W(h)ine with my Cheese, (depending on what kind it is and whether or not I like it today).

In trying to convince myself to go grocery shopping today, I started looking at recipes .  Looking at recipes made me realize I don't enjoy cooking anymore.  Realizing that I began to wonder why, because I used to be a bit of a foodie.  After pondering  few moments I came to the conclusion that it was related to the fact that everything I place on the table becomes a point of contention.  

Little One is in a fairly typical toddler pattern of loving something one day and abhorring it the next the next.    We recently went through a phase where pasta in sauce had to be taken noodle by noodle to the sink and washed before being consumed, like a little raccoon.  I can grit my teeth and try to outlast this phase, but it's the hardcore "I'm not trying it.  I don't like it {based on the way it looks} and I never will." refusal that wear me down.  And what makes this harder for me is that I can't just take a break from the battle and offer them quick and easy offerings once in a while, like frozen pizza, mac in the blue box, etc. because they won't eat those either.   

To this end I made a list today of the foods that my children will eat at least 50% of the times they are offered. It was not very long.   It was not particularly balanced.  It was a little shameful honestly. 

So, hot dogs yes but hamburgers no.  Peanut butter yes but not on a piece of bread, rice cake or celery.  On a spoon in isolation.   Apples occasionally, but only if peeled, sliced and cored.   Deli meat no.  Cold meat of any persuasion no.  Anything served on bread, no.   Carrots raw with hummus for one , and only cooked for the other.  Broccoli as long as it doesn't have a stem of unusual length.  Eggs, never.  Grains, (barley, oats, quinoa, wheat berries….), nothing doing.  Cheese for one, but only if it's cheddar.  No bagels, English muffins, or muffins that contain berries.  The list goes on and on. 

What I can count on day after day is a glass of milk.  A tablespoon or two of peanut butter.  Rice.  Beets.  These are the only four constants.  Can a child live on this?  Thrive?  For how long? 

The advice I receive from other parents is all fabulous and sensible.  It just hasn't made a difference yet almost 18 months in.  I keep waiting for the light to come on and the choir of angels to reward waiting them out, but it ….Just. Isn't. Happening.