It's Like Winning the Lotto!

My little man has been in feeding therapy for about 4 years. Every therapist we come across says the same thing, that it's much easier to help a child overcome obstacles with gagging and choking on food than it is to ease them through the process of getting over fear and becoming less stubborn and more open to new foods. He has been eating American cheese for about a year and it took two Occupational Therapists well over a year to help him do that so we don't expect quick results, ever.

For the last couple weeks I have been going into the room during the feeding portion of his session and bringing my 3 year old in as well. He too is picky in other ways so we thought it could benefit them both to see each other eating and trying new techniques. It has been good so far and today was absolutely wonderful. Each week his therapist who we adore, offers him string cheese and she does everything from making rain out of the shredded strings to splitting it in half and making it an alligator that eats his other food. He does play with various foods including this, but doesn't eat them. Today while we were sitting around the table he was playing with the first string he pulled off and out of nowhere he just put the remaining stick of cheese in his mouth and took a huge bite. He then proceeded to not only finish his entire piece but took the piece his brother wasn't eating and ate that too! I just sat there with my eyes wide open. His therapist looked at me and told me not to react and not to scream and jump for joy so I just sat there smiling. She stayed calm and just told him that he could eat that at home too and that he likes it.. I felt like I won the Lottery!

Day in and day out we work on certain challenges. The last few steps of potty training that seem to go on forever and the ongoing worry that he isn't eating near as many food options as he should be. This was a huge step because not only do I have one more thing to pack in his lunch next year but it will also lead to yet another food that we can introduce.

We have an intense summer with a packed schedule and endless running from camp to camp and therapy to therapy. This break through today made all of the extra efforts and the stress that comes along with it, WELL worth it. It's just cheese I know, but to me it's the best gift, a pot of gold and a winning lottery ticket, rolled into one. A great day for us!