I like to think of myself as a pretty competent mom. My kids are safe and sound at the end of the day. Their bellies are full, their diapers are clean, and they’re all up-to-date on their vaccinations. I’m sure it intimidates other parents that my kids are smelling fresh and keeping germs at bay, but what can I say? I’m really nailing this parenting gig right now.
You could say I’m like Supermom. Well, maybe Batmom.
But I’d be dishonest if I didn’t admit that my approach to parenting has mellowed a bit since the arrival of my second child. I had been warned this would happen. Everyone said, “Just wait, Emma,” but I rolled my eyes because, of course, I was going to be different! Other moms may have relaxed with their second child, but not me! The second baby would get the same loving treatment as the first one, and that was my plan. I was determined. There would be tons of photos! Consistent sleep routines! Plates brimming with vegetables!
Fast forward a year later.
My first child had monthly photos in a special chair to track every little milestone. The second child doesn’t even have a chair. The first kid had a themed first birthday party with a smash cake and relatives flying in from across the country. The second child got a Twinkie during grandma’s visit. The first born enjoyed homemade baby food, lovingly prepared to preserve nutrients and vibrant colors. He was a mini foodie, and his plate was a kaleidoscope of color.
The second child? Well, she’s all about bread and cheese.
Before you panic, I’m doing my best. It’s just that our days are packed with a million activities, and the idea of spending 30 minutes trying to spoon-feed boiled carrots to a baby who won’t open her mouth is dropping down my list of priorities. And it’s not like she has a boring diet. Second Baby enjoys a delightful variety… of carbs and dairy. Breakfast? Raisin toast and string cheese. Lunch? Cheese crackers and juice. Dinner? Pizza! Italian cuisine, if you ask me. So, while she might be on a carb spree, she’s also quite cultured.
I began with the best intentions. I had my food processor and butternut squash ready, but then Second Baby came along, laughed at my plans, and said, “Nah, I’ll take a Cheez-It.” Those mythical babies who munch on whole broccoli stems and bell peppers are my ultimate envy. The only way I could replicate that would be with a veggie-shaped cookie cutter paired with cheese toast.
And I’ve truly tried.
I’ve cooked all sorts of meals! Fettuccine alfredo with chicken and peas? She only eats the noodles. Shrimp Caesar salad? She picks at the croutons and parmesan. A full English breakfast? Yep, you guessed it—bread and cheese.
When all else failed, I took her to the pediatrician, fully expecting my Batmom status to be revoked. The appointment went splendidly. My little girl was thriving, hitting milestones like a champ. A baby prodigy, if you will.
This gave me the courage to address my concerns about her limited vegetable intake.
“So, doc, I’m a bit worried that we aren’t managing to get many veggies into her diet.”
“Oh? What does she eat?”
“Well, a variety of things. You know, crackers… cheese… toast… cheese… toast… bread… cheese… pizza.”
The doctor chuckled lightly while checking her heartbeat. “I doubt she’ll eat that way in college, so I wouldn’t stress too much. Just try to add some color to her meals. Keep at it, and if it’s still an issue next year, we’ll take a closer look.”
Just add some color to her diet. Easy enough, right? I set out on a mission to the grocery store, convinced that today was the day Second Baby would embrace a rainbow of flavors.
We filled the cart with apples, squash, peas, green beans, and even kale chips. Back home, I unleashed the pots, pans, and food processor. Second Baby was ready for her high chair, and I was pumped for dinnertime.
When my husband entered with our oldest son, the kitchen looked like a cooking show gone wrong.
“Uh, what’s for dinner?” he asked, eyeing the chaos.
“Oh, this is for the baby,” I replied, chopping more squash. “We’re adding some color!”
I tossed a carrot onto the high chair tray. Baby picked it up, made a face like I’d served her poison, and tossed it aside. I tried a pea. Vomit emoji face. Broccoli? Same deal. Butternut squash? You guessed it—vomit emoji.
“I just don’t know what to do!” I sighed in frustration. “Why won’t she eat more colors?”
At that moment, my three-year-old son cheerfully marched into the kitchen, waving a half-open bag in his hands. “Look, Mommy! Holland loves colorful food!”
The baby beamed, picked up a bite, and started munching happily. It might not be conventional, but I’m counting that as a win. We finally managed to get some color into her diet after all!
For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on fertility. If you’re looking for at-home insemination kits, head over to this authority on the subject.
Summary:
In this light-hearted reflection on parenting, Emma Collins shares her humorous yet relatable journey of raising her second child who thrives on a diet of carbs and dairy. Despite her initial plans for a more wholesome approach, the realities of busy parenting led her to embrace a more relaxed style. With the support of her family, she finds joy in the little victories, proving that every child’s journey is unique.