Jelly Crackers

Well, it's about time this day has come.  I guess every mother has their own breaking point when they simply say, "Yep, I am officially DONE!".  Mine came last night, Monday, December 13th.  Sullivan has been such an easy child in so many manners: sleeping through the night, naps and potty training - for which I am oh so thankful, BUT eating is a whole other issue for him. 

The term picky eater doesn't even begin to touch how picky he is.  He eats the same 5 foods every single day.  He loves refried beans, chips and salsa and until the last week seemed to love my chicken pot pie.  So, these were the two things he ate for dinner EVERY single night.  We just alternated them.  I felt pretty good about these things, seeing as there are vegetables and protein there.  Last night he decided he was NOT going to eat the pot pie.  I was in tears, he was in tears and the whole night was ruined - over 4 bites of chicken pot pie.  When I thought about this I realized what nonsense it has become.  A small, cute, smart two and a half year old was ruling our whole evening and determining how much we dreaded, enjoyed or suffered each and every night at dinner.  And THAT was this mama's breaking point.  Right then and there I told Charlie, "I am done with this."  Little Sullivan no longer will have the power to upset me this bad.

Skip ahead to tonight.  I had all day to plan it.  From now on for dinner he will be offered something to eat and if he doesn't want it, that's ok, but nothing else will be offered.  Tonight we had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  When Sullivan woke up from his nap, I started hyping up this "wonderful" meal I had in store for us.  Charlie and I were just so excited we couldn't stand it.  Ha!  Major sarcasm there.  Sullivan really likes crackers, so instead of calling it a sandwich, I told him we would be having "Jelly Crackers" for dinner.  So, I let him help me make these "crackers".  I cut the crust off of the bread, put everyones on their own plates and we all sat down at the table.  I wish so bad I had a video of Charlie and I taking bites of our tiny sandwiches and simply RAVING over how very delicious they in fact were.  Sullivan started off pretty happy.  He actually picked up the sandwich and looked it over.  (This was HUGE for him that he even touched it).....

As Charlie and I took big bites and went absolutely crazy about how yummy they were, he just laughed and laughed.  Twice he even put the bread to his mouth.  I went insane clapping and bragging on him for that.  I know this may sound a bit much, but with Sullivan I had to make a big deal out of these things, because well, to him they are a very big deal.  We all sat there for awhile and finally I think Charlie couldn't stand sitting there anymore. :)  So, Charlie and I went into the living room, sat by the fire and turned the TV off.  Sullivan was told he could get up once he took a bite of his sandwich.  He decided he would rather sit for an hour and a half.  He sat bored out of his mind, pushing his plate back and forth and mainly away from him the whole time.  For anything was better than actually eating the sandwich right?!?! 

As an hour and a half had passed I said to Charlie, "I am racking my brain to think of SOMETHING that I could use to make him want to eat."  Then it hit me!  There is a game that his Aunt Aimee recently let him play online.  It has a dog and a fan and he LOVES the fan.  The "FAN" was my answer!!!  I opened up the computer, pulled the game up, let him play it a little and then....HE TOOK A BITE!!  I was so, so, so happy!  I jumped up, danced around, high-fived him and bragged until he took another bite.  In total he took 5 bites in 2 hours.  I realize this is completely insane and that most mothers are probably shaking their heads, completely baffled.  But, for this mom, Sullivan's mom, this was a victory.  It was a small victory, but it was a victory, and THAT is all that mattered. 

So, tonight was major for us.  My dear little Saurus - please know this....you are very stubborn.  This your parents definitely know.  We love this about you.  We hope and pray that we can direct this stubbornness in the right way so that it will benefit you throughout your life.  We hope this means that you will always go with your gut and do what you think is right.  Being a leader and not a follower is a very good thing.  BUT, you must also know this.  You get that stubbornness very, very honest.  Your daddy is very much this way and well your mommy is more stubborn than she really cares to admit.  I love you, you little firecracker, and you my son have met your match in your mommy.  I will hold out 2 whole hours if it means you try a new food.  You may find this annoying and even mean, but it is quite the contrary.  This is but a small thing, but please realize that I will ALWAYS be on your side, and will always do what I think is best for you.  You may not realize it now, but one day you will see that NOTHING will keep me from doing anything I can to keep you safe, happy and healthy. You may be stubborn, but I gotcha beat little guy!

 In battle "Jelly Crackers", mommy won.