It seems like every mom has some struggle with their child. Whether it be sleep, food, sharing, potty training, sippy cup transitions, ect. there are just those days where we feel like ripping our hair out. Autumn's thing is food. She has been a difficult one to feed since the day she was born. Right now everyone is obsessed with breastfeeding. I get it. It is natural and our bodies each produce different milk that is specific for each individual babies needs. That and it is free. Besides the pumps and storage items. But my kid was not having it. She would not latch. I had the lactation specialist come in and see me. I had a complete breakdown in the hospital one night, which thank god for the night nurse I had she was amazing and so helpful. My kid got so dehydrated in the hospital that she had a fever and lost a full pound because "breastfeeding" is so important that they didn't want her to get used to a bottle. They finally gave us Similac and a pacifier so she wouldn't scream down the hallways when it was time to leave. If you can't tell I am a little angry about all this. We have formula available for a reason and every kid is different. Some of us don't get the beautiful picture that is displayed of mom's breastfeeding their babies. I hate reading all these pro breastfeeding statements online that portray selfishness on the mom's behalf for not breastfeeding. I won't lie I got seriously depressed over this. I saw the lactation specialist even after we left the hospital. I got depressed over it and went to the doctors for postpartum. Then I found out about my tumor friend and breastfeeding went on the back burner. Due to dyes for scans and drugs for surgery I couldn't breastfeed anyways. I get it if you are pro breastfeeding but put into consideration all those moms out there that try and try and really wanted to experience this and just can't. Everyone that has had a baby knows how hard those first few weeks are emotionally and physically, feeding your baby shouldn't be the most stressful part of it.
Well Autumn didn't just stop there. She hated solids as well. Due to the teething monster that my child is she had 8 teeth already by 6 months. Autumn has bad eczema so the doctors suggested waiting to start solids till she was 6 months because she may have food allergies.
That red on her cheek and neck is not a reflection that is Autumn's eczema at four months old. Now eczema is a another struggle but I won't go into that. She had so many teeth you couldn't even force her to try food because she had a grill to stop ya. I got so excited about solids too. Since I was unable to breastfeed. I was determined to make up for it by making my own baby food. My husband got me a nice food processor for Christmas and my mom got me little containers perfect for frozen ice cubes to thaw in for daycare.
My first tray of organic green beans. I was so proud. Let me tell ya my kid would not even open her mouth. The universal signs of no like pushing the spoon away and turning the head to the side was all I saw. The doctors said to keep introducing and she will eventually try it. She was just not ready.
So I did. She wasn't even interested in playing with it? Autumn also never used a pacifier except maybe her first 2 weeks of life. She never stuck anything in her mouth. I could also hold her and eat a plate of food when she was 8 months and she didn't even care. She would just sit there.
Then finally in late May at 8 months old we tried bananas and like it! I ran and got the camera cause this was a big mommy moment for me. By this time I gave up on my own food and should have bought stock in Gerber.
Us as humans love food. I personally love food. Everyone was excited about Autumn trying new foods even when Autumn wasn't. This facial expression she gave Brian was classic but she did end up enjoying the mixed veggies with spinach. We ate baby food past our first birthday. Anything with chunks in it she would tongue out. The little puffs she would throw at the dogs and not even attempt to eat. The yogurt bites.......well I ended up eating those :). The birthday cake. We screamed and wouldn't even attempt to try!
This picture pretty much sums it up how Autumn reacts to food. So I found something my kid absolutely loves, Chef Boyardee. They have whole wheat pasta available now which is a little better but man I feel bad feeding my kid processed food almost everyday. But hey at least she is eating and that is all I can hope for at this point. Her hate for food goes for drinks as well. We finally like apple juice. Me being the baker I am have had a success in pureeing fruits and veggies and hide them in muffins. I have also had tons of failed attempts as well such as carrot fries. I keep trying to feed her stuff besides canned food. This kid even hates chicken nuggets, Mc Donald's cheeseburgers, hot dogs and other things kids usually love. I believe she got this from my side of the family. My brother would only eat Chef Boyardee for the longest time. I am talking all through out elementary school. I hated soda, ketchup, and pepperoni. Most kids love those items. I would love to get her to try some healthier options but I guess the most important part is eating something right. I have days where I feel completely defeated. Especially after I just made something and I am so proud and excited for her to try it and she won't even put it in her mouth. I know she can chew because she loves goldfish, waffles, and cookies. She is just picky.
Food time is getting better. But still can be stressful. I have to be careful too because Autumn has food allergies just like they thought she would. Little girl touched, just touched peanut butter and swelled up, turned red and itched all over. Let me tell you this scares you to death. I called Fred, my mom, and my friend Lindsay in tears I was so scared. This was after I of course called the doctors office. To all other moms out there with a picky eater. I feel your pain. I really do. According to the doctors though we are growing just perfect :)
Yep getting photos ready for our next holiday already :)
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