Discharge: in a totally non-yucky context.

Today was a big, big day in our household. After YEARS of Occupational Therapy, hours of one on one and group work, and countless gray hairs, we have finally been discharged from feeding group. Yes, did you hear that? I should be shouting from the roof tops!

WE HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED FROM FEEDING GROUP!!!! WE DO NOT HAVE OT EVERY WEEK ANYMORE. EVAN IS EATING LIKE A NORMAL CHILD!!!!!!!

Two years with Miss Terri, once a week, an additional weekly session with Miss Stacey for six months of those two years. Six months with Miss Kim and Miss Suzie in feeding group, and we are done. D-O-N-E. Done. Seriously.

Evan has been eating regularly for about 3 months now. I know I documented the start of it here. And while I may not have been diligent about updates on the eating front...lets just say that Evan has been consistently eating everything I put in front of him. From pancakes to pizza, from BBQ ribs to chicken satay, from chicken masala to tacos. He *is* "Lightning McQueen the eating machine" as he was dubbed by Grammie. Some days he even out eats Ryan, which is quite a feat for that boy can put it down. (I may have also subconsciously avoided talking about it here for fear of jinxing it!)

I've continued to challenge Evan with different textures and tastes. He has risen to and well above the challenge. Yay Evan!

We have been laughing at group because now the kids just eat everything. In all sorts of random combinations, hot or cold, crunchy or squishy. Six months ago, it would take Evan the entire hour to swallow one bite of pasta. Three months ago it took fifteen minutes per bite. Today, he ate a hot dog in a bun in five minutes. (And then proceeded to eat a taco and some ice cream.)

It's been coming for a while. We've are approved for sessions in increments of 6, and this was 6 of 6 on this authorization, so we were pretty sure this was our last day.

At the end of group our Therapists, Miss Suzie and Miss Kim presented Evan with a certificate of completion.

I should have posted pics of the actual certificates, but Evan's says:

"Graduation Day Presented to Evan for successful completion of the Little Steps for Little Feeders!"

That's it. We have matriculated.


Ryan, who was not really a patient, also received a certificate his says:

"The supportive Big Brother Award presented to Ryan, with appreciation for your unwavering support of Evan through Little Steps for Little Feeders."


We had a few last words to say,


some smiles and hugs,



high fives for Miss Alison,


and the other Miss Alison,


and that is it.

Another chapter of our preemie-hood has been completed. We have successfully navigated this eating challenge and now Mommy and Daddy just have to remember to treat Evan like a normal kid. It's hard not to be obsessed with food and calorie counts with him, but with each passing day and each passing meal it gets easier. (especially when he eats half of a Phil's pulled pork sandwich, and a few ribs in a single sitting.)

I want to thank all of the therapists, doctors, and support people who have walked this journey with us. All of our supportive family and friends, who have encouraged, cajoled, bribed, made up silly songs (we still sing the pasta song Eric and Mary), and what ever you did to help us get to this point.

Now...

who can get them to eat their vegetables? Anyone? Anyone?