I recently returned from a weekend retreat. The retreat is "Called to Love" and it is designed as a retreat for moms that have adopted and/or foster kids. This was my second year attending. The theme for the weekend was "Hold on To Hope". There is something so amazing and uplifting and refreshing to attend the retreat with 200 other mamas that "get it". Moms that understand the struggles that you go through, the path you walk, and the thoughts you think when you are all alone.
There were so many great break out sessions and main speakers. I took as many notes as I could possibly write. I had the opportunity to paint a canvas and get a manicure and walk in the gardens at the Oregon Garden Resort. I was really having an amazing time. And.then.came.the.phone.call...at 5pm on Saturday. My husband was taking our youngest (8 months) to the ER. He choked on something or inhaled something. There is nothing more debilitating to a mother than to be an hour and half away from her baby that needs her. So many different thoughts flooded through my mind from (you shouldn't have left your baby...you are so selfish, to why couldn't your husband watch the baby closer, to I am never going to be able to let the baby out of my sight again). All of those thoughts, of course, are irrational but in the moment of having absolutely no control that is unfortunately where my mind went. I wish my first reaction would have been trust, faith and prayer. I have a long ways to go.
Fast forward...Man cub was just fine. They determined whatever he choked on was swallowed and he was just fine. I made it to him in Room 202 at Legacy Hospital. He was babbling away..."ba-ba-ba-ba-ba" (his favorite and ONLY word) and being his usual busy self. The only thing we had to wait for was for him to eat two jars of baby food to make sure he was using all his muscles in the throat and esophagus. He flew through both jars and we were released. I was relieved. Children will you on your toes. ALWAYS!
Man Cub's choking episode has got me thinking. I realized that he has been struggling with tolerating different textures. I think back to my other kiddos, and foster kiddos and realize many of them were eating crackers, soft green beans and noodles. Most were able to use the pincer grasp (index and thumb) to pick up small items like Cheerios and small Puff snacks (We keep trying these Happy Baby Puffs) I like them because Man cub seems to want to eat them and they smell great. BUT Man Cub...not so much. So this week...in an effort to help him taste some new people food without worrying about the risk of choking I bought him these Baby Fresh Food Feeders. I bought the boy colors but they come in girly colors too. I also spoke with his pediatrician this week. Side note...the Dahl kids' doctor is AMAZING! I cannot say enough wonderful things about him. He is gentle, kind and really listens to me. He LOVES babies too. Dr. Miller recommended putting soft food into his cheek so that he really has to gum it before he swallows it. Here is hoping that Man cub figures it all out, because for as much as this kid LOVES to eat (hello six jars of baby food a day) you think he would be stealing food off our plates. LOL.
Super cute Winnie the Pooh Walker. Baby walkers at a good price were very difficult to find. We love that this one has a tray and plays music. Super easy fold down for traveling (like when you go to Mimi and Papa's house for a party!)
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