The Crusade for Calories

So, the newest struggle we have had to deal with lately is that Luke is not gaining weight and is really not growing like he should. He has been 22 pounds for the past 6 months. His 1 year old cousin weighs about that much. So, we have been trying to figure out how to add more calories to his diet. He is still on the gluten free/dairy free diet. Adding those two food groups would definitely add calories, but at what cost? Would he then be sick all the time? Would being snotty and yuck all the time cause him to stop making progress? So, for now, I am making every meal count- packing as many calories as possible in one bowl.

We still puree. He eats better when we do that. He doesn't choke and get frustrated. It is really hard to vary foods when you have to puree everything. I am concerned that his doctor is going to think we are starving him. So many of these little issues that come with having a child with a disability almost look like parenting problems instead of what they really are. It is trying to meet needs that are completely different than that of a typically developing toddler.

I guess I am realizing that my life with my child with a disability is totally different. It will always be completely different. We will see more doctors and therapists than other people will see in their lifetimes. We will have to go through therapies and Individual Education Plans (IEP's) and BIP's (Behavior Intervention Plans). We will have to constantly try to solve the mysteries that lie within our son.

I would not trade it for the world!!!!