When Leo was starting to eat, he was great. He'd eat lots of things and try almost anything we were eating. I remember the days when he'd eat serving after serving of lasagna. Well...then he turned two I guess. Testing boundaries, being stubborn, whatever you want to call it is fine with me but the moral of the story is that the child just was impossible to feed. For months we had just a few foods we'd rely on for mealtimes. He never got tired of snacking though (probably because he never got full at mealtimes) which drove me crazy as it seemed like I couldn't go anywhere without a whole picnic in my purse. I got really tired of making him a separate dinner all of the time, but I hated him to go hungry too...because he was fine to just not eat if I wouldn't make him what he wanted. I tried fighting him about eating a few times, but I quickly realized I just don't have it in me- the tears and anger and standoffs did no one any good. So I eventually landed on a new approach to eating- I continued to offer all foods, however if he would use his manners (no thank you) I didn't push. Exhausting as it was/is, it is how we survived for awhile.
And then one day, the heavens opened up and the kid just decided to eat! Now I am not boasting that he will eat everything I make, but in the last few weeks we have had major breakthroughs. (All of this after one of the most frustrating food battles ever...he wanted noodles for dinner, I didn't have rotini so I made spaghetti, he refused to eat it and sobbed and threw the tantrum of all tantrums just because it was a different shape, he eventually had a bite, he asked for two more bowls after he finished the one I originally gave him and then asked for spaghetti for dinner for the next few nights. Really???) Anyway, his mind has suddenly opened up to trying things- from orange yogurt (we were strictly vanilla for a long time) to even a carrot (which he didn't like and still spit out...but he TRIED it!) Dinner is getting way more fun because all of the sudden there are more than like 3 options for his main course. And it is even slightly possible to build a meal for all of us around what he will eat. I know it sounds dumb, but it has been so awesome the last few weeks! I really hope this isn't a quick phase...
In the last few weeks here are the things he has started eating (most of them he used to eat just fine but then didn't eat them for months): corn, strawberries, orange yogurt, homemade chicken nuggets, homemade french fries, grilled cheese sandwich, spaghetti, mac and cheese, smoothies, a pancake, mandarin oranges, popcorn, granola, chocolate raisins, apples. I know it isn't an amazing diet yet, but it is a remarkable difference and it makes me feel so invigorated to actually cook again (really hard to stay motivated when Nick rarely makes it home for dinner, I'm exhausted, and all Leo wants is a peanut butter sandwich). I have been eating better myself too because we have more fruits and veggies around since he'll actually eat them and I love it. I didn't realize how much I missed eating real food! Here is hoping for many more great meals!!!
And then one day, the heavens opened up and the kid just decided to eat! Now I am not boasting that he will eat everything I make, but in the last few weeks we have had major breakthroughs. (All of this after one of the most frustrating food battles ever...he wanted noodles for dinner, I didn't have rotini so I made spaghetti, he refused to eat it and sobbed and threw the tantrum of all tantrums just because it was a different shape, he eventually had a bite, he asked for two more bowls after he finished the one I originally gave him and then asked for spaghetti for dinner for the next few nights. Really???) Anyway, his mind has suddenly opened up to trying things- from orange yogurt (we were strictly vanilla for a long time) to even a carrot (which he didn't like and still spit out...but he TRIED it!) Dinner is getting way more fun because all of the sudden there are more than like 3 options for his main course. And it is even slightly possible to build a meal for all of us around what he will eat. I know it sounds dumb, but it has been so awesome the last few weeks! I really hope this isn't a quick phase...
In the last few weeks here are the things he has started eating (most of them he used to eat just fine but then didn't eat them for months): corn, strawberries, orange yogurt, homemade chicken nuggets, homemade french fries, grilled cheese sandwich, spaghetti, mac and cheese, smoothies, a pancake, mandarin oranges, popcorn, granola, chocolate raisins, apples. I know it isn't an amazing diet yet, but it is a remarkable difference and it makes me feel so invigorated to actually cook again (really hard to stay motivated when Nick rarely makes it home for dinner, I'm exhausted, and all Leo wants is a peanut butter sandwich). I have been eating better myself too because we have more fruits and veggies around since he'll actually eat them and I love it. I didn't realize how much I missed eating real food! Here is hoping for many more great meals!!!
2 comments:
That is so refreshing! I don't know that any of my girls have been that picky, though I recall that Camilla in particular was virtually on a liquid diet for about a year when she was 2. For various reasons, I've done enough with dietary restrictions, though, to completely appreciate the freedom that comes with more variety. Totally cheering for you over here!
If Leo's pneumonia is/was anything like Clara's, I suspect that his appetite may have regressed a bit since you wrote this. Here's hoping he is / will be feeling better soon and ready to EAT!
Nick let us know that Leo is almost fully recovered and I hope he will "remember" that it's okay to try different foods again. You've done a great job of not making the eating issues such a big deal that the problem has taken on a life of its own. Good job, Mom!
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