I’m convinced Aiya has said her first word, it’s not mummy or daddy, but “mam mam” referring to food. Since we’ve had the high chair my little chunk has loved eating and it is a much more enjoyable experience for both of us. Rather than struggling with her on my lap I can now sing and make faces at her whilst she’s eating. The addition of the high chair in our lives seems to have pushed along her cognitive development greatly. Being independent in the high chair has made her more vocal and interactive with people and objects around her. Aiya has started to initiate contact with people, whereas before she may not have even noticed someone was there previously. She’s also become adept at using her new found vocal skills to tell us what she wants, albeit these instructions are all food related.
Children with Aiya’s condition tend to be thin, as they’re not growing very fast, they don’t need as many calories as an average child so don’t have a big appetite. However there are some genetics you can’t hide from. Aiya has these great big chunky thighs and a round tummy and she loves food. The only thing stopping her from eating more is her allergies. Every time I give her something new she is so happy and starts to make a “mmmmmhhh” sound. I recently tried her with a coconut chocolate spread which is just coconut and cacao so it’s very bitter and an acquired taste. I’ve never seen her so animated – children will have chocolate in any form!
I live for these little moments and every time my little miracle does something new, my heart skips a beat and I’m reminded that the little things in life are so important. We often take the small things for granted and let them pass us by, waiting for something bigger to happen. Aiya shows me that simple things like a cuddle or a smile is all we need to be content and wanting more can sometimes make us miss out on the small pleasures.
Project Aiya 