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!

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.

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.

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.

Daddy has been in North America for about a week now and it is time for an update. Frunty prides himself on being the man of the house now and tries to boss Pit around, a bit too much at times. Both seem to end up in my bed at around midnight although last night, Pit made it in at about 6 am. The other night, Frunty not at all. We all miss Daddy and snuggling together helps so I give extra snuggles.

It snowed yesterday enough to make tobogganing at the park possible. On the way, and out of the blue, Frunty told me he was really glad that I didn't go to work because then I could be with him and Pit. Talk about a touching moment. He thought of this himself. His little brain and heart came up with it. I am grateful that my dream job is one I get to do and that Daddy supports it too. I have said it before and I'll say it again, I am very fortunate to have this time with my kids because it is a once-in-a-lifetime, dream job. I would not do any other job.

I don't know if I have written before about how Pit loves to touch my neck. I don't mind except when I am trying to sleep!! So this morning I told him how much I enjoyed snuggling with him and he said, "and I only used one of my fingers to touch your neck, right?" and he showed me how he only poked me ever so gently. It was really funny.

The kids are delightful and Frunty asked if we could go for dinner tonight. I think the Indian resto will have something we can eat. We are still on our almost vegan diet...by almost I mean that sometimes we have honey and I occasionally wear my leather boots. We have better nights as Frunty does not scratch as much. Pit's eczema is quite mild. We'll stay on the diet as we are used to it now and because it does seem to be healthier. With that in mind, off to the kitchen I go!

Updates on the kids: they are growing like weeds! They are taller but still slim. Healthy foods and exercise galore.

Frunty came up with putting his Presqu'ile rocks on the radiator to warm them up in order to do hot stone therapy. The other night at dinner, I complained of a back ache so he took me to my bed, got me a blanket and put a hot rock on my lower back. What a sweetie! All his own idea. This morning, Frunty brought a hot rock to Pit and put it under his blanket to warm him up. Pit is staying home today from school as he was throwing up this morning.

Pit came with me to the market yesterday morning. I was trying to be quiet and leave the house early when all of a sudden, Pit was beside me wanting to go. He got dressed on his own, as usual, in about two seconds and off we went to get a ton of veggies and fruits too! It was fun. The Gare du Midi is a wonderful market with great produce and I hope to take Gramma there.

That snowy week we had was great fun. Now it is back to rain and grey skies. I don't actually mind this and since we have so many lovely candle holders made by the kids, it is cozy lighting them.

Time for a second breakfast!

We are experiencing a winter wonderland here in Brussels with the temperature at about -8 degrees Celsius. It snowed two days ago and didn't stop. When I woke up in the morning and looked out the window, I could hardly believe my eyes since the snow stayed on the ground and then some! Luckily Daddy could stay and work from home since the roads were not safe. The day before, they had mentioned something about snow on the radio but we didn't know where or when. Boy, were the kids excited!

Afterschool and "etudes" Frunty stayed in our backyard til dinner time, about an hour and a half playing and raking and sweeping the snow. By himself, in his snowsuit. He really loves the snow. Pit had had enough cold just getting by metro/bus to the Little Gym and back and wanted to stay inside with his hot tea (Rooibush Vanilla) and he ended up helping me make Mushroom Farcie. (spelling?)

Yesterday Pit was really adorable, telling me about his teacher Mme Claire. He pronounces the "r" the same way that Frunty did, he reminds me of Frunty who also had Mme Claire. Anyway, Pit was telling me that his teacher got some snow and put it on the radiator and that the next day they would all see what happened to the snow. I asked him what he thought would happen and he said, "I don't know!" It was just so sweet how he said it. Gosh, I find it really hard not to kiss these two all the time!

And I am so proud of Frunty getting right back into school as it is hard getting up early again, still dark out and now snowy but he rallies and gets out the door. The other thing is that Frunty is eating better and better and more things than before and I am so proud of him. His eczema is flaring up for the moment but so is mine. It may be the very cold weather, dry indoor heating and for Frunty, the change in routine. I think we are keeping the diet in check. Gramma sent some articles saying that eczema has nothing to do with diet. But regardless, it has been good for us to increase our veggies and reduce our sugar.

Our tree is still up as it still looks beautiful. With some white lights and some coloured, it is a really cheery tree and my favourite so far!