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January 21, 2013

Feeding Freedom!!

Last week was a very, VERY happy week because we got our first feed in through a syringe and not the pump.  This means I can now attach the feeding tube to Abiella's button on her stomach and insert a syringe full of formula.  Boom. Easy.  Fast.  The pump, (which allowed the food to insert her belly at a slower rate) took 3 times as long and required bags, an IV pole, etc, etc, etc... Long story short, the first successful feed with the syringe was a HUGE deal in our house. Like a REALLY huge deal.

Photo: 2nd day putting a syringe straight into the feeding tube to feed Abi!! No pump!! (ie no 20 minute setup time, no iv pole, no bags...) SWEET FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!

Then on Thursday, Abi's nutritionist gave us a higher calorie formula to start using. She suggested we devote three days to transition Abi to the new food while simultaneously increasing her day feeds and getting her off of the night feeds. A pretty tall (but exciting) order. We decided the weekend was a perfect time to do this and other than two minor vomiting episodes it went really well...

Saturday we needed to have a pretty low-key day while Abi's stomach got used to the new situation... So, it was deemed a "palette day."  Few things are better than a good palette. Sidenote: I've discovered that some of my friends didn't use this term growing up. I'm not talking about a wooden palette.  I'm talking about a stack of blankets and cozy pillows that you lay on in the middle of a living room floor... we used to make them during sleepovers, or if you were sick and wanted to be in the living room by the fire, or if you just wanted to stretch out for a Saturday in front of the TV.  Pallets are THE. BEST. and the best place to take a nap. Hands down.


By the afternoon, Abi was feeling good and we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather.


I was getting serious cabin fever, so 55 degrees and sunny was nothing short of a miracle. (It's now 28 degrees as I type this... warm weather come back!)


By Saturday night we had successfully increased all of Abiella's day feeds, so she went to bed withOUT the pump. Oh my gosh- what a feeling.  We just tucked her into bed... no cord attached to her belly... no worries she would roll over and snap the entire button out of her stomach... no 30 minutes setting up the pump, no cleaning the bag, no priming the tubes... just a book, prayers, and tucking her in.  SO. NICE.

Oh sweet freedom!  As I type this I'm staring at the massive IV pole hanging beside her bed... I think I'll move that sucker to the garage today.  Forward motion!  Woohoo!!!

mae

PS- Abiella fell asleep at 9:30 last night!!! Woohoo!!!  (She had been falling asleep near 2 in the morning...)  This did mean, however, that she woke up at 4am - but who doesn't want a little Shel Silverstein and double rainbows in your life before sunrise? I'll take it.

Alright friends- how was your weekend??

13 comments:

Stacie@hometownperch said...

Congratulations on the feeding progress. What a gift!

I've never heard the term palette days but we have them often. And yes, they are the best.

Thank you for sharing Abi's journey. I don't comment often but seeing an update about your girl pop up in my reader always brings a smile to my face.

Because of Jackie said...

Well aren't you just the cutest mama:) So happy that things are looking up and you can enjoy more time with your girl w/out that pump! Here's to thinking getting better and better for you and your family:)

Kimberly said...

Pallets are the best. :). And hanging out on a pallet makes a great memory. :)

Sarah said...

Yay for no more tube! Why can't you just feed her the formula from a bottle? Can't she suck? Glad she's getting better

Mae said...

@Sarah- a bottle would be easier wouldn't it? She aspirates on liquids- thus the need for a feeding tube.

Allyson McGuire said...

I'm so glad things are going to well for y'all! Abiella is precious, and I know you're so excited for all these steps...also, you're so right about pallets...the best!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the new feeding process! That is so wonderful that everything is moving along so well :D
I've never heard of a palette before (well, other than the wooden ones) - I've been missing out!

Di said...

Way to go Abiella!! What a great weekend!

It's Sooo Fluffy said...

So glad she's doing well!

Jessica said...

praise God that she is able to just be fed with a tube and not the iv pole and everything else that was required before :) I am so glad that she continues to do well and happy that you are getting more sleep! Thanks for keeping us updated on her progress. It means a lot to be along for the journey!

Sara said...

Love that Abi is improving. Praying that she has many more feeding successes!

Jodi said...

Congrats on reaching this new milestone. That is awesome. I hope w/ each day that past that Abi gets healthier and stronger. It seems she is thriving in your care. Adoption is so awesome!!

Unknown said...

I am THRILLED to have found your blog! I am an adoptive momma to be as well! We are adopting through foster care and I am beyond happy to see your whole section on adoption! Okay, so I am going to stop commenting now & keep reading! :)