The Appetizer

The transition to solid food has been one fraught with spits, tosses and smiles.  My daughter has developed her independence from a very young age and strives toward “I’ll feed myself thank you very much” with a vigour that I admire.  She is only 7 months old and she is determined to cook, prepare, feed and clean on her own!  It’s hard to break the news to her that I still need to be an integral part of the picture for some time to come.  Over the last weeks, I have experimented with what tasks are appropriate for a 7 month old to undertake and which are simply saved for ‘another time’.  She has tremendously enjoyed using her hands to mash, transport and throw food and it’s been both a joy and a stress to watch and participate. 

Murphy had a hand in the mornings when it is necessary (shall I say ‘hopeful’) to eat with minimal problems (something that does occur), when you have to get to the doctor or you have an appointment out of the house.  Then it’s fruit in the ear and cereal in the hair, pinching the lips so tightly together that they are white…all while leisurely watching the dog roam below looking for cast-offs – ‘why this morning, girl, do you choose to be the founder of a natural disaster!’ 

And let’s talk about the ‘appetizer’ – once baby is ensconced safely in her highchair, the food preparation begins, accompanied by some form of musical CD.  As soon as she hears the music begin, eyes are immediately averted to the dancing mommy…woo hoo this is fun!  She’s now fully expectant that music in the kitchen is partnered with full-on entertainment.  Imagine my husbands surprise when he tuned the music in and found a baby, sitting still as a mouse, waiting waiting…Dance man! Dance!

A parent’s reward to the awesome messes, finicky nibblers and aerobic sideshows?  The face made when a new texture, tart taste or cold peas hit the taste buds.  Did you ever know that a baby could contort their angelic features into such a show?  Are we allowed to chuckle, no, guffaw over these demonstrations without causing permanent damage to their wee psyches?  I hope so; I’ve had tears streaming down my face on a few occasions.

As we venture into ‘another time’ when she holds her own cup with glee and picks up the mashed half-blueberry with ease I continue my admiration of her determination.  I have learned something from this wee girl who wants to taste life so badly – to continually look at life and her development as ‘what’s next’ with wide-eyed wonder.

This post was contributed by Tracey, an urbanmoms.ca member and mother to Quincy seen above enjoying her first taste of peaches.  If you would like to share your story, please email me at jen@urbanmoms.ca.