My intention was to write more over Christmas but I really needed a break. I've just barely been checking my e-mail. We've had a wonderful and slow holiday which is what all of us needed.
We have moved into the second month of the gaps diet and much of what was new to me a few weeks ago has now become routine in the kitchen. There is always a pot of yoghurt or creme fraiche curing at the edge of the stove, or if not then there is a pot of chicken bones on a slow boil to make a delicious chicken stock for later. That part I have pretty much figured out. What I have not had any luck with is the fermented vegetables. I suppose I will get to that when I get a chance. I also would like to begin to vary the food a little more. I'd like to be able to improvise the way I'm used to, but I think that will happen too.
Viggo continues do do well.
Before Christmas break our new pre-dinner game was to mimic meeting time from his pre-school. Viggo would ask me or his brothers to be in charge of meeting time. This involved asking Viggo to tell us what day of the week it is and to have him open a paper shutter in the Christmas calendar. Then we would rehearse Christmas songs. Viggo still struggles with the lyrics but has a wonderful ear for music.
During the week of playing meeting time Viggo also helped set the table and counted how many plates, forks, and knives were needed. I didn't ask him to do this. It was all his idea.
He is having many of his own ideas!
One day just before Christmas the boys were very worked up. The usual Christmas fever. They were running around non-stop. I was in the kitchen when I heard a crash. It was my flower pot that had crashed and broken on the floor. It wasn't clear who was behind the crash but later Viggo said it was Mikko who had done it. Suddenly I can rely on Viggo to provide me with information about something I haven't seen myself. I don't think I've ever been so excited to have one of my sons tell on another.