Baby Food

Before Romi even came home I vowed to raise a strong, healthy baby with good eating habits. I made a commitment to both of us that I would do everything I could to instill in Romi a love of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, complex carbohydrates and pure drinking water. My son would not have to fight sugar cravings or the call of trans fats. To this end, I decided that I would make Romi's baby food. I bought special trays with 2 ounce portion sizes and snap on covers for the freezer (my baby would not taste freezer burn!). And for the most part I have to admit it worked well. Romi's favorite food is Cheerios, a multi-grain oat snack. He gobbled up the beautiful fresh pureed carrots, yams and butternut squash. He fell in love with peas and Lima beans. The food was all lovingly prepared without fat or spice and had gorgeous vivid colors. I congratulated myself on a job well done.

And then two things happened. First, my independent little guy learned to use his hands, which means he only wants to feed himself. If he can't put it between his fingers and convey it to his mouth, it's not on the menu. I adapted, knowing that developmentally this was great for Romi. No longer would the fresh cooked veg go into the blender, but it was finely diced for little fingers.

But then we went to the doctor. While a drop off in weight gain is expected at nine months, what with all the physical exercise the kiddies get crawling around and pulling themselves up, Romi's lack of pounds has the doctor a bit concerned. The solution? Add fat and calories to his diet. His veggies now come slathered in butter or olive oil. He has progressed to eating meat and cheese (no, not together). The snack of choice is now low-sodium, high-fat Ritz crackers.

Whereas I once wanted my little bambino raised on naught but local fresh produce, I am now energetically feeding him pancakes and pizza. Oy.

Romi with egg on his face