It's Feeding Tube Awareness Week

What does this mean?  My boys would not be alive today without their feeding tubes.  So I am forever grateful for them.  It started with Isaiah as an infant who could barely latch onto a bottle let alone breastfeeding.  He was severely malnutritioned as a baby.  By nine months of age he finally got his feeding tube.  At that time he was only weighing 12lbs which is crazy.  It is the only way he can get the nutrition he needs to survive.  He cannot take anything by mouth b/c he will aspirate.  Now here he is weighing 53lbs at 8yrs which is not too bad.  He is happy and healthy b/c of his feeding tube.  It has truly been a life saver for him. 

Avery got his first feeding tube (NG tube-a tube placed in the nose and down to the stomach) at 6 mos. b/c he was aspirating from drinking a bottle.  He then got a g tube (a tube placed into the stomach) and soon after a gj tube which goes lower into the small intestines.  At this point, Avery can only receive medications and very minimal feeds through his j tube.  But nonetheless, we are soo thankful for all of their tubies. 

So if you ever see someone with a tube in their nose or someone feeding a child or adult with a tube, just know that it is saving their life.  So please help spread awareness, ask questions instead of just staring.  We willl be happy to answer them.  Feeding tubes are not catchy :)

Seriously, how could you not look past the feeding tube and tiara when you see such a cute face :)



On current events.  Honestly, there is not much to say.  Avery is absolutely doing fabulous.  He will soon have a big milestone to celebrate.  I am just so so so grateful for how healthy he has been.  He is allowing us to thoroughly enjoy a full Basketball Season.  Isaiah has been retching a lot these days.  I swear he is getting us back for taking him to the game last week, lol.  Plus the kids have missed a lot of school b/c of all the snow, grrrrr so I think he is feeling antsy.   For the most part I have NO complaints and it feels so good to say it.  Almost a normal life.........