Feeding Update

Oh feeding...One of Gabe's big issues. Yes we still have the feeding tube. The good news is, we went to GI last week and Gabe weighed in at 25lbs 8oz. That is 50th% on the DS growth chart. His height was 80th% on the DS growth chart. They were very pleased with his weight gain and the variety of foods seen in his 3 day diet record. We dropped his last 3oz of tube feed. He is now eating all of his calories. This is a major accomplishment. I am so proud of Gabe (and our entire family) for making this progress. Now we just need to focus on the drinking for hydration. We tried to teach Gabe how to suck out of a straw, but he never got the technique down. We were using the "honey bear" training cup for a year to help him learn to suck out of it. As much as we tried, we had to help him and could never get more than 15oz/day in him. So, we are taking a different focus now and really concentrating on giving Gabe control and developing his technique and then focusing on volume. We are back to a tip cup. I recently started him on a new Avent cup that I really like. He's getting a little better with the coordination of cup tipping. Hopefully he'll catch on. At least it is now just one thing to focus on...drinking. As far as when the tube can come out...we don't know. As soon as Gabe decides to drink 25oz a day, then it will come out. Trust me...we will let you know. We will have a tube removal party don't you worry!Took the kids to see the butterfly exhibit at Krohn this weekend. Both of them are so busy and life is a little crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.