I like to think of myself as a competent mother. My children are alive and well at the end of each day, their bellies are full, they’re clean, and they’re current on their vaccinations. While this may intimidate other moms, I can’t help but feel like I’m absolutely acing this parenting gig. Supermom? More like Batmom.
However, I must admit my parenting approach has eased somewhat since the arrival of my second child. I had been warned this would happen. Everyone kept saying, “Just wait, Lucy,” but I rolled my eyes thinking, “I’ll be different!” Sure, other mothers may have relaxed with their second child, but not me! My second baby was going to receive the same treatment as my first, and I was determined to prove it. There would be plenty of photo albums, peaceful nights, and plates overflowing with veggies!
Fast Forward One Year
My first child had monthly photo sessions in a special chair to track his growth. The second child doesn’t even have a chair for that purpose. The firstborn’s first birthday was a grand celebration, complete with a themed smash cake and a crowd of relatives. Meanwhile, my second child was served a Twinkie during Grandma’s visit. While the first kid dined on homemade, nutrient-packed baby food—squash, apples, snap peas, hummus, and guacamole—the second child? Well, she happily devours bread and cheese.
Before you panic, I am trying my best! The reality is that life is busy, and the thought of spending 30 minutes coaxing boiled carrots into a stubborn infant isn’t quite high on my priority list. But to be fair, she does have some variety… just if you consider a diet of carbs and dairy diverse. Breakfast consists of raisin toast and mozzarella sticks, lunch is cheese crackers and juice, and dinner? You guessed it—pizza. It’s Italian, after all! So while she may be carb-loading, she’s also got a cultured palate.
I started with the best intentions. I had my food processor and fresh butternut squash ready, but then Second Baby arrived and simply demanded a Cheez-It instead. Those mythical babies who munch on whole broccoli stems and sliced bell peppers are my envy. The only way I could make that happen is with a veggie-shaped cookie cutter and a slice of cheese toast.
And believe me, I’ve tried. I’ve made everything from fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and peas (she only eats the noodles) to shrimp Caesar salad (she enjoys the croutons and parmesan). Even a full English breakfast? She still sticks to bread and cheese.
When I finally took her to the pediatrician, I feared my Batmom status was about to be revoked. But the appointment went well; my little girl was thriving and hitting milestones like a champ—her words, not mine! Feeling emboldened, I brought up my concerns about her lack of vegetables.
“So, Doc, I’m worried about her veggie intake,” I said.
“What’s she eating?” the doctor asked.
“Well, a variety of things… you know, crackers, cheese, toast, cheese again, and maybe some pizza,” I replied.
The doctor chuckled. “Don’t worry too much. Kids change their eating habits, and I doubt she’ll be eating like this in college. Just try to add some color to her meals. If it’s still an issue next year, we can discuss it then.”
Add some color? Sounds simple enough, right? I headed to the grocery store, determined to diversify Second Baby’s diet. Armed with apples, squash, peas, green beans, and even kale chips, I was ready to give her the First Baby treatment once more.
Upon returning home, the kitchen looked like a culinary war zone. My husband walked in and asked, “What’s for dinner?”
“Oh, this is for the baby,” I said, chopping up yet another squash. “We’re adding color!”
Excitedly, I tossed a carrot onto the high chair tray. Baby made a face that could only be described as a vomit emoji and promptly discarded it. Peas? Same reaction. Broccoli? Vomit emoji again. Butternut squash? You guessed it.
In frustration, I exclaimed, “Why won’t she eat any colors?”
Just then, my older son strolled in, beaming with a half-open bag of colorful snacks. “Look, Mommy! Holland loves colorful food!” he declared, tossing the vibrant treats onto the high chair tray. To my amazement, the baby smiled from ear to ear, grabbed a piece, and munched happily. It may not have been conventional, but I’m counting it as a win.
At last, we managed to introduce some color into her diet.
This article was originally published on April 19, 2017. For more insights on parenting and pregnancy, check out this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination from the NHS.
In summary, parenting often comes with unexpected twists, especially when it comes to feeding your children. The second child might not get the same culinary treatment as the first, but as long as they’re happy and healthy, that’s what truly matters.