There are a few things that make me feel proud of myself that I can brag about without sounding like a big horse's patoot. For example, I take a measure of pride in the fact that I was raised to be the kind of girl that can comfortably go to other people's homes and eat whatever food they are kind enough to share. I don't get squiggly about food in combinations I've never seen before or whose colors and aromas are foreign and confusing to my senses. Generally, I see new a new food and think, "Cool, I'll try that." Of course, once in awhile I do find myself seated before a dubious offering. At those times, my worst inclination is to think, "Well, how bad can one bite be?" My mom, you see, always told me that I had to try at least "one bite."
My waistline tells the tale: I like most everything. More importantly, I want my kids to like most everything, too (while maintaining a healthy waistline, of course!). I want them to be the kind of kids who can enjoy dinner at a friend's house and not freak out because the food is touching, mixed together, or (gulp!) completely unrecognizable as food. It will happen...some day...and it will be the worst possible occasion, like the first dinner with a special girl's family. With this in mind, since Wyatt and Jack started eating solid foods, I've tried to expose them to as many different textures, flavors, and combinations as possible. For the most part, I've been successful and Michael is very supportive of my efforts, going so far as to choke down foods he would never consider, all for the sake of humoring my need to expand the boys' palates. Naturally, both boys get on jags and swear they "don't like x" or "will never try y." I don't take these small protests seriously. I just gently remind them that "yes you do like x, you ate it before and you'll eat it next time" or reassure them that "you don't have to try it today, but you do have to keep it on your plate." Then I make it a point to serve the questionable food often and put it on everyone's plate for consideration. Eventually, what was once offensive becomes familiar and I'm rewarded with the sight of a sweet little boy polishing off his x or y with gusto.
My waistline tells the tale: I like most everything. More importantly, I want my kids to like most everything, too (while maintaining a healthy waistline, of course!). I want them to be the kind of kids who can enjoy dinner at a friend's house and not freak out because the food is touching, mixed together, or (gulp!) completely unrecognizable as food. It will happen...some day...and it will be the worst possible occasion, like the first dinner with a special girl's family. With this in mind, since Wyatt and Jack started eating solid foods, I've tried to expose them to as many different textures, flavors, and combinations as possible. For the most part, I've been successful and Michael is very supportive of my efforts, going so far as to choke down foods he would never consider, all for the sake of humoring my need to expand the boys' palates. Naturally, both boys get on jags and swear they "don't like x" or "will never try y." I don't take these small protests seriously. I just gently remind them that "yes you do like x, you ate it before and you'll eat it next time" or reassure them that "you don't have to try it today, but you do have to keep it on your plate." Then I make it a point to serve the questionable food often and put it on everyone's plate for consideration. Eventually, what was once offensive becomes familiar and I'm rewarded with the sight of a sweet little boy polishing off his x or y with gusto.
By staying positive and not giving up when confronted by wrinkled noses, Michael and I have managed to help Wyatt and Jack like many different foods and not become too boggled by new things. While I'm thrilled that they'll eat broccoli, cous cous, pecorino romano cheese (in chunks...by itself!), and hummus, above all else, my greatest desire was to help them learn about and enjoy seafood. Fish, shrimp, scallops, clams, and of course, lobster. What kind of Maine Girl would I be if I didn't love lobster? What kind of Maine Mom would I be if my boys didn't grow up to love lobster, even if we do live 3,000 miles from the chilly Atlantic???
Which brings me to the aforementioned empty wallet...both of my boys LOVE lobster. Michael treats me to lobster for my birthday or Mother's Day each year. One lobster once or twice a year isn't that extravagant. But now...it's three lobsters (sadly--or luckily--Michael does not love this sweet delicacy!). Jack enjoyed his first lobster, on his own plate, last Mother's Day. Wyatt has been a pro at eating lobster for several years and was thrilled to help show his little brother the ropes. Take a look...
Jack admiring his first lobster...
on his own plate
with his own drawn butter
and his very own shell cracker
Wyatt scored a HUGE claw!
Jack, Mommy, and Wyatt...loving lobster, loving life!
Happy Boys...with Expensive Taste...and a very Proud Mom!
