Corn, Clementines and Squash

I know it's not a memorable picture but this picture is surely worth a thousand words to me!

One year ago about this time Shelby was having a hard time drinking. As I started weaning her from breastfeeding it was obvious she was having difficulties getting the liquids she needed. On top of that she would hardly eat anything other than those baby food pouches. About this point I had just barely convinced her to at least touch bread or a crust of pizza but hadn't succeeded in getting her to put it in her mouth. So my awesome pediatrician referred us to pediatric rehab where we met with a specialist to help Shelby.

We learned a lot. Found a drinking bottle Shelby relearned how to suck from. (It was a honey bear bottle with tubing inside it.) At these appointments we also learned she had major food aversions (mostly sensory). She liked dry crunchy things. Things that were wet and mushy like peaches or green beans she couldn't even have on her tray without freaking out. So the specialist taught us strategies to help Shelby overcome this. 

Man, was it slow! The first major success was corn. I remember celebrating as she downed it one night at dinner. Next it was rice. I couldn't believe she finally got brave enough to put it in her mouth and she never turned back! The next huge success was when she held a Clementine piece and put it to her mouth. One time she slightly bit into it! Next thing I know she ate two whole clementines for a snack! Couldn't have been happier! Then just a few days ago for dinner she was okay with squash on her plate and after eating one she couldn't stop! I was so excited because it's such a huge texture issue she overcame that I had to get a picture with her eating it, hanging out and all!

It has been a process but wow has she come a long way from just one year ago!

Way to rock it Shelby! Keep it up!