Tuesday, March 16, 2010

We are turning a corner...

...with this feeding stuff, I think.

Ever since beginning solids with Dylan, we've had our share of struggles. For over a year, Dylan had battled what we thought was severe reflux. However, after various procedures and then finally an endoscopy, we have come to understand that there is a high likelihood that Dylan has Celiac Disease. I have since stopped giving him anything with gluten and have seen remarkable improvements. Seriously remarkable.

So, once we made the decision to put Dylan on a completely gluten-free diet, we then had to begin getting Dylan more comfortable and controlled with gluten-free table foods.

For the longest time, whenever we placed any type of food on his tray, he would pick it up, ever so gently, look at it between his little fingers, and then proceed to fling it (quite forcefully, too!) across the room. That gradually changed to picking things up, again, gently, and leaning his arm over the side of his booster chair and dropping the food down to the dogs waiting below. He was gaining more control, but still wasn't eating anything.

Each time I tried to put the food into his mouth, he would either spit it out or would choke and gag on it.

We took small breaks, but gradually, always came back to it. I switched our OT from every week to every other - it was beginning to become a stressful situation and I knew that that wouldn't help.

Then, very recently, Dylan got quite sick, so again, we took a break. When we came back to it this time, it was different. Something clicked. He began to put the food in his mouth, chew it and swallow. He appeared to enjoy it as well. And, just like he does now when getting into sit, every time he puts a piece of food in his mouth, he cheers for himself! Many times now, I have put small pieces of food on his tray and have walked away, only to look back at him and see him sitting there clapping away - obviously proud that he's accomplished another skill.

A couple of weeks ago, we had a visit with a dietician through Children's Hospital. She gave us some decent gluten-free food ideas to try with Dylan. So this weekend, Cass and I headed to Trader Joes to see what we could find for Dylan. (Ahem, and for us - and can I just say - those chocolate covered pretzels are RIDICULOUSLY amazing?!!)

They had a pretty decent selection of gluten-free foods to choose from and it felt good, looking for real food for Dylan.

He's done well with what we've tried so far. Gluten-free English muffins, mac and cheese, pancakes, waffles...

He's getting there, he is. We have definitely turned a corner - I can see progress, now, whereas for a while there, I wasn't sure I could, and that concerned me. I remember mentioning before that we had been blazing through about 9 jars of baby food a day and now, little by little, we are moving away from that. And that's a very good thing...

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Do you have a child with Celiac Disease? If so, I would love to hear some suggestions for food ideas. I'm building a list, and would love to add to it. : ) Thank you!

11 comments:

heidi marie said...

I am so glad Dylan is eating more and more on his own, and that you guys have figured out what is really going on. I should ask my girlfriend for some recipes for you. She is a nutritionist and went to cooking school. She has both her kiddie on a gluten free diet.

Leigh Anne said...

I'm so glad for this milestone Laurie!!! We struggle with pickiness, oy. but i'm so glad dylan is doing so well! my nephew has celiac disease (though he was diagnosed at 14 instead of as an infant because his pedi sucked!)...but he enjoyes potatoes and meats. He wasn't a real fan of cheese but has learned to like it.

Our grocery store has a huge selection of GF foods. It's a Kroger...not sure if you have one of those where you live...Fred Meyer & QFC ar affiliates though. I miss TJs :) I'm glad you've found some foods there thay D likes. I'm sure you know this already, but watch for things like soy sauce or salad dressings...they'd seem to be GF, but they aren't...so weird what all those ingredients are!

I'll ask my SIL for some of her recipes & email you :)

Unknown said...

I have issues with gluten and have had for years not. Gabriel is on a gluten free diet due to the fact that it is just easier to feed him what I am eating. Many stores are putting more and more gluten free foods on their shelves. I have found that theses two cookbooks have become my favorite because they offer quick and easy recipes.
http://www.amazon.com/Incredible-Edible-Gluten-Free-Food-Kids/dp/1890627283/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268765076&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Wheat-Free-Gluten-Free-Cookbook-Adults-Second/dp/0071627472/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268765076&sr=8-2
If you have any questions feel free to email me at erinelisepurdy@gmail.com

Michelle said...

Laurie - I would love to connect with you. We are only two+ months into our journey but have been fairly successful. Matthew is almost 4 and we have two other children so I know how it is to incorporate into the family. Do you have a Wegman's near you? They are hands down the best GF friendly place we have found. I have to jump off the computer but again would like to connect. My address is rayfamily02at yahoo.com

Dylan is adorable!

Derek, Kenzee and Gage said...

Dylan you are so amazing! I love that he KNOWS it, too! He should be so proud! I loved watching him throw his arms up in the air as he cheered for himself in that video!

j*e*n said...

Hooray for you guys!! I'm glad that Dylan is starting to enjoy eating. :) Hope the progress continues!

Christi Harrison said...

oh my goodness. Jimmy flings or drops his food on the floor all the time. He isn't allergic to the food though...he just likes to do it. good luck finding foods. below is a site with how to make different kinds of baby/toddler food. you can search gluten free foods.
http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/index.htm good luck!
Christi (and Jimmy)

Jocelyn said...

Sounds like he is doing great! Maybe he can come teach Myles how to eat all that food. Such a relief to see real progress, huh? You need to clap for yourself too and all the hard work you've done with him.

Amy said...

I'm glad you found a reason for the eating issues. I hope now it will become easier for all of you.

Anonymous said...

Way to go Laurie and Dylan! Our oldest, Anne (Whitney's sister), was allergic to peanuts, eggs and wheat (she is no longer allergic to wheat, but still is allergic to eggs and peanuts). Yes, we know all about Trader Joe's, alternative foods, reading labels, bringing our own food to restaurants, watching what she puts in her mouth, etc. Hang in there. Pretty soon it all becomes second nature. Laura has mastered what it is Anne can and can't eat. I am constantly asking "can Anne eat this?" Anne is now the age where she knows what she can and can't eat and she loves to tell her dad "no dad, I can't eat that....it will make me sick....you're wrong."

Amy and Aaron said...

SO glad to hear you might have an answer!! Dylan is adorable as always, and we loved the video of him sitting up! WTG, Dylan!