Progress

About a month ago we met with the speech therapist at the hospital and the dietitian to talk about switching Lilah over to pediatric formula because of her age. Pediatric formula contains different nutrients than baby formula that is more age-appropriate as they get older. However it is also more expensive.

Fortunately for us because it's medically necessary insurance is able to cover part of the cost. But the most amazing thing is that pediatric formula has more calories which means we can feed her less food and still make sure she's getting enough to gain weight. With the baby formula we were feeding her five times a day: four while she was awake and one after she fell asleep at night. I was waking up at 4:30 every morning for the first feed in order to make sure we had enough time in between feeds that she could get hungry at least a little bit.

With this new formula now we can feed her four times a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner and I feed her one time after she's gone to sleep at night.

Since switching to the formula a fews weeks ago her appetite has increased and eating solids has increased significantly! We have been careful to make sure that were taking her favorite foods and mixing it up a little bit so she doesn't get burned out on them. However every day she surprises me by being willing to except something new.

Just last night for the first time she took her reflux medications by mouth right before bedtime. I have been trying to get this to happen for months. It seems fitting that yesterday was also a year from the day that we brought her home from the hospital. It was a great day!

Recently I was showing the doctor who delivered the children pictures of them and how they've grown. That's when I realize that almost every single picture I have of Lilah is when she is eating. I guess if you didn't know the situation it would probably seem pretty strange.

I can't thank you all enough for the prayers and support that you have given us over last year and a half. She still have some work to do with accepting liquids but she's making progress with food in leaps and bounds.

Now the challenge is going to be making sure that she's getting enough nutrition and gaining weight without needing the tube. We still use the tube for every feed just to make sure she's getting enough nutrients and hydration.