Bye-Bye Honey

This post is about a month over due!

Some of you may recall that we started feeding therapy with Robbie when he turned 13 months.  At that point he was getting all of his liquids from a dropper. He wasn't strong enough to use a bottle or sippee. We then found out he was aspirating on all liquids and the thickened liquids wouldn't even come out of a bottle or sippee.  Our wonderful ST, Blaire, introduced us to Honey Bear (a honey bear with an oxygen tube coming out of it). With it we were able to squeeze the thickened liquid safely and easily into his mouth. 

It took a long time to build the strength in his face, lips, tongue, etc so that he was able to suck the liquid out on his own.  Even more time to be able to suck ALL the liquid out without getting too fatigued.  I am happy to say he has made it!!!  In November we were able to say goodbye to Honey Bear! 

Robbie can now drink all his milk, water and juice from a regular straw sippee cup  :D  Not only that but he is beginning to be much more independent in all of his eating. He eats 2 to 4 veggie straws four or five days a week, eats his oatmeal on his own, eats much of his lunch on his own, and requests fruit puree pouches for snacks!  So very exciting!!!

We still have a long way to go and appreciate any prayers you have for him. Thanks for joining in our happiness!