A trip to the feeding specialist

On Friday we went to Ann Arbor to see a "feeding disorder specialist." It went great. She gave us helpful hints on how to fatten Grant up (add olive oil to his veggies and butter to his fruit) and was very encouraging. She thinks that Grant has great "straw skills" and is encouraging us to keep offering Grant water with a straw throughout the day. At this point he can only take a few sucks and then spits much of it out, but the doctor thought this was great. So, we'll keep at it.

She wants us to keep "dream feeding" Grant as long as possible. She also really liked the fact that we were giving Grant chicken broth by syringe. She said that this is what they do in Asian countries to wean their babies and it is a very good practice. Who knew?! She thinks that we're going to be able to avoid a g-tube in his stomach because he's made so much progress in just the last few weeks. (She watched a dvd with him eating over the course of the last month.)

The doctor had a few concerns about Grant's health (other than the feeding stuff), but nothing major. She thinks he's lacking in upper body strength (he has never really liked "tummy time") and that his lower legs are too tight. (He stands on his tip toes.) So, she is contacting a physical therapist to come to the house to work with Grant a few days a week. Over all, these things would probably correct themselves, but she wants to be proactive about them. As long as they come to us, I'm okay with it. Grant loves meeting new people so he'll be delighted.