Monday was an amazing day. Emily was put to a new level of challenges at therapy this week. But before we get to that, I want to talk about what I saw this past weekend.
If you count every new flavor of the same food type (which with kids like Em you have to, because in her mind they are totally different foods) she now eats 15 NEW FOODS. She didn't even show up with 15 on her preferred list. She combines things in new ways, and eats totally new things that are still inside her texture comfort zone (but I couldn't get her to successfully accept).
We had our weekly video conference yesterday with her feeding team, and she has, for the first time since she started the program, gained weight. Her totals for food and fluid were above her needed amounts last week!
We started her on a prescription last week to stimulate her appetite. It is a common practice for kids in this kind of therapy, and we knew we needed to maximize the opportunity for her to succeed. We are taking the dosage slow and on the conservative side, but we think it is a good choice and she is doing very well with it.
When I introduced her to the purees as instructed by David and her feeding team, she had no hesitation even though it was totally new and in a new setting. She dug right in and ate it all. I cannot tell you what that was like to watch.
I cry every day with pride for this girl. I admire her strength and positivity. How she fits all that into her tiny little body I will never understand. I am honored to be part of her life. How lucky are we that we can say we are walking this journey with her, and cheering for her all along the way? Best of all, I get to be her mama.