Is He Thriving?

A work friend asked me this very question one day. And I had to say No. He's doing well, he's a great kid, but Natty is not "thriving." Paul looked downcast and said that since he hadn't heard differently, he just assumed my son was doing well. My son was diagnosed with Failure to Thrive in September. It had been going on, though, since May. You see, in April, Natty began daycare. And because preemies have weak immune systems (long story), Natty got every cold the other children had or carried. 18 colds in 6 months. 8 ear infections. 5 croup attacks. 1 sinus infection. And 8 teeth came in. It got so bad, Natty reverted from sleeping through the night to awaking up to 9 times a night. Babies with ear infections drop their feeds. I watched as the amounts my son drank plumetted. His pediatrician was not concerned since he was starting solid foods. But I had the feeding therapist out to check him out in August. She said he was behind in his bite, by 3 months, so he was 3 months behind on eating solid foods. Solid foods were difficult. I am kind of thankful I was so sleep-deprived then that I don't remember how hard it really was. And the FTT in September. Finally, a doctor who UNDERSTOOD! The doctor put my son back on reflux medication and prescribed Pediasure, 4 cans a day, instead of formula. Wow. A way to fight this! Natty slowly gained weight. In February, we finally met with the feeding specialist at the feeding clinic. Yes, my son had feeding problems. Here is what we were going to do about it ... and a plan was set into motion. Natty has made incredible progress. He is growing. His growth curve is almost what it was prior to the ear infections but isn't quite what it was while he was in the NICU. He's eating. So what if he eats way less than a comparably aged or sized child? He's EATING! And he is still tanking down the Pediasure. But don't ask if he is thriving. You see, I speak to the question. And Failure to Thrive definitely says he is not thriving. Progress is slow but we'll get there. Someday. And when that happens, Paul, you'll know.