It’s hard to believe one year ago I was taking my daughter to food therapy twice a week.

At almost one-year-old, she refused to eat or drink anything other than breastmilk. I was tired. Overwhelmed.

We were told by the therapists it was the worst food aversion they’d ever seen and they weren’t sure how to help us after months of going.

We tried it all . . . 

Different cups.
Different straws.
Different textures.
Every brand of baby food.
Every form of finger food.
Homemade and fresh everything.
Offering it in different places.
Offering it at different times of the day.

Nothing worked. It was exhausting and defeating as a parent.

As her weight percentage continued to fall from already low numbers, my anxiety continued to rise.

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Shortly after her first birthday, she slowly began nibbling on things.

Today, just weeks away from her second birthday, she is more adventurous in what she eats than my son ever was. He still prefers macaroni and cheese and peanut butter sandwiches to just about anything.

She will eat Chinese food, pizza, or turkey sandwiches.

She loves anything with chocolate chips, yogurt, and Gerber Puffs.

While she’s still rocking 12-month pants (and slowly creeping her way to 18-month clothes), I know God used this season to teach me some pretty big lessons.

Trust God. Always. He can teach us something in every season of life.

Pray often. Pray when it goes well and pray when it’s all falling apart.

Do not be afraid to talk to your doctor. If something is off, never be afraid to talk to your doctor and ask for their advice. It definitely helped calm me when my anxiety was spiraling.

Your child is not broken and you are not a bad parent just because they do things at their own pace. Be consistent. Keep cheering them on.

Love them with every fiber of your being and know every parenting journey varies from person to person.

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Own your parenting journey, mama.

Ask for help when you need it.

Cling to God for direction, patience, and wisdom. Decision-making is hard. It doesn’t have to weigh you down.

Originally published on the author’s blog