Out of desperation I decided to try giving Gavin a sucker to lick, to see if he'd tolerate it in his mouth or not. He isn't allowed to have fluids by mouth due to the aspiration of them into his lungs, but he's allowed to eat pureed foods. Unfortunately, he hasn't really liked anything in his mouth since having his stroke and puts up such a fight, that I had basically given up trying to feed him by mouth. Yesterday I tried a sucker. He seemed to love it! (Of course! Since it's not healthy or beneficial to him in any way!) Anyway, he didn't gag at all and seemed really interested in the whole process! I'm not sure if it's because I let him hold it with my help, which may have made him feel like he was in control of the situation? Or, if he really wanted something in his mouth due to teething? Or, if he just liked the taste of it? In any case, I'm just excited that he enjoyed it and that we may be on our way to eating by mouth someday! Here are some pictures of him enjoying it:
Gavin told his brothers that if they would just hold out long enough, like he did, Mom would let them have suckers for dinner instead of brussel sprouts! Jacob, Nolan and Caleb thought this was a great idea! We always knew Gavin was a smart one! :)
"How sweet are Your words to my taste. Sweeter than honey to my mouth!" Psalm 119:103
10 comments:
What a sweet sticky face!!
He is so cute chomping down on that sucker! Looks like he's having a great time :)
How's "school" going for you? Haven't heard anything since you went to the open house. Hope you're both finding it beneficial.
I love reading about Gavin's development! I'm so excited to read about how he's coming along. What a great discovery, Alicia! Somewhere out there there must be a company that makes healthy suckers (broccoli, beans, or apple flavored?). What will this boy do next?
Way to go big boy!
My Mama has a penchant for those lolly pops too!
You certainly look like you enjoyed it!
What a cutie!!
Huge snogs from the Bernard Bunch
I just love those pictures!!! Our ST started Alex off with suckers, Alex never liked them, I think it was that she was sticking them in his mouth.
I say go with the sucker thing for now, the more he tolerates that, the closer you are to other things like pureed brussel sprouts!!!
That baby is too cute for words! My daughter Marie (18 mo's also tube fed, supplimental though she eats by mouth some) loves suckers too! As for the nutritional benefit, who cares?! If it makes them happy, then there's more benefit to it than words can say! Thanks for your comment on my blog, I look forward to hanging around and getting to know Gavin and your family:) My nephew is named Gavin also, he's almost 1 year to the day younger!
What great progress! He's a smart one, that Gavin...he totally has his mama fooled! ;o)
Oh that is so awesome! I'm glad that you have found something that he will allow in his mouth- and enjoy! I say let him go to it. It will get those mouth muscles moving, good practice for real eating!!!!! Yea, I am so happy for you guys!
Cindy (TJ's mom)
this is so great and what cute photos! Abbs love them too. I get the little round ones so she does not bite down and get a chunk in her mouth. LOVE IT! You go buddy!
Love it!! Thanks for posting so many pictures lately. I love seeing all the boys grow and especially Gavin's progress. Can't wait to see you next weekend for the Buddy Walk.
Love,
Julie
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