Day 20 - Our First Bites...

Today was an interesting day.  We woke up to a world of white, 3-5 inches of snow everywhere, and a 2 hour late start at Kartini Clinic, as well as rescheduled meetings because people would not be able to make it in to the clinic.  In spite of this, around 10 AM, we got to Kartini, and secretly handed off a couple of pieces of French Toast and a handful of strawberries to Amy, one of Amelia's group therapists.  Then, we went back to Ronald McDonald House and figured we would hear more when we picked Amelia up.

Because, today was the day.  Today was the first day that Amelia was going to try eating since she got her NG tube in.  She has been not having to swallow for almost 3 weeks other than clear fluids.  We were hopeful, but didn't want to get our hopes up too much.  So, when Katherine got a call from Kartini, I am sure she was concerned.  But, the call was Amelia, who was so proud of herself that she couldn't wait until the end of the day to tell mommy.  She had eaten half of a piece of french toast, a couple of strawberries, a few sips of milk, and all of her butter.  It was by no means a meal, it was not enough to keep her nourished on it's own, but it was a huge step in the right direction.  We wanted to cheer, to jump up and down, to celebrate.

So, now what?  We asked at the clinic what we should expect next, if we should be trying to feed her back at Ronald McDonald House, what...  We were told that for the time being, no, they would be the only ones feeding her, and they would slowly start to do that a little more each day.  Once they feel she is doing okay, I am sure they will open it up to us feeding her as well, and possibly even her eating breakfast and lunch with the other kids.

Personally, I am waiting to hear that we have the all clear because I want to take her to a really cool local ice cream place to celebrate!  We are so happy that she is progressing!  We are again just trying NOT to get our hopes up too much, because it can still be weeks before we make enough progress to even think about taking the tube out, much less heading home.

Thank you all for the prayers, the good thoughts, the encouragement, the support.  It has meant everything to us.  Some days, we have just needed a little word, or a letter to make Amelia smile.  It has been difficult in it's own way, long and frustrating, but the help of friends and family has made it well worth it.  Thank you all.

And just a little piece of beauty to end on, this is the tree out in front of Ronald McDonald House East all covered in snow...  It was lovely!