Tuesday 12 November 2013

Riley World Masters Michelina's
#Operation IFO

Last Thursday we made a giant leap forward in Operation IFO, just shy of 2 months from our first breakthrough!

I did not video this time. I thought it would be much of the same and for the most part I was right. I still heard “I’m tired of eating”. I still heard “How many more can I eat?” and I still needed to remind him to chew and swallow. Only this time there was actual eating happening. As in he would scoop two or three pieces of pasta onto his fork as opposed to the one-at-a-time piston-like manner when he first started.

Since Riley said he preferred the white sauce pasta the last time…white sauce pasta it was. I fished out the chicken pieces and served up the entire package on his new plate. Voila!



This was left. Granted we negotiated this last bit but there were only 21 pieces of pasta left! Of course I counted.



I am feeling SO positive that this week we are going to try…wait for it……smoothies!!!  :O 

What’s that you’re thinking???  Everybody likes smoothies! Oh my. Are you new here? That’s OK. Let me explain. Riley has never, EVER had a milkshake. He does not eat ice cream (although he used to eat orange sherbet). He does not drink milk (although he will eat minigo to take his meds). The only fruits he eats are grapes, apples and apricots (as in jarred baby food apricots).

The number of sensory sensations involved with drinking a smoothie in Riley World??? You be the judge. First, there is the texture…thick, heavy and creamy. Next, the temperature…remember R likes his drinks with NO ice. Then there are the new flavours…I am going with peaches first (close to apricots). I think they will blend up smoother with minimal visible flecks of fruit...remember flecks are unacceptable in Riley World. Finally although Riley can drink from a straw, the difference in texture will require him to suck harder in order to get anything. Think triple thick shakes vs. soda pop. Hmmm…maybe we will start without a straw.

So why on earth would I want to try smoothies?? Have you seen the number of smoothie places? We could have nourishment available almost anywhere! I am also hoping that eventually we could add protein powder and maybe even a vegetable for more nutrition. Am I delirious?? Probably. WTH! Go big or go home right??? 

Pretty sure the NO eye contact/conversation technique will once again come into play.  :D  Wish us luck!


10 comments:

  1. Good luck! Do you have to include milk? Most smoothie places also make non-dairy versions with just juice, so maybe you could start with that so the milk taste doesn't put him off...? Also if he likes apples then maybe basing it around apple juice might be a good start.

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    1. Ouuuuuuuuu.......GREAT idea!!! I thought about orange juice or 5-Alive (citrus based juice that he drinks)...never thought about apple juice though and that would make the consistency quite a bit thinner! THANKS Bec!!!

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  2. That Bec is one smart cookie! And you are one brave lady! Go big or go home for sure! Good luck with the smoothie. You are a great mom, and Riley has been doing so well. Can't wait to see how it all goes down. Catch that pun? :) I am predicting a bit of gagging.

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    1. Baaahaaahaaa....Oh I caught that alright. :D You are one smart lady too...gagging??? Yup...that is pretty much guaranteed although with Bec's great suggestions....I am very hopeful. The camera battery is all charged up and ready to go. ;P

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  3. Oh, best of luck to you. Smoothies could be such a great option for all the reasons you mentioned.

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    1. Thanks so much Lisa!! I am keeping everything crossed.

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  4. We use almond milk in ours. Doesn't taste milky at all. Have also used vanilla flavored protein powder. Good luck to you AND Riley!

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    1. Thanks Dyanne!! I will definitely keep the vanilla protein powder in mind when we get there. :) Almond milk eh??

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  5. I want to go on record that I don't like smoothies. Repulsive texture. I do like a chocolate milkshake about twice a year. Good luck!

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    1. Haaahaaa....noted! I can drink about 1/4 of a smoothie and then get bored...or full?!? Would much rather eat "real" food if I'm going to feel bloated. :)

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