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Gwendolyn’s AA Diet Update: New Movements

July 27, 2010 by Bill Strong

It's been a bit over a month since we started Gwendolyn on her new Amino Acid (AA) diet and everything has been going really, really well. We were pretty nervous about the switch, but Gwendolyn has not had any issues with the transition other than minor constipation in the very beginning. Since the transition, we've noticed that Gwendolyn's skin looks much healthier and that her general movement (arm, leg, and neck) has slightly improved. We are pretty excited about the increase in movement, hoping it gives Gwendolyn the opportunity to have a bit more independence and perhaps success trying some new things that she previously was not strong enough to do. Unfortunately, we have not seen any benefit to her respiratory ability (which was our biggest hope) or any reduction in her secretions. Perhaps as more time goes on we will see changes to these as well. Overall, we're very happy with the results thus far -- and we think Gwendolyn is as well (she says she likes her bananas best)

Gwendolyn's current AA diet plan consists of:

Vivonex Pediatric elemental powder formula

Water

White grape juice

Stage 1 peas or green beans (we've found stage 1 green beans are hard to find...)

Stage 1 organic applesauce

Stage 1 organic bananas

Stage 1 organic sweet potatoes

Safflower oil

Nano VM hypoallergenic, carbohydrate free vitamin and mineral supplement

(The video shows some of the new arm movement. It's not an Earth-shattering transformation, but she is putting her arm higher than usual. And you will notice her movements are deliberate and she is so focused on them. And watch her get her Dora doll with such pride!)

Talk About It

that is strange that you cannot find stage 1 green beans...i have had no trouble finding them. maybe you can just order them online? i use diapers.com.

Posted by maggie on 2010-07-27 06:22:12

Way to go Miss Gwendolyn! Her movements are wonderful and so beautiful to watch! Both matthew and sidney are so very proud and excited for her!! thank you for sharing this wonderful video with all of us!! Be well! Lisa

Posted by Lisa Prokopetz on 2010-07-27 06:57:29

not quite sure which kind of baby food you give miss gwendolyn, but beechnut makes stage 1 green beans. you can search by your zipcode to find a local store or call their 1-800 number

gerber makes green beans as well in the stage 1. http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Foods-Green-2-Count-2-5-Ounce/dp/B000MXENBW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=grocery&qid=1280244458&sr=8-5 a link to amazon. they sell gerber's stage one green beans in packs of 8. Hope this helps. I came across Gwendolyn and your wonderful family when a postcard was featured on Post Secret. She is a precious little girl

I think of her everytime I am out shopping with my 7 month old girl and see anything with Abby Cadabby

You two are fantastic parents!

Posted by Molly on 2010-07-27 08:31:24

Way to go Gwendolyn! What an accomplishment.

Posted by stacey on 2010-07-27 09:25:24

WOW!! Gwendolyn does look wonderful, and it's just fantastic to see how proud she is of her movement - good for you, Miss G!!!

Posted by Sheri on 2010-07-27 09:48:33

Wow! That was amazing to watch! Even Calla and Maya sat here watching the video with me.

Posted by Kristen on 2010-07-27 11:32:04

That's so awesome!! I couldn't stop smiling watching her move her arm up and down. We're so proud of her....go Gwendolyn!!

Posted by Marilynn on 2010-07-27 12:23:46

Yea Gwendolyn!!!! That was so great to see! If only she could live in water 24/7... Thanks for reminding me of what's really important. I needed that today!

Posted by Misty on 2010-07-27 13:24:55

Way to go Gwendolyn! My little girl Avery just clapped for her at the end of the video.

Posted by Maile on 2010-07-27 14:14:58

Thank you so much for sharing Gwendolyn's bath time with us all. Clearly she loves the water and moving in it. Way to go Gwendolyn

--Mari

Posted by Mari aka "Thorney" on 2010-07-27 19:50:28

I think Gwendolyn moves her arms great! and a welcome to the wonderful world of Vivonex...don't spill it on anything, man does it stain and smell!

Posted by Becah Ogden on 2010-07-28 03:39:57

That is so great! Good job Gwendolyn...keep it up.

Posted by Jon Ricotta on 2010-07-29 13:21:39