Button-Free Since October 3!!

Goodbye button!!

That's Heath tossing the g-tube across the living room about two minutes after we removed it at home on Sunday.  All I can say is that he is soooooo happy to have it out.  Some kids get very attached to their buttons, which become part of their body image, and they worry about having them removed.  Not Heath.  On Sunday, I asked him a few times if he wanted to take his button "off" when Daddy got home, and got nothing but energetic nodding and "Let's do it now!" enthusiasm. 

That evening, we laid Heath down on the sofa pillows, gave him Mr. Bear to snuggle, and told him what we were going to do.  He was calm, cried for about 30 seconds after we withdrew it, then got curious and examined the button in the palm of his hand -- then hucked it as far as he could!  We let him throw it about ten times.  He seemed to be celebrating his liberation!

Having his button out is a real plus since Heath's favorite new sport is pillow diving...

 

This must feel great on a brand-new, plastic-free tummy! 

I'm just as elated as he is that we are finally at the end of the tube feeding road.  The nutritionist agrees that his diet is just fine and he's getting plenty of everything.  Since taking the button out, he seems to be eating even more, and faster.  Maybe because he no longer has a water-filled balloon the size of a gobstopper in his stomach, holding the button in place?  Who knows, but he sure loves his vittles. He goes nuts when it's time to buy more of his favorites at the grocery store -- here he is snuggling Snap, Crackle, and Pop.

And picking out a top-shelf banana.

Heath is warming up to preschool -- here he is knocking out some abstract portraiture.

He's growing into such a wonderful, big boy and it's a joy to see him learning so much, saying new words every day, and discovering the wide world around him and where he fits in it.  He enjoys pulling up our shirts and comparing our smooth tummies to his -- "You, me, same, same."  To Heath, the button represented something that made him different, something confusing and odd, and he's glad to be rid of it.  We're so proud of our little guy and full of faith that he will never be daunted by obstacles. 

Good job little eater, you did it!!! 

Comments

[olga]

oh jenny. i didn't expect to get all emotional (since i've known for two days!), but the HAPPINESS on his face is so overwhelming that i just can't help but cry. with joy and relief and sadness for all the kids still STUK.
congrats to you and heath... long road ends, new road beckons. karamba!!!!!!!!

xoxo

[sarah]

this post makes me so happy, jenny! and heath's smile is a joy to behold. hugs to your family for another milestone met with great strength and courage. xoxo

[Jenn S in DC]

So proud of our little pillow diver! Glad to hear you were able to take out the button finally. Thank you for your updates and please keep us posted about how it heals. You, and most especially Heath, are truly amazing and inspiring. Lots of love!

[Angela G.]

yay!!! i'm so happy to see how far not so little anymore Heath has come since I first met him a year ago. i'm doing my medical/surgical clinical rotation in various pediatric units at Swedish this quarter and I am reminded of Heath and all his success when I see little ones facing their own obstacles.

Way to go dude!!!

[Daria]

Congratulation Heath. You hold on tight to those rice krispies and your wonderful parents. So glad this chapter is over and you are ready to climb new mountains. Strap on those hiking boots. We'll be waiting for you and cheering you on!

[Amber]

Oh my goodness. You made me all teary. This is joyous news. And you all are such a sweet family. He looks like a professional pillow diver already.

HOOOOORAAAAAAAAY! Doing a dance of joy over here!

Congratulations on this huge milestone!

[melissa aka equidae]

what a lovely big smile he has and it is soooo wonderful! How grown up they look now -when I look at photos of the past year and a half I wonder at the difference! Glad you are all enjoying autumn we are as well though its still quite hot over here

[Katie L.]

LOL! I love that he chucked it across the room! He is such a sweetheart!

[shannin strom-henry]

So excited for you guys. I totally got teary reading this post. that smile of his is amazing. Can't wait to get rid of Zoe's in the spring! Go Heath!!!!!

P.S. I love that he threw it across the room
Love, Shannin

[Brenda]

I am so happy for Heath. :)

[Abeer]

Mabruuuuuuuuuuuuuuk!
I am so happy for all of you and congratulations on passing over this obstacle.. Go Heath! we are all loving you and cheering up for another wonderful success moment..

He is so cute and now grown up boy..

Allhamduallah!

sending you love and big hugs,

Abeer

[Emily]

Seriously, is there anything cuter than that little guy?!?!? I am so glad he got the button out! He is such an amazing little man!! Can't wait to see how well he continues to do! ♥♥♥ Love love love him!

[Nikole]

Such fantastic news! I am so proud of all of you. Heath is truly amazing!

I am so thankful that you continue to post about your journey.

Big big hugs and SO much love to all of you!