In Food News

We got dismissed from food therapy last week.  She doesn't feel like she can help him any more.  Which is great news.  He's doing great, or at least appears to be in the "normal" range for kids his age.  And we've widened his meal choices by at least 10 items and that's such a win.  I have veggies I can get in him, so that's a win, and varying sources of protein and carbs.  All wins.

Success, success, success.

We have a new chart system.  Obviously the prize for new food system wasn't going to work long term (foods are only new once, after all).  So now we have a new chart that encourages volume.  Eat everything on your plate and you can put a star on the chart.  For every ten stars you can pick a prize out of the prize bag.  For 20, 30, 40, 50 stars you get a designated lego set.

He wants this.  I don't remember where he first saw it but he's remembered it and has said he wants it for Christmas.  It is now my motivator to increase volume at the table.

I have reservations with the "clear your plate" idea, but he has grown taller and he's not putting on pounds.  He needs more intake.  He does 4tbs of protein and then 4tbs of fruit or veggie.  I need to double that to meet his caloric needs.  He does 500 calories from pediasure, but if I ever want to save the $40 a month I'm spending on that garbage … he needs to eat more.  Hence, the "clear your plate" rewards strategy.  It's not perfect, but it's working.

It is hard though because the attitude is very different for his brother.  I put the food in front of him.  He eats what he wants.  I don't push it.  He ate three servings of green beans today.  I felt like dancing.  He turns his nose up at veggies most days.  But anyway he doesn't have to clear his plate.  Eventually he's going to want stars to but at least stars I can give away for chores or things too.

Almost 2 is a good age.  He is less obedient that I'd like but I think that's going to be true his whole life.  He's talking or trying to talk.  He says, "Mom!" very importantly.  Then a pause.  Then "Gabba rama dobie."  Or something.  But it's very important.  He says juice box for sure.  When I say "water" back he kind of lets out an indigant sigh then says "wata."  Almost like he has to try for the juice first, just to see if I'll say yes.

G is giving up naps.  Which is sad because it puts him at odds with his mom who is not giving up his nap.  He is loving sci-tech camp this week and he has one more week in July.  It's pretty neat place.  It appeals to him and D both which is great.  G needs to practice more fine motor skill stuff, like unscrewing bottles and squeezing things.  I have confidence he'll get there.  Most adults can unscrew a peanut butter jar unaided.

So far so good this summer.  Lots more planned.  Two playdates this week and the Perot Museum next week and Wisconsin, Lake with friends, movies, snow cones, ice cream … kid heaven this summer.