Feeling Challenged

Today has been rough. However, today I am feeling hopeful and have decided that all I can do is do my best to be the best mommy possible and pray that God offers me guidance and perseverance as I try to encourage Connor to eat.

My dad, PawPaw, spent the morning with us. What a welcome relief. I love having my dad around, he offers sound parenting advice without being pushy (Nana is good at this too). His love for Connor and myself shows in his eyes and his gentle ways....I can only hope that Connor turns out to be just like him! Soooo, with PawPaw's encouragement and support, I stood my ground with Connor. After about 45 minutes of crying and screaming, Connor finally decided that he'd have a few bites of applesauce and pudding. Doesn't sound like much, and it isn't, but I have come to realize that with Connor, baby steps are really important.

After PawPaw left, Connor and I met a friend for lunch and much to my surprise, Connor ate some steak fries at the Brick Store, a good amount of them, and followed directions fairly easily. Chocolate was his reward. In addition, he received lots of praise and knows that mommy was very proud of him.

The day got better when for dinner, Connor went to the freezer and pulled out a "Kids Cuisine." He has never eaten these but he pulled one out and was intrigued by the animals on the front of the box. So I did what any encouraging mommy would do and told him that it was what the animals eat in the jungle (Connor loves jungle animals). Much to my surprise, Connor actually ate three to four bites of the chicken nuggets and a bite of the macaroni and cheese. Wow....was I pumped! He received lots of praise and was again rewarded. Although he didn't eat a lot, he at least put a new food in his mouth and didn't spit it out...this is progress! So tonight I will go to sleep with some relief, trying to understand that some things are out of my control and that I do have a God that I can pray to for support and comfort. Connor will be okay and so will mommy!