Feeding Clinic

This morning I (Tracey) took Clara to the doctor, to discuss her eating habits with our pediatrician. As you may know, Clara does not eat well, to put it simply. In fact, this has been an ongoing issue with her since she turned one. We thought she was just a picky eater, but lately I have been thinking otherwise. She turns two in one month, and there hasn't been a lot of progress over the past year. So, I decided it was time to talk to the doctor again. Our pediatrician evaluated her, and although she is progressing somewhat with her weight and length (which is now 20.7 pounds and 31 inches), our doctor is going to do some additional bloodwork on her. Also, she is referring Clara to a feeding clinic (program) at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids. They will evaluate her, run some tests, and help us determine what the problem is. I think she has sensory (or texture) aversions, but we shall wait and see.

In preparation for our appointment this morning (and out of frustration), I put together a list of foods that Clara will eat, which includes:
-Banana, poppy seed or pumpkin bread
-Yogurt (custard style)
-Peanut butter (creamy)
-Yogurt covered raisins
-Cereal bars
-Oatmeal with mashed up carrots mixed in
-Cookies
-Milk
-Water
-Pudding
-Dry cereal
-Crackers/chips/pretzels
-Brownies (with carrots mixed in)

These are the ONLY foods Clara will eat. Other foods we have tried, but she will NOT eat are:
-Pancakes (plain, banana & bunny shaped)
-Waffles (plain, chocolate chip & animal shaped)
-Scrambled eggs
-Sausage
-Bread (whole wheat)
-Cheese (cubed, string & fun shapes)
-Fruit (apples, bananas, grapes, mandarin oranges, pears & strawberries)
-Vegetables (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, corn & green beans)
-Meat sticks (mashed up in yogurt)
-Macaroni and cheese
-Grilled cheese
-Chicken nuggets
-Spaghettios
-Hot dogs (plain & cheese)
-Jelly (strawberry)
-French fries
-Ham
-Mashed potatoes
-Biscuits
-Chicken
-Pasta (plain & cheese tortellini)
-Sandwich meat (bologna, ham & turkey)
-Ice cream (vanilla & vanilla with chocolate)
-Juice (apple & orange)
-Pediasure (alone, mixed with milk & mixed with ice cream)
-Carnation Instant Breakfast (full packet & partial packet to minimize taste difference)

Craig and I have tried everything we can think of to get Clara to eat, but have been unsuccessful. We don't know what to do with her! Hopefully, the staff at Mary Free Bed will be able to help us.