I have so many emotions writing this post, but more than anything, I’m incredibly proud. If you’re reading this, you likely know Taylor’s complicated history of health issues. But today is a day of celebration.

We have a g-tube graduate!

Showing off – no more g-tube!

Today, after 19 months and 8 days, his doctor removed his g-tube. At 32 months old (exactly) he weighs 26.5 pounds. I can’t say that the journey was fun, nor can I say that his eating issues are cured, but the chapter of having a hole in his tummy to eat is over!

Honestly, I thought it would be years before this day came. I have to give Ryan 49% of the credit. If he hadn’t quit his job to stay at home with Taylor and work diligently with him on his eating, I’m convinced Taylor would still be getting calories from a tube. Ryan has counted every. single. calorie. He has figured out how to cram as many calories into as little volume as possible (thank you heavy whipping cream, butter, and olive oil). Ryan gradually pushed him to more solid textures and cleaned up A LOT of vomit. He still does, actually, because that shallow gag reflex continues to be a problem.

Look at that belly!

51% of the credit goes to Taylor. Stomaching 1,400-1,600 calories a day isn’t an easy task for such a tiny person. He fought hard (in more ways than one…fought to get through the food and fought us when we had to force him to eat). He is starting to like certain foods, all savory: cheese, meat, cheese, pizza, cottage cheese, French fries, and did I mention cheese? We still fight with him at many meals, but not all. I’m pretty sure if we didn’t insist that he eat, he would never tell us he was hungry. For all the work that still lies ahead, he got through the biggest hurdle.

I’m so proud of this little boy – and our whole family – for making some real life changes. It feels good to be rewarded with amazing progress and see Tay thrive.