The Solid Truth

Andy had his four month check up on March 14th. Besides being ridiculously observant and having superior strength, he was also given the green light on starting rice cereal, the inauguration of solids – something our Pediatrician noted is not common for all babies his age. Every little nugget develops at their own pace. Our son just happens to be an overachiever.

[Side Rant] Now I know there are some spectators who say you shouldn’t start your baby on “solids” until at least six months because of certain health publications. That is super helpful information to consider. However, I am going to listen to my pediatrician and assume it is safe to say that she has the best intentions and the greater knowledge on the subject than I, or any lifeless article.

I make mention of this because I think its important to stop acting like doctors ourselves – we do not get a degree in google. As much as I love to profess that I am Meredith Grey, I’m not (for unfortunately more obvious reasons than fiction). Let’s listen to our doctors. I would like to hope they didn’t waste all their time, money, and resources on schooling for no purpose.

Ok, rant ended.

Back to this solids situation. I feel that our doctors prepared us well. We were sent home with thorough instructions on how much rice cereal to give, when to give it, how to increase, when to increase, how to begin veggies, what kind of veggies, etc. etc.

What they do NOT tell you is where the inspiration for this post developed. So, I have taken it upon myself to share the things I have come to acknowledge as the Solid Truth (pun intended).

1. Rice cereal does not in fact look like rice cereal.

Or any cereal for that matter. It actually looks more like fish food. That is, until you mix in the breast milk or formula. Let’s just call it what it is. Its weird.

2. More food gets on their face than in their actual mouth.

Gather up a plethora of napkins and layer on the bibs. For those without OCD like me, you may be able to comfortably (and sanely) let the mess amass. Whatever you choose (clean right away or let the mess compile), get ready; there’s no stopping it.

3. You find yourself making the most ridiculous sounds to get them to open wide.

We have all heard (or done) the “choo choo train”, “airplane”, or if you’re like me, the “raspberry". But thorough research has revealed other silly notes such as; “the alien”, and “say please”! Honestly, fart noises seem to work best in our house.

4. Spoon in mouth also means hands in mouth.

Overachiever

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03-4-17-0743

This baffles me. I wish I had an explanation, or more time to google other theories, but my son seems to think that by me inserting a spoon in his mouth, that means his hands should also share slot. Now that we are in our fourth week of solids (read: PROS), Andy wants to put the spoon in his mouth himself. I feel like this is a foreshadowing of the battle of the wills to come. Lord, help us.

5. Basically, you will do just about anything to ensure they eat.

The first day we offered cereal to Andy, he refused (shocking).So, the second day, my husband took one for the team and devoured his own bite to assure our son it was not so bad.Mike got mad points because there is no amount of love that could have made me do that (seriously, have you smelled this stuff?).It is possible Andy was thinking the same thing.

In the end, it is all worth it. I feel like I learn so much about myself through these simple everyday activities with Andy. The more I teach him and watch him learn, the more I grow as well. To see him explore, experience, and respond to life is something that no one can accurately illustrate for you – it has to be endured.

We are approaching five months with this little man, and this week we start with “real” food on the menu; sweet potatoes and squash. I am going into this week with little to no expectations, because if I have learned one thing, its whenever I think I’ve figured it out – everything changes, again. So say a prayer and wish us luck as we continue on our solid journey.