This past week, I had the opportunity to help in the Autistic Preschool at our elementary school and Dr. Whited was amazing. When I watched the kids eat their lunches, I was amazed at the things they were eating. They didn't hesitate with their fruits, vegetables, and everything else. I couldn't believe it. When Corbyn was three and we found out he was Autistic, we were told that he had some sensory issues in his mouth. As a result of these issues, we have REALLY struggled with his eating!!!!! He will not try new things and pretty much refuses to eat fruits and vegetables. When I was done helping Dr. Whited, I decided to ask her for some suggestions. She mentioned not letting Corbyn eat anything else for dinner than what is served, unless he at least tries one bite; even if it means going to bed hungry. Well, we have always done that and Corbyn usually always goes to bed hungry because he won't give in and take a bite. She asked how long he'll go without eating and I said usually just until morning because he likes what we have for breakfast. So, of course, she said that we should not let him have breakfast until he tries what we had for dinner the night before. If he still doesn't do it, then don't let him have lunch, etc. etc. I guess I never thought of continuing on to each consecutive meal.
Well, Jason and I decided to try it and it has been an interesting week. There has been a lot of frustration from our little Corbyn and some anger towards Jason and I, but I am happy to say that we have not given in . . . not even once. In fact, Jason and I decided that we have not been good enough at getting any of our children to eat fruits and vegetables over snacks and treats, so we have started a new approach with all the kids. Whenever they ask for a snack or a treat, they must first eat a fruit or a vegetable - they will get a SMALL snack and if they want more, they have to eat more fruits or vegetables. After school, they are only allowed to have fruits or vegetables as a snack and the girls seem to love it. Brianna always runs to the pantry and asks if she can have some corn. Kelsea seems to prefer the fruits, but loves the corn, and Amber loves her apples. Corbyn, bless his heart, is really trying, but he is convinced that he doesn't like fruits and vegetables, so he refuses to try them. He gets so mad that he can't have what he wants, but when we finally get him to take a bite of something, we have a big celebration! He has told me a number of times that I am going to make him die because I won't let him eat, but I have told him that HE is the one who chooses whether to eat or not, he just needs to choose to eat healthier things.
For the first time as a parent, I am starting to sympathize with people who have struggled with weaning their children from nursing, a bottle, or a binky. I confess, I always thought, "oh, brother, just take it away" . . . well, I apologize for ever thinking that! I never realized how much I am doing that same thing with Corbyn. Convenience foods have been a staple for him and I have always used the excuse that he has sensory problems so I better just let him eat what he will eat. . .well, come on - sensory problems or not, he is a six year old boy who likes chips and goodies, and I have been letting him eat them way too much. Well, I am NOT going to let him do it any longer. I guess you could say I am in a weaning process of my own - I am weaning Corbyn off of comfort foods and trying to get him to enjoy healthy foods instead. I never realized how easy going I was, but man, Jason has been super gung ho and super strict and it has helped me tremendously. I really hope that Corbyn will know how much we love him and understand that we are doing this for his own good. He is a great kid and I want him to be happy and healthy!!! I hope he will see how much his sisters enjoy eating healthy and will one day feel the same way.
Landon was not nervous at all - yeah!
Amber
Brianna
Corbyn was so pleased to talk to Santa
Kelsea talked to Santa for about 10 minutes. Isn't Santa great?
Clever!
My brother made this gingerbread house of the temple and I could not believe how big it was in person.
This castle was AMAZING! It was as tall as Brianna.
This tree was so funky. It lit up to the beat of rock music.
The kids wanted to wait in line for Santa, but it was a very long wait. When we found out that they only wanted the candy canes that he gives them after, we decided to skip the line and go straight to the sweet shop. They loved their treats.
He climbed out of Corbyn's window to put them up
Kelsea wanted to get on the roof so bad!
Landon was much happier outside!
Amber was happier outside too (I'm not sure why she thinks it's okay to go out side without shoes on, in the, supposedly, winter months - okay, maybe she's seen mom do it a time or two. Oops.)
Kelsea was in a Thanksgiving program at school
She had a little speaking part and was very excited
We had Thanksgiving Dinner at my mom's house with my brothers and sisters and families (my older sister, Amy, lives out of state, so we missed her and her family!)
My Brother, Jared, carved the turkey.
Jason surprised us and took us to the S.L. Hilton on Friday.
We went to the Gallivan Center to hear Kurt Bestor, and to see the City Lights lit. (Jason just couldn't resist that Zoolander pose.)
We love Kurt Bestor's music!!!
We went to Temple Square to see the lights
Tabernacle
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Week! I am so thankful that I have so many things to be thankful for!!! I am most thankful for my little family!!! Jason is simply the best husband EVER and my children are amazing!
