I am forced to reflect: both Jeff and I were a “wee” bit picky when we were little… okay like totally picky and Jeff still gets harassed by his family about it. So picky eater boy meets picky eater girl, they breed two little Q boys and voila = 2 genetically endowed picky eaters. Now Kai appears to be thriving, he would live off chocolate if he were allowed (he told me so) and he mostly likes the “special oatmeal” for the maple syrup but he’s 3, surly he can fend for himself, right? But Connor… he’s uniquely picky.
Most of you are reading this thinking; "Yah yah, she’s exaggerating this one for sure" but sadly no… nope I’m not… this little Q boy is exceptional in his picky-ness. He’s just 10months old and already he inspects everything that comes within a 2 foot radius of his mouth, he clamps his mouth down tight upon any new sighting of food and he’s become an eating ninja by throwing any and all foods a great distance from his wee little highchair. He rejects EVERYTHING the first time and requires at least 1000 attempts with a graded, very gradual approach before allowing the same food back in his radius for a subsequent attempt.
So far he’s rejected all good things including; blueberries, grapes, avocado, soft cooked carrots, peas, green beans, potatoes (sweet and white), rice, egg, pasta, bread (unless toasted and he’s in a chipper mood), and meats (except the odd turkey burger).
Basically this kid is living off yogurt, banana, apple sauce, oatmeal and cheerios! He used to be good at eating (like 3 weeks ago) and even then it was hit and miss but now… he’s all about the yelling and carrying on at all mealtimes like he’s being neglected until the banana slices make an appearance. Then he knows that following shortly will be the spoon-fed white stuff (yogurt) and if he’s lucky a third helping of cheerios will also arrive just to keep him quiet!
He’s a challenge all right and he’s got a serious right hook … watch out! when he doesn't what the foods you've presented. He’s also demonstrated a noteworthy curve ball and has a sweet jump short evolving. I’ve even been on the receiving end of his ninja-like moves using his little forearms. I’m particularly interested in the 3 pointer shot onto Kai’s plate he's gearing up for - I’ll keep you posted. It’s fascinating really!
So for now, I’m still mashing up, mincing or pureeing whatever we’re having, then distracting Connor with some crazy Kai antics, scattering cheerios on his tray and gently encouraging that little baby spoon into the mouth (I am an OT after all). So when that mouth is not clamped shut, it’s hollering for more of his favored foods and man can Chubs yell! Where did he inherit that trait?