80 days of trying

I will never say again I know what it's like to try hard at something, and succeed.  While technically I have done this, I've also had full advantage of my health while doing so.  And most of the time, things I have had to work hard for have been "extras" in my life; being a more competitive Irish dancer, being a more accomplished flute player, being a stronger woman by taking care of my physical health and challenging myself. ... and the list goes on.  But I've never really had to try to accomplish what most consider an "everyday task" with so much intensity as Meagan has had to try to do the smallest things.

My other kids all started eating foods at different ages - none of them are the same... and they were all very different babies as well. Some ate earlier, some waited until finger foods.... some walked early, some went to PT for walking....but, they basically followed the "normal" schedule of things when it came to what babies do. 

As everyone knows, Meagan has been nursing great, which is such a blessing. And finally this past March, we were able to train her to take some breast milk or formula from a bottle.  But as time went on, and she started to grow more, she became more demanding with her need for food.  We thought about trying food at the 4, 5, or 6 month mark, but, truth be told, she just wasn't ready.  She still had a very strong tongue reflex, and didn't seem to know what to do with the food once it was in her mouth. I didn't mind her increased nursing, or needing to buy more formula for supplementation, but I wanted to give Meagan a chance to eat and see if she could adapt to some food.

Not liking food. At. All.

 I decided in April what I would do, is rather than "give up" or wait until some "magic date," I would just keep trying with her, a little bit everyday.  Letting her lick the spoon, feel the sensation of it in her mouth, try drops of different food on her tongue, and spit it all out again.  I wanted to let her process it in her own time, and figured, one day, she was bound to figure out how to swallow a little of it. 

Tonight, she was starting to fuss - her typical time she was hungry.  I got some sweet potatoes out of the fridge and decided to try again with her as I do everyday.  I let her feel the spoon and the food in her mouth....and then the funniest thing happened.  No food came back out! I gave her another little taste, and this time she spit it out. But I put it back in, and waited.  No food! She had swallowed it! I was so happy! I grabbed my camera and fed her a few more bites.  She did pretty well! In the end, she ate about 1/2 ounce of food! 

Good job Megs!

So, at 9 months old, after 80 days of trying, Meagan has enjoyed her first meal of 1/2 ounce of sweet potatoes.  She seemed very proud of herself.  And if you ask me, she should be! Everyday is a struggle to live her best life... and she just proved to herself the famous mantra "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!" Good job Meggy! Mommy is so proud of you!

Meagan eating for the first time!

(And yes, that is the Heat/Thunder game in the background.  Being that Brian's family is from Cleveland, we are hoping LeBron loses. :) )