, they began decorating heart-shaped cookies with different bonbons and icing "markers" from Canada. One cookie to eat now, the other to take home. The kids loved doing that and Frunty finally joined in and as I popped the cork on some apple/cherry Kidibul, the party was off to a good start! Pit ran and retrieved the cork and got back to work.

The second activity after the cookies, involved decorating Easter eggs with stickers and markers and making egg holders out of toilet paper rolls cut in the half. I found some eggs that had already been hard-boiled and dyed so this made my day a lot easier. I was able to actually sit down and decorate with the kids. I think over time, one party after another, I have learned how to make it stress-free enough so I can enjoy my time with the kids. Fewer kids, specially chosen, simple crafts...I have fine-tuned these parties for optimal enjoyment!

Following the egg decorating, we did some egg races with some un-decorated, hard-boiled eggs. This game wasn't as great as it could have because we were missing the two other kids and because Pit was having problems playing and sat himself down refusing to play. I ended up playing and announced that we were all winners!

The next activity was sitting in a circle to play Hot Potato. I wrapped a little bag of Easter eggs many times and as the music stopped, each child unwraps a layer of paper. Inkeri was quite upset that the winner would get all the eggs so I announced quickly that we would share the prize. That was when magic happened and Frunty yelled, "Everyone close their eyes, my mom will hide the eggs." That was so much fun as I quickly ran around hiding them. After they were all located we put them in a pile on the sheep skin and each child could have two.

With 5 minutes left to go in the party, I announced it was time to make an Easter card for mom/dad or a special friend. The kids were back at the table, working hard when their folks arrived one by one. I really enjoyed this party the most of all the ones I have ever thrown. With quiet, Raffi music in the background, sunshine streaming through the windows, I felt that I had finally succeeded in enjoying the party myself! Normally I am pretty overwhelmed by the end. I think having a good balance of girls and boys helps keep it calm too. This time we didn't play musical statues. I think that that was wise as well because usually, that game develops into sword fighting!!

The next parties will be the kids' birthdays in June and then another school year will have been completed. I really love our Halloween/Christmas/Valentine's and Easter fetes and getting the kids to learn how to say "Happy Easter" in English. If we have time next year, I'll do a Thanksgiving and a St. Patrick's as well. But let's not get carried away!! It is just a fun way for me to get to know the kids in the classes. I think it'll be easier to invite some of Pit's friends next year as they will walk home better from school. I had one of his friends during the last party and everything went well but when they are older, I feel more comfortable making the trip from the school to our home.

Well, that is it for now. Time to get packing for our trip to Italy. Two more sleeps!

Monday, 30 March 2009

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I enjoy story time with the kids very much, in particular this evening. After I read the three stories (Pit really loves it when the book has been inscribed with a special message to him) I let both kids, one at a time, read a story to me. We took the Cars sticker book which has no words and each kid recounted what happened, in their words. Both had different renditions. Frunty had trouble not helping Pit when it was his turn to read. I explained to Frunty how important it is to listen and how hard it is...finishing someone's sentence is common but not a good habit. Frunty really listened to this advice which I try my hardest to follow myself.

Daddy is in Milano, hopefully having a not too heavy dinner and will get, hopefully, a good night's rest before his speech tomorrow at the conference. Good night!

Sunday, 29 March 2009

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It's after dinner and we have more information about this Flanderen tradition. It dates back to the medieval ages, probably somewhere around 9-11th century, when live animals were used. Since 1927, protection against cruelty to animals ensures that a vet humanely kills the goose before humans try to separate it's head from the rest of the body. The "sport" is called "gansrijden" and you can see videos on YouTube. If you can handle the poor translation, you can read more at this link - click here.
Written by Unknown at 12:56 0 comments
We just got back from Antwerp. We went just to meet some friends for lunch but one adventure leads to another and now it's almost 7pm! It started with a simple drive through the ports and harbour areas to look for big container ships, but we didn't see much activity, probably because it's Sunday. At one point, we stopped by a bridge that was drawn up and looked at some of the smaller river barges drifting by. We decided to head home and we were just about to turn onto the motorway when we saw an old windmill. So we went further to take a picture and as we went further, we noticed hundreds of cars parked along the road as far as the eye can see. We needed to investigate. We parked just in time to see huge draught horses being loaded onto trucks. They are truly impressive and frightening beasts. We finally found a festival of some kind and the crowds enjoying food and drink and brass bands. We asked what the occasion was and discovered that it's part of old tradition where riders charge their massive mounts down a narrow path where a (live ?) goose is suspended from a pole high above. Apparently the winner can pull the goose down the quickest! They boys were sorry they missed the show but they sure enjoyed the party atmosphere.
Written by Unknown at 05:14 0 comments

Usually Pit wakes up before Frunty but this morning it was the other way around. The Mommy had gone off to the market and Frunty climbed into bed to snuggle, but not with me, he wanted to cuddle with Pit. Frunty was all smiles and caresses for his little brother. It's nice to see how affectionate they are with each other.

Saturday, 28 March 2009

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Pit is sitting on my lap as I write this. The boys are eating apple before bed. They are still hungry because thay have had a very busy day. The boys spent most of the day at the club doing activities and sports and crafts with their friend Leo. Afterwards, we went to Leo's house for Indian take-away dinner. Pit just got his Pj's on and I was impressed with the way he looked at his shirt to find the tag at the back before pulling it over his head the right way forwards. He's very industrious when he gets himself dressed. Frunty finsihed his apple before quickly getting his pjyjamas on because previously he was at the table just in his underpants!

Friday, 27 March 2009

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Frunty does karate every Friday. Interestingly, he's `teaching` us respect by quoting his sensei, "Keep eye contact when speaking or bowing to people."

Thursday, 26 March 2009

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I had breakfast with Michael and then later I found this old photo of when we used to work together at the MC-Square building in Diegem, just outside Brussels near the airport. The office manager used to joke that we ate all the chocolates and acted like real pigs.

Wednesday, 25 March 2009

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We just booked! April 4-9th: Camogli, Italian Riviera, south of Genoa and April 9-11, Rovegno in the Valley, north of Genoa (Hemingway's old haunt) So excited! Followed by a week in Perletto and Torino! Leaving next Friday, passing through Switzerland. Can tell the kids in the morning that it is all booked. They keep asking me every day "how many more days til we leave?!" Awesome!
Written by Unknown at 05:49 0 comments
Daddy has been doing a really great job lately of emailing my blog to update you all on our sweetie pies. I appreciate this immensely as I have been rather busy trying to find an apartment to rent during our vacation in Italy. We leave Friday the 3rd for two weeks in hopefully, sunny Riviera and beyond. Apparently people are already swimming on the coast!

Today is a "petit jour". Boy the kids cheer when I tell them that. We will stop at the Gluten-Free shop for some treats and make our way to the pool. It just stopped pouring rain so hopefully I can ride with them in the chariot without dealing with the rain and wind which seems to be very prevalent these past few days/weeks/...years. No not complaining!

So gotta get our lunches ready subito! Yes, I am trying to brush up on my Italian. I am very excited to do that al posto! Is that correct, Daddy?

Tuesday, 24 March 2009

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We had to walk the boys to school separately this morning because Pit was having a hard moment and we didn't want him to cause Frunty to be late. This was good because it gave The Mommy and I a moment to walk calmly to school just with Pit. There were some pigeons on the path so Pit chased after them hooping and hollering, then exclaimed, "I like chasing birds!". We asked why and with a gravelly croaky voice he replied, "Because I like to eat them!". What fun! Later for lunch, The Mommy had stopped by the GB to pick up a rotisserie chicken. Mmm mmm good!

Monday, 23 March 2009

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I came home from work today to find one boy under the kitchen table and the other strapped to his chair. They were in absolute hyper-mode and they didn't settle down until much past their bedtime. Apparently, they had been very good all day and Frunty helped make these wonderful spring rolls for dinner. Frunty was proud to relate that he had been entrusted with the classroom keys to help Louis get his medication. I don't know why the teacher just didn't give Louis the keys but perhaps it's because Frunty is more trustworthy than Louis. As for Pit, on Mondays he stays in school all day and they have enforced naptime after lunch so he gets in a good nap and then comes home with enough energy to stay up late. This nap business is a double edged sword. oh well, its only on Mondays.

Sunday, 22 March 2009

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Another sunny day and we got back on our bikes to get lunch. Our goal: Snack St. Michel on the road towards Thieffry metro for french fries and a pita durum. (Aside: a pita durum is a large flat bread filled with garlic sauce, vegetables, some kind of meat and french fries all rolled up tight) At the first intersection, there was some traffic with cars coming and going in all directions and Frunty had a spill trying to get onto the sidewalk. He quickly recovered and shed some tears but was fine after a short moment. We waited to see a firetruck pass by and stop not far away to use the ladder to get to a 3rd floor appartment. Finally, we got moving again and made it to the snack only to find it closed. No surprise really: it s Sunday, just past noon - I should know better by now than to expect places, even restaurants, to be open on Sundays. Never matter, I phoned the Mommy to explain that we were heading to another snack shop. She suggested Snack Hankar so we went past Albert's house to their favourite place only to find it closed too! Luckily, further down on Wavresesteenweg is a place that was open so we got our fries and snacks and made it home. Frunty navigated the 4km route very well on his bicycle although he could use his brakes a little more.

Saturday, 21 March 2009

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We've just gotten home from our friends house and gotten the kids to sleep. Pit transfered very well from car to bed because he couldn't resist passing out during the short ride home. This evening is worth mentionning because our friends had troubled themselves to ask the commune about permits for fireworks and notified the neighbours about the ensuing racket. Well, after that preamble, the fireworks we brought seemed like the saddest examples of the pyrotechnic world. Oh well, the neighbours are probably still wondering when the fireworks will go off!
Written by Unknown at 12:14 0 comments
Just before lunch Frunty noticed the weather outside and with a wide grain said, "Daddy, it's a nice day!". I shrugged and said, "So what". His reply was, "We can go around the block on the bicycle". - What a great idea! So after lunch, I put on running shorts and shoes and he donned his helmet and off we went around the block, or so I thought. Before I knew it, we had gone down Mimosas, past 2 blocks on Volontaire, up Frere Legrain, downhill on Oiseau Bleu, back up the hill on Camelias, across Cattleyas over to Palmiers and down to the corner grocer to pick up a red pepper. Phew! 2km in under 15 minutes. He did really well cycling on the roads, sidewalks and even pedalling standing up to climb the hill. He was somewhat conscious of road traffic but obviously not certain of the rules that motorists need to follow. The green grocer we prefer is the one run by the Pakistani's as opposed to the Turks, they're friendlier and smile when we walk by. The shop is very close to home and I thought we would take the short way home. But not this time - Frunty decided he wanted to take the same route "a l'inverse". 30 minutes later we were back home after our "quick ride around the block".

Thursday, 19 March 2009

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Gramma and Grampa woke up this morning, the day of their departure, at 4 am and so did we in order to have a very early breakfast together one last time for now. Off to Germany they go to visit a school chum and then to Prague to start their boat trip up to Berlin. We had a really nice week with them. Highlights were the Planet Chocolate Museum, Planckandael and ordinary life with the kids including karate and swimming. We were sad to see them go but look forward to the next time.

Frunty really loves soccer and Pit and I goof around with the ball and play "touche touche" on the side lines. Although a sunny day, it was quite cool and windy by 5:30pm. Coach Eirik does a great job with the group and it was great that Daddy could come and see the last half hour and play with Pit as well. I am so tired...must go to bed early. That's it for today!

Wednesday, 18 March 2009

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We spent a great day at Planckendael zoo just outside of Mechelen. It was a fun adventure because we took the metro, train and bus to get there. First stop was to see the baby giraffes, less than 1 month old. Very cute! They're tiny compared to the gigantic parents. Such funny creatures. Then the boys played for a long time at a playzone castle, rolling around in the sand and chasing each other while the adults snacked on lunch of leftover lamb roast. Further on, we saw a rhinoceros up close and wandered through the tropical greenhouse to see birds and gibbons. It seems the boys went from playzone to playzone because this time they found a big slide. They figured that Frunty could be like a sled with Pit sitting on his back. It looked dangerous but no broken bones! It was 6pm before we got home but luckily my special Bolognese sauce was ready to use. Yum! The boys were especially hungry I wonder if it's because my sauce is so tasty or they worked up a huge appetite?

Tuesday, 17 March 2009

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Happy St. Patrick's Day!! To celebrate the occasion, we invited Mr. Guinness and Mr. Bushmills and slow-cooked almost 2 kilos of lamb leg for close to 3 hours. Everyone pitched in to make the feast. Frunty grated carrots for a lemon-dressed salad. His finishing touch was to grate some lemon rind for extra flavour. Grandpa chopped onions and celery, sauteed them with white wine to make a wonderful mussel soup. The Mommy prepared the fresh mint and caper gravy. And roasted garlic and potatoes wedges completed the table. Grandma got her hair done so she was elegant for the party. The childrens danced Irish gigs and we watched photos from past Ireland trips.

Monday, 16 March 2009

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With the boys in school all day, the 4 adults planned a road-trip one hour south of Brussels to visit 2 abbeys and to see the countryside. The guise of being pious was not well maintained as the first thing I pounced on were the choice of "beverages". First stop was Maredsous, where we didn't see much of the cathedral, but we did manage to catch the short movie about the abbey, past and present. We even got lucky with a special introduction by "Christian", a history teacher from the associated college. Our lesson taught us that the Benedictine order of monks was critical to the unification and enlightenment of Europe. This was instigated by Charlemagne who brought Europe out of the dark ages in the 8th century by imposing Benedictine Rule at most abbeys, thus securing a common spiritual and economic power across Europe. The other abbey was Floreffe, which was a little disappointing since the 12th century mill house lacked a proper restaurant, but the beer made up for it. On the way home, the sun was out and the boys played outside before retiring to some "Wii Doctor" and "Wii Cars" games. With the boys off to bed and plans made for the next days, it's time to call it a night. Oops! I missed Compline!.

Sunday, 15 March 2009

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The Mommy and Grandma took off this morning to shop at the Gare du Midi market while the boys stayed in to do homework and bake a carrot cake. The carrot cake was a special gluten-free for a birthday party that Frunty was invited to. That way, he wouldn't miss out on the festivities when it was cake time. When the ladies returned, and after a quick cold lunch, they took both boys to the party of the Norwegian-Greek boy while the men stayed in to do get some serious work done. Hence, Grandpa and The Daddy hit a few innings on the Nintendo Wii baseball
field and boxed a few rounds within the ring. When they boys returned, Nataya was already here preparing dinner for us. We thoroughly enjoyed the Mongolian hot pot soup with the diverse assortment of items to dip into the bubbling broth. The boys are getting the bedtime stories and should soon be alseep ready for school tomorrow.

Saturday, 14 March 2009

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Our first full day with the grandparents and we decided to start our day right by walking over to Le Jardin de Nicolas for lunch. This is where we had previously had a wonderful lunch (all 6 of us) when Pit was just 2 weeks old. Steak Frites all-around and we were set for a metro trip into town. Unfortunately, it had been drizzling/raining most of the time we were out but it did not stop us from wandering around the Grand Place, under the Royal Galleries, down the Rue de Boucher and eventually to Planet Chocolat for a 1 hour, extremely didactic presentation on chocolate - from plantation to praline. In the end, the fine samples made it worth sitting still. The boys were on their best behaviour and definitely deserved the treats which are so often denied them due to their special diets.

Friday, 13 March 2009

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Gramma and Grampa arrived today and we enjoyed some club time where Frunts went to Karate and Pit played soccer with my folks. Afterwards, Grampa took the kids swimming while Gramma rested in the quiet room and I baked out in the sauna. Grampa said that Pit asked the following, with the innocence of childhood but with an adult size, question,

D:"Grampa, can I ask you a question?"

G:"Sure you can ask me anything?"

D:"Why don't you have any children?"

G:"You mean, like you?"

D:"Yes."

G:"I do."

D:"What are their names?"

G:"One is Kim, your mother. The other is..." and he said,

D: "Uncle Chris."

Grampa said: "this guy is burning holes in you with his gaze, they are like coles of coal, bam, you can't avoid him, you could never think of Pit or Frunts of trying to deflect him or get rid of him with some kind of aside and are too skilled...you can't fool with him...in thirty years of teaching, these two kids to me, I've said it before, they are great!"

Thursday, 12 March 2009

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Frunty had a day off today. Un jour pedagogique so I kept Pit home too so we could have fun together. The kids really wanted to stay home and I respected that, given that it was quite a rainy day anyway. We started with Hooked on Phonics and Pit sat beside us on the couch and repeated the sounds too, "ch", "sh", "wh" etc. Very cute.

Later in the day, Lisa came to get Watson as we had been babysitting him this past week so I took the opportunity to ask L to babysit while I did some errands. That was really helpful. I put a movie on: The Three Musketeers. I heard Pit later call them the Three Musketbeers in the park. After L left, I encouraged the boys to get on their horses and go to the park as they were dressed as chevaliers and doing sword fights. We took off, stopping at the butcher to get some "saucisson Billy" (cold cuts with teddy bears on them which they inhaled right then and there in the shop) and then went to Paradis Enfants despite the rain.

I was Princess Buttercup and the Musketbeers protected me from dragons and trogladytes and galloped around, hiding in bushes and the bamboo. They went through the magic tunnel, killing rats and spiders on the way, thus making the journey safe for future townspeople to travel through. Later we returned to the home of the trolls (chez nous) where it was safe and we could warm up and the kids helped me make rice balls, Japanese style.

I am glad that we got out for that hour and they were ready at that time to get some fresh air. Better get some rest now as Gramma and Grampa are arriving tomorrow morning for a week's holiday with us before they go on their boat cruise from Prague to Berlin. Guten Nacht.

Wednesday, 11 March 2009

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We went to our neighbours for dinner tonight. We brought the dinner that the Mommy had been busy preparing all day and it was fantastic Thai cuisine. The boys really enjoyed playing with all the fancy toys of the other kids and played really well. But, we brought the little dog that we are babysitting and he was not as well behaved. He went number one and number two in the few short hours we were there!

Tuesday, 10 March 2009

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I'm travelling for business in Italy (just 1 day). I spoke to Pit this morning by telephone - told him to go wake up his brother. Since this blog is about children - I wanted to share what I just experienced at the coffee bar this morning. It's 9:30am - in walks a man with his 2 young boys, he orders 2 cappucinos and a "Stravecchia" (grappa). The man chit chats about family with the barista - he explains that his boys are 12 and 8 years old and that he has 4 other boys at home and 2 girls. No wonder he needs to start his day with a shot!

Monday, 9 March 2009

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Snow! This morning we have clear skies, a crisp wind, and a very light sprinkling of damp snow. Walking to school, the kids were happy, but there was so little of the white stuff that they didn't even try to make snow balls. The Mommy, on the other hand was less than pleased, and grumbled, "What's with this snow, man!". Pit's immediate response was, "Where's the snowman?".

Sunday, 8 March 2009

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Today was actually sunny! And we made the best use of it parading around the Grand Place. After lunch with some Canadian friends, we walked around town enjoying the sights in sunshine. As usual, the boys run circles in the Grand Place and enjoy polishing the brass statue for good health. We even saw some special event at the Manneken "penis" where the little boy was peeing "beer" and some local group was pouring out beers from a keg in the street. All in all, a fun day out in Brussels.

Saturday, 7 March 2009

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Today Frunty went to see the Disney Princesses On Ice. At the last minute, Pit and The Mommy were able to join him. They said the costumes and skating were beautiful. They saw Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Snow White and Belle meet their respective princes. And of course Minnie and Mickey were there too! What fun!


Friday, 6 March 2009

Written by Unknown at 02:48 0 comments

Lately, Pit has been getting confused with daily routine events. For example, this morning after breakfast, we said it was time to go to school. Pit's response was, "But I didn't even play yet!" - "You can play after lunch." - "But I already finished eating!" Explaining basic time-of-day concepts to Pit can be a fun exercise at times!


Written by Unknown at 02:01 0 comments

This morning we woke up with an empty bed! But less than 5 minutes later, we had both gremlins attacking us. Not a moments rest! ;) Frunty's first question is also his daily question, " How many more sleeps until grandma and grandpa come?" At least it's nice when they wake up on their own instead of us having to shake them awake for half an hour.

Thursday, 5 March 2009

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Frunty was really excited about the start of footbal "lessons" after school. He packed his bag this morning with his shoes and summer-weather soccer outfit.

Monday, 2 March 2009

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The kids are growing by leaps and bounds and tonight, as I gave them a quick, lavender massage, I could see almost no eczema on either of them. Can I tell you how good this makes me feel? So I wanted to write about this topic which has been upfront and center in my life since November. Tedious at times. Stressful, exhausting...yes...but now, luckily, under control. Actually, it hasn't been luck. It has been working hard in the kitchen and with our doctor who did blood tests. The bottom line:

*no gluten (mostly rice- white or brown, quinoa, buckwheat, millet only)
*no dairy products
*no unfermented soya (only a little bit of miso once in awhile acts as a probiotic)

*reduction of sugar (a little juice mixed with water)
*reduction of meat (approx. twice a week and Bio products mostly)
*reduction of potato (too much sugar)
*occasionally an egg...have not seen negative reaction (try to stick with yolk only)

*addition of fish oil capsules (one with each meal =3 a day) for Omega 3s.
*addition of liquid silver
*addition of Basilac (to treat stomach lining)

*increase in veggies and reduction of fruits (treats: dried fruit)
*nuts seem to be fine (as confirmed by allergy tests) despite them being a common allergen

Well, the kids have shown great improvement, especially Frunty since this elimination diet. Pit never was as bad so not the same. It is hard and I have made mistakes but overall, it is paying off to watch what they eat. Frunty has gone from a picky eater to the best eater in the house saying, "I don't like it, Mommy, but I am going to eat it anyway!" I am so proud of them and happy to see some relief from an annoying, torturous chronic disease like this...hope to see some improvement with me soon too although it takes adults longer. Don't give up.