Day 2: Camp Nom Nom

Day 2 of 30

Our first real day of therapy! Her new schedule consists of taking more milk at a higher concentration at night and less in the day time to ensure she'd be hungry for food during her feeding times. They also changed her nap schedule and make her eat by mouth all the time. Kids do NOT like change at this age. So, of course Olivia woke up on the wrong side of the bed, and so did I. We had a rough first night adjusting to a new place. She tossed and turned all night, so of course, I had to get up a lot to readjust and soothe.
 

Her crib/cage with anti-climbing bubble

First up: a feeding session without mom. They have special rooms to feed the kids, stocked with toys and videos, as well as a one way mirror. Parents can observe through another room, but the program recommends that we don't watch for the first week or so. After the first session, I could understand why. I could hear her scream and scream from the hallways and I don't think I could have beared watching it, too. As it was, I was close to losing it and wanted to tell her it was ok. When she came out, she had red eyes but was fine as soon as she was put in my arms. So mommy wasn't the bad guy for abandoning her. Whew!

Then she had occupational therapy, which is just playtime. There, she had a ball. No, literally, she had a ball which she wouldn't let go. She also played with sand, shaving cream, drew with crayons, and a whole bunch of toys. And guess what? She didn't have to share with Sophia! In speech therapy, she cried less and actually played with pureed pears, but didn't eat any. That's what she normally does at home, so we are seeing her true patterns now.

Her next two feeds were much better: She actually let the feeding tech put a dry spoon in her mouth after 5-8 minutes of whining, pouting, fake crying/coughing. The trick was for the tech to play with a toy and if she wanted to play, she had to take a bite. Kids with feeding issues are obviously not food-motivated, so we can't bribe with yummy sweets or fun snacks. Oh my, did she learn fast. Because her last meal of the day, she tried sugar instead of salt - she tried smiling her way to get the toy instead. She ended up graduating up to taking a few dips of applesauce - 2 whole grams!

After dinner, she got to play with other kids and mess up their game of Candyland. She's starting to settle in and recognize the people around here. Olivia loves walking around the place and people watching. We'd taken a self-tour of the place and she likes all the bright colors, but especially all the murals of hot air balloons, which she calls "bubble." It's her new word.

What a successful first day! We had the full spectrum of tantrums to smiles. Great start to the program. Let's just keep the momentum going.