Do you ever feel like you just want to do everything for your child? So much that you can’t even fit it all in? I feel like that constantly. Maybe more so now that I feel like she’s missing out on so many different foods she should be trying. I admit to breaking down and crying, crying like a baby for my own baby. She’s at the age where she should be eating anything and everything her little stomach desires, instead she’s limited thanks to FPIES.
I should relish in the fact that she can eat, that she’s healthy, and I DO! I really do, don’t get me wrong – I can’t even explain how grateful I am to have a happy, healthy baby girl. However when she comes up to me and pushes away her num nums for my num nums.. I break. Into a million little pieces, my heart shatters. Sure you can have some of mommy’s food baby girl, is what I’d love to happen. However in reality if I go ahead and even give her a bite she could be vomiting uncontrollably and spending a night or more in the hospital.
It’s moments like that when I feel my weakest. Less than whole and like I’m depriving my child. We had gone down the shore for family vacation and we went to a family style restaurant where you share the meals. I brought baby her banana and her favorite berry snacks for after she nursed. I felt so good involving her and she even had a cup of water in a kiddie cup with a straw – I was SO happy – That moment I felt complete. Like it was okay, and everything will be fine, this moment was priceless. My family eating together, not at home, but in an actual restaurant. It was so beautiful, so perfect.
While we were waiting for our check a woman came up to me and told me how cute baby was. I thanked her and we started talking about our children. She then brought up “She can eat pasta, can’t she?”. Of course, hubby had mentioned she was staring at us eating the entire time. How could she be so quick to judge us? That’s human nature – everyone does it. In my mind how could she not think I’m doing such a good job – instead she thinks I’m leaving my daughter out. I felt so small..
From the outside it looks like I’m actually neglecting my daughter – how could that be even possible? I’m trying so hard! Then I explained to her. I told her everything. She apologized. We laughed, we talked more, and we ended up chatting for 20 minutes after we paid! She admired me, she told me how great of a mother I am, and how my daughter is so lucky to have a mother like me.
I realize I may not be able feed her anything and everything, but I would do anything and everything for my daughter. I am the lucky one.
Mellisa
What amazing pictures! She is one adorable little girl.
Stefanie
I think you’re a great mom– you are very lucky!
Kathleen
You are a wonderful mom, and you went out of your way to make sure she felt included. You are indeed lucky, because she is a wonderful happy baby girl.
Tricia Night owl mama
YOur an awesome Mom and sometimes it is hard for strangers not to comment. We actually had a waiter question our 12 yr old daughter on her food selections because he felt she should of ordered something else. Something healthier perhaps. perhaps she had allergies or perhaps she’s just picky. Either way i thought it was strange. HUGS to you Mama!! your daughter is perfect just the way she is!
Lisa
That is so weird that that happend to you.
Ty Watson
Courtney, I think you’re an AMAZING mom! And, yes you’re very lucky, hun! HUGS!
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes
You. are. An. Amazing. Mother — don’t let this get to you (even though I know it much based on this post) … you are fighting, fighting, fighting for your sweet baby and THAT is your first job as a Mom. {{hugs}}
Shell Feis
Aww this is such a sweet but sad post. I can’t imagine how rough it is right now having to say no but you’re protecting your baby. &You are a GREAT mother! It took me awhile to realize it doesn’t matter what it looks like from the outside as long as you know it.
LyndaS
You are a good mom. You care about your baby and are doing the best that you can. No one can ask for more.
Angela
I can tell that she is a very happy little girl, and she is lucky to have a mom who takes such very good care of her.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work
You are doing a great job!! Sometimes people just don’t understand.
Jenn- The Rebel Chick
((((Courtney)))) Your baby girl is very lucky to have you as a Mom.
Penelope
Yes, I know how you feel! I live and breath my children, they are my LIFE!
Emily
‘m so sad that you are going through this. Good for you for not brushing off her comment and taking the time to educate her instead – sounds like you both learned something from that day. Love your pictures!
Lisa
Okay take a deep breath. Every child has their challenges. My daughter doesn’t have what yours does but if my kid get the flu, we have a 7 day hospital stay guaranteed. If she’s left untreated, she can literally die. I have asked too why my kid, why can’t she be normal. However, you just hve to move beyond that thinking which it seems like you are doing. 🙂 If you ever need to talk, let me know!!
Lolo @ Crazy About My Baybah
You are a good mama Courtney! Keep doing what you are doing!
Robin
I feel the same way. So blessed to have my little girl & so wishing she could do the things typical kids can do.
Colleen (Shibley Smiles)
Beautiful photos and thoughts. I admit as a parent I make the easy choice sometimes because it is I that can not handle the disappointment of my children. It is amazing as a parent the feelings of your child become your own. If they are embarrassed at school you hurt for them. If they are dumped by a girlfriend/boyfriend it feels like it was you that was dumped.
It is what makes us such wonderful mothers.
Perry
Really you are lucky mom. And Pics are awesome….Great
Marcie W.
If my son being on the autism spectrum has taught me anything, it is to never judge a parent based on a small random situation that you may happen to witness! We are all fighting our own battles, no matter what they may be. You are doing a great job and as long as you know that, that is all that matters!
Liz
Not for one moment did I ever think you didn’t feel blessed to have that baby girl!
Theresa @ Faith and Family Reviews
Your little one is so adorable and you’re a great mom Courtney, people are just too quick to judge others.
Donna
It’s so easy for us to judge others without knowing “their” stories, isn’t it. We are all guilty of it, too. I’ll think of you and this story from now on when I start to do it, though. 🙂
TAMMY
It’s a good lesson for everyone to realize there’s a lot of stuff going on in other people’s lives that you just don’t know about. Challenges that you just can’t imagine. I be you are under a lot of pressure to ensure that Baby M stays healthy without feeling like she feels she’s being denied anything. But let me tell you you’re a great Mom and you’re BOTH lucky girls.
Amber K
I love this post and your photos, you’re a great mom!
Jenn@Sweet T Makes Three
I’m really impressed that you were able to make that connection with a stranger. Way to turn that judgment into a positive experience for everyone. I’m proud of you! <3
Vanessa
I love those photos and it’s a great lesson to learn. You are also truly blessed with that beautiful baby!
Jennifer O'Dell Sample
You’re doing an amazing job! I’ve met a couple moms who are dealing with FPIES and it’s terrifying for them and not many people have never heard of it and if they have, they don’t know what to make of it. She is just the cutest little girl!
Mama B
Oh mama, what a great post. You are doing an amazing job and Sweet Baby is so lucky to have a mom like you!
Jennifer (Double Duty Mommy)
this is a great reminder to remember that what we see on the outside may not be the whole story. I’m so sorry that lady came up to you but I’m glad she came to understand what an amazing mother you are and how M is SO lucky to have you as a mommy.
Jen W.
You are doing an awesome job! I have two who are autistic and know how hard it can be when people make you feel like you aren’t being the best parent for your child because they don’t know you. You handled it perfectly though.
Toni
She is sure a beautiful baby! You seem like your doing a really amazing job with her and making things work for sweet baby 🙂
Kelsey Apley
What a doll!!! You are such a great mommy and I love all the pictures!!!!
Renee Smith
Beautiful pictures and what a great story. It’s so nice when strangers pay us a compliment and how great an opportunity for you to share with her about your child’s FPIES.