Short stack
One of the most obvious things I inherited from my father, other than the shape and length of my body, my chin, my forehead, my ears, and that highly flammable sense of righteous indignation that usually erupts in the middle of 1) the local news, 2) traffic, and 3) phone calls with customer service personnel who do not speak English, is a love for greasy spoon diners. The dirtier the place the better, maybe because that is somehow proportional to the amount of butter they use in their pancakes. If my father were given the choice between an expensive dinner with the current Republican president or a lunch alone at a truck stop diner that is cooking its hamburgers in a vat of bacon grease collected over the period of fifteen years, he'd say, DO NOT FORCE ME TO MAKE THAT CHOICE, GEORGIE.
Our favorite local greasy spoon is a place called The Blue Plate, and we often go there for brunch on the weekends, mainly because it's one of the only non-chain sit-down restaurants that has something on the menu that Leta will eat. She always orders the home fries which are basically potatoes cut into squares and then fried. And then she eats half of a bottle of ketchup. Is it the healthiest meal? Of course not, but we've run it by her pediatrician who has eight kids, one who was exactly like Leta, and he said, look! She's getting potassium! And ketchup is sometimes made out of real tomatoes! So stop coming in here with these stupid concerns and call me when she's managed to lodge a quarter in her nostril.
A couple of weeks ago when we were on our way to brunch Jon quietly talked to me in the front seat about how he wanted to try to get Leta to try pancakes that morning. We both understand how important it is to provide a united front when it comes to disciplining your kids (when spanking, both parents should use the same wooden instrument) or trying to teach them anything, and we're usually very good about that, except when it comes to her eating habits. Because that is a battle I specifically chose to stop fighting. It was taking years off my life and making me so crazy that getting up from the dinner table and counting to a hundred was not calming me down one bit. In fact, it gave me more time to think about HOW INSANE my child was that she wouldn't eat a fucking peanut butter sandwich. WITH JELLY. WHICH IS SUGAR. SUGAR ON BREAD. A kid who won't eat a certain type of sugar. So trying to exert any influence on that was like going, you see that nuclear bomb over there? I think I could defeat it with this here spitball.
But I was in a good mood that morning, had slept in past eight o'clock and that had made my brain a little woozy and disoriented, and I was all what year is it? So I agreed to support him in his attempt. There we were whispering in the front seat of the car about how we were going to convince our daughter to eat a pancake. If that is not the dumbest first world conversation. Other ones we've had in the past few weeks:
This iPhone is too heavy.
Someone was using my favorite treadmill this morning, so I was forced to use the stationary bike.
This refrigerator isn't big enough. Let's buy another one and put it in the garage.
So we're sitting there waiting for the server to bring us our food, and when he sets down Jon's plate Jon immediately mentions that he can't wait to eat his yummy pancake. I don't say anything because I want to gauge Leta's reaction, and it is exactly what I had expected it to be: "Pancakes are yucky!"
Yes, pancakes are yucky, puppies suck, and rainbows are boring. And the old part of me that gave up this battle a few years ago is starting to rumble a bit, and I have to bite my lip. Because I want to stand up and yell SO HELP ME GOD, KID. IT'S NOT LIKE WE'RE ASKING YOU TO SEVER YOUR OWN ARM WITH A BUTTER KNIFE. But I remain calm and say, "Actually, Leta, pancakes are pretty good. They taste like cake."
And in turn she replies, "But cake is yucky, too!"
Jon and I ignore this obviously misinformed statement and continue to mention the yummy pancake for the next half hour, and occasionally he offers her a bite. She continues to refuse. Want a bite of a yummy pancake? No. How about now? No. Now? No. Mmmmmm, this yummy pancake is really yummy, would you like a bite? No. How about I grab it off the plate and aim it at your head like a frisbee? No. Are you even paying attention to me? No.
And this is where the teamwork, the united front comes in, because it suddenly occurs to me to tell her that the syrup tastes like candy, and right when I say that Jon nods furiously and suggests that she dip her finger in the syrup and touch that finger to her tongue. The mere mention of candy causes her to sit up straight, and for a second we both get the sense that she is trying to figure out if it's worth it to give in and let us win, especially if we're telling the truth. What if it does taste like candy? Wouldn't it be stupid to sit there with all that candy a few inches away, just to prove a point? And the voice inside my head is going HAND HER THE BUTTER KNIFE AND DEMAND THAT SHE REMOVE HER ARM.
So she gives us both this look, like, you guys are so cute, look how hard you've been trying. Just this once I'm going to indulge you, but don't say I didn't warn you! And I'm waiting for the bleaaaah and yuuuuuccck and moaning and wailing, and I'm holding my breath as she dips her finger in the syrup. And as she brings that finger to her mouth the overwhelming aroma of AWESOMENESS hits her tongue, and without even tasting the syrup she yells, "I LOVE IT."
What?
"I LOVE IT!"
Excuse me?
"I LOVE IT AND I WANT MY OWN. MY OWN PANCAKE."
I've never seen Jon move so fast, he was out of his chair running to find the server. And in the five minutes it took for him to bring Leta Her Own Pancake we sat there holding our breath, not looking at anything other than the table, afraid that if we moved at all that particles in the atmosphere would shift and she'd change her mind. She'd say something and we'd barely nod or shake our heads. Briefly I looked up and caught Jon's gaze, and I knew we were both thinking the same thing: that pancake would taste no where near as good as victory.
She ate every bite of that pancake, and she has eaten pancakes every single morning since then. It's the first thing she asks for in the morning, Her Own Pancake, and I don't think Jon has ever experienced more joy standing over the stove. Partly because she loves them so much, but mostly because I think he knows that I am now more willing to follow his lead in certain matters when it comes to our very unique daughter. Thank you, Jon, for expanding our daughter's diet from four to five things.
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Heather talks about public tantrums (from kids) on today's Momversation.
- Bedtime, Leta lingering defiantly in the hallway. Jon: "If you want fart stories, you better get in bed RIGHT NOW."
- RIP Louis Mortimer Armstrong: http://bit.ly/1R4tv6
- Hugs and kisses to you, too! RT: @Monkey_Tree: @dooce he probably committed suicide because he was tired of LISTENING TO YOU WHINE.
302. Jennifer said:
Congrats on getting Leta to try something new. I'm very impressed. Before having kids I never understood that you can't make them do what they don't want to do. It just didn't make sense to me. Then I gave birth to a very strong willed child. What a learning experience. She's now 6 and is beginning to mellow out a bit.
My 2 year old is a really picky eater but she is very quiet about it. If we don't stay on top of her meals she'll just move the food around and then sneak away while I'm tending to the 1 year old. She would be happy to live on grapes, green beans and fruit snacks.
303. amy said:
Your daughter can marry my son. A peanut butter sandwich (or a girlfriend who eats them) will kill him.
And he lodged an Australian one-dollar coin in his stomach a few weeks ago. That's slightly larger and about twice as thick as a US quarter. Tossed it in the air and caught it in his mouth. Or rather, his innards, since it went straight down. How's that for talented?
For a week there, he was worth an extra buck. But you find some, you lose some...
304. Megan said:
I have two girls who are comparatively excellent eaters. The 6yo gets a bit funny about vegetables, she'd rather not have them, but she still eats them at every meal (fruit with breakfast). With that in mind, I may not have a fully rounded view of eating problems. I know they're real problems that give real parents real grief. I don't want to undermine that. But it still feels like this isn't a universal problem. If these kids were fighting their siblings for their share of their daily bowl of rice, they probably wouldn't be turning their nose up at the lack of ketchup. Also, I have a friend whose son refuses to eat anything but Pop Tarts for breakfast. My girls never ask for Pop Tarts, because they've never had one...
305. amy said:
(303 continued) And actually, we feed him sugar on bread. Karo Light Syrup, to be exact. In addition to the life-threatening peanut (and egg) allergy, he also has a very rare enzyme deficiency that makes it impossible for him to digest sucrose (regular sugar). His favorite sandwiches are syrup on bread, ketchup on bread (hey, lycopenes!) and pizza sauce with parmesan on bread. Always white bread, since he can't digest maltose, either, which is found in whole grain breads.
It's all about calories, people. Syrup on bread and a cucumber for lunch. Pork chops for dinner. He's got to have a little control in his life.
306. Dackerson said:
I put wheatgerm in the pancake batter and everything I bake, to add some protein, since my own version of Leta will not touch meat or anything that looks like meat. Her diet is ricecakes, granola bars, cereal, Dora The Explorer vitamins, cheese crackers, and various things I bake, (muffins, pancakes, cookies, even on top of Giardelli's brownies) and milk. The occasional carrot or apple will cross her lips, but I too have learned not to hold my breath. It takes a month or more sometimes to add one new item to her usual suspects. She is just like me and would rather drink a meal from a can than have anything icky or with a questionable texture ever touch her tongue.
307. The Cube Monkey said:
Leta SO reminds me of my son when he was young. He would eat what he decided he would eat. He acted like we were attempting to poison him if we attempted to introduce something new.
308. Bob said:
Short Stack is a 1,260 word short story about small things in life. Well written and a lot of fun to read.
Dooce – You can write, I wish I had your skills – nice job (again).
How long did it take you to write this story?
309. Queen of the Universe said:
WOO HOO! Congrats! I have only recently gotten to 8 things with Little Monkey and she is 8 years old...ugh. There was a day when I would tell her she was going to turn into a chicken nugget since that was the only thing for several weeks that she wanted (this was preceeded by her mac and cheese 3 month binge) but then I decided, hell she is alive and eatting SOMETHING so I don't really give a shit what it is. Made my day a lot easier too, no complicated receipes and thought out dinner parties. Chicken nuggets rock.
310. Eleanor's Trousers said:
My little sister, the Yuppie, was a picky eater too and I remember the triumph when she would try something new. Well, actually, she's 25 and still pretty much lives off mac and cheese. But, she's lived that long! So, at least Leta has five food options.
311. Jessica said:
This is exactly the type of post I love best - funny, touching, very well written! Congrats on your victory :)
312. tinnymc said:
another new parenting lexicon: the butter knife moment
313. Michelle said:
Quite an accomplishment!
Perhaps you could tantalize her with blueberry syrup to slowly inch her towards eating fruit.
314. Jen said:
We did the same recently - my stepdaughter will eat the crap out of waffles (chocolate chip, natch) and french toast, but has always resisted pancakes.
So we slathered some in butter, added syrup, and then topped them in whipped cream and renamed it Heaven. I don't care if we are going to hell, she LOVED it. And then wondered why we don't add whipped cream to our "Heaven."
But she is seven. I dunno, I blame it on her broken home. BUt I feel you on not wanting to fight the fight. My husband takes the lead on the introduction of new foods. It's hard and long and gets easier at the slowest pace imaginable.
315. Eryn said:
That is great!! I just totally laughed out loud in my cubicle while reading this. I'm sure my co-workers are wondering what is so funny at 8:30 in the am.
We have to go get pancakes every weekend since it is the one thing my six year old actually asks for.
I wonder if that trick works on any other food. Perhaps I would be able to get him to eat something other than cereal and mac & cheese.
316. bellevelma said:
Standing over the stove? You guys know that you can buy pancakes that are already made, right? They sell them in the frozen foods section, next to the waffles and french toast sticks. Seems to me, you just made your life a little bit easier, expanding the diet. So why not make it even easier, just heat the premade pancakes in the microwave for 30 seconds. But if you must make them yourselves, make a ton at once and freeze the leftovers.
317. Sonia said:
Hi Heather,
Such a lovely post...its almost as if I was seeing it for real while reading through the post...:-)...This is the first time I am leaving a comment on your blog..though I confess that this is the nth time that I am reading your blog..:-)...there are some 300 odd comments already on this post so I guess you may not even be seeing this comment.!.I have a 3 month old baby girl so I am taking these posts as pointers to what lies ahead for me..;-)
Please keep posting..
318. PeppermintPatty said:
My son was exactly like that, except different. He HATED macaroni and cheese, and ham, and mashed potatoes, but LOVED sushi, thai food, and chicken (GOD the chicken - it is all he would eat for 1 complete year, every day.....chicken, chicken, chicken.....I still hate chicken to this day, and he is 25 now.
319. Jennifah said:
My 7 year old is just like Leta. She has just discovered that pizza is basically cheese on bread. And that's a good thing! (f'n duh, right?) She also has pancakes 2-3x per week. Cut into 8 pieces. 8 equal pieces. with syrup drizzled in circles on the pieces. not lines, circles.
The french toast stix are good too - they are dippable in the bowl of syrup.
320. alexis said:
Congratulations!!! I have been witnessed to such picky eaters and I can't even imagine having to be the parent, it drives ME, and innocent bystander, up the wall!
321. Anne Lindenfeld said:
Oh, sister, I feel ya! My son is a "Leta" too -- and spent exactly 1.5 years (as a toddler) eating two foods: Cheerios (name brand) and Tropicana No-Pulp Orange Juice. No brand substitutions allowed. This was the time in my life when I burnt my copy of "What to Expect- Age 2 and 3" in the backyard. All those healthy diets for my baby boy, gone by the wayside.
Turns out, he had sensory integration dysfunction, which manifested itself in an ultra sensitive mouth that couldn't stand the feel of food inside of it. Instead of saying "yucky" though, he just threw up. (Hated touching squishy stuff and refused to touch most foods too.) I once burst into tears at a neighbor's birthday party for her 2 yr old, because my son wouldn't eat pizza or cake. How dumb was that??? Thank god for girlfriends.
Nobody seemed to know how to get my son to eat, so devised this strategy at mealtime: He would play Pajama Sam on the computer while the food for dinner sat on a tray next to us. In addition to the de rigeur Cheerios and OJ, one new food (eg. bagle w/cream cheese) would lurk on it's one plate NO TOUCHING the approved foods. For week one, he just had to look at the food. Week 2, I asked him to touch the food. The next week, it was smelling the food, then a week of licking the food. Gradually, he'd take one bite, then more bites. After weeks of this, he'd usually be okay with eating a portion of the once loathed food, etc. Then, at the very end of this weekslong process, he'd get to decide whether or not he ever wanted to eat the food again. His choice.
Let me tell you, I NEVER thought I would live through the "food battles." Actually, what I learned was that he would do all this in his own time, and I had to make the opportunities and then act like I did not care. (My mother-in-law never learned that last part. Sigh.) Also, I just had to accept the fact that I would be cooking at least 2 dinners for a very long time.
So, hang in there. Yesterday, my son (now 11) ate -- get this -- scallops cooked in garlic hot sauce with green beans. He never did eat bread, but then who needs those carbs?!
322. Ulyana said:
I hate PB&J sandwiches... something about pb clinging to the top of your mouth and the mix of not so gooey pb with very gooey jam make such sandwiches super yucky to me! Bleh! And that's why your daughter rocks!
323. Sugar said:
And I was going to have a spinach and feta omelette... um.. NOT NOW!
324. Melanie said:
I love it. Wish I could have been a fly on the wall at that restaurant!
I have an extremely picky eater too ... girl, I feel your pain.
Congrats on your pancake victory. :)
325. Sonya said:
Expertly wtitten. I completely feel your righteous indignation. *big sigh of relief* I wish you loads of patience, long-suffering and self-control for the future.
326. Susie said:
I feel so much better! It took us about 8 years to convince my 9-year-old to try a pancake, now she eats them every day. I snuck the "multigrain" pancakes into her diet, and now she prefers them. She also won't eat jelly, or any kind of fruit, or ground meat not in a happy meal.
They keep telling me that she'll change, but the change is moving at a glacial pace. We keep plugging away with the "you have to try one bite!" Good luck!
327. Steph said:
Savor your victory!
328. Dodi said:
I have a daughter who not only dislikes PB&J, she doesn't like CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES! She is so picky it drives me NUTS! (She probably doesn't like those either.) She goes to bed hungry a lot.
329. Mary Eadon said:
It's nice to know someone else feels my pain. I too have given up on the eating with our 9 year old. It's a battle I have chosen not to fight because like you it just not worth it. Hold your ground we are now up to 12 things she eats.
330. Anonymous said:
God. Leta sounds almost as insufferable as you.
331. Zoot said:
I've just discovered my picky eater will eat ALMOST ANYTHING as long as she has a giant pile of ranch dressing to dip it in. EVEN BAKED CHICKEN. I'm amazed.
I wonder if she'd eat pancakes dipped in ranch...
332. cari said:
Have you tried making a happy face pancake? That's when you drop two blops of pancake batter on the griddle for eyes, then pour the curved line for the smile. Wait a bit for them to set. Then pour more batter on top to completely cover them and form the pancake. When you flip it over, you have a smiley face inside your pancake, or a frowny face, depending on your mood. If you get really good you can write words in your pancake. My guess it is like peeing in snow. Jon might be better at it. Pace yourself though, it isn't worth freaking her out so soon after a huge victory. Maybe have Jon make one for you and watch her reaction. Tell him he might get lucky if he knocks this one out of the park, too!
ha ha!
333. Rashmi said:
Hi Heather,
I have read your website every day since the last month I discovered it, even going back over the archives - sometimes to get a laugh, or to get teary eyed at the newsletters you write for Leta. Your daughter is one of the most beautiful girls I have seen. I have a two year old daughter, and a four year old son, and today after reading this entry, you brought back memories of my son's picky eating behaviour. He too gave me many heart aches with just not eating anything. He is much better now, so please believe me when I say that her eating habits will change slowly, and soon Leta will be eating much more things than now. Till then, lets keep our fingers crossed.
Lots of good wishes to you.
Rashmi.
334. Laura said:
Loved this post. I was not a VERY picky of an eater but I was a little picky. Fish was not getting past my lips even fried and shaped in stick form with breadcrumbs. But I will eat salmon and fish sticks now.
To # 190. dragonhart -
I would not eat chicken breast that was grilled. I did not like chicken on the bone if it was rotiserie or baked. I would only eat chicken cutlets if they were breaded and fried and paper thin so they were mostly breaded and not so much chicken. And chicken nuggets. I really didn't like the texture of chicken as a kid.
Now I will eat most kinds of way of preparing chicken but i still can't eat a plain grilled chicken breast. Even if it's marinated.
I don't like shrimp or shelfish or any kind of seafood except salmon.
It's a texture issue for me. The way that it feels in my mouth.
It's possible it's a texture thing with your kid too.
335. Traca said:
My sister lived on nothing but Eggo waffles for about 3 years. She eats everything now as an adult except for bananas. Nothing with bananas even. Weirdo.
336. scout said:
next you can offer her these pancakes!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scoutj/2320648215/
lol
337. Penelope said:
I love it and I know EXACTLY what you mean when you were holding your breath and hoping she wouldn't change her mind. I did the same thing last night when my three-year-old decided he wanted to eat corn on the cob for the first time. My son who has never touched meat or mac and cheese or pancakes, for that matter. It's the little triumphs with the picky eaters!
338. Fidget said:
now you have this whole new venue with which you can traffic foods she had decided she hates. Pumpkin pancakes, apple pancakes, banana pancakes.. gawd i sound like bubba gump.. anyways. The pancake is a perfect food smuggling vehicle. Sure they know what you are up too but when you sit with a giant tasty pancake in their view and declare they can not eat YOUR SPECIAL pancake, they may play coy at first but soon they are foaming at the mouth with pancake envy and often are willing to risk the fact that it has a blueberry just to indulge their pancake habit.
339. SS said:
I think you are taking this too far.. where i come from disciplining involves rigid boundaries.. looks like u are easily giving into her.. but i wouldnt really know again as i am not a parent
340. Lisa Martin said:
Oh whatever, you and her have this 'power' thing about food. eat don't eat, who gives a rats ass?
341. Jessica said:
Yay! Congrats. :) I know some other young children who don't like cake, either. I just don't get it.
I've had about three people suggest the Furminator to me in the past week (my cats' hair is out of control). My mom found them discounted on Amazon.com. Seeing as I taught her about the internet only a couple of years ago, I was so proud of her. :)
342. Eddeaux said:
Man, now I want MY OWN PANCAKE TOO!
343. Katie said:
Next you'll have to try carrots roasted in syrup. Yummy!!
344. Jennsa said:
mmmmm......pancakes.
345. Kate said:
I had (HAD) a boyfriend who was THIRTY and would only eat meat, potato, bread, and cheese. Those 4 things.
He ate cheeseburgers on a bun, no lettuce, no tomato. NO CONDIMENTS. No pasta. No fruit. No veggies. How can you live your entire life and refuse to even try a juicy peach, or a delectable bit of asparagus in butter? He basically only drank Powerade, and ate his very plain burgers. Or cheesesteaks. Obviously this relationship did not last, because at every meal I wanted to beat him upside the head.
So Congrats, your 4 year old already has him beat with her FIVE choices!!
346. anne said:
Yeah for pancakes!! You could try adding chocolate chips next time for a little twist....or would that screw everything up? Good for Leta and double Good for you and Jon!!!
347. Anonymous said:
Eater's Regret - I didn't make a snap "diagnosis" of Leta simply because of what she chooses or chooses not to eat. I've faithfully read Heather's blog for some time and nearly every post about Leta contains something that points to AS. As a person who has AS, I'm particularly attuned to what it looks like so I DO have a bit of insight.
A very American trait for us to jump on a bandwagon for diagnosis? Try leading your life without that diagnosis available and see why I want Leta (should she have AS) be diagnosed. I struggled for the first 30 years of my life because no one understood why I was the way I was and I was written off for being difficult, bratty, crazy, retarded, etc.
348. Sam said:
It's admirable that Leta is an only child and already you've figured out that there's nothing you can do to convince them to try new things... or eat, period.
It took me three kids before I caught on and my 3 year old has been known to eat cookies. For breakfast. They're oatmeal cookies, so that's gotta fall into one food group or another, right?
349. BarkingDogShoes said:
You could publish this as a modern day Green Eggs and Ham.
350. Katy said:
I emailed this to you, but thought I would share, here too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kmjf_ol_3yo
My prepubescent posse likes to sing this when we make pancakes.
351. Georgette said:
Wait until you have another kid and you have contrast. My daughter would eat anything. She got a little snooty once when company brought artichokes to a dinner, inquiring "Where's the drawn butter?" She was 5.
My son is still learning about new foods. For years, his favorite green vegetable was a pickle.
352. E's Mommy said:
My son (who is five) eats three things on a daily basis: Pancakes, Peanut butter and Jelly, and Chicken Nuggets. We have a standing rule at the table that he must eat at least 3 bites of everything on his plate, he will indulge but always proclaims it to be "yucky" and will never eat more than his mandatory three bites. I too have given up the food fight, apparently according to his Dr. he will eventually eat, and he wont starve until then. Good Luck!
353. ExSchutz said:
Congratulations! This story made me want to cry.
354. Becky said:
Reminds me of the movie Elf - syrup and candy are totally food groups. Leta would approve of the Elf lifestyle.
:) Becky
355. Stinky Horowitz said:
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Hellboy. In the extras of the first movie, there was a comic of Hellboy as a child, coaxed by a soldier into eating a pancake for the first time. Cut away to Hell: "LUCIFER, LUCIFER! IT HAS EATEN OF THE PANCAKE!!" And all Hell laments, for the Demons have surely lost their chosen one to the Light. I found you story to be highly reminiscent of that scenario.
356. Allison said:
My friend is 26 years old. I have known her since we were 11. To this day the staples of her diet include: grilled cheese, plain pasta with a little grated cheese, french fries, pizza, and mashed potatoes. As she's gotten older things have improved somewhere and she will eat veggie rolls at sushi resturants. However, I will never forget fighting with a waiter, in Disney world of all places, when he refused to bring her the plain pasta with grated cheese and a side of mashed potatoes. He was appalled by 2 startches. GASP! I won, she got her startches and all was well in the happiest place on earth.
So don't lose faith parents! Some people, small and tall, are just finicky. Also my friend only weighs 115 pounds tops, soaking wet, so don't worry about weight problems.
357. Anonymous said:
Thanks for the wonderful story! My 2 year old is at about 4 foods, yogurt, peanut butter, edamame, and udon noodles. I cant wait until I can get her to not spit out yummy things like pancakes with syrup, and it gives me so much hope to hear your story (and all your readers stories) and know that my child is not the only picky eater out there. (blue plate is one of the best diners in slc!)
358. stephanie said:
Congratulations!!!!
359. Marcie said:
Oh my god, you made me laugh out loud.
360. Cortney said:
This is one my favorite posts. Hilarious!
361. geminijen said:
hey #330, you can suck it! Don't like Heather? Fine, then don't waste the energy to write anything!
362. Nytro said:
My sister was Leta growing up. She would not eat pancakes cuz they tasted gross. But she'd never put syrup or butter on them, so yea... perhaps they were a leetle dry?
My dad finally resorted to putting chocolate chips in them (because that's what kids need first thing in the morning... obscene amounts of sugar and chocolate), and she would eat them. But without butter. Or syrup.
She's now 30. And she will only eat pancakes with chocolate chips in them. No butter. No syrup.
And she still hasn't figured out why she has to take a nap at 10 a.m. every day she has those pancakes.
363. Joseph Lied said:
A glimpse into the year 2028:
Handsome man: "Honey, the wedding was supposed to start 20 minutes ago. Are you almost ready?"
Leta: "I told you I'm not coming out until you get rid of that disgusting thing on the table."
Handsome man: "Um...the wedding cake?"
Leta: "Call it what you want. It's disgusting. Why couldn't we have made the cake that I wanted?"
Handsome man: "Sweetie, I told you already, they don't make wedding cakes out of pancakes."
Leta: "Call my Father. I'll bet HE could make one."
Handsome man: *sigh*
364. Polly-Vous Francais said:
When my two kids were little, they weren't exactly picky, but they didn't like any of the same food. ZERO overlap. Made dinner preparation a nightmare. And my daughter loved spinach and liver and all sorts of food until she hit nursery school and heard it was 'yucky.'
Now I live in Paris, and it's funny, but I don't know many little kids here with food aversions. I think -- maybe -- it's because their parents give them little fingertip tastes of complicated food (jeez, and wine, for all I know) before they're a year old, when they're still on pureed stuff.
Love the Leta story!
365. LindseyBeth said:
If you think Leta might go for it and you're looking for a variation on a theme, you should try this recipe from KERF for oatmeal pancakes http://www.katheats.com/?page_id=289. Yummmm!
366. MrsSquirrelAssassin said:
I feel your pain! I have a 15 year old stepdaughter who can't eat many things because of her religion (many of those things are the truly yummy foods like bacon). Then on top of that refuses to eat many other foods.
Sometimes it doesn't get better it's good that you are starting early to trick her to eat more foods because it's hell when they are 15 and think they know everything!
Great website by the way. I'm a new reader.
367. Anonymous said:
Thank you.
That is by far one of the funniest things I have ever read. I had tears in my eyes as I stifled my laughter and the folks in the conference room think I am the most insane receptionist.
368. MrsSquirrelAssassin said:
Ooh! Have you thought about putting syrup on a peanut butter sandwich rather than jelly? I've never tried it but it sounds good.
369. Lori said:
It is so nice to know we are not the only ones with an exceptionally picky eater. Our three year old son is so much like Leta. Heaven forbid he eat something like ice cream or a hot dog...the world might end. He does eat pancakes, though. But ONLY if they are mini Eggo pancakes. I try not to fight too much anymore. :)
370. Tesa said:
Remember Bill & Nada's... mmmm I miss it.
371. Amamsniknup said:
First off, I really loved this post. For me it was not only hilarious (so much so I read it aloud to the Meathead--my hubs-- long story) but timely: I'm experiencing stress (unnecessary, I’m sure) as my daughter turns 9 months old in a few days. I’ve battled with weight (and, go figure, more than my fair share of mental drama) issues my whole life (I love my mother, I love my mother, I love my mother), and I don't want to infuse her (my daughter, not my mother) life with all my bullshit, but I also don't want her to be a house (both sides of her genetic pool have weighty concerns)...so, "what to do, what to do" is all that I’m thinking these days.
I was feeling unable to discuss my feelings with the pediatrician, and was so made to feel VERY uncomfie per baby's last check up. So much so… I switched...and last night was the first time with the new doc. I do feel better....
Anywho... I mean, really, WHAT to do? So, I’m about to jump into this whole new area of "infant/toddler" nutrition (beyond the stage 2 goop she's eating and bored with...) and this post appears, and all your great story plus your readers' responses have put me at ease/given me GREAT (practical) info. Oh, yeah...if you cannot tell: first time mommy.
By the way, I am relatively new to your blog, and I really think you rock. Awesome shit. Really. -S
372. Andee said:
Whoo-hoo! 4 to 5 things! That is wonderful. I wish I could eat pancakes every morning. I think that I would be much happier person. :-)
373. angelawd said:
Wow, I have one of those kids myself, and let me tell you, it gets to be WAY more fun when she's around 17 or so.
Do you think if you guys had more kids you'd obsess more or less about them?
374. Rick said:
Nothing goes down better than a good ol' FLAPJACK! We went to Gatlinburg TN about 3 weeks ago and there are more flapjack houses than you can shake a stick at. Seriously weird. They are on every block. I wanted my son to like the word "flapjack" but he refused. Must be called "pancake" or he will not eat them. Good to see you got Lete on path!
375. Anonymous said:
groundbreaking solution for picky eaters!
You - the grownup, the parent - decide WHAT and WHEN they eat. They choose IF and HOW MUCH. Yes, is IS that simple. No, they won't starve. If they don't like dinner, they'll be good and hungry by breakfast. If they are truly hungry they will eat the least offensive thing you put in front of them. If you put healthy choices in front of them 90% of the time, they will have to absorb some nutrition from the tiny bit they choose to eat. Its it balanced? Not always. And neither is a diet of skittles, pancakes and refried beans.
Picky eaters are bred, not born. Parents feed their own insecurities by giving in to food battles with kids. Feed their hunger, not their demands. Kids will "only eat this or that" because you buy it and serve it to them. Take the crap off the menu. Yes is IS that simple.
376. Elizabeth said:
Oh HEATHER! Your post gives ME Hope. I have a carbon copy kiddo with the eating habits. Mmmm....mashed potatoes? Nope. Cake with frosting? Think I'll just smash it and make art. PB&Js? Not a chance. Thank you!!!
377. MP said:
My 9 year old step son currently eats 12 things. Chicken strips, cheeseburger(plain), Peanut butter on white bread, papaya's (wtf we're in missouri), apples (red only), popcorn, chocolate chip cookies, cheese pizza (dominos only)... OK, 8 things and we would do what you and Jon do.. just TRY it..
Leta = Pancakes... easy, inexpensive...everywhere
Drew = Crab Legs.. ??? WTF we are going to have to dress him in a fake mustash and take him to the casino... Crab Legs.. ??????
378. Jennifer said:
Yeah, my oldest is an effin' blast to take to birthday parties. She's the only kid I know who won't eat pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, or french fries. Won't touch a pb&j if the color of the jelly is anything other than dark purple. Won't eat any pancake except the ones I make at home. The only restaurant she's ever eaten anything at is a Mexican restaurant that serves the white cheese dip with jalapenos in it. But the kid will eat her weight in steak. Maybe her tastes are just too refined for our budget.
379. Lindsay M said:
This article was sent to me by my sister. She sent it to my mother and I because I have always been, and will always be, a picky eater! When I was little my mom would try EVERYTHING to get me to eat just one little bite of whatever. She also discovered that if she told me that it tasted like candy... I would eat it. The problem is that kids learn fast. Soon "...but it takes like CANDY!" didn't work anymore. Now it's just a joke :) Even when my boyfriend tries to get me to eat something new he says "come on Lindz... it tastes like candy!"
Lindsay Meitchik
Picky eater since 1982 :)
380. Bunny Bodel said:
I was just like Leta growing up. Oh, wait, I pretty much still am... but I eat at least 20 things now. My parents never stressed about it too much, and I turned out normal as far as I know. :) I'm glad you were able to get her to eat pancakes though, anyone who doesn't eat pancakes is missing out big time.
381. Kay said:
Yay! Leta ate a pancake! I have hope! I am expecting my first child and if they turn out to be anything like me, they will not like to eat at all. I did like pancakes, I don't remember when my parents introduced the amazing food to me, but as a child I would ask my Mom every morning if I could have pancakes for breakfast. I think you are amazing though to not force Leta to eat certain foods. I have food issues now because my Mom would force me to eat even when I was not hungry. You're doing a great job and yes I can imagine that victory tastes even better than pancakes.
382. Aimee said:
this totally reminds me of that commercial with the little girl who says, "I don't think I like waffles!" and I'm like, what kind of freak-ass kid doesn't like waffles? with butter? and syrup? sheesh.
So glad she gave in - just like the tumble bus. hehe.
383. Nina said:
Hilarious Heather - I can't believe how much I can relate to your post. We just got our son to eat pasta (he is almost four) and I cannot describe the satisfaction it brought me.
Great post
384. Jessica said:
I was waiting for you to tell her that all the Disney Princesses love pancakes.
385. dooce said:
Jesus, there are some anonymous commenters in here who would totally harsh my mellow if I ever had to spend two seconds with them at a playdate. Thank God for the rest of you.
386. Lisa said:
I like waffles better. You can make them crispier and they don't get as soggy. They are good with peanut butter and syrup. How about french toast too with strawberries and whipped creme! Disguising anything as healthy is a good thing to do....thanks Andi!!!
Parents rule!!
387. Heather said:
My daughter won't eat a PB&J either. Or M&M's. She is only 2 and the pickiness astounds me. Mealtimes make me insane. Leta gives me hope that it will get better!
388. Anne said:
I just paid my 6 1/2 year old a dollar to try a bite of broccoli while we were out at lunch this afternoon. She says things like "I like chicken at McDonald's, and the chicken Grandma makes, but your chicken is a different kind I think!"
389. Jinx said:
I love this post. My oldest was a picky eater, and still is.
It is a triumph to get him to try new things, but a great joy to cook them for him, when he discovers they aren't so bad after all.
390. Jess said:
What a great post! Thank you for sharing your stories with us.
I have a picky eater at my house too. We resort to reverse physiology a lot.
Example: "You're full, that's ok we didn't think you could eat it all anyways." To which, he proves us wrong by eating it all.
I always fell kinda bad, like we're tricking him, but if it works, it works.
391. Janie said:
God, how you make me laugh, Heather and God, how I love that daughter of yours. I am always so excited when you allow yourself to put in a story about Leta. I read it thinking "oh no, Leta won't like that!" or "she must've had a fit!" or something like that because after so much time, I feel like I know her and I think she is so great...such a little terror of an individual.
You know what, I think she is great because I can remember HAVING all these types of picky likes and dislikes but never feeling as though I could express them and still be loved...eh the 60s and 70s weren't as enlightened as today LOL. So here I stand almost 50 yrs old with lots of 'issues' to work out. Your daughter has always been free to be herself no matter what and I think that means she will grow to be the absolute best person she can be. (I also think that you will need massive amounts of valium and scotch to get through the teen years!!!!)
392. BoatSailor said:
Hurray for pancakes and fries and syrup and catchup! Those are staples in my book.
Reminds me of a quote from the destined-to-be-a-Christmas-classic-movie ELF. When asked if he likes sugar, Will Farrell channeling Buddy the Elf responds, "Is there sugar is syrup?" When told 'yes' he responds, "Then YES!!" while pouring it all over his spaghetti.
My other favorite quote from that one: his "Buddy the Elf - What's your favorite color?" phone answering technique. High comedy indeed.
Silly fun movie with a plus - Zooey Deschanel. 'Nuff said.
Anyway, congrats on patiently helping Leta down the road to pancake heaven, and all that entails. Good job, hang in there, and just keep swimming.
BTW what was all the bloghr drama about?? Even after reading about it after blurb's post I still miss the point. But, you both weathered it well TOGETHER. Good on ya. You both deserve your successes.
393. Anonymous said:
I LOL and ROTFLMAO. Thank you for your candid moments with you family. You guys rock!
394. Keri said:
I can totally relate... hysterical. at least she'll eat those potatoes - mine won't eat those. the only potatoes she eats must look like french fries. we try to tell her they are the same thing, but to no avail... anyway, good story!
395. Rachel said:
Best From Scratch Pancake Recipe ever!
Mix together:
1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 T. sugar
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. baking soda
2 t. baking powder
Then, add the following wet ingredients:
1 c. buttermilk or sour milk
1 egg, beaten
2 T. canola oil
Whisk together until any lumps are gone.
Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto greased pan/skillet.
Makes about 12 pancakes.
Top with butter and Mrs. Butterworth's syrup, or whipped cream cheese with strawberry preserves. Finish it off with a tall glass of ice-cold milk.
YUM!
396. sybann said:
That necklace on Chuck is probably tortoise shell. And next time you want her to try something say, "Were we right about the pancake?"
397. The Alleged Ringleader said:
I can relate, my friend Lilo is 23 and doesn't like eating strange things either (not that pancakes are strange). I like going to nice restaurants and having yummy glorious food and she has a hard time believing that good food could come on a plate and not in a box next to a toy.
Lately, my friends and I have been able to peer pressure her into trying all sorts of things that include vegetables and ravioli that has things OTHER than cheese in it! It obviously takes copius amounts of wine to talk her into this, but in the end she is always happy to have tried white asparagus wrapped in proscuitto and covered with cheese lol.
Just wait until Leta gets some friends and succumbs to a world of peer pressure! Next thing you know she will be eating gnocchi in a CREAM SAUCE or eating FRIED CHICKEN and WAFFLES and swirling it on the same plate!
398. anna said:
I have had two of those "first world conversations" with my husband myself recently. Odd.
399. TxSuzyQ said:
Yay for Leta!! Wonder if she'd try pork sausage with her pancakes and syrup?!
400. Amanda said:
You should try Eggs In The City! It's sooo much better than Blue Plate, better than Ruth's. It is by far the best breakfast place in SLC. Same deal as Blue Plate (not a chain restaurant in a fun little restaurant) but better!
401. Sprite's Keeper said:
Congratulations! Syrup can make ANYTHING taste good!
And for the record, according to Homer Simpson, it's pronounced "nucular".
402. Katie said:
First of all, the shady-er a place looks, the more likely I am to eat there. And the better the food, usually.
Secondly, I wish my mom had stopped fighting the food battle with me because instead of recognizing that I truly did NOT like tomato products, she would serve me whatever I didn't eat for dinner for breakfast the next morning. I can't tell you how many times spaghetti made a double appearance.
403. maybelle said:
I say have her try some eggs benedict next ;)
404. Julie said:
Soooo funny! And don't take it the wrong way, but posts like this make me appreciate my trash-compactor toddler. She makes short work of EVERYTHING. Broccoli. Olives. Onion. Peppers. Eggs. Green beans. Blueberries. Avocado. And that's just the weirder stuff. The list never ends. (And of course includes pancakes.)
Dooce, if you have another, it will be the most compliant child on the planet. Leta is a remarkable, wonderful girl, but...the universe owes you an easy one.
405. bloggingmom67 said:
Hilarious.
On Christmas Day this past year, my husband told my daughter she couldn't play with ANY of her new toys if she didn't finish her French toast. It was one of the amusing but scary parenting moments where I looked at my husband in horror (forget the united front) and said, why don't you go back to bed. You're taking away her toys so she'll east dessert?
406. Lo said:
You should totally try waffles next!
407. Katie said:
We have a daughter like this and all I can say is they should give you a lifetime prescription of Valium when you leave the hospital with one of those kids.
408. laurie said:
Try a Nutella sandwich....no kid ever balks at Nutella.
409. Elizabeth said:
Hooray for pancakes! I was holding my breath there waiting to see what would happen when the waitress brought Leta her Own Pancake. My daughter? the one who we brag will eat anything? won't eat grilled cheese sandwiches. Go figure.
410. Anonymous said:
My husband is a very picky eater. We went out to breakfast last week and he had Captain Crunch French Toast. (Blue Moon Cafe - Baltimore.)
Yeeeeahh.
411. Chris said:
I know it's a horrible thing but I hate reading a wonderful story about pancakes and seeing that horrific ad for clef palate reconstruction.
Call me a cruel selfish American, just don't mix delicious food stories with disfigurement ads.
412. bee said:
You can sneak a lot of good things into pancakes. :)
And good job on backing up Dad. That united front will serve its purpose well when she gets to be a teenager.
413. BOSSY said:
Yay! And so healthy!
414. BOSSY said:
P.S. Bossy has one of these kids - two in fact - and she feels every nanosecond of your pain. It gets better. (One would hope.) (Not that Bossy knows.)
415. Cass said:
We have pancakes every Sunday and my boyfriend makes them with grated apples in the batter. You can't tell that they are there - but they taste awesome.
416. Monica C. said:
Damn, you're a great writer!
417. Carla said:
I haven't read the comments so maybe someone already told you, but now you can say, "remember how you also thought you didn't like pancakes and then you loved them? well, [other food] is also secretly delicious!"
418. Carrie said:
My daughter is 5. Her most favorite thing to eat is popcorn. Plain or buttered it doesn't matter. So now when I want her to try something new I have to bribe her with popcorn for "dessert". Totally have to agree with you about not fighting them on the food issues. When I quit begging/scolding/fighting with her about food that's when she started eating. Go figure.
419. Rikki said:
HA! My daughter has refused noodles in any shape, form, or medium from birth. She holds strong at 20 years old!
420. pogonip said:
Once upon a time, every kid in the neighborhood helped hold down my brother while I made him taste vanilla ice cream. He weighs about 250 lbs. now and I take full responsibility.
421. Mandy said:
You're definitely not alone in the holding your breath until the child tries the food thing. We've totally done that.
Lately my daughter has been more willing to try new things as long as she helps cook them. She's 3 1/2 and we've struggled with a lot of food textures, and of course the "I don't like it, I DON'T WANT IT!" when it comes to trying something new. Sad part is, if she actually tries something she usually likes it. It's the trying part that makes her act as if we're trying to gnaw her leg off.
*sigh*
Luckily for us, she became a lover of all things soup and discovered (after the 100th try) the joy of dipping carrots in ranch.
422. Having It Girl said:
I love love LOVE your blog. You are an amazing writer. I will definitely be back.
423. b said:
I think the mystery sauce for the sushi has wasabi. they probably mixed it with other stuff, like japanese soy sauce and ginger. you can get wasabi at any japanese grocery store. they're green and awesome.
424. Dee said:
I applaud people who have the kind of patience it takes to indulge a child like that. I don't have it. I adopted my first child when she was 13. We had some big fights about her eating meat. Finally, she accepted my authority on food and we've had no problems since then. She has gone from malnourished and emaciated, to a healthy, beautiful girl.
With my son, he refused to eat at first because jealous kids in the orphanage told him in America he would get fat. Nope. Not yet. He eats hard and plays hard, and looks fine. Took some hard talks before he would do it, but I won that battle.
I don't know why food is always a battleground, even for kids who have gone hungry...
425. Carmen said:
Awwwwww - I love it! What a cute story. It makes me think of when I was young and my dad used to make pancakes for me and I loved his pancakes!!!!! It was the one thing that he made better than my mom! Good times :)
I can't wait until my mom and dad move out here to Vegas and I'll get my dad to make me some more pancakes!!
426. pammyg said:
When my brother was little he was picky, picky, picky. Only ate the same few foods over and over again: high sugar cereals, junk foods, hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, potato chips. The only "vegetable" he would eat was corn. At the age of 10 he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes; things quickly went downhill from there.
I'd like to say there is a bright side... He's now 41 and does eat a slightly wider variety of foods, though mostly of the processed variety. One odd quirk he developed is that none of his foods can touch each other on the plate. He's almost at the point that he needs a new plate for each food as he eats one thing at a time. And, oh yeah, he'll now eat mashed potatoes but no way there'd ever be gravy on them!
Bur really, the point is that this is who he is. And nobody's gonna change him...
Unlike my family, sadly, my husband grew up in the "clean plate club" family. No individuality. It didn't matter that red cabbage made you gag, you ate it or else!
Kudos to you accepting so well your little Leta's uniqueness. She will be a better adjusted human for it.
427. Lea said:
You should get "the perfect pancake maker". It makes perfect round pancakes, AND you can buy those special molds and make her all sorts of cute pancakes.
You can find the pancake maker on ebay.
428. Anita the Ovolina said:
that's great..maybe i should try it on my husband who is more picky than my six children combined .....he actually eats some types of vegetables without chewing and quickly drinks water to swallow.....just because it's good for you
Anita
429. Athy said:
Wow. Seriously, my goodness. There's no way my Mom would have put up with that kind of bs from us kids. No sir, no way, no how. Growing up we were forced to eat extremely healthy, next to no sugar, no wheat, and little dairy. And if we tried to get away with not wanting to eat something, tough luck. We either ate it or didn't eat, period. Lol. In the end, all of us kids grew up without any pickiness what-so-ever, so I think it worked ;). That's tough, sorry your kids being so difficult, but I'm told it gets a lot harder the more you let them get away with it then put your foot down and give them no other choice but to eat whats infront of them :/.
430. Jen said:
I also own a hater of all foods poison, so I get a kick out of all of your food related posts. My guy is a 23 pound 2.5 year old, resident of The land of Zion, and also a frequent visitor to The Blue Plate. All he'll eat is the sausage - which is a little cringy to a vegetarian mom. Maybe you have seen him there? He's the one making the dramatic gag noises at every plate that goes by. I am going to have to try the candy/pancake trick. Maybe you are on to something, so thanks for the tip!
431. Liz said:
blueberry pancakes are going to blow her mind. They still blow mine. Every Saturday morning. My 3 yr old eats 12. My husband ... hates blueberries.
432. Fabulously40 said:
I remember those days, when nothing made me more happier than seeing my children eat, as they grew and packed on pounds, I became more and more obsessed with their weight.
Pancakes every morning is NOT a good thing.
433. Ruby said:
Anonymous #375 - do you even have children?? Parenting is all about compassion and compromise, not some sort of Nazi regime.
434. Hande said:
I am just wondering why it is something to aspire getting your kid to eat pancakes with syrup as opposed to home fries with ketchup. I would understand the battle over, say, "fresh fruit with natural yogurt", but what difference does it make if the kid is getting too much calories, fat and sugar and zilch vitamins and minerals from a sweet dish rather than a savory dish...
435. Verity said:
This made me smile so much.
When I was a kid I wouldn't eat bread so my mum used to have to make me a packed lunch with just the sandwich fillings! I didn't like chips either so would ask for two hamburgers when we went to MacDonalds! Unfortunately I stopped being a fussy eater and now eat everything in sight - oh well, can't have everything.
436. Terri said:
Congratualtions on expanding Leta's food range- I know how much of a big step that can be!
I hate to be the type of person who gives advice, as I don't know anything about all the issues, but I do work as a therapist dealing with kids with very limited diets. I'd suggest looking into the Wilbarger oral tactile technique- it's worked WONDERS for many kids I've worked with.
437. Lilly said:
Hail the almighty pancake - love them. My Dad introduced them to me too, some 30 years ago. His major speciality!! And, if it wasn't for my expanding waistline, I would still be ordering them every day too! Congratulations on another milestone..
438. Colie said:
Yay for food dipped in sugar! I have the exact same issues with my 4 year old son who basically eats it only if it is made of cheese. If it weren't for Kraft Dinner, he'd starve.
Last night I tried to get him to eat the pasta we were having for supper because I'm exhausted from making two meals every night like a freaking short order cook so I covered it in cheese to which he replied:
What kind of cheese is that?
Mozarella, I replied. It's deeeeeeelicious! You love it, I say, praying he will allow it to touch his lips even though it isn't orange and wasn't shaken out of a little pouch.
He took one sniff and told me to "get the stink off of it" and then maybe, just maybe, he would take one taste.
He didn't.
I also tried the whole hiding the pureed vegetables in the mac and cheese a la miss pefect mother Jessica Seinfeld and you know what - pureeing all that food was from hell and it tasted like ass. The 4 year old was not fooled.
NOTE: Now that syrup has worked its magic - try whipped cream! My son will actually eat more than 2 kinds of fruit if he has a mountain of whipped cream on the side for dipping!
439. Anonymous said:
Hey Lori - KISS MY ASS. I know more about AS than anyone on this board (I'm sure of it) so don't go making fun of me. I don't need kids or need to spend time with someone to have an opinion about them. Heather is very descriptive and has written LOADS about Leta and her behavior. If anything, an observer who isn't close to the situation is better off forming an opinion. I didn't DIAGNOSE anyone because I'm not a doctor. I have an OPINION. Again, kiss my ass. That's my opinion of you by the way. :)
440. Kimberly said:
I LOVE IT!
That's awesome. Maybe you should try putting maple syrup on everything? Peanut butter and maple syrup sandwich anyone?
441. Anonymous said:
My daughter wouldn't eat peanut butter either, couldn't stand the smell and turns out she's allergic to peanuts - the allergist said, "yup, her body knew it". Also very picky eater as a child with lovely healthy requests such as Kraft macaroni and cheese (but not the healthy homemade kind, mind you) for a few years and varieties of junk of the catsup and baloney genre but now is very meticulous about what she eats, extremely healthy and can't overeat and is gorgeous!
442. Anonymous said:
your kid is funny - she's going to be a genius when she's older.
443. Susan said:
Who else can blog about her child eating a pancake, and get over 400 people to comment on it? Heather, you rock!
444. Emily said:
I wish I could eat pancakes every morning. Especially if they're homemade like my mama's.
445. Craig K said:
I just learned that one of my 7 month old twin girls doesnt like pears. Spoonful one got a funny look. Spoonful two attempt wound up with the spoon in her eye and pears everywhere.
Pears dont clean up like sweet potatoes they have chunklets that get everywhere. EVERYWHERE!
and I just created my next journal entry. =)
446. Carly said:
That is very funny. She learned, not only does ketchup make things taste better, so does syrup! Cute!
447. Di said:
Thank you!
I have a stepson like this and could relate, so relate.
448. Beth H said:
I had to laugh. Who knew that once I became a parent I would find myself saying (loudly) things like, "Just try the freaking jelly bean. It won't hurt you. It's yummy. It's candy. Candy is GOOOOOD." It's just crazy frustrating to offer your child a treat and have them recoil in a mixture of fear, distrust and revulsion. And then I realize I am fighting a battle to make them eat SUGAR. Which I was sure I was never going to ALLOW them to eat. Wait. What just happened?
449. M said:
I have a recent favorite first world predicament:
My mother called me the other day and said, "The storms last night knocked out power and there is a tree down across my cleaning lady's driveway. She can't come today. WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?"