Progress

It's been over three weeks since I've posted an update on Bub.  I remember because that's the last time we changed his tube, which unfortunately means it's almost time to do it again.  He hasn't had any issues, which is reason enough to blog, but I wanted to wait until I had something even better to write about.  But there's a bit of background to catch up on first.  I promise I'll only leave you in suspense for a couple paragraphs.

One of the possible drawbacks of any feeding tube is an increased aversion to eating.  But even more so with an NG tube because 1.) it's external, and 2.) it's in such close proximity to the mouth.  We knew this going in, but Bub wasn't eating anyway so it was a risk we had to take.  He needed calories and he needed them quick.

The first couple weeks with the tube he didn't show any interest in eating.  He was drinking 10 ounces of formula during the day, and we were giving him another 5 into his tube.  He got another 10-12 ounces at night, also through his tube.

The last couple weeks he's been drinking all 15 ounces by himself, sometimes even a little more.  Life is good when we don't have to bolus during the day!  At one point he was getting another 15 ounces at night, but the last few days we've backed it down to 12 ounces.  We have another appointment with Dr. T on Monday and we're hoping he's gained enough weight to start cutting the night feedings even more.

Ok, so here's the *really* good news.   

Drumroll please .....

Bub ... is ... nibbling!

I won't go so far as to say "eating" (not quite yet), but he's definitely going in the right direction.  He's learning that food can be fun and isn't going to hurt him.  He's showing interest, pointing to things, and not spitting the food out as soon as it hits his tongue.

None of this might seem like a big deal, but around here IT'S A REALLY BIG DEAL! 

Here's a list of the things he's eaten (or at least tried) over the past 10 days or so.  The first couple are the obvious ones, the ones he's eaten before, but the rest are brand new to him.

- Mandarin oranges

- Pears
- Banana
- Graham crackers

- Pirates Booty

- Chicken noodle soup

- String cheese

- Green beans (and lots of them)

- Waffles

- Brownie

- Shortbread cookie with icing

- Dinner roll

- Hashbrowns

- Cheerios

So what changed?  Well, a couple things.

We don't force him to eat only in his highchair.  It was suggested that we do it this way, but my Mom-instinct told me he's not going to be the type of kid that only eats in one place.  So if he wants to eat on the ground, in his stroller, or while doing laps around the house, it's better than not eating at all.  Basically we let him snack anytime he wants, anywhere he wants. 

We added routine to meal times.  Breakfast is at 8ish (because Fin has to put her patch on at 8:30), lunch at 1:30ish, and dinner at 5:30ish.  Give or take when they get up in the morning, how long they nap, and what's going on that day.  We also "drive" the highchairs into the dining room before each meal, and "park" them back in the kitchen after we're done.  I always sit and eat with them at the table, and when dh is home he does too.  When they're done eating, they give the sign for "all done" and I get each of them a warm washcloth to clean their hands and face. 

And lastly, when he wants to, we let him feed himself.  Oma bought him a silverware set from Ikea that he loves.  And I must say, I do too.

Bright colors.  Dishwasher safe.  Oversized.  And did I mention the entire set was only $1.99?

Mostly he just plays drums with the spoon and fork, but more and more he's starting to put them to his mouth.  Of course I'd prefer there was food involved when he did this, but even the motion of eating is good too.

We've found all of this has added just the right amount of structure and expectation around eating.  He knows what happens during meal times, but he can also snack whenever he wants.

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