gluten free, day three...

Best so far. (yesssss!)

We tried our first gluten free dining out today. (gasp!)

Everyone in town had been telling us about a place in town that serves gluten free pizzas! So we HAD to try it with Pop & Mamie.

For those of you who are gluten free, you know the inconvenience of eating out, even in a place that serves gluten free items. It's really important that you "get in good" with your waiter as you are required to ask details about how a food is cooked and what precautions are taken for each food item. In our case today, we had a GREAT(!!!) first experience because this restaurant was run by a wonderful Christian family who was incredibly kind and understanding of our situation. They even went out of their way to learn our names.


I know it sounds silly, but Marc and I almost burst into tears of joy as the gluten free pizza came to our table. YES! We can go out and eat pizza as a family together! Freedom! I don't have to cook every single meal! AND... I'm not hungry today either!! (praise Jesus!)

Tonight for dinner was pork tenderloin in the crockpot, green beans, GF macaroni & cheese, & cantaloupe. The mac n cheese wasn't quite the hit I was hoping for... she could definitely tell a change. (so speaking of, can anyone familiar with the GF world tell me what the best GF boxed macaroni & cheese is? And/or your best GF homemade recipe?)

I also went to the 100% gluten free store near our house today and loaded up on a few convenience items while I figure out more things I can get from the regular grocery store & save the expense. (who knew there are gluten free chicken nuggets!?!)

Day three. Whew. We're doing this. We're actually doing this! So thankful that I feel a little less like I'm drowning today. And Marc & I both agree that Caroline's eczema on her face and neck have already dramatically improved! (though it's still itching on her hands and behind her ears) Still.... those little glimpses of grace give us hope that we are doing something to help our sweet daughter.

I can't tell y'all enough how grateful I am of all your emails, messages, comments, and wisdom. They continue to pour in, and they are SO encouraging and helpful. Just knowing that people out there are rooting you on and empathizing with you is soooo motivating to keep going. All of this has been a boost to me personally-- I've gone from feeling totally helpless in my daughter's hairloss to feeling empowered to do something about it. Come on, hair!

And while my day was filled with all things food & gluten, you know what Caroline will probably remember most about today?


Catching a balloon with her Mamie. :)