Big Eaters Circle

When the boys were babies, I developed an intense hatred for baby bottles. I hated preparing them, warming them and helplessly watching my precious babies drink from them. They were a glaring reminder of the gigantic failure I felt I had become as a mother.

I sucked at breastfeeding. And I hated myself for it.

From birth, the boys' weren't great eaters and James suffered through reflux and allergies. Born early and small, we were concerned with putting weight on their little bodies and practically pulled our hair out measuring their intake and worried when they didn't eat enough.

Needless to say, feeding time was a stressful time in our house and the rows of bottles lined up on our kitchen counter every day symbolized those feelings.

So, when it came time to introduce solids to the boys, I could not have been more enthusiastic. Finally! A reprieve from relying on those stupid bottles for 100% of the boys' nutrition and well-being.

This week, I wrote a story about making homemade baby food and it brought back all sorts of happy memories of making the boys' food. I only made about half of their food myself, but it gratified me in ways I never could have imagined. For one, they took to solids really well and seemed to like nearly everything we fed them. Secondly, I felt more involved in their growth and development, which helped me get over the guilt.

Just a little.

And who wouldn't with sweet and goofy smiles like these (on such chubby cheekers)?