Jacob, age 22 months, was diagnosed with Celiac Disease after 10 months of not gaining a single ounce. It is a relief, and a burden to know what is going on. I am here to share with you what we have learned thus far.

1) The internet is full of crap information. Go get your info from a trusted source, and not from some random message boards.

2) I might have to buy another toaster because Jacob's GF bread can't be near out gluten-laden bread because then the gluten crumbs might contaminate it. Seriously. For real.

3) While Whole Foods has a jazillion GF options, Trader Joe's is more manageable, and will save you some money.

4) GF bagels suck.

5) So do all GF bread, brownies, and cookies.

6) GF Pretzels are $8 a bag. Yes. E-I-G-H-T.

7) Jacob is FINALLY eating. I mean MEALS. More than one a week. This is remarkable.

8) It feels crappy to hear that your child has a problem. It is a grieving process. You lament the things they won't be able to have. The burden of being different, and truthfully, the amount of extra work and money it is for you.

9) But. You of COURSE do it. And do it happily because it will SAVE YOUR BABY. Save him from repeated damage to his little gut that has never worked correctly. And it will save him from pain while eating. And it will make him happy.

10) Celiacs can eat potato chips an M&Ms. So really, it's not that bad.

For more information onCeliac Disease or being Gluten Free, check out: http://www.celiac.com/ http://www.celiac.org/