Well, Eli has almost hit the half-way point of his stay at Our Children's House (if we end up only staying 4 weeks). It has been an eventful and exciting 2 weeks!
First off, let me say just how proud I am of my family, as a whole. There are two major differences between this admission and Eli's last stay here back in 2012: We live MUCH closer now and Ella is here (I was pregnant with her during Eli's first admission). So this stay has definitely been a balancing act with Adam working and taking care of Ella then me being here with Eli and working from the hospital..... then the big switch every weekend with Adam staying with Eli and me going home to be with Ella for a day or two. It hasn't been easy, but we've found a pretty good rhythm and it has worked out really well. Today was also the first time that the kids really got to spend a good amount of time together. We attempted it last weekend, but Ella really didn't seem to like being at the hospital, so she and I headed back to Granbuy just an hour or so after she and Adam got here. So living closer this time around has definitely been a plus, but making sure that Ella doesn't get lost in the shuffle has been a big challenge. But with the temporary routine Adam and I have worked out, along with my Mom and Dave coming up for a few days to help us spoil (and take care of) the kids, we've managed really well! Eli and Ella got so excited when they first saw each other. It melted this Momma's heart!
And Eli.... WOW! I am SUPER proud of him, as we all are. After being at roughly the same weight for the past 2-3 years, he has gained almost 3 pounds since being here! I giggle when I tell people that he has a little 'pudge' in his belly now! That's something we've never really seen before and it's such a wonderful sight!!! The therapists and other professionals here have really been working hard to help Eli learn to eat, while also helping to manage his stress and anxiety. They seem to have found a good plan for introducing new foods and working them into Eli's diet. Hopefully in the next week or so, Adam and I will be introduced into meal times and will also be taught how to work their plan into our lives at home.
For those who don't know the process here, the first week or two is spent with Eli in a "Feeding Room" with a therapist. Parents do not go to feeds at this point because the therapists are trying to do several things at this point: they want to break any bad eating habits that the parents and kids may have as well as get an opportunity to observe the child and learn their eating habits, strengths and weaknesses. Then, about half-way through, parents are taken to an "Observation Room" where they can view feeding sessions and learn key phrases to use during meals and see how the therapists work through meals, especially rough spots when kiddos are resistant or having difficulty. The last phase it bringing the parents in to be involved in preparing meals and actually participating in meal times. So, hopefully we will start observing soon!
Their plan so far has been to introduce 'table versions' of the pureed foods that he is already eating, like sweet potato, carrots, pears, apples, etc. So instead of being smooth purees, they are mashed or slightly blended, so they are thicker and have a different texture and consistency. He's also eating some of the breakfast bars and cookies (EnjoyLIfe brand, which is one of our favorite products!) that are more dense than the soft Snickerdoodles that he is used to. Eli has really responded well to this. The other day, he told Adam that he didn't like the sweet potatoes (because of the texture and consistency), but he ate them anyway! Adam had a major proud daddy moment!
I think one of the most difficult parts of this admission is the fact that Eli is older. He is such a smart kid anyway, but this time around, he is really struggling with being in a hospital for so long, not able to get out and do the normal things that we are so used to. I get anxious and have to leave every few days, even if it's just to go walk around a store or something. I can't imagine not being able to leave at all for an entire 1 to 1 1/2 months! He has hit a bit of a wall, which is normal for this point in the process. He's more clingy than normal and doesn't want to leave me or Adam. Meltdowns happen fairly regularly at this point. It's hard to imagine for some people, but for Eli.... eating isn't fun. It is stressful. It is hard work. It's a scary thing with a lot of bad memories.
But he's taking on the challenge like to super star that he is and We couldn't be prouder of him and all the hard work that he does each and every day. Even being here and seeing him struggle, I can't fully comprehend how he feels or what thoughts are going through his head. But I do know that he's a fighter. He may only be 7 years old, but this kid, my sweet, funny, fun-loving boy, is my hero and I'm proud to call him that. He's accomplished so much in his 7 years on this Earth and I can't wait to see the adventures and experiences the good Lord has planned for him.
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