Moo-dy

Sawyer's behavior problems, particularly at school, are a growing concern to us as Kindergarten approaches. I just don't think a public school will have as much tolerance with his outbursts as the teachers in our little red schoolhouse.

We've also noticed that our little man is a bit explosive in the bathroom – more like a big man. He's been like that for a long time. He'll even sit in there for 30 minutes with a magazine. 

So, after a visit to the pediatrician, we are looking into several possible causes. In addition to being tested for bacteria and parasites, we have been instructed by the pediatrician to begin changing his diet. The first thing to go will be dairy, because it's the easiest and will have the most immediately noticeable impact if it's the culprit. Milk, butter, yogurt ... and, yes, milk chocolate. Ugh.

Unfortunately, gluten has also been indicated as a major cause of behavioral issues. I loathe to think of life without bread and all things wheat-related. Getting gluten out of the system is a longer process as well ... so we're putting it off to see how things go with dairy first.

In many cases, sensitivity to one coincides with sensitivity to the other. Just shoot me.

But, we've heard several success stories from people we know about eliminating these things ... enough to convince us that it's worth a try. 

And, funny enough, Sawyer's totally on board. Even when I told him it meant no Advent calendar chocolate. He said he wants dark chocolate. (Boy after my own heart.)

Maybe this is something that he'll just outgrow naturally. But, in the meantime, we're going to do everything we can to help him be successful. 

Day 1 — No Dairy. No meltdowns.