Day #13........... Taste of Apple Juice

Today was a new day and a new challenge. Reese was introduced to apple juice. My first thoughts were. We can do this! Reese has already taken water(very small amounts) from a spoon, so this was going to be a success....As I stood there and watched from outside her room. There were a million thoughts going through my mind. As the first spoon of apple juice touched her lips, my heart sank. I think I even stopped breathing for just a second. She accepted the spoon with a little gage and no vomiting. These were all good signs... As Annette continued the feeding session, with little refusal from Reese, she continued to handle it well.
It pains me to see her struggle with something that comes naturally for most people. Feeding is a struggle for Reese and this journey has only begun. I can just recently accept that this is a long road to hopefully what will be a happy ending. My heart is filled with so much sadness for what Reese and all of these children with feeding issues are going through.
I was just told that by Christmas, St Josephs Hospital(feeding & swallowing) will have treated their five hundredth child. The people at St Josephs continue to work hard and make every effort in helping our children to learn how to eat. Their love and dedication to these children continues to amaze me everyday! I know my daughter is in a great place at this difficult and challenging time in her life.

Thank you St Josephs for caring about our children!

Day #12....The Waiting Period

Today was like most days, getting our day started and driving to the clinic went well. We are seeing less and less vomiting from Reese, which indicates the new medicine(prevacid) seems to be working for her. Getting her reflux under control is a definite plus!
This week the doctors are working on desensitizing Reese's gage reflux. By doing this the feeder will try to get the spoon further back into her mouth and applying a little tongue pressure. After repeatedly doing this, it should hopefully help reduce the amount of times Reese gages. Before food can be introduced, Reese will need to handle the spoon and tongue pressure without gaging. I am not told when this will happen, but I pray often and think maybe today is the day.
This waiting period seems like forever. Many of us have experienced a time in our lives when we needed to wait for something or someone. Remembering each second that passed, we thought to ourselves, how could we possibly handle waiting any longer. Somehow we get through it. I do believe after this long journey, we all will be better from this experience, especially Reese!!!

Hang in there sweetie! We love you!
Mommy, Daddy, Nicholas & Mason
XO,XO,XO

Day #11.......Finding The Strength

Waking up to a new day, a new week, a new challenge. Those words are so scary inside my mind, not knowing what is ahead for all of us, especially little Reese. Two weeks behind us and two weeks to go. Yes, Reese has made great strides and continues to amaze all of us....the doctors, feeding therapists, occupational therapists, child care providers and even mom and dad. We are so proud of our little girl.

As we begin a new week, this is a difficult time for our family. Finding the strength to get up and deal with each new day as it comes, sometimes makes us forget who we are inside. When we are hurting, we tend to take our frustration out on those closest to us. We all deal with a tough situation in our own way. I do not believe one persons way is the right way. John and I have put each other and our feelings aside and sometimes forget that one person cannot do this alone. We together need each other. I would like John to know that he is a terrific father(#1 Dad) and a caring and loving husband. We will get through this together! Our daughter is so lucky to have such a great daddy! We love and miss you so much!!!

Lord Give Us The Strength....., To quell our fears...., Lord Give Us The Strength...., To fight our tears...., It's a rough, tough, world..., Every day’s a test..., But with hope and pride..., We’ll always do our best...., Still more and more...., We need your support...., So Lord Give Us The Strength....! ! !

Love,
mommy & Reese
xoxoxo