Dec 12, 2009

15 Happy Bites!

I backed off feeding therapy a long time ago. Just when Ainsley would do well and I pushed her a little she would regress. So now I don't ever push too hard. I just let her set the pace and praise her when she does eat. When she says she's done (with a head shake) I stop. Over the last week or so her eating has improved. Lately she stops at bite # 8 or 9. Sometimes sooner. (I think she fatigues and starts to micro-aspirate.) Today she ate 15 bites of her pureed food! It's so great to see HER approach the spoon and smile when she eats. Lately it looks to me as if the tonsils perhaps aren't as large as they once were even though it's still red. So I'll be curious if her ENT agrees when she goes in for surgery in February. (There have been no cancellations and now we are too close to her brow surgery in January.) I wonder if that could be a factor in the improvement. But she's also not sick so I think she has a bigger air leak so maybe she can just taste more. Who knows. I'm just happy for her and hope it continues.


Click on the picture below to see it larger. How cute is that?! She is so thrilled with herself!

9 comments:

  1. Susan, I am so happy for Ainsley! She is the best! Feel free to visit my blog. I'm sure you'll find something there that may be able to help you. I'm loving watching her grow and develop! So much fun!

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  2. Yayyyyyy!!!!! She looks so happy and excited. Even if its only 1 or 2 bites, if she's smiling when she eats, then it's progress.

    I did click on the picture. Too cute!!

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  3. How great! She looks so very proud of herself. My son is starting feeding therapy in a few weeks and I am nervous about the pushing food on him as well.

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  4. OMG Susan, Ainsley looks fantastic and like such a big girl. I love her excitment, it brought a much needed smile to my face. Kep up the hard work---Stephanie

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  5. Susan that is great!
    Leaps and bounds I tell you, that's how it started for Gage. The boy has amazing stength now that he "eats" he loves his food now!

    Great job Ainsley!

    Hugs,
    Lisa

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  6. Susan I have no idea why my new blog posts won't update for anyone, even my blogger profile visits never update.

    Janis tried giving a few suggestions but those didn't work either.

    Stumped over the glitches.

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  7. Great feeding news. Take it as it comes! I haven't been on in awhile. Great pics! You have an adventurous tike on your hands!

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  8. What a great job Ainsley!!!!!!!!!!!

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