It was bound to happen. Though they were so close at first, inseparable really, enough was enough. Heath decided they needed some time apart. In other words, the boy and his beloved Asian sesame cereal are no longer as close as they once were. Sure, they get together at breakfast, but then they go their separate ways. Heath is playing the field! This kid eats fish, tacos, pork, sweet-and-sour chicken, super-burgers, berries and cherries, entire bananas, Swedish pancakes with lingonberries, and pretty much whatever wanders into his path. Instead of a tentative bite or two, he dives for these foods and even asks for them by name. "Ka-kuh!" he demands, when he spies a buttery Townhouse. "A'nana!" he announces at snacktime. And "Eer-yah!" ("Cereal!") is still on the menu in the morning. Though we were elated when he got hooked on this nutritious stuff, it is even more fantastic to see him transform into a fairly fearless eater. I'm still getting used to leaving the house without food packed, knowing we can order from a kids' menu or forage in the wide world for something tasty. Heath is a full-on member of the food chain and loving every minute of it.
We're starting to see the chub come back too. I spied a bit of belly pooching out over his waistline yesterday, a wonderful sight. He's drinking between 13 and 16 ounces of milk a day along with some water, and eating five times a day with gusto. Being sick last month demolished his appetite for food and drink overnight and he dropped about a pound -- scary! Thank goodness he still had the button so we we could give him supplementary hydration and food via tube. After he gets through another illness without needing the button, we'll know we can safely remove it. What a great day that will be! I'm really curious to see whether having his button out makes it more fun for him to play on his tummy -- he has never been interested in belly crawling, and I don't think I would be either with a big chunk of plastic protruding from my abdomen.
In other news, Heath is so happy with the bench his Aunt Sandy gave him! He spends lots of time sitting at the desk Grandpa Ed built, reading about tractors and trucks.
We also paid our first visit to the shoe store, for a pair of sturdy Stride Rites. These make it even easier for Heath to stand at the coffee table and do a little personal computing.
Summer weather has been great for boyish adventures. Like meeting an African pygymy goat at the zoo....
And devouring an entire apple dumpling (aebleskiver) at the Nordic Heritage Festival! WOW!
At seventeen months, Heath sure is thriving. It makes me so happy every day. Since he became an eater in May, such great leaps have occurred in his speech, mobility, and all-around joie de vivre, which was already pretty high. Our whole family is happier, healthier, more relaxed, and totally grateful for all the ordinary things we have to enjoy.
Hope everyone is having a great summer! Next post: Two more little girls in our community become eaters!!
It has been so great to see him change and evolve! He's such an inspiration to us all. He loves life, that is for sure!! Good job Momma and Poppa!!!
Posted by: Emily | July 25, 2010 at 11:27 AM
It is SO wonderful to see Heath drinking from the cup and eating with pleasure!!
I am so happy for all of you and praying that the next post will be the safe removal of the button.
Hope you are having a great weekend.
lots of love.
Abeer
Posted by: Abeer | July 31, 2010 at 04:11 PM
Man, that's a cute kid. Can't wait to see you guys again and watch the kids eat together! Love the picture at the zoo!
Love, Shannin
Posted by: shannin strom-henry | July 31, 2010 at 11:29 PM