I'm quick-posting this letter as a record for me to refer to and share with other friends if needed in the future...a little about Camille's ear situation and dairy allergy....a little on Graham's past food allergies....a lot on corn-free.
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Hi friend!
I'm so sorry about the food allergies! I checked your blog and read up on you guys. :) Gosh those babies are getting big, girl! *** looking more like a little boy instead of a baby. :) Cutie pies. I noticed that you said *** having trouble with his ears. We actually had the tube surgery scheduled for Millie for "eustachian tube disorder" as the ENT put it. She had SO many ear infections in her first year. Her ears were just full of nastiness. We too, went to a pediatric chiro. and the first thing she told us was to eliminate dairy. Well, we didn't notice a huge difference until the second month. By the end of the second month, plus the chiro. treatments. The fluid had cleared! I could not believe it. So grateful! I'm so glad *** ears are getting better.
Anyway, here are some of the resources I promised. Do y'all have a Trader Joe's? I know there are several in **** so you may have to travel a bit, but most of their snacks and such are corn free. They have many "convenience" foods that are minimally processed and without preservatives that contain corn. Also, we found that the little market near the exit at IKEA has lots of snacks and most (if not all) are also corn free. I guess they don't grow much corn in Sweden. ;) Both of those places have economical choices. And of course Whole Foods is a good bet, too-just sometimes a bit pricey. G. loved it when I'd take him to Whole Foods for a "treat" from their bakery...lots of corn free stuff there and the folks are SUPER helpful. Enjoy Life is a great brand-I'm almost certain that ALL of their products are corn free. Graham loved their snack bars and mini-cookies.
I'm sure you noticed this, but often "gluten free" contains corn products, as corn gluten is an readily available and cheap substitute for wheat gluten. Stay away also from any drinks other than water, milk and 100% fruit juice. Popsicles and ice cream are another major offender, try the Edy's (or maybe breyers?) juice pops-my kids love those. Another thing I wanted to mention, since know you love to bake, is that baking powder contains cornstarch, you can find some at Whole Foods (and maybe TJ's) that is corn free. Also, typical vanilla extract contains corn syrup-just pick up the "pure" vanilla extract next time you go to Wal-Mart, sometimes it even says "no corn syrup" on the front. Chicken. Yes, most chicken is corn fed. For those truly sensitive to corn, this can be a big deal. Many labels say what type of feed is used, but you can also ask the butcher at the grocery store, or try ordering from a local butcher if you have a hard time finding some.
I've enjoyed these websites in my quest to "allergen-free":
- this is one of my favorites-simple ingredients, not all corn free, but most are. Many "whole" ingredients here: http://blog.superhealthykids.com/
-another whole-foods goodie http://www.raisehealthyeaters.com/
-http://paleodietlifestyle.com/paleo-diet-recipes/ lots of corn-free recipes here for the whole family
-http://angelaskitchen.com/recipes/have-other-allergies/corn-free-recipes/
Oh ***, I wish I could give you a big hug right now, you can do this momma! I am praying that the Holy Spirit would undergird your efforts and strengthen your mind, body and spirit now. I hope this message doesn't come across as bossy or know-it-all. It's written with love knowing full-well how overwhelming this process can be. I so wish I could go grocery shopping with you. I remember I just wanted someone to walk down the aisles with me and show me what to buy. :)
Love y'all!
Sarah
