Kickin it up a knotch

      Mason started drinking out of a straw about 4 months and he wasn't sloppy with it. Lately I swear he wears more then he drinks.Which made me rethink if he was ready to give up the bottle. After long talks with his therapist we talked about him not talking except for ma and dada, we talked about certain foods he wont take (like cereal WITH milk, anything he cant get a chunk of like a sucker, carrot...ect) and recently we noticed he leaves his mouth open far more then he ever did. The therapist told me its his low muscle tone and we need to strengthen his mouth.

      So we discussed a plan. She suggested I give him anything and everything to chew on. (his therapy spoons, large carrots, celery sticks, beef jerky) basically anything he has to really chew but cant get a hunk and choke. Also said to force cereal with milk. right now he is frustrated because he isn't sure what to do with the milk AND the solid in his mouth so he only wants one or the other.
       I refuse to go back to a bottle because I know he is capable of drinking from a sippy, or a straw so she wants me to thicken his drinks if it is applesauce with apple juice or a shake. Something he has to REALLY work at to get. I know he wont like ANY of these suggestions but we will give it a try, cuz in the end it will pay off.
       His therapist said if we can strengthen his mouth he would talk more. Also he is becoming a picky eater because he prefers food that is easy to eat and he doesn't have to work at. What he doesn't know is momma is going to push him and strengthen that mouth! Ready Set GO!