Tuesday, December 6, 2011

More Gluten Info


This is what I have found out about gluten over the past year.
Basically, the body does not treat the gluten protein as food. For those who are tolerant, it just passes through. For those who are sensitive, it irritates, and for those who have celiac, the body thinks gluten is an invader and attacks!

Anyone with Native American Indian blood is most likely to be gluten intolerant and/or celiac.

Gluten is now shown to be a cause in a LOT of psychiatric disorders, as the leaky gut allows the gluten to get into the blood stream, and then lodge in the brain. Bipolarism and schizophrenia both improve greatly on a gluten-free diet, as well as any type of depressive disorder, as well as autistic disorders.

Gluten is basically not really good for anyone, and I highly encourage you to avoid it, especially your children. Gluten is not tolerated AT ALL by anyone under 28 months and is one of the leading factors in toddler tooth decay and ear infections.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

No Junk Food


Its also been very hard to overcome my crappy addiction to these junk foods that were introduced to me in my childhood (pizza, fried foods, burgers, etc). So I definitely don't want my child to have to overcome the same addiction. We are trying to eat whole foods as much as possible, and of course, we are gluten free. Description: smile
In this journey, it absolutely amazes me how much I am judged for not giving my child junk food. In America, we are brainwashed to think it is almost child abuse to not give children pizza, burgers, ice cream, candy, cookies, crackers, cheerios, sugary foods of all kinds. These types of foods completely shuts down a child's immune system as well as the digestive system. Even I have to say to myself "No, Melissa, he is not missing out if I don't give him this unhealthy food". It can sometimes be really hard! 

It just hurts my heart as a person with severe digestive problems that have almost killed me (from a lifetime of eating food most people think is "acceptable") to see children mess up their digestive systems. That's all. My main complaint though is that I would like the restaurant establishment to offer just one healthy option, instead of all fried foods, mac n cheese, burgers etc, so that I can feed my child. And yes, I do take my own foods in for Aidan, but I know that won't last long before he'll want his own plate of food. Hopefully, we'll have the money by then to just order the adult plate for him with the healthy option. I just wish that was available in a smaller size on the kid's menu.


Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Being Labeled


"oh you HAVE to cloth diaper if you want to be an attachment parent"
"oh you can't go to workshops/camps/mothers day out if you want to be an unschooler"
"oh you have to eat all organic if you want to be holistic"
"oh your husband HAS to be the spiritual authority of the household in order to be a 'good christian'"
"oh you have to attend Sunday morning/sunday evening/tuesday night bible study/wednesday night fellowship in order to be a good christian"
"oh you have to listen to the *sucky* christian radio station"

basically, I believe in picking and choosing what works best with my family and our financial situation.

Also, just because I like bits and pieces of a movement, or certain articles, does not mean I subscribe to every single philosophy they spout, geesh! I even like some articles of Above Rubies, and I love her Raw Food cookbook. I even like Renee Ellison's Raw Food cookbook. I like some of the ideals in the Unschooling movement.  The Attachment Parenting movement.  Holistic Moms movement. But that doesn't mean that i like or agree with everything in their movements. hello.

So basically it makes me mad when people ASSume that if you like bits and pieces of a movement/cause/way of living that you affiliate with and practice every single theory, philosophy and idea of that group. And they truly don't understand why you would only do/like parts.


*caveat, my husband sounds I sound grumpy.  Blame it on low blood sugar. :)

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Giveaway - Tarrant County McDonalds Reviews Ebook and $25 Gift Card

I’m a big believer in supporting your spouse’s dreams and aspirations. 
Therefore, I’m hosting several giveaways of some of my favorite things to support my husband in his endeavor to be a writer, speaker, Trekker and all-around brilliant thinker.

My husband Kevin C Neece is a wonderful Speaker – he speaks at conferences, events, church services, colleges, workshops, and classes. Check out his overall website at www.kevincneece.com
Lately, he has been mainly focusing on The Undiscovered Country Project, looking at Star Trek from a Christian perspective. His website is an ongoing conversation between Star Trek and Christianity, seeking points of congruence between the two.

He is also hosting a Spock Ears Giveaway on his site during Spocktober, his month-long tribute to Spock. The Undiscovered Country Project is giving away TWO pairs screen-accurate replica ears made and signed by makeup artist Steve Neill, who sculpted Spock's ears for Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Based on Neill's original masters, these ears are exactly like the ones Leonard Nimoy wore in the film!

Now, back to my giveaway.
*This particular giveaway will only be activated when my husband's page reaches 1,000 fans*

I am giving away one copy of my ebook Reviews of Tarrant County McDonald's restaurants.  I've put a lot of time, gas, and effort in visiting a whole LOT of McDonalds around where I live.  I answer questions like
"Is the playplace toddler friendly?"  "Does the playplace have electric sockets for the internet working mom?"  Currently there is a total of 10 questions, plus my personal reviews of the restaurant, including my vote for the best toddler-friendly McDonalds.  I also offer this ebook on Fiverr if you would like to purchase it. 
http://fiverr.com/eversienna/provide-a-list-of-tarrant-county-mcdonalds-especially-tailored-for-the-wahm-internet-needy-mom

With this ebook is a $25 McDonalds gift card so you can buy plenty of cokes and coffee while working on your internet projects.



Mandatory Entry: (Leave one comment for each entry)
1)      Like my husband’s facebook page The Undiscovered Country Project
2)      Share his facebook page in your facebook status
(If you do not have a facebook account, then email this page link to your friends, then come back here to leave a comment).

Extra Entries: (Leave one comment for each entry earned)

(Extra entries are available only after making a Basic Entry and valid only if a comment is made for each entry earned) 
  
  1.  Like my Facebook page On This Journey  (but only if you actually like it)
  2.  Post about this McDonalds giveaway in your facebook status.
  3. Follow The Undiscovered Country Project (@UCPTweets) on Twitter. (3 extra entries) 
  4. Tweet “@UCPTweets Happy #Spocktober! Enter to WIN Authentic Replica Spock Ears like @TheRealNimoy wore in TMP! http://goo.gl/LcQBs #Spock #StarTrek” once a day for an extra daily entry. (Your comment must link back to your tweet. Instructions here.)
  5.   Subscribe to the UCP Update! email newsletter. (3 extra entries) 
  6. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this blog post. Be sure to include a direct link to your blog post in your entry comment. (5 extra entries) 
  7. Make a relevant comment on any of my non-giveaway On This Journey blog post.
    Make a relevant comment on any Undiscovered Country Project blog post.
  8. Follow UCPStumble on StumbleUpon
  9. Stumble this giveaway post, the UCP website or any UCP blog entry.
  10. Buy a UCP T-shirt. (10 extra entries)
  11. Take a picture of yourself wearing your UCP T-shirt in a public place and e-mail it to undiscoveredcountryproject@yahoo.com. (5 extra entries)
Have fun, spread the word and HAPPY SPOCKTOBER!!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Giveaway - Above Rubies Magazines and More!

I’m a big believer in supporting your spouse’s dreams and aspirations. 
Therefore, I’m hosting several giveaways of some of my favorite things to support my husband in his endeavor to be a writer, speaker, Trekker and all-around brilliant thinker.

My husband Kevin C. Neece is a wonderful Speaker – he speaks at conferences, events, church services, colleges, workshops, and classes. Check out his overall website at www.kevincneece.com

Lately, he has been mainly focusing on The Undiscovered Country Project, looking at Star Trek from a Christian perspective. His website is an ongoing conversation between Star Trek and Christianity, seeking points of congruence between the two.

He is also hosting a Spock Ears Giveaway on his site during Spocktober, his month-long tribute to Spock. The Undiscovered Country Project is giving away TWO pairs screen-accurate replica ears made and signed by makeup artist Steve Neill, who sculpted Spock's ears for Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Based on Neill's original masters, these ears are exactly like the ones Leonard Nimoy wore in the film!

Now, back to my giveaway. ;)

I will be giving away extra copies of a great magazine called Above Rubies.  There will be at least 10 copies.  Above Rubies is a magazine that is filled with inspiring testimonial stories of Christian ladies with large families.  Even if a large family isn't your cup of tea, these stories are a glimpse into a lifestyle that most of us can't even imagine.  There are also natural health and natural birth stories.
Included in this package will be two copies of Mothering Magazine, two copies of Reminisce magazine, and maybe a few others that will be a delightful surprise. :)



Mandatory Entry: (Leave a comment for each entry earned)
1)      Like my husband’s facebook page The Undiscovered Country Project
2)      Share his facebook page in your status
(If you do not have a facebook account, then email this page link to your friends, then come back here to leave a comment).

Extra Entries: (Leave a comment for each entry earned)

(Extra entries are available only after making a Basic Entry and valid only if a comment is made for each entry earned) 
  
  1.  Like my Facebook page On This Journey (but only if you actually like it)
  2. Post about this Above Rubies giveaway in your status.
  3. Follow The Undiscovered Country Project (@UCPTweets) on Twitter. (3 extra entries) 
  4. Tweet “@UCPTweets Happy #Spocktober! Enter to WIN Authentic Replica Spock Ears like @TheRealNimoy wore in TMP! http://goo.gl/LcQBs #Spock #StarTrek” once a day for an extra daily entry. (Your comment must link back to your tweet. Instructions here.)
  5.   Subscribe to the UCP Update! email newsletter. (3 extra entries) 
  6. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this blog post. Be sure to include a direct link to your blog post in your entry comment. (5 extra entries) 
  7. Make a relevant comment on any of my non-giveaway On This Journey blog post.
  8. Follow UCPStumble on StumbleUpon
  9. Stumble this giveaway post, the UCP website or any UCP blog entry.
  10. Buy a UCP T-shirt. (10 extra entries)
  11. Take a picture of yourself wearing your UCP T-shirt in a public place and e-mail it to undiscoveredcountryproject@yahoo.com. (5 extra entries)
Have fun, spread the word and HAPPY SPOCKTOBER!!

Giveaway - Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger

I’m a big believer in supporting your spouse’s dreams and aspirations. 
Therefore, I’m hosting several giveaways of some of my favorite things to support my husband in his endeavor to be a writer, speaker, Trekker and all-around brilliant thinker.

My husband Kevin C. Neece is a wonderful speaker – he speaks at conferences, events, church services, colleges, workshops, and classes. Check out his overall website at www.kevincneece.com

Lately, he has been mainly focusing on The Undiscovered Country Project, looking at Star Trek from a Christian perspective. His website is an ongoing conversation between Star Trek and Christianity, seeking points of congruence between the two.

He is also hosting a Spock Ears Giveaway on his site during Spocktober, his month-long tribute to Spock. The Undiscovered Country Project is giving away TWO pairs screen-accurate replica ears made and signed by makeup artist Steve Neill, who sculpted Spock's ears for Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Based on Neill's original masters, these ears are exactly like the ones Leonard Nimoy wore in the film!

Now, back to my giveaway. ;)

I will be giving away my extra copy of one of my Favorite Birth books.  I have a library of over 50 books dealing with pregnancy and birth, and this one is by far one of my favorites.  It is exhaustive in its coverage of important information and I personally think it contains information that is not easily found other places.


Mandatory Entry:
1)      Like my husband’s facebook page The Undiscovered Country Project
2)      Share his facebook page in your status
(If you do not have a facebook account, then email this page link to your friends, then come back here to leave a comment).

Extra Entries: (Leave one comment for each entry earned)

(Extra entries are available only after making a Basic Entry and valid only if a comment is made for each entry earned) 
  
  1.  Like my Facebook page On This Journey (but only if you actually Like it) 
  2. Post about this book giveaway in your Facebook status
  3. Follow The Undiscovered Country Project (@UCPTweets) on Twitter. (3 extra entries) 
  4. Tweet “@UCPTweets Happy #Spocktober! Enter to WIN Authentic Replica Spock Ears like @TheRealNimoy wore in TMP! http://goo.gl/LcQBs #Spock #StarTrek” once a day for an extra daily entry. (Your comment must link back to your tweet. Instructions here.)
  5.   Subscribe to the UCP Update! email newsletter. (3 extra entries) 
  6. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this blog post. Be sure to include a direct link to your blog post in your entry comment. (5 extra entries) 
  7. Make a relevant comment on any of my non-giveaway On This Journey blog post.
    Make a relevant comment on any non-giveaway Undiscovered Country Project blog post.
  8. Follow UCPStumble on StumbleUpon
  9. Stumble this giveaway post, the UCP website or any UCP blog entry.
  10. Buy a UCP T-shirt. (10 extra entries)
  11. Take a picture of yourself wearing your UCP T-shirt in a public place and e-mail it to undiscoveredcountryproject@yahoo.com. (5 extra entries)
Have fun, spread the word and HAPPY SPOCKTOBER!!
  1.  

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Submissions to host your giveaway

Hey, I just had a thought.  I'm doing a major blitz for my giveaway and my husband's giveaway.  If you want me to giveaway something cool from your business, just contact me and I will be happy to host your giveaway, as long as I can mention my husband's giveaway at the same time!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Rethinking Everything Conference 2011

*update* This year the conference is from:
Thursday, September 1st through Monday, September 5, 2011.
Kevin is teaching several sessions.  If you want to know more about living holistically and/or being an unschooler, you should come to the conference.  I love this conference and think its *awesome*.

Here are descriptions of Kevin's classes.  Kevin speaks on many subjects, including Star Trek (www.undiscoveredcountryproject.com) as well as the health benefits of barefoot living.  If you want him to teach a session at your event or church, please contact me. :)


So, What Do
Unschooling Parents Do?

Getting out of your child's way, letting them find their own path, avoiding coercion - ultimately, isn't this a passive role? Beyond paying the bills, are there any responsibilities that unschooling parents have? How do we raise children with absolutely no interference, no philosophy and no rules?


Unschooling and the Christian Life

When we seek to encourage liberty for our children, how do we reconcile that with a Christian faith that often seems to take on forms of rigidity and inflexibility? Do guidelines, ethics and values have a place in an unschooling family? What are our responsibilities as parents and followers of Christ as we seek freedom in our families' lives? In this engaging session, we'll explore a view of freedom and responsibility that takes its cues from Scripture, allowing Jesus, the Lord of Liberation, to help us become "free indeed."

Barefoot Living

Connected. Grounded. Confident. Free. These are just a few of the words people use to describe how they feel being barefoot. Who doesn't love kicking off their shoes? But did you know its also a great way to live a naturally healthier life? Running barefoot is popular, but living barefoot is best! Experienced barefooter Kevin C. Neece shares his insights in enlightening sessions on how you  and especially your children  can live a freer, more natural, healthier life by living barefoot. He'll act as your personal guide to escaping the confines of shoes and finding the whole body benefits of healthy, uninhibited feet!

Barefoot Walk

When we're walking barefoot, we're learning a whole new way to walk. We'll take a barefoot walk outside to experience the Earth (and the city) in all its textures and learn to adapt to a new way of walking, step by step, so everyone can try it out at their own pace. Kevin will answer your questions about various challenges and we'll take turns experiencing different surfaces. Its the way we were designed to walk - barefoot and free!

Prayerfoot Barefoot Prayer Walk

This expression and exploration of contemplative prayer and spirituality through barefoot devotion comes from a Christian worldview perspective, but is open to all who wish to participate. We'll meet together and talk about some of the spiritual aspects of barefoot walking, as well as a brief introduction to the Christian tradition of contemplative prayer. Then we'll spend some time sitting, standing, walking and praying in a unique liturgical setting.


_______________________________
------------------------------------------------
2010 post

I just love the title of this conference.

Because since I turned 30, that's what I do.  I rethink everything.

Of course, when I was 20, I changed my major 5 times, but that is not quite the same.

I've changed careers 4 times now - from bridal consultant, to teacher, to librarian, and now to mommy.

But that is not it either.  Rethinking everything usually means to reconsider your worldview.  To think about something, then take your hand into your mind, and twist it and consider if from another angle.  To look at something differently.  To walk in others' shoes.  To be open to changes.  To be just open in general.

God is so awesome that He made our minds to be capable of change.  To be capable of Rethinking Everything.  To not always be brainwashed into one set parameter, but to consider our options, our choices, and our decisions.  And if new info comes our way, we can reconsider it all again.  I love that.


Here is a great conference that is actually in the metroplex full of people who like to rethink everything, who are definitely not mainstream thinkers.

Check it out:

http://www.rethinkingeverything.net/

Friday, July 1, 2011

Cluster Headaches - CH Syndrome

 Update June 2011 - So we are out of remission of 3 years, sigh.  We are finding one thing that might be helping - Fenugreek pills - 4 pills every four hours. You can do 6 pills or more if you like. This keeps all congestion away.  Then with Sinol, and a special rubbing technique, they are not as bad and they are short.

2012 - Gluten is also a known substance for causing all kinds of havoc in the head.  Its a protein that if it gets in your bloodstream, it can lodge in your head, and depending on your dna/genetics, it can cause many issues.  My husband is mainly gluten free now, and rarely gets headaches of any kind.

2014 update - He has been gluten free for over 2 years now, and he has been in remission for that long as well.  Try making gluten free a part of your lifestyle!  Google Paleo for autoimmune diseases and it might really help you!


There are also many essential oils that can at least help somewhat.  Frankincense is considered especially helpful.  There are also many blends that might help from all the different companies.  Try Native American Nutritionals, Butterfly Express or NHR oils from England (the best in the world).
http://www.nativeamericannutritionals.com/Copal-Blends-Essential-Oils/View-all-products.html

Update November 2008:
Well, this year we have successfully staved off 4 beginning ones by using this combination. Thought I'd pass it along:
2 Hawthorne pills
2 Cool Cayenne pills
2 Omega 3 1000 mg pills
washed down with Yogi tea's Calming tea combined with yerba mate and other green teas
I've also ordered Sinol - a nasal spray with capsaicin pepper - its suppose to be very promising. We shall see.

Sinol update: This is the best thing we've tried. So far its stopped at least 3 from forming, and seems to have cut short several. Following the directions is useless though - He usually does it twice, then blows his nose, then does it again five more times or so. Then 20-30 minutes later if he's in the middle of one, he'll use it again several times, and will continue to use it intermittently until the pain is gone.
*legal precaution* - I am not a doctor nor do I advocate using a product more than what is recommended. This is just an experience-sharing and what works for him.

For those who suffer migraines: Cluster headaches and migraines are completely separate.
Here is a great resource for migraines:
Spearmint: A new natural anti-migraine remedy

Here is a list of homeopathic remedies for migraines:
http://www.drmomma.org/2008/06/homeopathic-solutions-to-migraines.html 

2007:  To our friends and family:
Kevin is a seven year sufferer of cluster headaches. *Thankfully* he is an episodic sufferer, and gets them for six weeks in the fall/winter. One of the hardest parts is waiting for them to hit, and praying that they won't. They are very debilitating, and very depressing for him, so if you could cheer him up, give him a call, whatever, that would be great....If he has to leave in the middle of an activity, then at least you will know why. Most people don't quite understand what cluster headaches are, so the following is a great letter that explains it.

From the www.clusterheadaches.com website:

As we all know it is very difficult to explain what it is we go through....
Many look at us as if there is no way in hell something can be that debilitating.

Here is a letter that you can give your employers, colleagues, professors, fellow students that will explain in very simple language what it is that we go through.
How CH is a misnomer!!

It is known to us as "Simon's Letter"
Simon is a UK CH'er who had the wherewithal to develop this perfect letter.

http://www.ouch-us.org/chgeneral/colleagueletter.htm

Here are some helpful websites on Cluster Headaches:

The episodic type, the most common, is characterized by one to three short-lived attacks of periorbital pain (Fig. 6-1) per day over a 4 to 8 week period, followed by a pain-free interval that averages 1 year. The chronic form, sometimes called chronic migrainous neuralgia, which may begin de novo or several years after an episodic pattern has become established, is characterized by the absence of sustained periods of remission. Each type may transform into the other. The cluster syndrome is genetically, biochemically, and clinically different from migraine; propranolol is effective in treating migraine but has not been shown to be effective in cluster headache. Lithium is beneficial for the cluster headache syndrome and ineffectual in migraine. Nevertheless, the two disorders occasionally blend into one in occasional patients (Solomon, 1986), suggesting that their mechanisms bear some degree of commonality.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cluster_Headaches


What we have used in the past that sometimes works (most-times doesn't)

Taurine - in energy drinks - Red Bull

Magnesium supplements

Homeopathic pain relievers - Calming tonic, arthritis pills, etc - can lessen the peak

Benadryl - can sometimes knock him out

Melatonin

This year, we will be trying the above, plus:

a good quality magnesium supplement

Acidoliphilus and a good multivitamin like Garden of Life (at least it will keep him healthy when the pain hits)

and we might try Ambrotose or some type of glyconutrient.



*suggestions are always welcome
*we have no access to oxygen and have yet to try that route

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Non-vax links

I've read a lot of websites, journal articles, blogs, facebook, books, anecdoctal accounts, etc. on the subject of Vaccines.  I've read about this subject for over 4 years now.
I especially like articles that have a lot of info in one place, and the info makes sense.  I'll be adding to this list as I find new articles that meet this criteria.  Leave me a comment if you have a great article or website to share.
And don't forget to read the comments on these articles.  They are often very informative with data from great readers.


Here are some of the best Non-Vax article links -

Expert Pediatrician Exposes Vaccine Myths                                                                           
Life on the Franco Farm: 6 Points I Would Have to Believe Before Resuming Vaccinations

 
Are Vaccines Safe and Effective? by Catherine Diodati                                                                         
 
Updated: and here are some more of my favorite non-vax 
all-in-one research links, makes research a lot easier!:
 
Vaccine Presentation from Family Wellness
 

Push to Reprogram Parents on Vaccines

 
Great Mothers Questioning Vaccines
 
Aborted Fetal Cells in Vaccines

 
Dirty Little Vaccine secrets

 
Vaccines cause Nerve Damage

Flu Vaccine Information

 
Autism is Reversible Info

 
The Real Truth about Tetanus Vaccines

 
Should Pediatricians fire patients whose parents don't Vaccinate

Updated:  And some more:
 
Big Study: Vaccine Kids have 2-5 more disease than Non-vax

How Much Do you know about Vaccination
The Greater Good Movie - a documentary about vaccines
R ead all these, and then leave a comment!  

And don't forget to check out all the great Facebook pages that constantly update on new research and answer your questions!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Books for Expecting Moms

So, I was asked the other day what books should a best friend buy her newly expecting best bud from Amazon?
Here are my best choices, after quite a bit of research and review.  I personally have read over 100 books on pregnancy, birth, and babies, and these I consider the most summative and comprehensive books on the market.

For the regular mainstreamer working mom:
1) The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger
2) The Baby Book by Dr. Sears
3) Making More Milk by Diana West
4) No Cry Sleep Solutions by Elizabeth Pantley
5) The Baby Bond by Linda Palmer
Extra:
6) The Business of Being Born by Ricki Lake book and dvd
4) LLL's The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
8) Gentle Birth Choices by Pam England

For the Holistic Mom:
1) The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger
2) The Baby Book by Dr. Sears
3) Home Birth by Sheila Kitzinger
4) Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers by Nancy Mohrbacher
5) The Baby Bond by Linda Palmer
Extra:
6) Take Charge of Your Child's Health - Dr. George Wootan
7) The Continuum Concept by Jean Liedloff


Books that should be burned:
1) What to Expect when you are Expecting - the most scaremonger book out there - I'm surprised it doesn't terrify women into never wanting to give birth....oh wait.....
2) Babywise - um, let see - lawsuits because babies died by parents following this crazy book, plus the author's children no longer speak to them - why do people want to take advice from these parents that do not have a relationship with their adult children - unless that is your ultimate goal as well?  I know its not mine.....
3) The Ferber Sleep book - um, even Robert Ferber now says that parents take this book too far.  Read Elizabeth Pantley's No Cry Sleep Solutions book instead - unless you enjoy hearing your baby issue blood-curdling screams.....

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Baby and Toddler Constipation remedy

My toddler has constipation issues.  Mostly, its because he squeezes and does not let it come out!
Dr. Sears says it takes two months or more to get over the constipation cycle.
Here is a daily regimen that is extremely nutritious and will help with constipation:

Organic applesauce
apricot (fruit, sauce or juice)
Coconut oil (about a tablespoon)
flaxseed oil or ground flax seeds (couple of teaspoons)

He eats this for breakfast, and then throughout the day as a snack between meals until the cup is finished by the end of the day.

And don't forget - bananas and carrots are extremely constipating - I did not know this, or I would not have introduced these foods until at least 2 - he's definitely not going to have them again until around 2!

Fenugreek for congestion

Fenugreek is amazing - it helps a mother's milk supply - but it is wonderful and has been used for thousands of years for congestion and digestive ailments.  I only first heard about it 2 years ago, sigh - why do all these wonderful remedies are just not known among people anymore.  It drives me nuts.


My own personal experience with Fenugreek - at the first sign of congestion/sinus issues, take 3 fenugreek pills 3 or 4 times daily for 2 or 3 days, clears up all colds quickly. 
Aidan has never been sick in his life, but he was congested for 2 days in his 14th month - I took a lot of fenugreek so it will go through the breastmilk, and I also put a little bit out of a capsule into applesauce.  He was only congested for 2 days.  I have also heard that Fenugreek sprouts are delicious, so this would also be a good way to get fenugreek in both the baby and in you!

Some great very interesting websites:
http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/free-sprout-information/fenugreek.html
http://www.nutrition.fit-healthy-well.com/fenugreek-relieves-congestion
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/The_Best_Chest_Congestion_Remedies.html