Saturday, April 30, 2011

Ava's new diet...

I decided to go ahead and put Ava back on her blenderized diet after to many reflux-y events. The doctor has been out of town and I just didn't want to make Ava suffer through any more formula. She has also been dealing with an ear infection, so we've had a bit more crying...which means a lot more vomiting...which means a VERY unhappy mommy!

I saw a nutritionist within the last month to help guide me with Ava's diet. OK, actually, I walked into the office in tears and begged her to "Just tell me what to feed my child!!!" My last formulation was too high in fiber and caused things to move through her digestive tract too fast thereby causing her to mal-absorb nutrients. I just wanted a few recipes...I was sick of thinking and analyzing and worrying and second-guessing...SOMEBODY TELL ME WHAT TO DO FOR A CHANGE!!!!!! Somebody who has some common sense and knows what the H*LL they're talking about.

After two and a half years, I finally got what I've been begging for. Within a week, I had 2 recipes created by a therapeutic chef...one is fruit and yogurt based and the second is veggie and broth based. Both recipes give me the ability to easily substitute ingredients to give Ava a variety of foods within a weeks time. It's the actual measurements that were so important to me. 1 cup of fruit...simple and easy...any fruit...just use 1 cup of it. 2 TBSP tahini...can be almond butter or peanut butter...just use 2 TBSP. So many combinations and variations!  

After making the recipes and calculating out the calories, I realized Ava was going to be a bit short each day. So...I called the nutritionist and within a few hours, I had the additions and quantities needed to boost the calories in each recipe.

It's amazing to have some REAL help with all of this. I feel a weight being lifted from my shoulders. It's wonderful! I'm sure we will have to continue to tweak the recipes, but I finally have some help ...some support. 

Ava's body is LOVING being back on real food! She's not reflux-y at all and her stools were back to normal the first day. She fell and bumped her cheek today. Even with some pretty good crying, she didn't so much as gag once. On formula...every drop would have come spewing out of her. I'm so glad to have her back on real nutrition. It makes her feel good...and that makes me feel good.


Ava sings the ABCs...SO CUTE!!!!










Monday, April 25, 2011

Not much new here...

There really hasn't been much new info to report. 


We're enjoying being dogless...the house feels cleaner, with less responsibility, less guilt, and a little less chaos. I miss Apollo, but his life is AMAZING now! I get lots of updates and he's doing really great. I'm sure we'll see him really soon...I can't imagine he misses us at all!


As far as Ava is concerned, she just had a blood panel last week and her iron level was just below normal. She is still on her canned formula and seems to be getting a bit "reflux-y" and "gag-y" (those are real medical terms...right?). I spent some time with a nutritionist who has designed 2 formulas for Ava which are more balanced than mine, and I have asked her doctor if I can get her back on real food. The doctor is on vacation (what a surprise) until next week, so we'll wait.


I don't normally ask permission to do things when it comes to Ava's well being, but I feel like her current doctors are truly on our side in all of this. Her GI asked to be "kept in the loop" as far as her formula goes, so I don't want to offend or alienate the first doctor that has actually taken a real interest in our case and allowed (and respected) my opinion.


So, for now, that's all I've got. Life has been pretty normal around here with school, gymnastics, and softball. Other than doing tube-feedings every 3 hours, I kinda feel like a regular family. Both girls are growing and thriving and we've been experiencing a lot more laughter and lightness. Life has felt far more "easy" over the last 6 months or so. We are eternally grateful for the reprieve, and we're trying to enjoy every minute of it! 


Hopefully I'll have more soon.


Waiting for Playhouse Disney

Happy Girl

Zoe can ride the swing by herself!!! (When she wears her tall shoes...)

Swimming at Grandma & Grandpa's

In over 300 visits to Disneyland over the last 4 years, we've NEVER seen this guy!!! Wish we'd had the girls autograph books.

Sweet girl